【How-to】Is a solar pool cover just bubble wrap

Can bubble wrap be used as a solar pool cover?

Yes but the life span of bubble wrap is short lived because of deterioration cause by the sun and pool chemicals. A commercial pool blanket cover is basically industrial strength bubble wrap. It will not only heat the pool from the suns rays but will also serve as an insulator at night.

Is bubble wrap the same as a solar cover?

While it may look a lot like bubble paper, the product used to cover a swimming pool and potentially heat the water is actually a solar pool cover. When the “bubble paper” pool cover absorbs the suns rays it gradually heats the water in the pool while the cool pool water keeps the solar cover cool.

What are solar pool covers made of?

Solar pool covers are usually made of vinyl, polyethylene, or polypropylene. Vinyl is durable and resistant to tears and sun damage. Vinyl covers are a good option for pool users who want to be able to remove a cover quickly without having to be too careful to not tear it.

Does Bubble Wrap heat pool?

Pool covers are often referred to as bubble covers. … Research on pool covers soon discovered that not only did they keep the heat in the pool by stopping evaporation but by a “greenhouse” effect they could also heat the surface of the water. This lead to the covers being refered to as Solar Covers.

What can I use instead of a pool cover?

An obvious solution is to cover the pool when it’s not in use to keep out foreign material, but custom-made swimming pool covers can be quite expensive. An alternative option, much less expensive, is to use a large plastic or vinyl tarp, secured at the corners with tent stakes and bungee cords.

What is the best color for a solar pool cover?

Dark Blue

Dark Blue solar covers do the best job at keeping the heat in a pool, and although heat absorption and convection is higher with a darker colored solar blanket, the net heat gain during the day is less than with clear blankets.

How much is pool solar cover?

How much do solar pool covers cost? The price range of most solar covers is $75–$225. As you can imagine, this price varies based on the quality of the cover and the size of the pool. The main expense when buying a solar cover though is the reel, which in most cases will be in the $200–$500 range.

Does a pool warm up faster with the cover on or off?

Air bubbles in the pool cover act as an insulator in a similar way that your thermos would keep water warm. A pool cover will, therefore, keep your pool water warmer for longer.

What is the difference between a pool cover and a solar pool cover?

Using a cover can help keep your pool clean, keep out unwanted visitors (frogs, mice, etc.) … These covers also help you save money by preventing pool water evaporation. Solar covers float on top of the water’s surface and can also aid in keeping light debris out of your pool.

How can I cover my pool cheaply?

The cheapest way to cover an inground pool is still with a tarp and something like water bags to keep it in place. Most people use water bags, I would highly recommend keeping enough cinder blocks around for the job. Otherwise you will end up with the job of dealing with a slimy box of water bags in the fall.

Do solar covers cause algae?

Simply fitting a solar pool cover will not make the pool go green. However, because solar covers will warm the water, they can accelerate algae growth. You need to change the pool conditions to prevent algae growth.

How long does a solar cover last?

Over time, your solar cover will slowly deteriorate. You will need to replace your solar cover when it begins to flake and when bubbles begin to fall off of it. Most solar covers last for up to three years, though many people replace them more frequently.

How long can you leave solar cover on pool?

Also, most solar blankets have a useful life of two to seven years. Another benefit of a solar blanket is that it saves chemicals. When water evaporates, you need to add fresh untreated water to keep the level at the middle of the tile line.

Should I take my solar cover off during the day?

For this reason solar covers (unlike solar rings) will actually block sunlight and keep heat out of the pool during the day – not magnifying the sun like many people will assume. So for these reasons a solar cover should be put on in the evening and removed in the morning, for maximum benefit.

When should I put my solar cover on my pool?

Basically, the best time to use a solar pool cover is anytime you’re not swimming. This will help maintain your water level and keep your pool water to a nice heated swimming temperature. Especially during the nighttime when temperatures are most likely to drop.

Is a pool solar cover worth it?

Conclusion: Solar Covers do really work! Both to retain heat and reduce humidity, and when used on outdoor pools, they also add heat to the pool (Liquid Solar does not add heat). … There’s no apparent shortcut, the larger, bulkier solar pool covers just do a better job! Even if they are a pain in the neck.

Will a black tarp heat a pool?

When used the right way, a black tarp can help with pool heating. For example, when using the black hose trick, you can lay your black hoses on a black tarp. This can help generate more heat. Tarpaulin are used in many ways to protect persons and things from wind, rain, and sunlight.

How can I heat my pool for free?

How to heat a swimming pool for free?

Using a black hose to keep your pool warm. …
Solar Cover. …
Heating your pool with solar panels. …
The benefits of solar panels as pool water heaters. …
Using dome – shaped connectors to heat your pool. …
Solar ring heaters for pools. …
Heat pool water with a floating blanket.

Should you cover pool every night?

You should cover your pool every night for several reasons. First off, a pool cover saves energy and conserves water by decreasing the amount of make-up water. Also, it reduces the consumption of chemicals, and finally, it saves a lot of cleaning time since it keeps the debris out of the pool.

Can I make my own solar pool cover?

What is the black hose trick?

Use the Black Hose Trick

This black hose trick uses solar energy in a simple but clever way to heat the pool. Purchase a black garden hose. … Then run the hose to a spot that gets direct sunlight, and wrap the house in coil formation in the direct sunlight. Run the remaining hose into the pool.