What are the main benefits of using a solar cover?
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The primary benefit of using a solar cover is its ability to raise and maintain the water temperature in your pool by up to 15° F. Alongside this, they can prevent evaporation by approximately 95%, reducing the need for you to refill your pool, lowering the chemical consumption of your pool by around 35% to 60%, and decreasing the time it takes to clean your pool by keeping dirt and other debris out of your pool.
Cited from U.S. Department of Energy.
How do solar covers (or solar blankets) actually work?
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Every time you lose water from your pool due to splashing or evaporation, you need to replace it with new water that requires energy to heat. Swimming pools lose the vast majority of their water through evaporation, thereby losing heat. By reducing the amount of water open to the air, solar covers reduce evaporation and heat loss.
Cited from U.S. Department of Energy.
Can a solar cover decrease my summer energy bill?
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A solar cover can decrease your summer heating pool by up to 50%, especially if you have a larger outdoor pool. It reduces the energy required for heating by minimizing water evaporation, while retaining the heat already present in your pool.
Cited from U.S. Department of Energy.
Which side of the solar cover faces up?
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The bubble side of the solar cover should always face down towards the water to maximize both heat absorption and retention. The smooth side, without bubbles, should face up, helping the cover float and preventing damage to the bubbles from the sun.
What size solar cover should I buy?
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To determine the correct size solar pool cover, measure your pool at its longest and widest points (including any steps or benches), and purchase a cover that is at least as large as these measurements. Many solar covers will come with some excess material, allowing you to trim it down to the exact size to account for variations in the shape and ensure complete coverage. Trimming your solar cover in this way doesn’t void your warranty.
Does the color of the solar cover matter?
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Each color of solar cover provides different benefits. Clear covers maximize sunlight penetration and heat your pool more effectively than any other color. Blue covers are a middle ground, trapping in more heat while also preventing UV rays from degrading the chemicals in your pool. Silver, or “Space Age” solar covers, are the best for heat retention, but may not be the best at heating your pool.
How do I choose the right thickness (or Series™) of solar cover?
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The best thickness depends on several factors, including your climate, budget, the need for durability versus heat transfer, and whether you plan to use a solar reel, as many solar reels only support up to 12 mil or 1200 series covers.
| Thickness | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 Series™ |
Warm climates | Lighweight and easy to handle | Less durable and retains less heat |
| 1200 Series™ |
Most situations | A good balance of durability, heat retention, and ease of handling | Heavier than an 800 Series™, while being less durable than a 1600 Series™ |
| 1600 Series™ |
Cold climates, high-durability needs | Most durable, best heat retention, and a longer lifespan | Heavy, and may not be compatible with your solar reel |
How do I trim my solar cover?
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Solar Covers usually come with a few inches of overlap in order to allow you to trim it to your pool's exact size and shape. This helps if you have any accessories, such as ladders or waterfalls, that create obstacles for your cover. Before you trim the cover, let it rest on a flat surface, such as a deck or over your pool, to flatten out any folds or creases.
Use scissors or a sharp razor to carefully cut off the excess material, starting by cutting off less than you would like to trim, as you can always take off more later. The goal is to have the cover fit edge-to-edge, end-to-end.
You can also use a marker to draw on the cover where it needs to be cut, before removing it from your pool. You can then lay it out flat and cut along your marks. Trimming your solar cover in this way doesn’t affect your warranty.
How should I care for my solar cover?
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The best way to clean your solar cover is to use a multi-purpose cleaner. Remove the solar cover from your pool and lay it out on a large flat or slightly sloped surface. Wet the solar cover, and use a telescoping pole and pool brush, then apply the cleaner and gently scrub the cover. When you're done, spray the cover off. Clean both sides, and allow to dry.
Be sure to maintain a proper chemical balance in your pool to protect your solar cover. Leave it off of the pool when you shock it and keep it off for 2 - 3 days after any chemical treatment. When you’re not using the solar cover, store it somewhere out of direct sunlight to protect it from UV rays. If you use a solar cover reel, consider using a solar cover reel cover.
When is it time to replace my solar cover?
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When your solar cover begins to flake or get brittle, then it’s time to replace it. You may start to see bubbles begin to peel or flake into the pool, become flattened, or develop a miscolored appearance. The material is usually recyclable, so please consider the environment when you’re disposing of your old solar cover.
Are there any other alternatives to solar covers?
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Some alternatives to solar covers include liquid solar blankets, solar sun rings, and solar squares.
Does a solar cover mean I don't need a pool heater?
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A solar cover does not entirely replace a pool heater, as although it does add heat, it’s much better at retaining the heat already in the pool. A pool heater is necessary to heat the water, especially in colder climates initially. However, a solar cover helps maintain the heat once it’s in the water, while also heating the pool up to 15°F in the sun.
