Solar cover/blanket best for desert environment in terms of durability?

[Pegasus_RPG]

Hey everyone.

I have found since moving to the Las Vegas desert that anything plastic gets brittle and is subject to breaking within a couple of years depending on the particular plastic resin and thickness. This happens even if said plastic item isn't ever exposed to sunlight. (It's happened with kitchen spatulas, putty knives, etc.) Indeed, my last cover lasted only 2 seasons before becoming so brittle that it tore under normal pulling force. Granted much of this was due to the sunlight exposure as I've been using the remaining pieces from the original roll as a makeshift patchwork cover until I get a new one and they are nowhere near as brittle yet.

So I'm wondering if there is any solar blanket cover formation that better withstands the desert dryness? Currently I'm looking at:

Blue Black 20 x 44 Pool Solar Blanket - 12 Mil Pool Covers | In The Swim

Solar covers are economical and environmentally friendly. Solar blankets use the sun to warm your pool during the day and help retain the heat at night.

intheswim.com

20x44 16 Mil Ultra Solar Pool Cover | In The Swim

20x44 16mm ultra solar covers to help keep your pool ready and clean for swimming

intheswim.com

My first thought is that the thicker 16 mil will last longer, but the 12 mil has UV-stabilized resin so I'm currently leaning that way. What do my fellow desert-dwellers think?

 

[kul]

Though not in the desert we have long stretches of 100 degree weather in the summers here. Seems all the solar blankets/covers last only a year or two so best to pick the cheapest one you can find. I just bought an 800 series from this site that was shared with me here:

Solar Covers For Above Ground & Inground Pools - SolarCovers.com

www.solarcovers.com

 

[wireform]

The solar covers are considered a consumable and for that reason don't overspend. Thicker may or may not be better but one thing is a definite and that is the weight. It'll become a chore plus and then you'll start debating if your not to lazy to cover the pool. Stick with the lighter weight one worse case you'll replace it a season earlier but they're cheap in the scheme of pool equipment.

 

[Newdude]

+1. I will add that the reason why they work is that they stop evaporation. Especially from the wind making ripples adding that much more surface area to evaporate heat loss. Seran/cling wrap will do just as well as the thickest solar blanket.

While the thicker blanket is less prone to rips, the odds are washed as you struggle with the extra weight and are sloppy with it. When wet they weight a TON.

Also, regardless of the tarp part of the cover, the bubbles are the same thickness on all the covers and are alot closer to cling wrap than the cover thickness. They are the usual fail point and if you spent alot on the thick cover, you'll be more upset when they pop.

Also also. A cover for the cover is MUST if using a reel or folding it accordion style with no reel. The water drops in between layers will boil and steam and pop the bubbles in only a couple hours of direct sun.

 

[mknauss]

I just purchased a new one. Same as last time. They last two years for me. I use one from Mid March to late May and again early September to mid November. I do not use it in the heart of summer as the water needs to evaporate to cool off.

Sun2Solar® Standard Blue Solar Cover 15' x 30' Rectangular 8 Mil - SolarCovers.com

 

[Pegasus_RPG]

Thanks everyone!

When I take the cover off, I accordion-fold it on the deck (WAY faster with 2 people,) then roll it up and cover it with a silver-colored tarp that reflects sunlight. (I don't have a shady place to put it so this is the next best thing.) Tarp like this: https://www.harborfreight.com/colle...ective-heavy-duty-silver-tarpaulin-47676.html

Thanks for the links to solarcovers.com. I'm going to try their 16 mil clear (1600 series) for the better heat gain. Not expecting much more longevity than the 12 mil blue cover I last bought.

 

[mknauss]

You will not like the heavier cover. Get the cheapest one. It makes absolutely no difference in heat gain, retention, etc how thick the cover is. And you will tear up the heavy one removing it from the pool.

 

[Newdude]

Thanks for the links to solarcovers.com. I'm going to try their 16 mil clear (1600 series) for the better heat

Manufacturer lies !!! Abort mission. No cover gains anything. It's not magical. By reducing overnight heat loss you will be a higher temp the next day than without a cover. Usually 5 or so degrees. After a few days during a cool week, the fact that the pool is 65 instead of 60 is a moot point.

 

[kul]

Manufacturer lies !!! Abort mission.

Totally agree after having fallen for it last year. My “fancy” thick cover was so heavy I hated it and it was a whole scene to pull off and on. I tore it within a few months and then it disintegrated. Hard lesson learned. Get the cheap one.

 

[BMerrill]

Are reels needed or practical to use with solar cover 16x40'

 

[Newdude]

Are reels needed or practical to use with solar cover 16x40'

I had a reel for my 20X40 cover. The cover became much less of a PITA, but the heavy reel became its own PITA.

If I were to do it again I would cut the cover into 3 sections that were much easier to manage. Of course, everyone's milage may vary.