Are solar covers for pools worth it?

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.

When should you use a solar pool cover?

Basically, the best time to use a solar pool cover is anytime you're not swimming. This will help maintain your water level and keep your pool water to a nice heated swimming temperature. Especially during the nighttime when temperatures are most likely to drop.

How fast does solar cover heat pool?

How fast a solar pool cover will heat your pool depends on various factors, including what type of solar cover you have and weather conditions. Due to this, it's hard to boil it all down to a single answer. However, on average, you can expect a solar pool cover to heat your pool by up to 5 degrees in 12 hours.

Should I put a solar cover on my 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.

Do solar covers help keep pool clean?

Solar pool covers provide the same benefits as regular pools covers. They keep debris out of your pool, prevent algae growth, and reduce pool evaporation. Keeping your pool relatively free of leaves, dirt, and other annoying muck, means less time spent cleaning.

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Should I leave my solar pool cover on during the day?

When do I use my solar blanket? You can leave your pool cover on any time you're not swimming. In fact, it's recommended. During daylight hours, the more you keep the pool cover on, the more efficiently it will heat your pool.

Can you run pool pump with solar cover on?

Is It Safe To Run The pool Pump With The Pool Cover On? It is safe to run the pool pump and filter with a swimming pool cover on. The pool cover doesn't in any way stop or hinder the pool pump from circulating the water or carrying out its function.

Can you use a chlorine floater with a solar cover?

While a floating chlorine dispenser is ok, they don't float so well when they're jammed under a cover. They will simply sit there, and cause a large concentration of chlorine in one area – and will damage your cover (causing bleach spots/burn), and probably damage the pool finish too.

Should you cover pool when raining?

When preparing your pool for a storm, leave it uncovered. Installing any kind of cover across the pool will not do much to protect against dust and contaminants, because storms often bring strong winds and heavy rain that can cause the cover to lift off your pool.

Do solar covers cause algae?

Simply fitting a solar pool cover will not make the pool go green. However, because solar covers will warm the water, they can accelerate algae growth. You need to change the pool conditions to prevent algae growth.

Is clear or blue solar cover 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 long do solar pool covers last?

Most solar covers last for up to three years, though many people replace them more frequently. Utilizing a solar cover and taking advantage of the return lines in your pool is another way of prevent evaporation as well as distributing the warm water throughout all your pool and quick more efficiently.

Can you use a tarp as a solar pool cover?

CCS polypropylene mesh tarps are the best tarp for pool covers. They do an exceptional job blocking sunlight, which is essential for preventing algae growth when chemicals are not being added regularly. Polypropylene tarps are strong, too, so they can withstand the weight of ice and snow that builds up over the winter.

How much will a solar cover heat a pool?

Heat Retention

You can reduce your swimming pool heating costs up to 70% using a solar cover because solar radiation is directly converted into usable heat and could potentially heat the water by 5 degrees for each 12 hours of coverage.

Do solar pool covers heat the water?

Only Solar Pool Covers Heat the Water

First things first, you have to bear in mind that only solar pool covers heat water. Other pool covers such as rigid and thermal covers will only retain the heat in your pool water but won't actually warm the water.

Should a pool cover touch the water?

The cover is designed to touch the surface of the water. So your pool should always be filled when covered, and the water level should never go below 18 inches from the top of the pool. Check the water level of the pool and fill it up if it goes below 18 inches.

Should I turn off pool pump when raining?

If your pool pump manufacturer has declared your pump is rain safe, you can leave it on in rainfall. Nevertheless, during a thunderstorm, it is highly recommended that you switch off and unplug your pool pump to prevent any costly and irreversible damages to your pool equipment.

Should I run pool pump all the time?

Generally running your pool pump for 12-hours a day is a good option. This is based on the assumption that your average pool pump has a turnover rate of about 8 to 12-hours. That means that the total volume of your pool water will filter through your system 2 to 3 times per 24-hour period.

Is it better to use chlorine tablets or liquid?

We dive in and find out. Liquid chlorine is preferred over chlorine tablets by pool professionals however home swimming pools will benefit too. Liquid chlorine quickly raises or maintains chlorine levels without raising stabilizer. Chlorine tablets maintain chlorine levels and add stabilizer to the pool water.

How do I keep water from collecting on my pool cover?

Whenever temperatures allow, simply place a submersible pump onto the pool cover, preferably on something solid like a Frisbee to prevent water form be sucked through the cover and remove excess water.

Can you leave a solar cover on during the winter?

Clean it, Dry it, Fold it and Store it for the winter. You can leave it on the reel, if you cover it. Keep your water chemistry balanced and remember to remove the solar cover when shocking the pool, and always store your solar cover in the shade or covered on the reel.

Can you use a skimmer with a solar cover?

The skimmer will function fine as a water return to the pump as long as the cover does not block water flow into the skimmer, and the water level is high enough that the pump doesn't starve from lack of flow.

Can I cover my pool and leave the pump running?

Absolutely! A cover does nothing to interfere with the water circulating through your system. It doesn't touch your pump or any other piece of equipment you have. When your pool is covered during these winter months, you can run it less, thus protecting the pump from premature aging.

Should you cover your pool pump?

The use of a full cover for your pool pump equipment can help prevent damage by keeping small critters out from around your equipment. Animal damage accounts for a significant amount of pool pump and heater repair costs every year in the U.S. This can be prevented by the use of a cover for the pool pump equipment.