Solar cover - over pool or on top of water

[ps6000]

I have a kidney shaped pool with a spa. The spa is elevated and creates a waterfall with the pump. I was looking at solar covers and wanted to get thoughts on this. Should I get a large rectangle and cut to size to go on top of the water or get an oversized solar cover that would go over both the pool and spa. I have seen that solar covers are supposed to be on the water, so I’m not sure if doing this would lead to more heat loss or if it would be negligible.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Leaving a solar cover in the in direct sunlight (out of the water) can cause it to overheat and will lead to it's premature demise. I too have a raised spa with a spillover, which I don't cover. I cut out an area to accommodate the falling water.

 

[ps6000]

Leaving a solar cover in the in direct sunlight (out of the water) can cause it to overheat and will lead to it's premature demise. I too have a raised spa with a spillover, which I don't cover. I cut out an area to accommodate the falling water.

Thanks for the advice. Since you have a similar shaped pool, How do you take the cover off and put it on?

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

If I was able to, I would use a solar cover across the width of the pool as I did on my previous pool. A solar cover won't work with my current pool. In short, I cut the cover into two main sections and one small section, lengthwise. To remove, I pull the cover up on the deck, fold it, then roll/fold it up. It works for me since I have lots of deck on one side of the pool. YMMV.

Here's a post with photos...

Purchasing solar cover for uneven-shaped pool? Get two?

Hi all, First time poster here. I want to buy a solar cover for our pool. It's about 45' by 15', with curves that make it uneven (see picture). We're in SoCal, and the pool temp unheated is 70 degrees. My husband thinks a cover won't help and will be a pain that will quickly be abandoned...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I found another post as well...

Solar Cover Seam separated in a week: Solution -Keep or Replace?

Hey gang. We are year 6 of pool ownership and the 3rd solar cover. The first one provided by the pool builder lasted 2 seasons. The replacement actually seemed to last longer getting 3+ years out of it. Ordered a new one in April, installed it over Memorial Day weekend only to find that the...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ps6000]

Thanks again!