Want to go for a swim, but the water is too cold? You may have looked for ways to increase your swimming pool’s temperature using different DIY hacks. Of course, we have all been there and done that; from using an air conditioner’s hot air to purchasing a heat pump, everything created a dent in your savings.
Luckily, we have brought you a sustainable solution known as ‘solar blankets’ that will significantly reduce your heating costs by more than half and prevent heat loss from occurring due to evaporation. Be it summer time or cold winters, your pool’s temperature will remain suitable for a lovely morning dip.
But let’s begin with what exactly is a solar blanket?
What is a Solar Blanket?
Solar blankets are more popularly known as ‘solar pool covers.’ They are thermal blankets that look similar to a giant piece of bubble wrap. It is one of the three types of solar pool covers used to regular your pool’s temperature. Unlike other heating methods, a solar blanket will not heat up your pool. Instead, it will only absorb the energy from the sunlight to regulate your pool’s temperature.
So unlike a regular pool cover, a solar blanket will not only keep debris and dust away from your pool but will also create a warming effect on your swimming pool.
So now that you know what a solar blanket, you might want to find out how to effectively use a solar blanket on your pool.
How to Effectively Use a Solar Blanket?
So what you need to look for when getting a solar blanket is that it should be similar to a bubble wrap and preferably be a light blue opaque cover. Solar blankets are made with bubble wrap material; hence, they have a similar appearance. If you have a transparent cover with a silver bottom, you can use it as a makeshift solar blanket.
Here are seven tips that you should follow when installing a solar blanket.
8 Tips on Installing a Solar Blanket
- You need to place the solar blanket bubble side down. This means that the bubble wrap will be submerged into water, helping the solar pool cover to float.
- If your solar blanket is larger than the size of the pool, in that case, we recommend that you trim it using scissors from the edges. But keep a margin of up to 15 centimeters. This is the first trim of your solar blanket.
- Curve the extra space on the edges of your pool wall. This would allow your pool to be covered adequately as the solar blanket shrinks over time and create a ‘bowl’ shape. By doing this, it will ensure any leaves or dust will not fall into your pool.
- Leave the solar blanket in direct sunlight for a few hours so that it can flatten out. Once it is ready, you’d need to smooth it out once more to get rid of any air pockets that may have formed.
- After 2-3 weeks, you need to give your solar blanket a final trim according to how to much it has shrunk.
- Since solar blankets cut your chemical usage to half the amount, you need to check your chlorinator devices and regulate their settings to down to a half. After doing this, you need to constantly check you’re levels of pool chemicals.
- When you’re not using the solar blanket, make sure it is spotless and dry to avoid a fungal surprise keep it away from direct sunlight.
- If you’re removing your solar blanket, don’t place it on the concrete ground because that damages the bubble surface.
Benefits of Using Solar Blankets
You may have searched online on solar covers and their prices, so it may appear confusing when you came across three different types of solar pool covers. Well, not to worry, solar blankets are perhaps the easiest among the three types of solar pool covers available on the market. Here are three significant benefits to convince you that a solar blanket is the best pick among conventional pool heating options.
Conserves Pool’s Heat and Reduces Water Evaporation
You may have noticed that heating up water takes time, and in the summer season, water evaporation occurs rapidly. But with the help of a solar blanket, you can rest assured that your pool’s natural heat will not be lost. In addition to this benefit, the solar blanket will also reduce water loss through evaporation by more than half.
It will ensure that your pool’s temperature is at least 5 degrees warmer. The water is conserved by 40%, which is a huge improvement than using a gas or electric heater.
Saves Your Energy and Reducing Heating Costs
Did you know that an average gas heater for a pool will consume 4 gallons of propane per hour or four therms of natural gas in 60 minutes? Sounds a lot, right?
Well, the good news is that a solar blanket does not use any of these resources. So if you are passionate about reducing your environmental footprint and dependency on non-renewable resources, then this type of solar pool cover is for you.
It can also reduce your heating costs by 70% now that is a steal!
Reduces Chemical Loss
A solar blanket will reduce water evaporation, but it prevents chemical loss, which is another way of saving some bucks!
Our Final Thoughts
A solar blanket gives you more value than a regular pool cover. Not only will it prevent algae spores and keep the debris out, but it is an effective cost-saving option to keep your pool’s natural heat conserved while still staying in the lane of sustainability.
So if you are looking at how to cut down your costs and take a step to consume green energy, investing in a solar blanket is the right option for you.
