You probably already know that using a solar cover or blanket on your swimming pool is, by far, one of the easiest and most effective ways of making your pool eco-friendly and saving you LOTS of money. If you haven’t been using one, or if you don’t really know too much about them though, it may be hard to know how to choose which one you should use.
Do you know the difference between a solar cover and a solar blanket? And do you know when you should use each one? Just in case you don’t, here’s a little solar blanket and solar cover basics lesson — a little “Solar Blanket And Solar Cover 101.”
SOLAR BLANKETS
Solar Blankets are made from a film of thousands of tiny bubbles, which work together to collect and retain heat in your pool. A solar blanket floats on top of the water and allows the solar energy to pass through it, then traps it as retained heat in the pool. It is also ideal as a thermal blanket for heated pools.
Solar blankets work by retaining heat from solar energy. The heat is restricted from readily dissipating into the atmosphere due to the special design of the blanket. The net effect is that a solar blanket will increase pool water temperature by 10 to 15 degrees. It will also reduce heating costs up to 75% and keep pool water staying warmer longer (therefore extending the swimming season).
As the majority of heat loss in a pool is caused by evaporation, a solar blanket will trap the heat in and reduce evaporation by around 95%. What this means for YOU is a savings of up to 50% on pool chemical usage alone anytime the pool is covered. The blanket also acts as a barrier to prevent leaves and debris from entering the pool, thereby reducing maintenance time.
POOL COVERS
Pool covers should be used during your swimming season. How often and at what times of the day to utilize a pool cover depends, in part, on when you most often use your swimming pool.
If you use your pool during the daytime, take off the cover just before swimming and replace the cover as soon as you’re done using the pool. If you use your pool only at night, the effectiveness of a pool cover will depend on whether the evaporation and other losses prevented by the cover exceed the solar gain reduction caused by the cover.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Will a solar blanket help algae grow through?
@ Tina,
Yes, the short answer is, if not managed properly, a solar blanket can contribute to algae growth – be sure to take it off periodically to prevent growth.
Cheers,
Terry
Thank you for explaining the differences between the solar blanket and the cover. I was going back and forth and now I’m leaning towards keeping the solar blanket. Thanks again for your article!
We have a lot of trouble with calcium built up on our tile line . You suggest to keep the ph at about 7.2. It seems like every time i test the pool sometimes twice a week it calls for several cups of acid. Is this normal and approx how long does it take to get it to that reading. We back wash the pool and also brush it once a week . Seems like a lot of acid and expense
thank You