Solar covers are the most cost-effective measure to reduce heat loss, water evaporation, and ultimately, chemical use. Not having a solar pool cover can be compared to heating a home with the doors and windows open. It is a good idea to use a solar heater in conjunction with any pool heating system to ensure a cleaner, warmer, and more enjoyable pool. If you pay attention to your wireless pool thermometer, or your energy bills, you may realize that can lose heat quickly from a warmed pool. Solar covers will help keep your heat in, especially on cool early summer or early fall evenings. Their low cost means they can pay for themselves in energy savings within the first season.
Solar covers can conserve water by reducing evaporation and subsequently needed refill water by over thirty percent. In addition, they can greatly reduce the pool’s chemical consumption by drastically reducing chlorine burn-off from frequent direct sun exposure. They can also help keep dirt and debris from the pool water reducing cleaning time and energy.
Covering a pool between periods of use is the single most effective means of reducing pool heating costs. As much as seventy percent of heat loss from a swimming pool is evaporative. A pool cover acts as a vapor barrier for both indoor and outdoor pools, dramatically cutting heat losses from evaporation, resulting in significant energy savings and keeping your pool thermometer happy.
Most Pool covers are designed using UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl to resist deterioration and a cover should last several years. Solar covers are easy to identify as they are reminiscent of bubble wrap packing material, using a thicker grade of plastic with UV inhibitors. Vinyl covers consist of a heavier material and have a longer life expectancy than bubble covers. Insulated vinyl covers are also available with a thin layer of flexible insulation sandwiched between two layers of vinyl.