Buying A Solar Cover

A Guide To Buying And Installing Solar Covers

The benefits of a solar cover are:

They raise pool water temperature. They reduce, in fact almost eliminate, heat loss from evaporation. They help to keep heat retained in the water. They help to keep dirt out of the pool and reduce contamination of the water.

To get the most of these benefits, it is important that a cover fits the pool well. They should be in flat contact with the water, to maximize the solar energy that is transferred through the translucent material into the water.

If any water is left exposed then the benefits are greatly reduced, allowing greater evaporation and less heat gain.

The critical starting point therefore is to have accurate pool dimensions. Measurements should be taken at the water level and between the pool walls. Covers can be made exactly to shape and size if they are for a regular shape such as a rectangle, round or roman end. For highly shaped pools however, this may not be possible. In this instance you need to order the cover to meet the widest width by the longest length, and then trim on site.

When you install your cover, it should be placed flat across the pool with the bubbles on the underneath. There will be packing creases in the material. These should be smoothed out as much as possible, but may take a couple of weeks to flatten out completely. Be careful when handling the cover on the pool surround, that you do not drag it and cause any damage to the bubbles.

If necessary the cover should now be trimmed with a pair of household scissors. If your pool is a complex shape then it is best to do this in two stages. Initially cut the cover about six inches larger all round, and then go round a second time fine trimming in. In installations where the cover is handled in conjunction with a reel system, then it may be best to cut the cover slightly narrower than the pool. This will prevent any friction and drag between the cover and the pool wall, allowing the it to glide easily over the water.

Now fit straps to connect the reel to the cover (if using a reel system). These are normally fitted every 12 to 18 inches apart, but always follow manufacturers instructions.

Your cover is now measured, installed and ready to do its job. In order to get the maximum length of life, it is important to follow these care and maintenance instructions.

The cover should never be dragged across a rough deck, coping or the sharp edge of a pool.

When the cover is not on the pool, it should be covered with the white protective sheet supplied.

The cover should be removed from the pool whilst chemicals are added, and not replaced until normal levels are reached. The level of chlorine should not rise above 3 parts per million whilst in contact with the cover. Damage caused by excessive chemical exposure is excluded from the warranty.

Keeping your cover clean will allow more of the sun's rays to pass through to heat your pool water at all depths.

To prolong the life of your cover, it should be removed from the pool during the winter months and replaced by a winter cover to keep your pool clean.

Clean the cover thoroughly and then dry it to prevent any mildew. Fold it on the seams and roll it from one end, and store in its bag in a clean dry place.