Is there a real difference between a 8 and 12 mill solar blanket as far as heating the water during the day and keeping heat in at night.
Solar Blankets
- Thread starter Gail/Dave
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,727
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
No. The cheapest, lightest solar cover is best and plan to replace every couple years if handled / stored properly.
+1. Seran/cling wrap would stop just as much evaporation, which is where about 70% of your heat loss comes from. Good luck rolling up seran wrap tho. 
Keep this in mind when you see bogus manufacturers claims of 'making' heat. They do nothing of the sort. They help retain 5-7 degrees overnight (or when it's windy) which is then seen as a 'gain' tomorrow.
They work awsome to their ability when the weather cooperates. If it's been 60 degrees out lately, you won't feel any better that the pool is 66 when it should have also been 60.
Keep this in mind when you see bogus manufacturers claims of 'making' heat. They do nothing of the sort. They help retain 5-7 degrees overnight (or when it's windy) which is then seen as a 'gain' tomorrow.
They work awsome to their ability when the weather cooperates. If it's been 60 degrees out lately, you won't feel any better that the pool is 66 when it should have also been 60.
the "good" ones don't really last any longer - they are just thicker, heavier, and harder to handle.
- Apr 8, 2007
- 1,619
- Pool Size
- 17450
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I do have to say our last/most recent cover has lasted since 2011. It's clear and weighs a ton. We have a ground mounted off pool reel system. It doesn't heat the pool but does a good job keeping the heat in at night
- Apr 8, 2007
- 1,619
- Pool Size
- 17450
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Pretty sure that one came from PCPools.com. Not a guarantee though since it was so long ago. If we didn't have a free standing reel system off the pool I wouldn't be able to manage it though since it's so heavy
I'll add my $0.02 here. The only advantage I have found to the thicker covers is if you are using a reel system like I do, the thicker covers hold up better where the straps attach to the cover. My first cover was very thin and I was frequently having to reconnect the straps because it kept tearing.
that has GOT to be some kind of record. I realize you have a shorter swim season and being on a reel probably helps too, but 11 years! Almost nothing made of any kind of plastic lasts more than a few years out here. Even "resin" patio furniture. I think I might have one old rubbermaid chair that is pretty old but it is chalky and pitted and the arm broke long ago, so I was using it to hold my swc generator. you should see what my filter tank looks like.
- May 8, 2014
- 42
- Pool Size
- 8400
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Intex Krystal Clear
One more factor to consider: clear vs color. A clear cover allows more light/heat to pass through. A colored cover blocks a bit more.
Where I am, a clear cover works better than no cover and better than a colored cover. With no cover, evaporation and a breeze make my temperature drop even on a warm day. A (clean) clear cover allows the sun to warm the water but nothing evaporates and cools. Blue cover (or a dirty clear cover) allows a bit less warming.
I replace my 8 mil cover every year. As the bubbles pop, and the seams start to separate, pollen and debris start to build up - more potential for algae. And with a few hundred popped bubbles, the nighttime insulation takes a hit too. Took me a couple summers to realize a new cheap cover every year was well with the investment.
Of course, this year I paid double from last year AND I couldn’t find a clear 8 mil anywhere. So “cheap” is a relative term. If I could get a true 11 year cover, I would!
Where I am, a clear cover works better than no cover and better than a colored cover. With no cover, evaporation and a breeze make my temperature drop even on a warm day. A (clean) clear cover allows the sun to warm the water but nothing evaporates and cools. Blue cover (or a dirty clear cover) allows a bit less warming.
I replace my 8 mil cover every year. As the bubbles pop, and the seams start to separate, pollen and debris start to build up - more potential for algae. And with a few hundred popped bubbles, the nighttime insulation takes a hit too. Took me a couple summers to realize a new cheap cover every year was well with the investment.
Of course, this year I paid double from last year AND I couldn’t find a clear 8 mil anywhere. So “cheap” is a relative term. If I could get a true 11 year cover, I would!
I normally get a 12 mil clear cover for our 20 x 40 in ground. We have a very large solar cover reel. I’ve tried using the thinner ones, but they get blown off the pool by the wind on occasion and are more difficult to roll up and put on the pool, especially when doing it by myself. I have tried even thicker ones, but they are a hassle. Our cover last anywhere from 3 to 4 years if we’re lucky.
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