Does a pool cover make the pool hotter or cooler?
Usually, if you cover up the pool, you can feel the top of the water is warm and the bottom will still be cool, but what happens if you leave it open most of the time to warm the entire pool. The theory is it would be heated by the sun, and guess what, it actually does heat the pool more.
Do pool covers really heat the water?
With a solar pool cover you get the best of both worlds, more heat and less evaporation. Besides preventing heat loss by preventing evaporation, they also are very effective at heating up your water. This is the more obvious function of solar covers. These covers do a much better job at absorbing sunlight than water.
What is the best pool cover for heat?
Pool cover brands
- Elite Thermal Shield 5mm. If you’re looking for a thermal pool cover, look no further than Elite’s Thermal Shield 5mm. ...
- Remco Swimroll Automatic Pool Cover. ...
- Abgal Leafstop Above Ground Pool Cover. ...
- Sunbather Winter Mesh Cover. ...
- Daisy Premium Range 525B Blue Pool Cover. ...
What are the best swimming pool covers?
Types of Swimming Pool Covers
- Thermal Pool Blankets. Thermal pool blankets are primarily designed to retain water heat. ...
- Solar Swimming Pool Covers. These covers are designed to warm the pool water during the day but they are also useful to keep leaves and debris out of your pool.
- Slat Swimming Pool Covers. ...
- Leaf and Debris Pool Covers. ...
Does a pool get warmer with the cover on or off?
Air bubbles in the pool cover act as an insulator in a similar way that your thermos would keep water warm. A pool cover will, therefore, keep your pool water warmer for longer.
How much does a pool cover Increase temperature?
10-15 degreesOn average, a fully covered swimming pool could increase your swimming pool water's temperature by 10-15 degrees. This is, of course, presuming that the days have been sunny.
Should I leave my pool cover on during the day?
Solar pool covers should be left off during the day to allow for even heating of the water. Pool covers should be taken off at least once a week to allow collected carbon dioxide to escape; too much carbon dioxide can make the water acidic. Unless the pool is in use, pool covers should always be used at night.
How can I keep my pool water warm?
7 Cheap Ways to Heat Your PoolInvest in Solar Sun Rings. Solar sun rings work in a similar way to solar covers. ... Try a Liquid Solar Pool Cover. ... Build a Windproof Pool Enclosure. ... Use the Black Hose Trick. ... Snag a Pool Heat Pump. ... Combine a Solar Cover and Pool Heat Pump.
Should I cover my pool every night?
Using a pool cover overnight can reduce evaporation. Plus, the cover will trap accumulated moisture, and it'll naturally go back into your pool. You'll be rewarded with a more consistent water level and maybe even a lower water bill.
How can I keep my pool warm at night?
Solar heaters and pump heaters are economical and effective ways to heat your pool water....How to Reduce Pool Heating CostUse a Liquid Solar Cover to Reduce Pool Heating Cost: ... Solar Blanket: ... Solar Sun Rings: ... Install Wind Blocks: ... Install a Pool Cover:
What are the benefits of a pool cover?
Besides offering energy savings, pool covers also do the following: Conserve water by reducing the amount of make-up water needed by 30%–50% Reduce the pool's chemical consumption by 35%–60% Reduce cleaning time by keeping dirt and other debris out of the pool.
Is a pool cover a good idea?
A pool cover reduces the amount of UV light coming into contact with the water. This is an important advantage as the pool chemical chlorine is degraded when exposed to UV light. This means you won't be required to add as much chlorine, which can save you time to refill and money purchasing the chemicals.
What is the ideal pool temperature?
between 77-82°F.Despite this, the average pool temperature, which is said to be ideal for all, is between 77-82°F. These temperatures are low enough to prevent bacteria from growing, but also warm enough to take the chill off.
What is the best way to heat a pool?
Electric Heat Pumps Using an electric heat pump is the best way to heat your pool. Full stop. You'll want a powerful unit that will save you on your energy bill every month, like the Energy-Saving ComforTemp Pool Heat Pump 95,000 BTU to heat 18,000 Gallons.
How many hours does it take to heat a pool?
between 24 and 72 hoursOverall, a heat pump usually requires between 24 and 72 hours to heat a swimming pool by 20°F (11°C) and between 45 and 60 minutes to heat a spa by 20°F (11°C).
Why is my pool always so cold?
Pools are so cold because not enough sunlight is shining on them to heat them up or because the outside air temperature is too cold, which makes the heat from the water evaporate. Sometimes, pools can feel colder than they really are because heat starts leaving your body when you are in the water.
How much does a pool cover reduce evaporation?
95 percentPool covers can be used on indoor and outdoor pools, as well as in-ground and above-ground pools, of almost any size or shape. Using a pool cover can prevent up to 95 percent of pool water evaporation.
Does a pool cover keep water cool?
Covering won't lower the temperature of your pool drastically, but it will prevent the water from getting warmer. If the water is at the temperature you want, make sure to keep it that way by covering it up tightly whenever you're not using it, especially during the day.
How much warmer does a solar cover make a pool?
10-15 degrees FahrenheitDepending on the weather, a solar blanket can heat up a pool even up to 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit in a single day. However, on cool, cloudy days, a solar cover will not be as effective at warming up the pool. On average, expect about a 5-degree increase within the first day.
Do black pool covers heat the water?
A very common question we have noticed is “Do pool covers really heat the water?”. The short answer is YES. There are many pool blanket manufacturers claiming that their pool covers heat the water by up to 8 degrees Celsius.
Why do pool covers need ventilation?
They even require room ventilation to control indoor humidity caused by the large amount of evaporation. The ventilated air also must be conditioned, which adds to the energy costs. Pool covers minimize evaporation from both outdoor and indoor pools.
How do pool covers save water?
Besides offering energy savings, pool covers also do the following: 1 Conserve water by reducing the amount of make-up water needed by 30%–50% 2 Reduce the pool's chemical consumption by 35%–60% 3 Reduce cleaning time by keeping dirt and other debris out of the pool.
Why do you need a bubble cover on a pool?
In dry and/or windy conditions, the evaporation rate of the pool increases. Therefore, it is generally beneficial to have a transparent or bubble cover on during daylight hours. In warm, humid conditions the evaporation rate decreases. In this case, it may be more beneficial to leave the cover off during the daytime.
How much energy does a swimming pool lose?
It only takes 1 Btu (British thermal unit) to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree, but each pound of 80ºF water that evaporates takes a whopping 1,048 Btu of heat out of the pool.
How much solar energy does a pool absorb?
Outdoor pools gain heat from the sun, absorbing 75%–85% of the solar energy striking the pool surface. This is an important contribution to the pool's heating needs. A pool cover will decrease the solar gain contribution to some extent, depending on what type you use. A transparent bubble cover may reduce pool solar energy absorption by 5%–15%. A completely opaque cover will reduce it by 20%–40%. You need to consider this when selecting a pool cover.
How do pool covers work?
Some pool covers fit into tracks along the sides of the pool. This prevents anything or anybody from getting into the pool. They even support the weight of several people. If liability is a concern, these are a good option to explore. They can be run manually, semi-automatically, or automatically.
What do you need for a pool cover?
Technically, all you really need for a pool cover is a large sheet of plastic. Plastic meets the requirement of being a vapor barrier. But a large sheet of plastic that you get from the lumber store is probably not your best choice. It will be very difficult to handle and store, it tears easily, and sunlight will deteriorate it rapidly. You can use a sheet of plastic, but it will be very inconvenient and it will probably only last 1 to 2 seasons maximum.
Why Do I Need a Solar Pool Cover?
Traditional pool covers keep out dust and debris from your pool. They also cut down on maintenance and energy costs.
Why do you need a solar cover for a pool?
Besides heating your pool, solar pool covers have many benefits. Here are a few reasons why you might want to invest in a solar cover. Reduces water evaporation. Saves energy. Reduces debris and algae spores from creeping into your pool. Gives you an extended swim season because it keeps the water warm for longer.
How to use a pill in a pool?
Measure your pool and check the manufacturer’s instructions on how much to use. Then, simply add the pill to the pool water and watch the magic happen. It disperses slowly and evenly in still water to create a layer on the pool surface. This layer retains the sun’s heat and passes it onto the water.
Why do solar blankets look like bubble wrap?
Solar blankets are also referred to as bubble solar covers because they look like a large sheet of bubble wrap. These bubbles are what capture the sun’s UV rays and toast up your pool. They also keep in moisture, which means a reduction in evaporation levels .
How fast does a solar cover heat a pool?
A solar cover can increase the temperature of the pool by 5 degrees every 12 hours.
How thick should a pool cover be?
The average thickness for a pool cover is 12 ml. If you want something that’ll last longer, go for the 14 ml thick cover. Just remember that the thicker the cover, the heavier it’ll be. You may even need a retractor to hold it up and roll it in.
How much water does a pool lose if not covered?
If it’s not covered, it can lose up to two inches of water a week. While it may not seem like much water, it can add up to at least 10,000 gallons of water each year. They also trap in the sun’s heat during the hot summer months and retain it inside the pool. Anytime no one’s using the pool, you can leave it covered.
Why do you need a pool cover at night?
Other benefits of only using your cover at night time is the longevity of your pool cover itself. Without the sun blasting the cover all the time its going to be cheaper in the long run to have it open every day. If you are using a pool heater this will also reduce the amount of time you need it on as you will be starting from a higher base ...
What happens if you cover up a pool?
Usually, if you cover up the pool, you can feel the top of the water is warm and the bottom will still be cool, but what happens if you leave it open most of the time to warm the entire pool. The theory is it would be heated by the sun, and guess what, it actually does heat the pool more.
How much heat gain can you get from a 20x40 pool?
On a standard 20×40 pool you can see around 6 degree gains on a very sunny day. Long story short, You’ll get a lot better heating with the cover off during a nice warm sunny day and retain the heat with the cover on at night.
Can you put a pool cover on or off during the day?
We get asked this question a lot here, pool cover on or off during the day, what is the best option? Normally if you want to keep your pool clean you would have installed a pool cover that is on the pool at night. Some of these are electrically operated so they are easy to open and to close. You can also set these on a timer to open and close at certain times.
Why do pools need solar cover?
In the same way that a cloudy night sky creates a warmer night as compared to a cloudless, cool night, a solar cover also guards much of the pool waters warmth by preventing evaporation at night. At the beginning of each sunny day, an above ground pool begins to warm up from the sun’s rays and once the sun sets or is no longer shining directly on ...
How much heat does a solar cover add to a pool?
If used correctly a solar cover can add anywhere from 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit to the water temperature of your pool. The most popular solar cover at The Pool Factory is our Space Age solar cover, which is silver on one side and blue on the other.
How to keep pool warm without gas?
Solar covers for an above ground pool are one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your pool at a comfortable swimming temperature without having to manage a gas or electric-powered heating system. In the same way that a cloudy night sky creates a warmer night as compared to a cloudless, cool night, a solar cover also guards much of the pool waters warmth by preventing evaporation at night. At the beginning of each sunny day, an above ground pool begins to warm up from the sun’s rays and once the sun sets or is no longer shining directly on the pool, it slowly begins to cool. A pool solar heat cover is the perfect way to make sure that your pool keeps all the heat that the sun has given it.
What is a solar pool cover?
A pool solar heat cover is the perfect way to make sure that your pool keeps all the heat that the sun has given it. An above ground pool solar heat cover is normally blue in color and has small bubbles throughout one side of the cover. The cover is intended to lie directly on the water, bubble side down, with a size matching the exact size ...
What is the best place to find everything you need to own a pool?
America’s Above Ground Pool Experts – is the best place to find everything you need to make owning a swimming pool or spa fun and easy, at the best prices today. With a combined 50+ years of experience The Pool Factory employs a highly trained staff of above ground and semi inground pool specialists. The Pool Factory can provide unique solutions for all pool supplies and swimming pool needs.
Can you use a solar cover on an above ground pool?
For best results, uncover your swimming pool while in direct sunlight and use the solar cover only at night and when your pool is out of the sun’s reach.
Can you put a solar cover on a pool?
A solar cover reel can make this process much easier and less of a chore to ensure laziness doesn’ t set it when the time comes to get your pool solar heat cover on your swimming pool.
How much energy is saved by a pool cover?
2014 research produced a study by Colgate University on the use of a pool cover for 7 hours each night with the result of energy cost savings of over 30%, for the Lineberry pool on campus. And in 2012, A Michigan Energy Office case study on Chesaning Union Middle School pool showed a 50% reduction in energy use, with the unexpected benefit of reducing humidity inside the indoor pool structure. A study in Australia as early as 1963, showed that ‘clear plastic film’ could be used to both halt evaporative heat loss, and for sunny outdoor pools, would also absorb solar radiation to warm the water.
How much heat does a solar blanket add to a pool?
For a pool that is completely covered by a solar blanket, and one that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight on the pool, a 10-15 degree F gain is not unusual.
How Effective Are Solar Covers?
To a poolman, solar blankets are the biggest pain in the neck imaginable. You show up to clean the pool – but have to first clean the solar cover, and carefully roll it up or fold it on deck, before even getting to the pool water .
Why do we need solar blankets?
A solar blanket helps to both heat the water, and retain the heat at night, or prevent heat loss from cool air temps or heat robbing winds.
Do solar covers really work?
Conclusion: Solar Covers do really work! Both to retain heat and reduce humidity , and when used on outdoor pools, they also add heat to the pool (Liquid Solar does not add heat). There seems to be a bit of a trade-off in convenience for effectiveness within this product category.
Does Cal Poly measure heat gain?
Discussion: The recent Cal Poly study did not measure heat gain or energy savings, although evaporative heat loss could be used as a proxy for energy costs.
How Effective Are Solar Pool Covers?
They also help to retain pool heat at night, help to reduce humidity and help to save on energy costs. But they are very cumbersome to handle and maintain. So the gains made on energy savings could be balanced off by the annoyance of handling them.
How Do Solar Pool Covers Work?
Solar pool covers look like giant sheets of bubble wrap that go over your pool. The bubbles trap the sun’s heat and keep it in the pool, leading to a pool that stays warm for a longer time. Other than heating pools during the day, solar blankets also help the pool retain heat by protecting the water from cool night winds and air. How many degrees will a solar cover heat a pool? On average, a fully covered pool can gain between 10-15 degrees on a sunny day within about 6 hours.
What is solar pool cover?
Solar pool covers otherwise known as solar blankets are swimming pool covers that use the sun’s energy to keep swimming pools warm. But how effective are solar pool covers?
How much does a solar blanket reduce heat loss?
A 2016 study by Cal Poly found that solar blankets can reduce heat loss and evaporation of pool water by as much as 95%. Solar Pool Covers can also heat water to an average of at least 10 degrees. A 2014 research by collage found that pool covers can cut energy costs by as much as 30%.
How many degrees does a pool get on a sunny day?
On average, a fully covered pool can gain between 10-15 degrees on a sunny day within about 6 hours. Does a solar cover have to cover the whole pool? For optimum results it is best to get a blanket that covers your whole pool.
Do you have to clean a solar cover?
Additionally, you must clean the solar cover often as part of your pool cleaning routine . This can be an annoying task. So, is all this hustle worth it? If you love swimming in warm water but can’t afford a heated pool then having a solar blanket is a worthy investment of time, money, and effort.
Can you take solar covers off a pool?
Solar pool covers can be extremely cumbersome. Spreading them over your swimming pool as well as taking them off the pool is time-consuming and awkward exercises that often needs an extra pair of hands. Additionally, you must clean the solar cover often as part of your pool cleaning routine. This can be an annoying task.
Cost
Effects
- Indoor pools aren't subjected to the environment, but they still can lose a lot of energy from evaporation. They even require room ventilation to control indoor humidity caused by the large amount of evaporation. The ventilated air also must be conditioned, which adds to the energy costs.
Advantages
- Pool covers minimize evaporation from both outdoor and indoor pools. Covering a pool when it is not in use is the single most effective means of reducing pool heating costs. Savings of 50%70% are possible.
Benefits
- Pool covers on indoor pools not only can reduce evaporation but also the need to ventilate indoor air and replace it with unconditioned outdoor air. You can also shut off exhaust fans when an indoor pool is covered, which saves even more energy.
Appearance
- It's best to use a cover designed specifically for swimming pools. They're made of special materials, such as UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl. They can be transparent or opaque. Covers can even be light or dark colored.
Durability
- 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.
Design
- Semi-automatic covers use a motor-driven reel system. They use electrical power to roll and unroll the cover, but usually require someone to pull on the cover when unrolling, or guide the cover onto the reel when rolling up the cover. Semi-automatic covers can be built into the pool deck surrounding the pool, or can use reels on carts.
Use
- Automatic covers have permanently mounted reels that automatically cover and uncover the pool at the push of a button. They're the most expensive option, but they're also the most convenient.
Safety
- Some pool covers fit into tracks along the sides of the pool. This prevents anything or anybody from getting into the pool. They even support the weight of several people. If liability is a concern, these are a good option to explore. They can be run manually, semi-automatically, or automatically. Safety covers are recommended for public pools, and may be required by inspect…