Avoiding a solar cover reel

[mskovrinskie]

I just installed a new 21x38 IG free form pool and I'm loving it. We also have a gas 200k btu heater but only plan to use it in the spring or fall to extend the season due to cost of gas. I see lots of recommendations for getting a solar cover to reduce evaporation and heat loss at night in the summer and to keep the temp nice without using the heater, but it seems that these are a real pain... The reels are unsightly in my opninion and from what I hear, it takes more than one person to move the reel away from the pool if you want to clean up the pool area for a party.

So, is it possible to just use 2 smaller covers (oval or circular shape) that can be somewhat easily rolled up by hand and set aside when not in use? Is this more of a pain than the reel?

 

[Floater]

You can cut the solar cover into strips (maybe into thirds), which make it a lot easier to either take on or off and store away...for the party :-D

 

[jjdurrant]

Solar covers are not as bad as you think.. my wife was able to do it at 7 months pregnant.

 

[Butterfly]

One of our members, AnnaK, has a guide on cutting/storing your solar cover. You might want to check it out:

http://www.ellerbach.com/Pool/Solarcover/

Hope this helps :lol:

 

[mas985]

This is what I am using. It is a roller that rolls up on itself and makes it easier to remove the cover.

 

[Rob]

We have a similar size pool (18 X 40).

We cut our cover into 4 10X18 pieces. We fold each in half (5'), then roll it up. We have 4 large garbage bins tucked away in a hidden corner of the yard that we toss them in.

Makes the whole process pretty simple, and keeps everything clean.