First Time trying a removable pool cover to preserve heat in Northeast

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Avborges

Active member
Aug 9, 2023
30
Connecticut
Pool Size
15000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Aqua Rite (T-9)
Hi Everyone,
We have had our pool for 7 years. I have always used SmartShield but it's clear to me that it doesn't really preserve the temperature here in the Northeast when the temp can dip as much as 20 degrees at times. My electrical bill has been insane..

While visiting the showroom of the company which built our pool, the person was very upfront and honest... he said I can just buy a cover online because their would be more expensive and I should expect it to last 2-3 years max.. whether I bought it from them or from Amazon. He suggested this aluminum reel 21' width: Amazon.com

VINGLI Pool Reel Set 14 Feet Aluminum Inground Swimming Pool Solar Cover Blanket Reel Roller​


He didn't have time to help me find a cover but suggested 12mil and a 20' x 40' cover that I can cut to fit our pool. Any suggestions of brands I can find online (doesn't have to be amazon). And lastly, any advice on covers? 1) how to cut it 2) is it placed on the pool every night? or how often 3) can it be left outside in the winter if I can buy a cover for the reel? 4) anything else I need to know?

Pictures of your free form set up would be appreciated as well. :)

Thank you!



pool.png
 
Last edited:
You will lose heat any night the pool is not covered.

My uncovered pool loses around 4 degrees many nights. But I have a gas heater to reheat the pool quickly.
 
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I have had my inground 20X40 pool for over thirty years. I have had many solar 'bubble' covers over the years. They work well for heating the pool (+10 degrees average) and help prevent evaporation. Our nights get cool here in the Northern California, so the cover keeps the pool from cooling during the night. I have bought the "delux" covers as well as the economic ones. They are all the same - lasts 2-3 years and heat the same. Lay out the new cover for a couple of days and then cut to size using sharp scissors. The first cutting should be a rough cut leaving extra material. The second and final cut should be more precise and have the material right up against the tile line. Good Luck!
 
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NorCalMan said:
I have had my inground 20X40 pool for over thirty years. I have had many solar 'bubble' covers over the years. They work well for heating the pool (+10 degrees average) and help prevent evaporation. Our nights get cool here in the Northern California, so the cover keeps the pool from cooling during the night. I have bought the "delux" covers as well as the economic ones. They are all the same - lasts 2-3 years and heat the same. Lay out the new cover for a couple of days and then cut to size using sharp scissors. The first cutting should be a rough cut leaving extra material. The second and final cut should be more precise and have the material right up against the tile line. Good Luck!
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I'm reading that I should buy the cheapest cover that will fit my pool and that 8 mil vs 12 mil won't really make much of a difference, except that 12 mil is harder to roll. Given that I am a woman (not as strong) and in charge of the maintenance, maybe 8 mil will be easier?
 
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