Solar blankets for free form pools? Any options that are Awesome

[Davegnh]

I'm wondering what the opinion is out there for solar covers when you have a free form pool I don't see a good way to take it out and store it and get it back in the pool. One thought I had was get several smaller round blankets and maybe be able to cover 50- 60% of the pool. Have people tried this is it worthwhile I did a quick demonstration with a 10 ft blanket I had left over from a small kiddie pool.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Nope. Solar blankets suck in terms of manageability in freeform pools. You can cut it into sections but the benefits only work if you get most of the water covered. They don’t last long (2-3 seasons if you’re lucky, mine never made it last season 2). I don’t use one anymore because it’s a waste and just more material headed to the landfill.

 

[Davegnh]

YouTube don't let me down.... I'm not too worried about the waste because I figure I'll save on burning fossil fuels if I can get this to work even if I do have to replace it every 2 to 3 years.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Yup. I did a DIY solar roller … you would be surprised at how unwieldy it is especially when that cover is saturated with water. If the section sizes are too big it’s not that helpful.

 

[Pool_Medic]

Cover free.

 

[Davegnh]

Topless is the only way?

 

[Davegnh]

How I read it if you have a pool heater you need a solar blanket?

 

[dfwnoob]

With a heat pump, sure. Especially in cooler climates, the heat will escape before you even have a chance to get it where you want it. Gas heaters it's not an issue.