We will discuss their effectiveness in this blog to assist you in deciding whether to purchase a solar cover to heat your pool.
Swimming pools are covered with solar pool covers, also known as solar blankets, which use the sun’s heat to maintain a comfortable temperature. But how efficient are solar pool covers? The value of covering their pools to protect or retain heat is disputed by many pool owners.
Discover more about the effectiveness of pool solar covers by reading on.
Do Solar Covers Heat Pools?
How well-functioning are solar pool covers? They would have perished a long time ago if solar blankets weren’t effective. Solar blankets can reduce pool water evaporation and heat loss by as much as 95%, according to a 2016 Cal Poly study. Solar Pool Covers can also heat water to an average of at least 10 degrees.
The cost of energy can be reduced by up to 30% with pool covers, according to a 2014 study by a college. In contrast, a 2012 Michigan Energy Office study discovered that pool covers reduce energy costs by about 50%. The efficiency of a solar pool cover depends on how much of the pool it covers and how much direct sunlight the pool receives.
How Effective Are Solar Pool Covers?
So, how effective are solar pool covers? Yes. At least three studies have established scientifically that solar blankets contribute to pool warming. Additionally, they assist in lowering humidity, saving energy, and preserving pool heat at night.
But they are very cumbersome to handle and maintain. The inconvenience of handling them might therefore offset the benefits of energy savings.
Is a Solar Pool Cover Worth It?
Solar pool covers can be very demanding to use. Both spreading them over your swimming pool and removing them from the pool are laborious, awkward tasks that frequently require a second set of hands.
In addition, you should regularly clean the solar cover as part of your pool maintenance routine. This task may annoy you. Is all of this effort worthwhile, then? A solar blanket is a time, money, and effort-worthy investment if you enjoy swimming in warm water but cannot afford a heated pool.
What Are the Challenges of a Solar Cover?
For solar covers, pools with unique shapes present one of the biggest challenges. Size-wise, the solar cover must match the pool opening exactly. Getting your solar cover cut to the precise dimensions if it has curves and asymmetrical custom size is extremely difficult.
Additionally, you’ll need a method for taking off, storing, and reinstalling the cover whenever you want to swim. Many inground pool customers opt to use a reel to automatically remove and replace the cover. The reel is bulky and unattractive, but it does help you deal with the cover in less time. A reel system for your cover is probably not going to be a great fit if you are investing in an outdoor living plan with landscaping.
Are There Alternatives to a Solar Cover?
If wrangling a plastic cover doesn’t sound like a great idea, you may want to consider two possible options: heaters or liquid solar covers.
Solar Pool Heaters
Although a heater is more expensive, it is the most dependable, efficient, and adaptable option and it can be used for both above-ground and in-ground pools. A heat pump that runs on gas or electricity is an option.
Further Reading:
- How Does a Solar Pool Heater Work?
- How Many Solar Panels to Heat a Pool?
- How Much Does a Solar Pool Heater Cost?
- How Much to Install a Solar Pool Heater?
- How to Install a Solar Heater for the Above-ground Pool?
- How to Install Solar Pool Heater?
- How Warm Can a Solar-heated Pool Get?
- Is Solar Pool Heating Worth It?
- Best Solar Heaters For Above-ground Pool 2023
Liquid Solar Cover
The alcohol layer of a liquid solar cover, which is placed on top of your pool’s water, is extremely thin. As we mentioned above, the alcohol stops evaporation, which aids in maintaining the water’s warmth. The majority of liquid solar cover products require regular monthly additions to your pool in order to function properly. To save money, a heater can be used in conjunction with a liquid solar cover or a plastic solar cover.
In general, most customers opt not to use a plastic solar cover due to the difficulty of managing it as well as its aesthetics of it. However, some pool owners do find this to be effective. If a plastic solar cover doesn’t seem like a good option, you should definitely consider the alternatives outlined above.
Conclusion: Do Solar Covers Heat Pools?
Solar covers actually function! A solar cover is essentially a bubble wrap-like sheet of plastic that sits on top of your swimming pool. Evaporation contributes to about 75% of a pool’s heat loss. A solar cover aids in reducing evaporation, keeping the water in the pool, and halting heat loss.
When used on outdoor pools, they also add heat to the pool in addition to helping to retain heat and lower humidity. Within this product category, there appears to be some compromise between convenience and effectiveness.
FAQs
Will a Pool Heat Faster With the Solar Blanket On?
A solar cover won’t instantly or magically warm your swimming pool water, but can provide an incredible difference in temperature if you use it consistently. When your pool is not in use during daylight, a solar cover will help to retain heat and will use the warmth of your pool to continue to heat up the water.
How Long Will a Solar Cover Heat a Pool?
According to the experts, a fully covered pool will heat between 10-15 degrees in about 6 hours. There is conflicting information available. With three straight days of sun, according to some experts, you’ll experience 7–10 degrees. Read the full guide to the time a solar cover needs to heat a pool.
Does a Solar Cover Keep the Pool Warm at Night?
Yes. At least three studies have established scientifically that solar blankets contribute to pool warming. They also help to retain pool heat at night, help to reduce humidity, and help to save on energy costs.
