Solar Pool Covers

[Shirker]

We are starting our second summer with our in-ground 16x32 pool. We did not use a cover last year and I was a little disappointed in water temp. Mostly stayed in the high 70s.

1. Realistically, how much warmer could I expect the pool to be with one of those bubble wrap style covers?
2. Holy Crud, they are expensive! Someone has to be making a killing making those things.
3. Instead of getting one cover to fit the whole pool, I was thinking about getting two 15 foot round covers. Thought this might be easier to put on/take off? They don't need to fit perfectly to work, right?

I appreciate any comments, thoughts, ideas!

 

[mknauss]

The cover reduces the evaporative cooling that occurs overnight. In Georgia, with humidity, you do not get as much of that as I do, but it is still there. So I would think it would help retain the heat.
Get a single full cover that will fit your pool (is it a rectangle?) or one over size some and then cut to fit. Cut the cover into two or three pieces to make it easier to remove. When you take it out of the pool, you need to keep it out of the sun or it will degrade quickly.
Prices have increased some. No need to get a thick cover. They all work the same.

 

[cowboycasey]

I have a 16 x 32 but I bought a roller and made a stand and it has worked perfect for 6 years now... I get the heavier ones and cover them when they are not on the pool.. that makes them last longer because they do not overheat themselves and fall apart, my first one did and this one has lasted 3 years now..

2016-06-05 08.53.13.jpg

• cowboycasey
• Sep 12, 2020

2016-06-05 08.47.07.jpg

• cowboycasey
• Sep 12, 2020

PXL_20200913_164252707.jpg

• cowboycasey
• Sep 13, 2020

PXL_20200913_164229590.jpg

• cowboycasey
• Sep 13, 2020

this one goes directly on our pool

Amazon.com : VINGLI Pool Cover Reel Above Ground Swimming Pool Cover Reel 16 FT Without Decking Solar Blanket Roller Systems with Tube Set for Various Shape Pool : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : VINGLI Pool Cover Reel Above Ground Swimming Pool Cover Reel 16 FT Without Decking Solar Blanket Roller Systems with Tube Set for Various Shape Pool : Patio, Lawn & Garden

smile.amazon.com

They have raised the price about 20 dollars but not bad

https://smile.amazon.com/18-Foot-36-Foot-Rectangle-Above-Ground-Rectangular/dp/B01FK2IXM4

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Check prices at www.poolsupplies.com. I saved about $50 on my cover. No CA state sales tax charged (I'll claim it on my taxes of course). I got the Sun2Solar 1200 Series. As Marty described, my cover is cut lengthwise into two main pieces.

 

[Newdude]

$127 @ intheswim

12 Mil Blue Solar Blanket 16 X 32 Ft Rectangle - Pool Solar Covers | In The Swim

Find discount prices on 16 X 32 Blue Solar Blankets and helpful on-site resources to help you buy the best Solar Cover for your inground pool.

intheswim.com

They may have been $100 previously but a $27 increase shouldn’t break the bank

 

[Apsuhead]

I ordered a 8-mil 20x40 solar cover from amazon yesterday and it arrived today. My new fiberglass pool is 16x38 so i’ll have to trim it this weekend.

Amazon.com : In The Swim 20 x 40 Foot Rectangle Basic Pool Solar Blanket Cover 8 Mil : Swimming Pool Solar Blankets : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : In The Swim 20 x 40 Foot Rectangle Basic Pool Solar Blanket Cover 8 Mil : Swimming Pool Solar Blankets : Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

 

[panic_button]

Error on the long side when trimming your cover. I trimmed my cover and left 6-8" length, while stored last summer, covered up and protected it shrank at least 12".

 

[Shirker]

Alright, I pulled the trigger on a cover. ~$120.00 after tax and shipping. I did not get a reel. I'm hoping I can store it in a large plastic trash can with some holes drilled in the bottom for drainage. How heavy are these things wet?

 

[Shirker]

@Apsuhead , love the dog!

 

[cowboycasey]

they are not light wet but as the water drains off them they do get lighter

 

[Apsuhead]

Just finished trimming mine, it was pretty easy. I didn’t get a roller either, I’m going to fold it up and put it under my equipment shed when we swim for now.

 

[panic_button]

$100-$150 roller on Amazon will make your like easier and make your cover last longer. It takes me 30 seconds to roll up a 36' cover. I can also spray off the cover to get rid of any dirt or leaves while rolling up the cover.

 

[Shirker]

$100-$150 roller on Amazon will make your like easier and make your cover last longer. It takes me 30 seconds to roll up a 36' cover. I can also spray off the cover to get rid of any dirt or leaves while rolling up the cover.

OK, so the cover is a bit more of a PIA to put on and take off than I was expecting. Roller is out for delivery today.

 

[Apsuhead]

The 2nd the PIA taking it off without a roller. I still haven’t ordered one though, I just make my kids help for now