Overall, it depends on how you plan to use your pool. If you plan to open and close your pool often and you want an easy and effective way to cover it quickly then a solar cover reel may be the right choice for you.
Solar cover reels are an efficient and convenient way to protect your pool from the elements and keep it clean by preventing debris and leaves from falling into the pool. They also help to extend your swimming season by trapping in the sun’s heat to keep the water temperature higher.
In addition, with a solar cover reel, you can easily add or remove your pool cover with just one person. This means you don’t have to lug a big, heavy pool cover around and risk getting injured. With solar cover reels, you can just roll up and down your new pool cover with the turn of a handle.
What is the purpose of a solar cover?
A solar cover, also known as a pool blanket, is used to keep a swimming pool warm and protect it from debris. It can also assist in reducing the amount of chemicals needed to keep the pool clean. Sun and UV rays are absorbed by the cover, reducing evaporation and heat loss to the atmosphere and raising the water temperature.
Solar covers provide insulation, absorb heat, and act as a barrier between the pool and the environment. They help to retain chlorine and other pool chemicals, saving owners money on chemical costs over time.
Additionally, the cover can trap dirt and debris before it reaches the pool, making it easier to maintain a clean pool. Solar covers can even help to reduce the amount of energy needed for pool heating, making them an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient choice for pool owners.
Can you use a solar cover reel on a round pool?
Yes, you can use a solar cover reel on a round pool. Solar cover reels are designed to fit a variety of shapes and sizes, including round pools. Most commonly, solar cover reels are mounted onto a deck or patio surrounding the pool.
The solar cover reel will unroll the solar cover across the surface of the pool when needed. When not in use, the reel will wind the cover up and secure it in order to minimize wear and tear and extend its lifetime.
Additionally, when the cover is in use it can easily be adjusted using the mast of the cover reel. This allows you to maximize the effectiveness of the cover by covering more of the pool.
How do you install a solar pool blanket?
Installing a solar pool blanket is a relatively easy project that can be done in a few steps.
First, you should measure the pool to determine the size of blanket you will need. There are lots of sizes available, so make sure you get one that perfectly matches your pool so that it will keep the heat from escaping and the water from evaporating.
Once you get the correct size of the blanket, you should unfold it and lay it on top of the surface of the pool water. Make sure that all four corners of the blanket are in properly placed, and there are no bubbles present in the blanket when laying it down.
Next, you should attach the solar blanket to the edges of the pool using the straps that come with the blanket kit, or any other acceptable strapping solution if straps are not included. Secure the straps in to place, ensuring the blanket feels tight and all four corners are tightly secured to the pool.
Next, you should cut the excess material of the blanket to make sure it fits your pool size properly. If the blanket is too long, use scissors or a box-cutter to trim off the excess material.
Finally, once your solar blanket is properly installed and secured to the pool, you can start heating your pool and take advantage of the free energy from the sun!
Do you need a roller for a solar blanket?
No, a roller is not necessary for a solar blanket. Solar blankets are made to be lightweight and easy to manage, so they are typically folded and stored directly on the pool deck while not in use. For those who want an extra layer of protection, however, adding a solar blanket roller is a convenient way to keep pools clean, organized, and protected.
Solar blanket rollers are made from a variety of materials and range in size and price. Depending on the size of your pool and the type of material used, solar blanket rollers can range from $50-$200.
Keep in mind that with the purchase of a roller you may also need to get the clip that connects your blanket to the roller.
How do I roll up my pool cover?
Rolling up your pool cover is an important step to maintain a healthy pool. Here are the basic steps to do so:
1. Remove any debris from the pool cover. Before rolling up your pool cover, you should check the cover for unwanted debris such as leaves and dirt. Use a brush or broom to sweep the debris off the cover.
2. Gather the pool cover from the sides and pull it away from the pool.
3. Continue to pull the pool cover together until it’s aligned in one large roll.
4. Using a pool cover roller, start at one side of the pool and back up to the other side. As you move the roller along, the cover should be pulled up tightly and rolled up evenly.
5. Secure the cover to the roller with straps. This will help keep the cover neatly rolled up.
6. Finally, move the roller to a storage area and lock the rollers’ wheel to prevent it from moving again.
Once you’ve successfully rolled up your pool cover, it’s important to remember to unroll the cover during the winter and spring months to keep your pool clean and free of debris.
Is a pool cover pump necessary?
A pool cover pump is not a necessary item when it comes to maintaining a pool, but it can be helpful in certain situations. A pool cover pump is designed to remove excess water from a pool cover, so it’s ideal for a situation where the pool has a cover that accumulates a lot of rain.
It can also be used to remove smaller debris from a pool cover. For example, if leaves and branches have accumulated on the pool cover, the pump can be used to suck them up and out of the pool, thus saving you time and energy when it comes to cleaning it up by hand.
Pool cover pumps can also be used to prevent the buildup of hazardous materials near the pool, such as oil and other substances that can ruin the water. While it’s not absolutely necessary to have a pool cover pump, it can certainly help make pool maintenance simpler and more efficient.
Should my pool cover be touching the water?
No, your pool cover should not be touching the water. This is because the weight of the water will cause the pool cover to sag, which will make it difficult for you to remove it once the water has evaporated.
Additionally, waterlogged covers can easily be infected with microorganisms, and the cover may become weak or prone to developing tears over time. It’s important to leave a few inches of air space between the cover and the water’s surface in order to prevent these types of problems.
How much water should be on top of a pool cover?
The amount of water allowed on top of a pool cover is generally determined by the weight rating of the cover. Most winter covers have a weight rating of 5-7 pounds per square foot, so if you are using this kind of cover, you should keep the water level below the cover at no more than 5-7 pounds per square foot.
The water should be distributed evenly over the entire cover, and it should never be allowed to exceed the maximum weight rating of the cover. If the water on the cover is above the weight rating, it can cause the cover to collapse and cause damage to the pool and its equipment.
Additionally, if the water is concentrated in one area, it can cause damage to the cover and also cause pooling of water, which can be a tripping hazard for any children or pets using the pool. It is also suggested to have any above ground pool cover have a slight slope over the cover to help water runoff to the downspouts.
Is it OK to leave a pool uncovered in winter?
It is generally not recommended to leave a pool uncovered in the winter. Depending on where you live and what type of pool you have, uncovered pools in winter can be prone to a variety of issues. For example, if you have an in-ground pool, uncovered pools can experience structural damage if the water level drops significantly, which can cause cracking in the pool’s walls or floor.
Leaving an uncovered pool over the winter can also be hazardous if you experience extensive snowfall or very cold temperatures. Pools that are covered can offer better protection from the elements and can help maintain an optimal temperature for your pool’s health.
When a pool is left uncovered, leaves, dirt, and other debris can fall into it and mix with the water, resulting in a dirty, murky mess. Finally, without a cover, an uncovered pool is much more likely to collect an unwanted layer of algae over the winter.
For all of these reasons, it is better to cover your pool before the winter months if possible.
Does solar cover have to sit on water?
No, solar cover does not have to sit on water. Solar covers are designed to float on the surface of the water and protect it from evaporation and debris. Solar cover also helps to maintain the water temperature by trapping heat from the sun.
While it is not necessary that a solar cover be sitting directly on the water, it is important to ensure that it is not floating off the pool as doing so may cause it to be damaged since it can become exposed to more forceful winds and details.
Who invented solar reels?
The invention of solar reels is credited to Kenneth Swaim, a NASA structural engineer and inventor. He developed the first iteration of the product—then called the Kool-Kap—in 1982 as a way to easily install, remove, and store above-ground swimming pool solar covers.
The purpose of the invention was to keep the pool cleaner and reduce energy loss due to evaporation, while also making the process of putting a cover on or taking it off the pool simpler.
The product and its design were filed for a US patent on April 23rd, 1984. The Kool-Kap was since renamed to “solar reels” and the patent is currently owned by Aquatic Technology Group, Inc. As the original inventor and holder of the patent, Kenneth Swaim is credited with creating the now popularized device.
