3 INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO EXTEND YOUR POOL SEASON
We've talked before about the top 2 best ways guaranteed to extend your pool season with a gas heater or a heat pump, read about it here. But if your not ready to shell out that kind of cash there are other ways that you can extend your pool season. The best part is you don't have to break the bank.
1/ Solar Covers
Solar covers a.k.a solar blankets are an excellent option for pool owners because there is no additional cost after purchase. Without any type of pool cover, your swimming pool loses most of its heat throughout the course of the day and night. But did you know that a solar cover can reduce your pool's heat loss by 75%?! Here's how they work. Resembling bubblewrap, but typically made from polymer or resin, they are constructed with air pockets. The air pockets act as an insulating layer which prevents heat loss, reduces evaporation, all while absorbing heat from sunlight and transferring that heat to your pool water.
Advantages of Solar Covers
Increases the water temperature up to 15 degrees
Save on water & chemical costs by reducing evaporation
Can be trimmed to fit water surface near perfect on most pools
Disadvantages of Solar Covers
On cloudy days, without sunlight, it will not warm the water
Can be a hassle to put on and take off the pool
If your pool has an odd shape, you may need to have one custom made
Many people have found that a solar reel makes owning a solar cover much more convenient, and allows it to be an easy one-person job.
2/ Solar Rings
If a solar cover sounds like more than you want to deal with, solar rings are a great alternative. Solar rings work pretty much the same way as solar covers, but on a much smaller scale. They are usually about 60 inches in diameter, inflatable, and have magnets that help weigh them down and connect.
Advantages of Solar Rings
Portable design makes them easy to use, clean, and store
Increase water temperature
Save on water & chemical costs by reducing evaporation
Disadvantages of Solar Rings
On cloudy days, without sunlight, it will not warm the water
Depending on how many rings you need, it can get expensive if you have a large pool
Less efficient than a solar cover
3/ Liquid Solar Blanket
A liquid solar blanket is just what it sounds like. It's a chemical additive that when added to your pool, it creates an invisible layer on the surface of the water and retains the heat it absorbs from the sun. It's made to be dispersed in the water a little at a time and designed to heat the water about 6 degrees and prevent evaporation.
Advantages of Liquid Solar Blanket
Most convenient of the three solar options
Helps prevent heat loss
Save on water & chemical costs by reducing evaporation
Disadvantages of Liquid Solar Blanket
Least effective of the three at increasing water temperature
Least effective of the three at preventing heat loss
On cloudy days, without sunlight, it will not warm the water
When it comes to extending your swim season, there are options for every budget. Solar covers, solar rings, and liquid solar blankets are great options to help you extend your swim season. Not only that but all three options will help with evaporation and will help to reduce chemical costs.
/ HAPPY SWIMMING /