Keeping your pool heated can cost quite a bit of money. These days, we are all looking to lower our energy costs and leave less of a carbon footprint. This guide will explain how affordable solar pool covers can help you do both.

Introduction to solar pool covers

Also known as solar blankets, solar pool covers are an inexpensive and efficient way to use the sun’s energy to heat your pool.

Generally resembling bubble wrap, solar pool covers are usually transparent, silver, or blue in color. They have thousands of tiny air pockets that transfer heat from the sun to the pool and also help to keep the existing heat in the water. This means more heat is added to your pool while less heat is lost through evaporation. Allowing you to heat your pool for a fraction of the cost. Reduced evaporation also means less chemical loss, saving you money.

Often, a temperature increase of 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit can be achieved through the use of a solar pool cover.

The different types of solar covers for swimming pools

While all solar pool covers do the job of providing savings on your heating system and reducing evaporation as described above, not all solar covers are equally designed or effective.

Pool covers come in different thicknesses. Choosing a thicker one will cost you more, but it will offer you more energy savings. Thicker covers insulate better and transfer more heat to the pool. As an added bonus to the savings, they are more durable and last longer too. Common pool cover thicknesses are 8mm, 12mm and 16mm.

Color is also an important factor in the effectiveness of solar pool covers because while all covers prevent more or less the same amount of water and chemical evaporation, they do not all offer the same heat transfer in terms of capturing energy. solar. Blue colored covers tend to be the most popular choice, however a clear cover that blocks the least amount of sun offers the most amount of solar heat. Blue covers typically block 20 to 40 percent of solar energy, while clear solar blankets block only 5 to 15 percent of solar energy. For the most improved heating capacity, the best option is a solar pool cover with a silver lining that reflects added heat back into the pool.

Choosing the right cover for your pool

The type of pool you have will also determine the type of solar cover that best suits your needs. The type of cover you should use depends on the shape and size of your pool. If your pool is a standard rectangular or round shape, finding the right size cover is usually quite easy. However, if you have a kidney shaped, oval or custom pool, you will probably need to have a cover designed to accommodate your unusual measurements. The good news is that this can be done easily. Most covers can simply be cut with scissors to fit your pool, so all you have to do is buy a cover that is large enough to cover your entire pool and then mold it yourself to fit perfectly. the shape of the pool

Pool covers provide the benefits of reduced heating and chemical costs, lower water evaporation rates, and a longer swimming season. Since they are also very affordable, they are highly recommended as an effective energy saver for all pool owners.