Pool covers???

[elominac]

Well.... This morning I learned we can't afford to heat the pool to 90 and swim every day . I need advice on a solar cover and reel. We do like to swim just about every day and sometimes twice a day so we need something that will be easy to roll out and retract. Thanks for any input and advice you can give me!

 

[ajw22]

A thin inexpensive solar cover works just about as well as a thick one. View them as a consumable to be replaced every few seasons.

Solar Covers - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[elominac]

Thanks! Some of them are pretty pricy. Do we need a reel? Is a thin, light one easy to put on and take off?

 

[ajw22]

Thanks! Some of them are pretty pricy. Do we need a reel? Is a thin, light one easy to put on and take off?

Dunno how strong you are. I suggest you try a light cover without a reel and decide for yourself.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Rolling up a full size solar cover is a bit challenging depending on how much deck space you have. If you have a helper, it's manageable, but still challenging. It's easiest to roll or fold it up when it's on the deck. Many of us cut our covers into smaller sections. I use a 20' x 40' cover that I cut in half, lengthwise. I'm able to pull it up onto the deck, fold it lengthwise, then fold/roll it up. My pool's configuration makes it nearly impossible to use a reel.

Using a reel is really my preferred method. If you have the means to make it reel work, it will make things much easier.

 

[elominac]

I just ordered a Sun2Solar 8mil 16X32 that I'll trim to 14X32. Hopefully together, my husband and I will be able to handle it. What do you think of making a pole to roll it onto out of a PVC pipe covered with pool noodles?

 

[Noreaster]

What is the shape of your pool?
I had a kidney shaped pool and although the reel helped a lot, it was still a PITA. The middle of the kidney was a "choke point" that would catch the cover. 2 people made it easier, as someone could babysit that edge.

A square or rectangle makes the process so much easier, in my opinion.

 

[scdaren]

I wish you lived in California... I have a nice reel I'm trying to get rid of I'd sell cheap.