How to make your own solar pool cover?
Materials You’ll Need
- PVC pipe and corresponding fittings
- Sandpaper
- Self-Drilling/Self-Tapping Screws
- PVC pipe endcaps
- PVC adapter sections
- 90-degree PVC elbow pieces
- PVC glue & spraypaint (optional)
How to warm your pool with a solar cover?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Heating Your Pool Download Article
- Use a solar blanket. Solar blankets are pool covers designed to soak up solar energy and transfer it directly into the water.
- Use solar rings. These clear, inflatable disks float on the surface of your pool and heat the water.
- Mount solar panels on the roof of your home. ...
- Install a solar heating system. ...
What is the best solar blanket for a pool?
#1 – Blue Wave NS520 14-mil Solar Blanket, 16x32ft
- 14 mil thickness
- Clear color
- Small round bubbles
- 16 feet x 32 feet
- Six additional size options
- Customizable by cutting
- Raises water temp by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit
- 6-year warranty
Which way does a solar cover go on a pool?
Solar pool covers should generally face bubble side down. Carefully unfold it, and spread it over the pool surface, bubble side down , smooth side up. Solar pool covers look like giant sheets of bubble wrap that go over your pool. This model is all about protecting your pool during the winter period. Shop here and pay way less for winter pool ...
Which side of solar pool cover goes up?
Facing DownWhy Your Solar Pool Cover Bubbles Should Always Be Facing Down. As the sun shines on the solar pool cover, the air trapped in the bubbles slowly heats up. In turn, that heat is transferred to your water, warming up the water for your comfort. However, this process is only possible if the bubbles are facing the water.
Does it matter which way solar cover goes?
Should Solar Cover Bubbles Up Or Down? Let's begin that with a simple answer: solar pool covers should face down, always. These covers generally work in the way the sun rays heating the air trapped within the bubbles. The heat, therefore, is then transferred into the pool water.
Which side of pool cover goes down?
In most cases the black side of the cover goes down. Anchor the pool cover accordingly – for in ground pools you'll use water tubes or in some cases sand bags to help weigh down the edges of the winter pool cover.
Should the bubbles be up or down on a pool solar cover?
For the solar pool cover to successfully transfer the sun's heat into the pool water, the bubbles must face downwards. This is because the sun's heat gets trapped inside the bubbles. If the bubbles are facing away from the water, they will not be able to transfer the heat into the water.
Can you run pool pump with solar cover on?
Is It Safe To Run The pool Pump With The Pool Cover On? It is safe to run the pool pump and filter with a swimming pool cover on. The pool cover doesn't in any way stop or hinder the pool pump from circulating the water or carrying out its function.
Does a pool heat up faster with the solar cover on?
If you are relying on the sun to heat up your pool, it makes sense that the more sun your swimming pool is exposed to, the faster your pool will heat up. For example, a pool entirely covered by a solar blanket and gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight may heat up even up to 10 degrees in a single day.
How does a solar blanket go on a pool?
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Does a solar pool cover need to touch the water?
Generally, solar covers grip pretty well to the water surface and do not require anything to weigh them down or prevent blowing.
Why do you put a solar cover on a pool?
During the day, the solar pool cover will help prevent evaporation and it also attracts heat from the sun helping to warm the water without the use of a pool heater.
How far down do you drain your pool for winter?
Some pool professionals even suggest draining the water to as much as 6 inches below the skimmer — about the level of the bottom of the pool's return jet.
Is a solar pool cover just bubble wrap?
A Solar Pool Cover is the least expensive way to keep your pool water warm extend the length of your swimming season. . They are also called blankets. They resemble giant sheets of bubble wrap. The bubbles trap heat from the sun and keeps the heat in the pool, keeping the water temperature warm and inviting.
Do you run pool pump while swimming?
Although it's generally recommended that all the pool water undergo filtration every 24 hours, the pump does not need to run all the time. If your pool is in constant use, you may need to run the pump for up to eight hours per day, frequently checking the water clarity and chemical balance.
Does a pool warm up faster with the cover on or off?
If your ambient temperature is decent and there is not much wind, leaving the pool cover off will heat the water faster (and not just heat the cover and the water near it).
Should I cover my pool in the summer?
Covers prevent evaporation When the sun and your pool meet during the summer, this means that your pool water will disappear at a greater rate . Having patrons in the water during the day may reduce this effect, but an uncovered pool will still lose water during the night.
Does an above ground pool freeze solid?
Aboveground Wall Collapse: If a pool begins to leak water, while the winter pool cover is frozen solid into the ice sheet – either the cover will rip, or the pool walls will collapse inward. Water expands about 9% when it freezes, so use enough Air Pillows to cover about 10% of the pool surface area.
How hot does a solar pool cover get?
This heat from the bubbles is then transferred to the pool water to keep it warm, and the temperature is usually raised anywhere from 10-15 degrees (Fahrenheit).
How to remove solar cover?
Manual roller or reel: In this method, the solar cover is attached to a roller removed. Many rollers have a wheel at one end so that you wheel them away from swimmers if required. This is, therefore, the most popular method of removing and putting the cover.
Why do you put a pool cover on?
However, the pool cover also prevents heat loss and evaporation, which usually occurs frequently and much quicker in windy conditions so that it may heat up quicker with the lid on.
Do you need to cover a solar pool with a sheet?
To ensure the durability of your solar pool cover, you must never forget to cover it with a sheet that reflects the rays when not in use.
Can a solar pool cover be used to heat up water?
What’s more to that is a solar pool cover also uses effective technology to make swimming effortlessly comfortable during the swim season. So to jot it down, installing a solar pool cover with the bubbles facing up may hinder the process of heating up the pool water, ultimately slowing the process and even damaging the bubbles severely at times. They may simply overheat while facing the sun’s direct rays and with the heat captures to transfer nowhere.
Can you put solar covers on a pool?
Thus, to conclude, putting the solar covers bubbles up or down is totally up to you. However, it’s best to know which side to place your solar pool covers on for its optimal efficiency. As the sun’s rays heat the solar cover, it starts to warm the water below it. Depending on how long the covers have been kept over the water, it will retain the heat even when the temperatures drop.
Does a solar pool cover make a difference?
Does it make a difference? Yes, it does. A solar pool cover is available in many shades of blues, grays, yellows, and even transparent. The colors make a difference to the amount of heat that is transferred to the pool water as well as the amount that is retained in the same. Dark blue covers are generally better at keeping heat than allowing heat to enter the pool, whereas transparent pool covers allow the heat to enter the pool the best but not retain it well enough. You can read more about how good transparent covers are in our article “ Clear Vs Blue Solar Pool Covers “
What is the best tool to cut a solar pool cover?
A sharp razor knife is the usual tool for cutting a solar pool cover to fit the pool. Be careful not to cut off too much, you can always trim off additional if necessary. And it’s OK (normal) if your cuts are not perfect!
What is the best cover for an above ground pool?
Generally, oval and round covers are installed on above ground pools and rectangular covers on in ground pools, but depending on your pool shape – you may be better off purchasing oval or round above ground solar covers for your in-ground pool.
How big is a solar blanket for a pool?
In The Swim offers 4’x8’ pieces of solar blanket for step sections in 12mil and 16mil material.
What is solar blanket?
Solar blankets are made from a UV-stabilized form of polyethylene or polypropylene material. Larger pool blankets are made from rolls of material that are heat sealed together. The better solar pool covers are made of an extruded one-piece material, rather than a laminated top and bottom, and will be thicker, with longer warranty periods.
How to store solar blankets?
Clean and dry your solar blanket, then fold or roll it up for safe storage. A large Rubbermaid bin or upright drum can be used for maximum protection from sun, dirt and nesting rodents.
What happens when you roll a solar blanket?
Solar Degradation: When rolled on a solar reel, or folded on the deck, layers of solar blanket material focus and magnify the sun’s rays onto deeper layers, which weakens the material and can discolor the cover with a ‘sun-burn’ (also not covered under warranty).
Why do you need to use a solar cover at night?
At night it will help to insulate the water, to retain the heat you have gained throughout the day. There are times when you should not use a solar cover. Remove the cover during heavy storms and wind events, to prevent damage from flying debris.
What is a solar pool cover?
A solar pool cover is basically a large solar blanket. It is similar to very strong bubble wrap that floats on the surface of the pool. It doesn’t need to be attached to the pool as the surface tension, and its weight, holds it onto the pool surface. In 6 years of having a solar pool cover mine has never been blown out of the pool or even been lifted – and we get some pretty strong winds here.
Why do you need a solar cover for a pool?
Generally having a solar pool cover will save money in the long run, particularly if you heat your pool using electricity or gas. They will also extend your swimming season and reduce the amount of money you spend on chemicals.
How fast does a solar pool cover heat a pool?
This obviously depends on many factors such as the weather (is it warm and sunny or cool and cloudy), the air temperature, the wind, the cover thickness and color and even the depth of the pool. See the sections below.
What color solar cover works best?
Pool cover colors can make a difference to the amount of heat that enters the pool and the amount of heat retained in the pool.
What is the best pool solar cover thickness?
There are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing the thickness of your pool cover.
Can you use a solar cover in the winter?
Well to a large extent this depends on what the climate you live in is like and whether you want to use the pool year round.
Can you use a solar cover on an above ground pool?
Solar pool covers work just as effectively on above ground pools as they do on in ground pools so there is no reason not to have one.
What is a solar pool cover
A solar pool cover, or solar blanket, is a thin and lightweight sheet made from a special UV resistant plastic. Each blanket is double-sided, with one side smooth and the other similar to bubble wrap.
How does a solar pool cover work?
As you pool sits out under the hot rays of the sun, it naturally collects solar heat. Hence why your water is always warmest on the sunniest, hottest days of the year.
How to use a solar pool cover
For the most part, using a pool cover is as simple as “set it and forget it”. Of course, making sure to apply the cover correctly is critical, which is what this section is about.
When to use a solar pool cover
Any time you’re not swimming is an excellent time to use your solar cover. Especially if it’s nighttime when outside temperatures are lowest. This is when your pool will cool off the fastest, so always use the cover to hold onto that heat.
Benefits of a solar pool cover
If you’ve read this far, then you already know that the main benefit of solar pool covers is their ability to improve your pool’s heat and water retention. But that within itself has a few other effects on your pool system, good ones though, of course.
Alternatives to solar pool covers
If you aren’t quite ready to purchase a solar cover, consider one of the alternatives.
Why do you need a solar pool cover?
Another top benefit of solar pool covers is that they prevent water loss through evaporation by up to 80%. The last thing you want is refilling the pool every time you need to have a good time. It can also help you save on water bills, especially during summer.
How to keep a solar pool from blowing?
Trees and buildings help in reducing the speed and strength of fast-blowing winds. If you’re protecting your pool from debris, using weights on the cover will suffice to keep it from blowing away. Sturdy and heavy solar pool covers can withstand mild winds on their own.
How to protect pool cover from UV rays?
It will help if the cover stays in perfect condition for a long time to reflect the value of your money. For instance, you can use solar blanket reels to protect the blanket from intense UV rays. In that case, you’ll need to learn How to install solar blanket pool cover to reel to prevent it from pinching and folding. Folds can easily result in torn parts. It will also help if you know How to attach solar cover to reel for above ground pool.
How to keep solar blanket in place?
To keep your solar cover in place even during strong winds, you can: • Use anchors that attach to the cover. • Use a heavy pool cover. • Place weights on the excess material. Using anchors attached to the cover is the best option as it keeps the blanket firm, even in the strongest winds.
How long does it take for a pool cover to heat up?
Most pool covers will come in transparent fabric, but some are black to enhance maximum absorption of heat energy. It is essential to note that a well-covered pool will take about 12 hours to increase the water’s temperature by 5 degrees.
Do solar pool covers work?
Solar pool covers stack up to regular covers in ways that make them the best option. Besides being cost-friendly, solar pool covers also warms the pool water. Their design traps heat beneath, especially during high solar intensity. That means you don’t have to heat your pool with electric coils unless it’s winter.
Can you put a solar pool cover on a pool?
Most solar swimming pool covers fit well in oval, circle, and rectangular-shaped pools. In that case, you’ll simply pick up the cover and place it on the water. You have to follow the same process you did when leaving the pool blanket to expand under the sun. The bubble side goes down while the soft side remains up to enhance an efficient heating process.
How do solar pool covers work?
Solar pool covers are designed to be placed on top of your swimming pool and collect heat from the sun during the day, then release it into the water at night. The best way for them to efficiently trap sunlight is not flat but slightly inflated like an umbrella or balloon.
What is a solar Pool Cover?
A solar pool cover is a device that blocks the sun’s rays from heating up your pool water. This type of cover also shields you and your family from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation by keeping the UV rays away from the water during the days when the sun is hot.
How fast does a solar cover heat a pool?
It takes about an hour for a solar blank et to heat up 20 degrees Fahrenheit (11 Celsius). The higher temperatures increase the speed with which energy is added to the system, but even at maximum efficiency, this method does not outpace direct sunlight heating by much.
How does solar blanket work?
A solar blanket should result in lower operating costs while helping the users to enjoy their pool more. For example, it increases pool chemical efficiency when used as a pre-treatment before dumping chemicals into the pool (i.e., decreases chlorine consumption by up to 50%). Reduces water evaporation by up to 90%.
Why is my solar cover degrading?
Highly acidic swimming pool water can cause the solar cover to degrade over time. Such pools are hard on pool equipment too. If you have one in your care and/or keep a swimming pool at home with high acidity levels, we recommend using a new solar blanket for best results.
Why do you need a solar cover for a pool?
A solar pool cover will not only help conserve energy but it will reduce the amount of chlorine needed in order to maintain cleanliness standards in a swimming pool or hot tub when used during warmer months because there won’t be any direct sunlight penetrating the water for hours at a time.
What is solar sun?
Solar sun rings are small rings made of heavy-duty UV resistant material which allow sunlight into the water during the day but keep the heat in the water during the cold night. Unlike other solar pool covers which are one continuous sheet of material, these ones are a series of small rings placed on the water.
What is a Pool Solar Cover?
Right? It’s a familiar phrase, especially if you live in an area that experiences the cold season.
Why do you need a solar cover for a pool?
If you live in a hot area, the need for a pool cover is to reduce evaporation. Most pool owners that live in such regions cover their swimming pools to prevent water and chemical waste through evaporation. Most of them even don’t need the solar cover as it might overheat the pool water, causing other issues.
Should You Consider Leaving Your Solar Pool Cover On?
My answer is still yes. But there’re a few things you’ve to consider before you can decide to leave it on. They include:
Should you Leave Your Pool Cover On Or Off During the Day?
It all depends on the type of cover you have, the weather, and your plans for the day.
Does a Pool Heat up Faster with the Solar Cover On?
Of course. A solar pool cover acts as a heat cover that holds that heat inside the pool water, especially for the solar blanket.
How Fast Does a Solar Cover Heat a Pool?
Like solar panels, a solar cover’s effectiveness depends on its size, type, and amount of hours of direct sunlight the swimming pool receives each day.
What is the toughest solar cover to install?
A solar blanket is the toughest to install and remove. You need to lay a single blanket-like cover and then roll it out during removal. However, with the help of a pool cover reel, the withdrawal could be easier than the liquid solar cover.
How to fit solar pool cover?
Simply match the dimensions to the widest and longest points of your pool and lay the solar cover onto the surface, let the packing wrinkles settle, and then trim the edges with a good pair of scissors to match the exact shape. You can also cut tabs that will fit into your skimmers. The more area that is covered, the better!
Why do you need a solar cover for a pool?
A solar cover on your pool keeps in heat as well as water by retaining as much as 95% of the original water. If you live in a particularly hot and dry climate, evaporation is increased with exposure to the surface of the pool. Covering that surface means that more water is reserved. This is an absolutely vital trait for pool owners who are in places that are experiencing a drought.
How does a solar cover work?
Solar covers work to raise the temperature by the pool up to 12 degrees because the tiny air pockets capture heat from the sun and transfer it to the pool water while also acting as insulators to prevent heat from escaping off of the surface of the water. Despite the fact that the surface area of a pool is large, not much sunlight that hits the pool is actually being converted into heat. A staggering 75% of a swimming pool’s heat loss is due to evaporation and the cover acts as a barrier between the water and air to keep it all in. You can reduce your swimming pool heating costs up to 70% using a solar cover because solar radiation is directly converted into usable heat and could potentially heat the water by 5 degrees for each 12 hours of coverage.
What is solar cover?
What is a solar cover? Solar covers have many names: solar blanket, thermal blanket, solar cover, pool blanket - all of these refer to a cover that floats on the surface of your pool and magnifies the sun’s rays to warm the water while preventing evaporation.
What are the benefits of solar cover?
The benefits of a solar cover are numerous, with some of the most popular including heat retention, evaporation minimization, and cutting down on the amount of chemicals used in the pool.
What is solar blanket?
Solar blankets come in all shapes and sizes and can be cut to fit your pool. Some solar covers are clear, which comes with the added benefit of raising your pool temperature by up to 12 degrees. Conventional solar covers that are opaque or two-colored only reflect a portion of the sun’s rays. The clear versions magnifies and radiates more of the heat, increasing the water temperature.
What does it mean when a pool is exposed to the sun?
Being exposed to the sun without a cover means that the chemicals in the pool are broken down much more rapidly and will need to be replenished more often . The reduction in chemical depletion means you are reducing your costs as a pool owner and can be considered a form of energy conservation.
