Let me share my experiences with a solar cover.
My pool builder gave me a solid blue cover. This July, it delaminated - it lasted almost 3 seasons. I decided to buy a new one because I loved it. It helped with water loss, it helped with heat loss, and it helped with chlorine loss. I had no idea what thickness it was being the builder gave it to me. After researching, I learned covers come in 8, 12, and 16 thickness sizes, with 12 being the most popular. I figured the builder gave me junk, so I assumed it was 8. When I went to order a new cover, I debated between clear, blue, and a half/half sold by Dohenys Waterwarehouse. I went with the half/half and have been using it now for about a month. First observation was that this cover was flimsier than my original. So, my assumption that the pool builder gave me a junky one was NOT true.
In using the new cover, it certainly is minimizing my water loss and heat loss. I see no real difference in heat loss prevention (or gain) with this cover than the previous solid blue. However, I see a TREMEMDOUS difference in chlorine loss. On a sunny normal day during the season, my pool would use a quart or less of bleach a day when the cover was in use. This summer has been a bit cool so the cover has been in use all the time when not swimming. With the new half/half cover, I use over 2 quarts a day, sometimes 3. To me, this is a huge difference. My spend on bleach has doubled. I am getting consistent results over the past month.
I am considering ditching the cover next season and going back to solid blue. And, getting the 16 size one. The 12 size is a bit harder for me to roll out on my irregular shaped pool than the old one. But, the new cover is nice and light and looks nicer than the solid blue. For me, the savings on reduced chlorine is worth getting the solid blue again.
Hope this experience helps !
Pool is 10K IG FG CYA is 50.
