- The least expensive solar cover is the bubble cover, an oversize version of bubble-wrap packaging made of UV-stabilized polypropylene or polyethylene and resistant to tearing or deterioration. Basic sheet vinyl covers with no air cavities lack insulation value, but are heavier and more durable than bubble covers. Insulated covers have a buoyant layer of insulation sealed between two layers of vinyl. Opaque covers reduce solar heat absorption more than transparent versions.
- Take-up reels, whether portable or built-in, greatly simplify removal of the cover by winding it up or rolling it out like a garden hose. The other option is manually folding and unfolding the wet cover before and after every swim.
- Energy savings is maximized when a solar pool cover is removed just prior to use and replaced immediately after. Researching and using regional "best practices" and statistics optimizes your solar benefits.
- The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a pool cover for 1,000 square-foot pool, heated to 82 degrees F with natural gas (at 50 cents per therm) can save $1,800 to $2,400 in a single swim season. A good-quality pool cover with a reel for that size pool might cost $300 to $600, delivered.
- Reduced evaporation due to a solar pool cover conserves pool water and reduces chemical consumption. A solar cover also keeps wind-blown debris out of the pool. Some heavy-duty covers utilize built-in tracks on the sides of the pool. These units can often support the weight of a would-be drowning victim, improving overall pool safety.
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