Solar covers for an irregular shaped pool

[wayner]

Attached is a photo of my pool. It is kind of an irregular shaped 18'x36' rectangle, which I now regret as it wouldn't be easy to put a solar cover on it. Would I be able to get two squarished shaped covers to put over either end of the pool ratehr than an irregularly shaped cover? If so, should I make sure that they overlap? Like the red squares in the photo. And then trim it so that it fit properly. It seems that it would be easier to store it on the deck if it was two smaller pieces.

 

[PoolStored]

Your idea is perfect. No need to overlap, trim to they sit next to each other. If you cover 95% of the pool you will get plenty of benefit.

 

[Newdude]

Would I be able to get two squarished shaped covers to put over either end of the pool ratehr than an irregularly shaped cover?

Absolutely. In fact, many with large pools cut the big cover into smaller pieces that are easier to manage.

If so, should I make sure that they overlap?

No need. If there is a crack exposed you will only lose a proportionate amount of heat. So it will stop 99.96 % of your evaporation and you'll never know about that seam.

The same goes for the edges and rounded parts. Close is close enough.

 

[wayner]

Thanks folks, that is very helpful. I grew up with a pool and we had a solar cover back in the 70s-80s. When I moved into this house in 2006 I had the pool built the next year but I never used a cover. One reason is that I found them a little bit of a barrier to going for a swim as it is a bit of a pain to take off the cover. And you couldn't store it at the east end of the pool as there is a jumping rock that is right at the edge of the pool. But if you save a few hundred dollars a year then it is worth it. I wish that I had a rectangular pool with an automatic roller system for the cover.

 

[Newdude]

One reason is that I found them a little bit of a barrier to going for a swim as it is a bit of a pain to take off the cover.

When the kids were little they wanted to swim 8 times a day, for 15 mins each. I HATED that thing with the fire of 1000 suns. Lol. It probably wouldn't be that bad now.

But if you save a few hundred dollars a year then it is worth it.

My bill went from $600 in the cool month, and $800 in the cold month, to $300/400. It literally saved hundreds a *month*.

 

[wayner]

When the kids were little they wanted to swim 8 times a day, for 15 mins each. I HATED that thing with the fire of 1000 suns. Lol. It probably wouldn't be that bad now.

I have heard a joke that these are swimming prophylactics. You don't bother because it is too much hassle.

 

[wayner]

One more question - can you use a Dolphine robot cleaner while the cover is on, or do you have to take the cover off? I can foresee two problems with the cover - the cord won't be able to float freely, and when the robot climbs above the water line it will be hitting the cover.

 

[1poolman1]

I have heard a joke that these are swimming prophylactics. You don't bother because it is too much hassle.

If you do add a cover that is in separate pieces, NEVER only remove one section and allow people to swim, especially children. They WILL want to swim under the remaining piece and that is very hazardous.

 

[wayner]

For sure - I will always remove both pieces.

 

[pmd013]

If you do add a cover that is in separate pieces, NEVER only remove one section and allow people to swim, especially children. They WILL want to swim under the remaining piece and that is very hazardous.

I use my robot under the solar cover with no problems.