Solar Cover

[bryankloos]

Hello All,

I'm interested in buying a solar cover for the pool this year.
We are hesitant to run the propane heater aggressively due to cost.
Will a solar cover make a significant difference in reducing heat loss?
What are the recommended brands and sources?
All help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Bryan

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

A solar cover will definitely reduce overnight heat loss in addition to reducing evaporation. I've used several solar covers over the years. I usually get four to five seasons of moderate use out of them. As a general rule, go with a less expensive cover since they you won't get more than a few years out of them anyways. Most of the covers I've seen range from 8 mil to 16 mil. The lighter weight covers tend to blow around in the wind while the thicker covers get real heavy. I've always stayed middle of road, 10-12 mil. Color choices are generally blue or clear. I've always gone blue. I've seen a few comments saying that clear covers make the pool look dirty as they collect dust and dirt. When off the pool, keep the cover out of the sun.

 

[Neemer]

I used a solar cover for the first time recently. Just to give an example of heat retention, the water temp was 87 deg when I shut the heater off around 1900 Sunday evening. The next morning at 0800, the water temp was 84 deg. That’s with air temps in 50s overnight.

 

[GenericHbomb]

Rancho is on the money. Would just check out Doheny solar covers as they are cost effective. Unless you prefer Amazon.


If you have the money, would look at getting a reel. Its extra cost but a lot of people get discouraged about taking it off and on manually and give up.