Savings of Heated Pool with Cover ?

[iain42]

I found the following information about cost to run heat pump. Is this close to correct? If it is what type of solar cover do I need? Will the cheap $200 cover do the trick? I will have to get a 20x40 and cut to shape since it is custom shape pool.

 

[CJadamec]

They might be a little over optimistic about the savings but it's not too far off. There are far too many factors that effect pool heating to be broken down into a simple chart like this. The basic cheap solar cover will work just as well and last just as long as expensive ones.

 

[iain42]

They might be a little over optimistic about the savings but it's not too far off. There are far too many factors that effect pool heating to be broken down into a simple chart like this. The basic cheap solar cover will work just as well and last just as long as expensive ones.

I expected any published numbers to be ballpark. Definately getting solar covers!!!! Does it matter if they are blue black silver or clear?

 

[CJadamec]

Get the color that matches the patio furniture.

 

[borjis]

get a cheap blue or clear. The other options just cost more (usually) with no benefit.

Get clear if you want the sun to get through and warm the water a little at the expense of UV rays lowering your chlorine levels a bit more.

Get blue if you want to keep the UV off the water entirely, saving a bit more chlorine.

I know some hate covers and don't use them.

I don't like them either but no way am I going to allow an insanely high gas bill to deal with
when a cover lets out 2 degrees overnight at the most (during summer).

 

[iain42]

Hmm we have no furniture yet LOL so maybe furniture to match cover.

I'll gladly spend a little time on the cover either one big custom cut or three big ovals.

Blue it is.

 

[PoolGate]

Who keeps their pool at 78? Hypothermia much?

 

[bmoreswim]

Who keeps their pool at 78? Hypothermia much?

That was my thought. If I had a heater it would be set to 85. Unless solar, then maybe a couple degrees higher.

 

[borjis]

LOL I prefer 84 ish.

78 is the regulation temp for olympic swimming pools.

 

[MinerJason]

Who keeps their pool at 78? Hypothermia much?

Hah! Between 78° and 80° is preferred swimming temp for us, and anything over ~84° starts to feel too much like a bathtub to be refreshing. The blazing ambient heat we have here likely has a lot to do with that though.

 

[iain42]

Actually 78 is where I like it however my wife is from Florida and wants the temp around 80 or more. We have been in the lower Bahamas in winter and my wife won't get in the because the water temps are around the upper 70's. Bah lol not me I'm shark food.

 

[_Stang]

Agree don't spend a ton as you're likely going to replace it within 3-5 years anyway. You also don't need the 16 or 18 mil versions. The 12 mil ones are easier to get on and off and do just as well. We use this one from Amazon and are very happy with it. Just lay out over the pool and cut to shape with sharp scissors by not actually cutting just letting the scissor edge glide along.

Sun2Solar Blue 24-Foot-by-40-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover | 12 Mil | Heating Blanket for In-Ground and Above-Ground Swimming Pools

 

[iain42]

Agree don't spend a ton as you're likely going to replace it within 3-5 years anyway. You also don't need the 16 or 18 mil versions. The 12 mil ones are easier to get on and off and do just as well. We use this one from Amazon and are very happy with it. Just lay out over the pool and cut to shape with sharp scissors by not actually cutting just letting the scissor edge glide along.

Sun2Solar Blue 24-Foot-by-40-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover | 12 Mil | Heating Blanket for In-Ground and Above-Ground Swimming Pools

Thanks for the advice I will do.