Solar Covers .. 12mil vs 16 mill & Blue vs Clear

[richmgreen]

Does anyone know if there really is a major difference in heating and heat retention performance between a 12 mil cover vs 16 mil cover and Blue vs Clear? I've been using the 12 mil blue and debating going to 16 mil for better heat retention? But not sure if it really makes a difference ..... or just a marketing thing. LOL I understand that the 16mil might be heavier and last longer, but it seems no matter what I use, I only get a few years out of it.

Thanks
Rich

 

[ajw22]

Does not make a difference.

Heat retention is due to the cover preventing evaporation and not due to its insulation thickness.

Cover disintegration is caused by the suns UV and thickness will not change its life by much.

Marketing needs to give you reasons to spend more on thicker covers.

 

[Griswald]

Buy the cheapest one you can...they all fail. Chlorine and UV are tough to live in.

 

[Newdude]

understand that the 16mil might be heavier and last longer,

While it may be stronger against rips, it's also more likely you'll snag it to because it's heavier / more akward to wrestle.

The bubbles are the same flimsy thickness on all the covers, and the usual fail point, providing you dont snag it first.

I had 'clear' and the opaque white it really was, was hideous and called attention to it out the corner of my eye. With blue, at least my brain would be fooled it was pretty pool water if I don't stare right at it, like when I was mowing the lawn back there.