How Solar Pool Covers Work

 

The main objective for pool owners is to have pool covers that will retain heat of their pool water. Essentially, this cover will act floating on the surface like a blanket keeping the warmth in. As had been found, 90% of the heat loss from a swimming pool is by evaporation from the water surface.

 

These summer pool covers are made from high quality plastic with “bubbles” on the underside. They are often referred to as bubble covers and are expected to keep water evaporation at bay.

 

The covers

 

These swimming pool covers not only keep the pool water warm, they can also heat up the water. There are now a new generation of solar pool covers Melbourne that lets the sun’s rays through to warm the water.

 

The new addition is that they have a silver coated underside to the cover that reflects back the heat into the swimming pool. (There are also pool covers with gold undersides.) On a warm sunny day, a solar cover can heat the top four inches of water by up to 10 degrees Centigrade.

 

Thickness

 

Solar swimming pool covers are classified by the thickness of the plastic they are made from. The thickness is measured in microns. The bigger the micron count the longer the cover will last.

 

Cheap covers are 200 microns but they will only last a year or two. There are now covers that are 400, 500 and 600 microns thick and are guaranteed for 4 and 6 years and you can expect them to last 6 to 8 years more if correctly cared for.

 

In-ground pools

 

If you have an in-ground swimming pool, then you will need a roller to take the cover of. A useful addition is a floating leading edge to make it easy to pull the cover off the roller.

 

Whatever you choose to call these pool covers, they're a valuable accessory to your pool. Using a pool cover, you'll save water, reduce chemical consumption and make it easier to maintain your pool. Solar covers have the added benefits of heating your pool too.

 

Saving water

 

One of the single most effective things a pool owner can do to save water is to use a pool cover. The use of an approved pool cover is a requirement in many areas. If you’re not sure about your current water restrictions, you need to check with your local council before refilling a renovated pool.

 

You may also need to supply a certificate of compliance for your pool cover. If you have already purchased an ABGAL (a brand of) solar cover, but do not have a copy of the relevant certificate, you can ask for a copy at your place of purchase.

 

Some upkeep tips

 

A new solar cover requires very little maintenance – however, there are a few important things to remember. Always keep the solar cover covered when it is rolled or folded up on itself. Without the over-cover, the blanket can overheat very quickly, resulting in roller burn.

 

Keep chlorine levels in check. They should never exceed 3ppm or they can do damage and void warranties.