Liquid Solar Cover: The Future Is Now
Is it really possible that you could pour something into your pool water that magically warms it up? Yup. Thats basically how liquid solar cover works. Except its not magic its more science!
Liquid solar cover contains aliphatic alcohols, which form a monolayer film on the surface of the water, thereby requiring upwardly escaping water molecules to expend energy in forcing adjacent molecular chains sufficiently apart to pass between them
In plain English? A one-molecule-thick layer of fatty alcohol sits on the surface of the water, inhibiting the waters ability to evaporate normally. Preventing evaporation prevents heat loss, and voilà! Your pool stays warmer than if you had no solar cover at all.
Liquid solar cover ranges in price from about $10 to about $30 or more, depending on brand and whether you buy a single container or a pack of multiple containers.
How Does A Solar Cover Go On
Manual roller or reel: This is the most popular method of removing and putting on the cover. The solar cover is attached to the roller so that when it is would up the cover rolls up around it until off of the pool completely. Most rollers have wheels at one end so that you can wheel it out of the way when swimming if required.
Electric roller: These are similar to the manual roller but are operated electronically at the press of a button.
Manually: In theory it would be possible to pull a solar cover on and off and fold or roll it up manually when not being used. But that would be very difficult and impractical, particularly if it is a big pool. Doing it this way you are much more likely to tear it or damage it in some way so it wouldnt last very long. It would also be such a pain to put on and take off that you probably wouldnt bother with it at all after a while.
One of the best solar cover reels is the VINGLI Pool Cover Reel Set which comes with all fittings to attach to a solar blanket and is easy to assemble. It fits all pool shapes/covers.
Blue Solar Pool Covers
Blue solar pool covers collect heat into the tiny bubbles, then send it into the water. They hold UV rays more effectively then clear covers because the blue color absorbs more light than the colorless covers .
Blue solar pool covers absorb light and heat and help insulate your pool.
Both types of solar pool covers can help trap heat, but its clear that blue ones are more efficient at both conveying the heat to the water and blocking heat from escaping.
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How To Use Liquid Solar Cover
In addition to bottles, you can also find liquid solar cover in special dispersal packets, sometimes shaped like a cute little fish. Usually, youll just make a small cut in the dispersal packet, and set it free in the pool. Follow the instructions to be sure you add enough packets for your pool.
For bottled liquid solar cover, simply measure out the appropriate amount according to the volume of your pool, and pour it in. Thats it. Really.
We like to add enough liquid solar cover to last for a month, but always follow the manufacturers instructions for optimal performance. If you have a lot of splashout, heavy rain, or extremely dry conditions you may need to add liquid solar cover more often.
Tip: You can run your pump as usual with liquid solar cover in the pool.
+use An Automatic Timer
Ever wondered what happens on the days you leave the cover on but forgot to run the rest of the pool system? In short, heat loss. Thats what happens, and lots of it.
Of course, with an automatic timer, you never have to worry about any of that. With just a few adjustments, an automatic timer can be set activate on a set schedule, powering up your heater and pump even when youre away.
You know what increases evaporation? An increase in surface area.
And theres only one thing that can increase your pools surface area: movement.
But even if there are no swimmers in the pool, and the cover is applied, theres still one factor to account for. And that factor is good ole mother nature.
Specifically, the wind.
As the wind blows across the surface of your pool water, it creates small waves and ripples. Although appearing small, these waves greatly increase your waters surface area.
So the best way to combat the wind is to simply block it. Most pool owners make use of pool enclosures to accomplish this. Of course, anything that can reliably shield your pool from the elements is a step in the right direction.
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Sunheater Shs32 32 Oz Non
The item is a solar shield for helping your swimming pool retain heat and conserve energy. Although it cannot act as a safety cover, this heat shield forms invisible and ultrathin barriers on the pool water, reducing evaporation which causes loss of heat in the water.
Great for winter, the cover is non-toxic, free from odor, and completely safe for pool equipment and swimmers. Its probably the best solar blanket for pool bubbles up or down.
What Does A Solar Pool Cover Do Exactly
A solar cover raises the temperature of your pools water. This provides a two-fold, main benefit: Not only does a solar pool cover absorb the suns rays as a heat blanket, but it also warms the water via small air gaps.
The result is pool water that has a consistent temperaturea temperature which wont fluctuate much, overnight.
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What Size Solar Cover Do I Need
You want to get a solar blanket that covers the entire pool so theres no room for heat to escape. To figure out the right size, measure your swimming pool from the longest and widest points. If you look at your pool like a clock face, generally youll measure from 12 to 6 and 9 to 3. When in doubt, bigger is better. Solar covers can generally be cut to fit.
How Do Solar Covers Work
One of the most valuable qualities of a solar pool cover is that it reduces evaporation, which in turn saves on energy and water costs and consumption.
Water evaporates because of the elements. Evaporation is affected by climate, temperature and wind, and a solar cover provides a barrier of protection from those elements.
Scientifically, heres the scoop: A pool naturally collects heat throughout the day, but is usually not enough to keep it heated consistently at various times of the day or year.
It traps the heat in and protects the water from the elements. It also prevents heat loss caused by evaporation.
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How Do You Install A Solar Pool Cover
Installing a new solar pool cover is not incredibly difficult, but there are a couple of steps you want to make sure you dont miss. First, simply remove the cover from the box it came in and lay it next to your swimming pool. Carefully unfold it, as to not create any rips or tears, and then gently spread it over your pools surface with the bubble side down . Our team suggests leaving it out in the sun for a couple of hours if possible to give the cover time to decompress.
If you have a solar reel, this can usually be done with one person, otherwise, we suggest having a family member or friend help with this process. The next step is to cut the solar pool cover to fit your pool size & shape if needed, you want it to be a fairly tight fit, with a tiny bit of excess so no coverage gaps exist that would allow heat to escape. Check out our Full Guide on How To Install Solar Pool Covers for more details.
Benefit One: Easier Pool Cleaning
Solar covers act as a barrier between your pool and the outside elements. As such, they protect your crystal-clear waters from dirt, leaves and debris around the deck. Theyll directly lessen the number of cleaning sessions youll need to makeas they prevent debris contamination before it becomes an issue.
If you clean your pool manually, this is a great thing. Why spend extra time scooping out twigs and grass when you can shield your pool from unwanted materials in the first place? If you use a robotic pool cleaner: Why not save a little more money by reducing its runtime?
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Are There Alternatives To A Solar Cover
If wrangling a plastic cover doesnt sound like a great idea, you may want to consider two possible options: heaters or liquid solar covers
A heater is a more expensive option, but it is the most reliable, effective and flexible, and it works for inground pools as well as above-ground pools.
According to MyPoolGuru.com, “Heat-pumps work on the same principles as a refrigerator heat is taken from one place and pumped elsewhere. A refrigerator takes heat from inside itself and radiates it to the atmosphere. A pool heat-pump takes ambient heat from the outside air and transfers it to your pool-water via a heat exchanger.” Just be prepared to spend a lot more than it would cost for a pool cover.
A liquid solar cover, according to Swimuniversity.com, “A liquid solar cover is a microscopically thin layer of alcohol that sits on top of the water of your pool. This layer reduces water evaporation which is a major cause of water heat loss.” Most liquid solar cover products need to be added to your pool on a regular monthly schedule in order to be effective. A liquid solar cover or a plastic solar cover can also work well in conjunction with a heater to help save you money.
To sum it up, there are different options to keep your pool that perfect temperature. It is really up to the pool owner to decide for themselves. We strive to provide informative content to help our customer’s make the best decisions when it comes to their pool. We hope you enjoy the rest of summer!
What To Look For In A Solar Pool Cover
Size, thickness and color are likely the most significant factors in choosing a solar pool cover you should also take into account cost and environmental conditions.
Pool covers need to cover the pool from edge to edge. Large, high quality solar pool covers close to 800 square feet will cost around $300, whereas a smaller cover closer to 100 square feet will be closer to $100 or lower budget brands like Intex will have cheaper options available for many sizes. If your pool cover is slightly larger than your pool, you can cut it to size.
Thick pool covers are better, sometimes. A thicker cover will have better insulation but will also cost more, said Gilda Dobrica, founder of ProSwim NYC and creator of the Teach-Your-Child-To-Swim e-course they would be most useful in colder, windier climates. Thin pool covers around 8 to 10 millimeters can save you about $100, broadly speaking, and may be sufficient in warmer climates. Solar pool covers with thickness between 10 to 12 millimeters fall in the medium range.
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Why And When To Use A Solar Cover On Your Swimming Pool
Do I really need a pool cover for my pool!? Are pool covers expensive? How do they work??
If youve ever had any of these questions, then youre in the right place! Well be covering everything you need to know about solar covers and how they can positively affect your pools health. Solar covers are used in your swimming pool to retain heat and conserve your pool water. Most solar covers have bubbles on them to help absorb the suns heat and send it back into the water. There are many other types of pool covers including thermal covers and automated covers but solar covers are the most common if youve living in Florida . If you own a swimming pool then youll want to consider investing in a solar cover.
Cons Of Using A Liquid Solar Cover
There are some things you should keep in mind before using a liquid cover, however:
- Less effective. Liquid pool covers are shown to be about 75% less effective than regular bubble solar covers.
- Affected by weather. If you live in windy areas, this probably isnt the solution for you. The liquid pool cover works because its molecules disperse and then come back together to form one cohesive invisible layer. So, if you live in areas of high winds or heavy rainfall, the cover will be constantly moved around and become less effective.
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How To Use Liquid Pool Cover
- Purchase the right amount of liquid pool cover for a swimming season. The “right amount” will depend on the size of your pool.
- With circulation running, add liquid pool cover product to the skimmer . If you want, you can also pour the right amount of liquid pool cover directly into the pool. You may have to manually circulate the water so that the liquid cover properly covers the surface
- Create a schedule to add more liquid pool cover, at least one time a month. Keep and sticking to a schedule will make sure that the liquid pool cover is effective.
- If desired, use a physical solar blanket and liquid solar blanket at the same time for double the protection
Now you’ve got the low-down on solar covers, get some helpful tips for maintaining your pool!
What Is The Best Color For A Solar Pool Cover
Solar pool covers are available in several thicknesses. Theyre measured in mil, which is the standard United States unit of measure for one-thousandth of an inch.
- Blue solar covers can measure 4 mil and 8 mil .
- Clear solar covers can measure 12 mil and 16 mil .
Clear solar covers heat the pool better than blue solar covers because they allow more of the suns heat to penetrate more efficiently. Dark blue solar covers are great for heat retention. And even a lightweight cover can last if you take care of it properly.
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What Are The Benefits Of Using A Solar Cover For My Swimming Pool
There are lots of benefits of using a solar cover! Lets look at a few of the biggest ones.
- Its a cost-effective way to heat your pool and retain the heat longer. Youre not paying for any additional utility expenses.
- Its environmentally friendly. The sun is a powerful renewable resource!
- Keeps bugs and debris out. In addition to heating your pool, itll also help keep unwanted pests and debris out when the pool isnt in use.
- Fewer chemicals. Because its keeping dirt and debris out of your pool, youll need less chemicals and cleaning to keep the water sanitary and balanced. Thatll save you money and time!
- Reduces water evaporation. The cover helps keep water from escaping your pool, so youll have to do less filling throughout the summer and use less water overall.
When Do I Use My Solar Blanket
You can leave your pool cover on any time youre not swimming. In fact, its recommended.
During daylight hours, the more you keep the pool cover on, the more efficiently it will heat your pool.
After the sun goes down, the cover will keep in the heat it absorbed during the day and also help keep out debris and bacteria.
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Is A Solar Pool Cover Worth It
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. So, is all this hustle worth it? If you love swimming in warm water but cant afford a heated pool then having a solar blanket is a worthy investment of time, money, and effort.
How Do I Remove My Solar Cover
Ideally, if you have a solar blanket, you will have a reel to keep it wrapped up nicely when not in use however, not everyone wants to spend the extra money. I get it!
If you dont have a reel, its best to have someone help you.
You will each stand on opposite sides of the cover and fold it over in sections like an accordion until it can be stacked at the other end of the pool.
With one person, its a little trickier, but it is possible.
You can do the same thing from the outside of the pool, but with one person, it might start to pull to your side and you will have to go back and forth across the pool to straighten it out.
If possible, for a one-person removal, get into the pool and fold from the center end of the cover.
Thicker covers are much harder to fold and may have to be pulled straight off, which is also easier with two people.
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How To Use A Solar Pool Cover
The first time you unpack it, a solar blanket may be a little unwieldy, but its easily fixed. First, unfold it next to the pool. Spread it out bubble-side down on top of the pool water. The bubbles keep your cover afloat while, depending on the color and type of cover, acting as little magnifying glasses to heat up your pool.
Straight out of the box, the solar blanket will probably hang out over the sides of your pool, especially if you have a uniquely shaped pool. Use multi-purpose scissors to trim the excess so the blanket fits inside the pool.
Tip: Leave a flap 2 to 3 inches long where your skimmer is so you can tuck it under the edge of the skimmer. This allows you to push debris into the skimmer before removing the blanket.
Ideally, youll put your solar blanket on whenever the pool is not in use. Daytime is the best time for it to heat up your water, of course, since it relies on the sun. However, keeping it on through the night prevents water and heat loss via evaporation.
Tip: Running your pump while your solar blanket is on is completely safe.
If youre in and out of the pool throughout the day, just be sure to put it back on when youve finished using the pool for the day. Obviously, youre not going to want to swim with a solar blanket on the pool, so before you get in, youll need to remove it.
