The fundamental purpose of a solar pool cover is to maintain a warmer pool water temperature with no use of electrical energy. So, in addition to having cheap electricity in Houston, this type of solution will help you avoid an increase in your power bill. It is typically constructed out of resin or polymer layers and has bubbles to hold the sun’s heat. You can customize the solar cover as per your pool’s size and shape. They raise the temperature as much as 15 degrees by trapping the heat from the sun. In a nutshell, they are economical, eco-friendly & durable.
Before you embark on your search for the right solar pool cover, below are some crucial things you must keep in mind.
So, Let’s Scroll Down and Find Out:-
The Different Types of Solar Pool Covers
The Solar Pool Covers Are Broadly Divided Into Three Popular Types:-
The Solar Blanket
The most popular category of solar pool covers is solar blankets. They are typically crafted from robust-quality polymer materials and act as barriers to the outside elements such as dust, debris, and other contaminants. They are quite flexible and easy to handle and preferred for both inground and above ground pools.
The Solar Sun Rings
It is a more passive type of solar pool cover. A solar sun ring cover is crafted out from two UV-resistant vinyl sheets, and the material covers your entire pool with double insulation.
The clear and upper layer of a solar sun ring holds the insulating air and directs sunlight to the lower layer.
The lower layer of the solar sun ring cover is typically blue, and absorbs a good portion of sunlight, and harnesses sun’s heat to produce heat.
Liquid Solar Blankets
The third category of solar pool covers is liquid solar blankets. These are invisible, ultra-thin solar pool blankets with an upper layer of alcohol. The alcohol layer floats on the top of the swimming pool water, and it blocks heat loss & evaporation.
Compared to the other two types, this category of solar pool covers is pocket-friendly and less hassle-free to install.
It may not be as effective as the solar sun ring and the solar blanket.
The Different Types of Colors for Solar Pool Covers
The solar pool covers are available in mainly three color choices. The first being the translucent clear, the second is light blue, and finally dark blue.
Translucent Clear Solar Pool Covers: They let more light energy penetrate the water. Due to the ease of passage, they absorb less heat and don’t retain well, but their water becomes warmer than the colored solar covers.
Since the sun’s UV rays directly meet the water, the level of chlorine dips rapidly, hence increasing your overall chemical costs.
Light Blue Solar Pool Covers: They are more efficient at trapping the sun’s light and converting it into heat. Blue color blocks the UV rays, thereby helping in conserving the chemicals more effectively.
However, blue color solar covers also block a good amount of heat, nearly twice compared to the transparent covers, as per the US Dept of Energy.
Dark Blue Solar Pool Covers: They do the best job in retaining heat in a pool. Although it has higher convection and absorption, the net heat gain throughout the days is much less than the clear solar blankets.
Thus, in a nutshell, a clear solar cover is preferred for extensive heat gain, and a dark blue solar cover is regarded as the best for heat retention.
And, finally, the light blue solar covers do the balancing act between absorption and retention. Thus, the most popular option nowadays.
Solar Pool Cover Thickness
The solar covers are available in three thickness options; one is 8 mil, the second is 12 mil, and finally, 16 mils. Now, when it comes to performance, a thinner blanket will allow more heat to pass through the water, and a thicker one will absorb more heat.
The thicker solar covers are way more durable against the sun’s UV rays to keep the chemical levels and fewer chances of wear and tear.
However, a 16 mil solar blanket will be tough to move to and fro; the solar reels would be a great addition to cover and uncover the pool easily, just like the motorized pool cover. Homeowners mostly prefer 12 mil cover thickness.
Conclusion
In the end, carefully look into the above factors to select the right solar pool cover that fits your budget and purpose of installation.
