Here are five great reasons to use a solar blanket for your pool:
- Increases water temperature – these sheets of little air bubbles heat up in the sun during the day. ...
- Reduces heat evaporation – up to 70% of the energy used to heat your pool is normally lost through evaporation. ...
- Extends your pool season – If you live in a northern climate, you may feel that pool season is far too short. ...
Full Answer
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
What is the best solar blanket?
In the box:
- 25000mAh Portable Solar Charger
- Micro USB cable
- User Manual
What is the best pool blanket?
Type of Pool Covers
- Solar pool covers. You might get them also being called bubble covers. ...
- Thermal pool covers. The thermal covers are seen to be the best kinds of pool blankets. ...
- Automated pool covers. These are common for alleviating the safety concerns that people might have. ...
- Winter pool covers. ...
What is the best solar cover for an inground pool?
The different solar pool cover options
- Straight line vinyl cover: This is a sheet of vinyl that you allow to float on your swimming pool’s surface. ...
- Insulated vinyl cover: Here several layers of vinyl are attached to each other with air pockets between them. ...
- Pool bubble cover: These are the pool covers we have covered in the ‘review’ section. ...
Do solar covers really work on pools?
So, do solar pool covers actually work? The short answer is yes. It has been scientifically proven by at least 3 studies that solar blankets help to warm swimming pools. They also help to retain pool heat at night, help to reduce humidity and help to save on energy costs.
How much warmer does a solar blanket make a pool?
Depending 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.
How long does it take for a solar pool cover to heat the 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. Solar Blankets will also reduce heat loss and evaporation by as much as 95%, depending on 1) amount of surface coverage and 2) average nightly temperature.
Do pool covers work?
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. 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.
Should you leave solar blanket pool during day?
A solar cover won't instantly or magically warm your swimming pool water, but can provide an incredible difference in temperature if you use it consistently. When your pool is not in use during the daylight, a solar cover will help to retain heat, and will use the warmth of your pool to continue to heat up the water.
Will a pool heat faster with the solar blanket on?
Solar covers will help a pool warm up faster in the spring and help maintain warmth in a pool a little longer in the fall but one misconception about them is that they will warm up a pool in the dead of winter, which simply is not the case.
Is solar pool heating worth it?
You can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They're cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is one of the most cost-effective use of solar energy in some climates.
How much heat does a pool lose overnight?
A pool that is uncovered can lose up to 5 degrees F overnight; a good cover can cut that loss by half. Used at night or whenever your pool is not in use, the pool cover can help save fuel costs by cutting heat loss regardless of the type of heating you utilize.
How much warmer does a pool cover make a pool?
We've measured a very real gain in temperature in some cases as much as 4 degrees. This is a significant saving of money and energy when compared with generating the same increase via gas or electric heaters. The more direct sunlight your pool gets the more temperature benefit it can offer.
Should you cover your pool every night?
So, should you cover your pool every night? Yes, you should cover your pool every night for several reasons. First off, a pool cover saves energy and conserves water by decreasing the amount of make-up water and evaporation.
Does leaving a pool cover on cause algae?
Covering the pool is a good way to prevent algae growth. The right cover keeps algae from entering the pool, but it also keeps leaves, bugs, bacteria, and dirt from decomposing in the pool, providing algae with food.
Are blue or clear solar covers better?
The transparency of the clear solar cover more of the sun's UV rays to penetrate through the cover and heat the pool greater than the blue solar cover.
How much of a difference does a solar cover make for a pool?
How does a solar cover work? 75% of a swimming pool's heat loss is due to evaporation. A solar cover minimizes heat loss from evaporation by acting as a barrier between swimming pool water and the air. Specifically, you can reduce your swimming pool heating costs by up to 70% by using a solar cover.
How much warmer does a pool cover make a pool?
We've measured a very real gain in temperature in some cases as much as 4 degrees. This is a significant saving of money and energy when compared with generating the same increase via gas or electric heaters. The more direct sunlight your pool gets the more temperature benefit it can offer.
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:
How much heat does a pool lose overnight?
A pool that is uncovered can lose up to 5 degrees F overnight; a good cover can cut that loss by half. Used at night or whenever your pool is not in use, the pool cover can help save fuel costs by cutting heat loss regardless of the type of heating you utilize.
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.
How much heat gain can a solar blanket reduce?
Solar Blankets will also reduce heat loss and evaporation by as much as 95%, depending on 1) amount of surface coverage and 2) average nightly temperature.
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.
Do solar blankets hurt?
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.
What is a solar blanket?
A solar blanket is a pool cover that basically looks like a giant sheet of bubble wrap. This cover sits on the surface of your pool water and uses the sun’s rays to warm your pool water.
How does it work?
The bubbles in a solar cover are actually thermal bubbles that grab UV rays from the sun. As they soak up that heat during the day, it traps the warmth in the bubbles during the night and helps to maintain your pool’s temperature. This is especially effective when you keep the solar blanket on as much as possible when nobody is using the pool.
Benefits of a Solar Blanket
Using a solar blanket saves you both energy and money. When the heat for your pool is coming from Mother Nature, you’re using the most efficient way to heat your pool. Not to mention, it’s cost effective when you’re not using energy to run an electric heat pump or gas pool heater. If you’re not using energy, your costs will obviously decrease.
How hot can a pool be with a solar blanket?
In some cases, liquid solar blankets can raise the temperature of pool water up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit.
How does a solar blanket save water?
With a liquid solar blanket, less evaporation will occur over time, saving hundreds of gallons of water in the process. It means you’ll be refilling your pool less and saving money on your water bill.
What is a solar blanket?
A liquid solar blanket is a chemical additive that you add to your pool to create a protective and heat-hoarding “blanket” over the water’s surface. When added, it kicks off a chemical reaction that forms an invisible barrier or forcefield over your pool. With a liquid solar blanket on your pool, your pool water will be protected ...
What is the invisible layer in pool water?
This invisible layer works like a protective chemical bubble on your pool water, holding the heat from the sun in and keeping the water from evaporating.
Why do you turn on the pump in a pool?
Turning your pool pump on to help circulate water will ensure that there’s a nice layer over every part of the pool’s surface. Remember, this stuff is lighter than water, so even if it gets mixed up with your pool water, it will always float back up to hang out on top.
Is solar pool cover good?
Regular solar pool covers are probably always going to be more efficient at decreasing heat loss over the liquid alternative. They also have the added benefit of keeping debris like leaves and grass clippings out of your pool so you’ll have fewer things to skim out every day.
Can you use a solar blanket for swimming?
As useful as those covers can be, they’re a real hassle to remove when you want to take a swim. Maybe it’s time to try a hassle-free solar blanket? Yes, such a thing does exist. It’s called a liquid solar blanket and it might be the revolutionary solution you need.
What is solar blanket?
These are rings of solar blanket, normally with a floatation ring around the outside, which are thrown onto the surface of the pool and act in the same way as a full solar pool cover. It can take quite a few to cover a large pool.
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.
What is solar sun ring?
These are rings of solar blanket, normally with a floatation ring around the outside, which are thrown onto the surface of the pool and act in the same way as a full solar pool cover. It can take quite a few to cover a large pool.
What is 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.
Why do bubbles in a pool cover?
The bubbles help to act as an insulator to stop heat transfer out of the pool. A solar pool cover is different from a “pool cover”. A pool cover is intended to cover the entire pool to protect it during the winter and/or to prevent children or pets from falling in.
How long does a solar pool cover last?
If you store the solar cover under cover or away from UV rays over winter and take care with it during the summer you may get 5 years out of it but it could be as little as 3 years. A rotting solar pool cover.
How thick is a solar cover?
The normal range of solar cover thicknesses runs from 8 mil to 16 mil. In case you are not aware a mil is one-thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch). 12 mil solar covers are the most popular thickness as they do a good all round job, are easy to handle and last quite a few years.
What is a Liquid Solar Cover?
A liquid solar cover is an evaporation suppressant. They’re an alcohol-based chemical product designed to float on top of your pool water, effectively reducing both heat loss and evaporation. The process works by trapping heat using a molecular barrier on the surface of the water.
Are Liquid Solar Pool Covers Effective?
Liquid solar covers have been proven effective in larger public pools and private pools. Multiple studies now show liquid pool covers work to prevent heat loss and pool water evaporation over time.
Best Liquid Pool Cover
There are a few different liquid solar options on the market, but for most people, this Cover Free Liquid Solar Blanket from Natural Chemistry will do the trick.
Are Liquid Covers Safe?
You might be concerned about putting additional chemicals into your pool. But a liquid solar cover is simply another safe and effective addition to your pool system.
How to Use a Liquid Solar Cover
Now that you know a little about the safety of liquid pool covers and their chemical composition, it’s time to learn how to use a cover on your home pool. Fortunately, liquid covers are relatively simple to use.
Liquid Solar Covers vs. Blanket Solar Pool Covers
Solar covers are quickly becoming one of the more popular options for heating home pools without significantly increasing heating bills. But you might be having trouble deciding on either a liquid solar cover or a blanket solar pool cover for your home.
Blanket Solar Pool Covers: Benefits and Downsides
While blanket solar covers might be cumbersome for some to use in the home, they offer some benefits.
Why do you put a solar blanket in a pool?
With the name solar blanket, one would think that it would be used as a way to heat the pool using the sun. It actually is the oposite. With the cover on , the rays of the sun can't enter the pool and will reduce the potential temperature increase by a significant amount.
What is solar blanket?
Solar blankets are a very common pool accessory for all swimming pools . Even with such a high popularity, there are still many misconceptions about this item (Even the name itself brings confusion, I'll explain later).
Why is it important to place a solar roller on a pool?
When rolling up the blanket, if the roller is positioned too close to the edge of the pool, some friction would be created and could damage the bubbles on the underside of the blanket which would , in the long run, reduce the lifespan of the blanket.
How to get water off a blanket?
To achieve this efficiently, most people will use a solar roller. Rolling the blanket around a tube allows the water to flow off of the blanket. A tip when using the solar roller is to align the straps that hold the blanket parallel to the seams of the blanket.
Do solar blankets have seam seperation?
Similar to pool liners, the solar blankets are only covered for seam seperations (ie. if the two pieces of materials unweld along the seam). This is deemed as a manufactures defect and will be replaced by the company. If you still have questions, do comment below and we will answer you the best we can. 2 Comments.
Can you use a salt water pool pump at night?
If you have your pump running during the night, this means your salt system would also produce chlorine while the pool is covered. This is also fine and will not have a negative impact as long as the chlorine level is within the recommended 1-3 ppm. Again, when your system is applying a super chlorination it is best to leave it off.
Is solar cover good?
Now that we know the solar cover is such a great tool, one would want to keep thier new tool in great condition to get the most use out of it. Here are a few tips on prolonging it's lifespan.
Before We Begin: Understanding What Each Cover Does
Currently, there are two different types of covers for pools. There are solar blankets and liquid pool covers. Both will help reduce your pool’s evaporation rates significantly. Even though they are fairly different, they both offer a lot of perks. In the battle between poo covers and solar blankets, there seems to be a deadlock.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Liquid Pool Cover?
Liquid pool covers are increasingly popular because they are modern and more convenient. This is what you should be aware of if you choose this route:
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Solar Blanket?
Though liquid pool covers are popular, many people still prefer solar blankets. They’re tried and true. Here’s why you might fall into this school of thought.
How Much Does Each Type Of Pool Cover Cost?
Now that we’ve gone over the upsides and downsides of both types, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Even if you’re wealthy, you will have a moment or two where you don’t want to spend more money than you have to. So, let’s talk about the type of pool covers and what you should expect to pay.
Which Type Of Pool Cover Is More Effective?
The jury is out on this one. It can depend on a variety of factors, including the overall surroundings that your pool is in as well as the specific brand that you use. However, you shouldn’t be too worried about the efficacy. The differences between the two are minimal when it comes to effectiveness.
Related Questions
Yes, you can safely swim with a liquid pool cover. The coverage that liquid pool cover offers is only a couple of micrometers thick. When you splash around the pool, the cover offers no resistance. Moreover, it’s designed to sit on top of water regardless of what you do.
