Solar Swimming Pool Covers Are Green – Save Green – Solar Pool Cover Protects Your Good Times

Now that spring has sprung, and the weather is becoming warm and sunny once again, many homeowners who are fortunate enough to have pools are eager to get them prepared for use. If you have a pool, are you aware of solar swimming pool covers? Did you know that using these pool covers will enable you to use your pool both earlier and later in the swimming season? Not only is there that fun possibility, you can also take advantage of a very plentiful natural source of energy in sunlight to keep your pool warmer. You can also join the ranks of the those who are going green, and truly be more eco-friendly at the same you are being more economical! How amazing that all of this can come through the simple acquisition of a solar pool cover. Why not learn more about them and find the one which will be best for your pool? To help you out, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Why Should I Have a Pool Cover?

They are the best, most effective manner of lowering pool heating costs. Having a pool cover drastically shaves heating losses through evaporation, because the pool cover creates a barrier between air and water. So not only will this save heat loss and make your pool warmer, but will save water, as well. You will have a cleaner, warmer, more eco-friendly pool.

What Are Pool Covers Made Out Of?

They are constructed using a special UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl material designed in a way that makes them wear-resistant. Solar covers are designed somewhat similarly to plastic bubble wrap, resembling material used in packaging. The plastic is a thicker type of plastic with UV-resisting components in it.

Vinyl is a more heavy, durable material. Vinyl covers tend to last longer. Insulated vinyl covers come with a thin lining of insulation placed between two panels of vinyl.

How Do They Work?

There is an efficient network of plastic and air bubbles. These absorb heat from the sun and then transfer it through the bottom layer of the cover. The bottom layer also acts as a one way barrier; after it allows the heat from outside in, it keep the heat trapped inside. This first warms the water and then keeps it warm.

What Climate is Best to Use Them In?

Generally, they are most cost-efficient and useful in dry and windy conditions. These are conditions which lead to increased evaporation. Having a pool cover, especially a solar pool cover, will create a more humid environment over the pool’s water surface, decreasing evaporation and vapor losses. Of course, pools and more pool covers are more practical in sunnier, hotter places!

When is The Best Time of Year to Use Them?

They can be used at any time of the year, especially in places where it is warmer all year. In climate areas where there are hot summer, but cooler springs and autumns, they will lengthen the swimming season by weeks or maybe even by months.

Are They Really Cost-Efficient?

Most definitely! They will let you use your pool longer, which means you are getting more use of the money it cost to put it in in the first place. You will save on the cost of heating the water, as the cover will keep heat in and the water will be warmer. This will lessen the cost of electricity you might be using to run a pool heater, because the heater will have less work to do to warm the water. (hint – think about using solar heaters if you feel it is important to have a heater also!) You might not even need a heater.

And because you will lose less water to evaporation, you will not need to replenish the water in your pool as often, either.

Both of these will save you money, and make your solar cover cost-efficient.

You will also save money on cleaning chemicals, as your cover will keep out debris, and reduce the amount of cleaning that needs to be done.

Are They Difficult to Use?

Not at all. You can have reels that roll them up when you want to uncover the pool. Simply crank the handle and the cover rolls up, and then back out when you are not using the pool. There are also automatic covers, which will will roll up or out with the push of a button.

What About Maintaining The Cover?

You will need to keep them clean and algae-free, of course, and have a good place to store them, or some means of winter protection, when your pool is drained for the season.

Do They Cost a Lot?

No, they are very reasonably priced, though the prices vary depending on the size/shape of your pool, the thickness of cover you want, and the style of cover you want. It is possible to find some covers for smaller pools even under $100, or perhaps $50! For larger pools, the cost may run between $300 and $500. However, you will quickly recoup the cost of the pool cover through water and electricity savings, as well as reduced pool cleaning expenses.

For more information on Solar swimming pool covers and other solar products available for your home, garden, and other needs, please visit our website.

Kriss Bergethon is a solar expert and writer. For more of his useful articles on solar power, please visit Solar Power, supplier of solar power panels, solar power kits, and systems.