For most areas of the country, comfortable pool water in the summertime isn’t a problem. Long, hot days typically ensure a warm swim from morning through night.
But what about those early spring days when Daylight Saving Time has already kicked in but your water temperature hasn’t yet taken the hint? Or how about when the days shorten and temperatures fall? What can a pool owner do to extend the swim season without necessarily taking on the expense of conventional heaters – or, at the very least, get the most out of that already-heated water?
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One popular option is solar covers. These plastic tarps, which sometimes
feature light metal coatings on the bottom, can be used for in-ground
and above-ground pools as well as spas and offer a number of advantages
for heat retention.
First, a cover helps keep the heat already in the water from escaping.
Most covers feature a bubble wrap-type design that works as an insulator
to trap the heat in the swimming pool. As temperatures fall at night,
the cover insulates the water to protect its warmth.
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The cover’s true advantage is its ability to apply solar energy
accumulated through the day to the water. Even on the sunniest, hottest
days very little of the sunlight that hits your pool water actually
heats the water. A solar cover will absorb and store this sunlight as
heat. The heat from the sunlight is then transferred to the pool water.
Some covers make use of a thin undercoating of aluminum, a recent
innovation which conducts the heat throughout the pool, much like a
metal pot helps speed up the cooking process.
Even on sunny but cool days, this can result in a real and sustainable
difference in water temperature. For in-ground pools, a cover typically
provides an increase of five degrees Fahrenheit in 12 hours alone.
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| A cover also helps by reducing evaporation, an advantage particularly
helpful for spa owners. Warm water doesn’t do any good once it
dissipates, and a covering greatly slows this process down. By reducing
water evaporation, you reduce chemical evaporation; saving you time and
money retreating water. |
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This advantage is also very helpful for reducing energy costs. Many pool owners cringe at the inefficiency (and expense) of running a heater for several hours only to see that work literally evaporate in the cool night air. Reapplying a cover after use is the simplest way to greatly slow that process throughout the year.
The federal government, in fact, reports that covers
can dramatically cut down on the energy – and money – required for gas heaters to keep pools at comfortable temperatures across the country. One example: a consumer in Atlanta, using a swim season of Apr. 1-Oct. 31, could see the cost of keeping a pool at 78 degrees Fahrenheit over that span plummet from $1700 to $320 simply by covering when not in use.
Another plus for covers really has nothing to do with heat at all. Shielding the pool from the elements, particularly in areas susceptible to storms and high winds, can save a great deal of time and exertion cleaning the surface of the water and the pool bottom. Why turn to your cleaner and skimmer after the fact when you already know trouble is on the way?
Top Benefits of Swimming Pool Solar Covers
Traps Existing Heat
If you have a heater for your pool, you know the pain of keeping the water warm all day, only to see the heat literally evaporate overnight. Fortunately, solar covers for swimming pools help retain that heat, thanks to their bubble-wrap design. This surface shape works incredibly well at preventing heat from escaping, even as the temperature drops outside.
Transmits Heat From the Sun
One question that always comes up is, "Do swimming pool solar covers work?" The short answer is yes, but let's break down how they work and why they're so effective.
Many modern solar covers have two sides—a plastic side on top and an aluminum side on the bottom, touching the water. As sunlight hits the cover, the material absorbs the heat and disperses it via the aluminum. Since metal is an excellent conductor, it can yield some significant changes.
On average, using a solar cover on an in-ground pool for just 12 hours can effectively raise the water temperature by approximately five degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the cover helps retain this warmth, ensuring that the heat doesn't escape during the cooler night hours.
Prevents Evaporation of Water and Chemicals
One of the main challenges of
pool maintenance is keeping the water chemically balanced. Whether you have a pool or
a spa, you know the struggle of checking the chemicals daily and adding or diluting them accordingly.
It’s important to note that when the water is allowed to evaporate, it takes a lot of chemicals with it. So, leaving your pool without a cover means you have a much harder time keeping everything balanced. Plus, given the cost of these additives, you're literally losing money throughout the day.
Reduces Energy Costs
Throughout the pool season, operating essential equipment like heaters, filters, and vacuum systems is a regular necessity. These components consume significant electricity, potentially leading to higher energy bills. Without a pool cover, you may find yourself depending more on your heating system and pool filter to maintain warm and chemically balanced water, further increasing energy usage and costs.
Adding a swimming pool solar cover can help reduce your expenses month after month. Over time, the cover may even be able to pay for itself, given all the cost savings you can accumulate. For example, a pool owner in Atlanta may pay up to $1,700 for seven months of pool usage. With a cover, that price can go down to $320 for the same period.
Keeps the Pool Clean
Skimming and vacuuming the pool is never fun, but removing debris, bugs, and other items that fall into the water is necessary. However, when you use a solar cover, it's much easier to pull this debris off the surface since nothing sinks to the bottom. So, if you hate vacuuming your pool, a solar cover is worth the investment for that alone.
Types of Solar Covers For Swimming Pools
Now that you know you need a solar cover, what's available to you? What's the best option for your swimming pool?
Traditional Solar Blankets
These tarp like covers are made for above ground and in ground pools and spas; and cover the entire water surface. They provide the best results when it comes to preventing heat loss, heating the water and reducing water and chemical evaporation; in addition to preventing dirt and debris from getting into pool water. This type of cover can be easily applied and removed with a cover reel. |
Heat Squares or Sun Rings
These types of covers are great for all types of pools - rectangle, round, non-traditionally shaped pool, in ground and above ground because pieces are bought individually. You can cover the entire pool during non-use, or just sections of the pool. Plus, they're quick and easy to use, remove and store.
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Liquid Solar Blankets
An invisible layer of non-toxic, biodegradable film on top of the water. This type of coverage is helpful for preventing pool heat loss and reducing evaporation, but are considered less effective compared to a full cover.
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For pool and spa enthusiasts, an investment in a simple, durable cover can go a long way. In fact, it may be one of the best values in the industry today.
Have more questions about solar covers? Want advice on which cover might be best for your pool? We at Pool Supply Unlimited are here to help! Feel free to comment below and we'll do everything we can to get you the info you need!
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