We have a 27 inch above ground pool and are looking to buy a solar cover for it. Anybody have any advice as to how well these work and which kind is best? Thanks!! 8)
We bought one years ago for our 24' pool. It was difficult to work with since we did not have decking around the entire pool. Based upon suggestions from others, we cut ours in 3 pieces which made it much easier to work with and less heavy to try and drag around. It did help with keeping the water a little warmer but once the cool September nights rolled in, it didn't keep the water warm enough we could still swim. We are looking at getting one of the solar water heater systems so we can enjoy our pool into October we hope.
solar reel I have seen how these work and I have to say, they can be difficult without help. You can look at videos of this "reel" on you tube to see that it makes it easier. I only see 28' though :? http://www.familypoolfun.com/above_ground_solar_blankets_and_reels I have found some very good deals at this website. I have to get a cover for my 28' pool to close it at the end of this season and I am going to get it from here.
I have a 24' round and I used a solar cover with a reel for a few years...what a PITA! I don't think it made much difference in the H20 temp and I spent all summer tripping over the @&%$ thing. The reel may work better with a rectangular inground or above ground with a deck but is definitely not worth the trouble with a round pool, even if the cover itself had worked worth a darn. In MHO, of course...
They work great, and I have never had a problem taking a 24 foot cover off and putting it back on alone, it's not a big deal, throw it one with the filter running and slowly walk around the pool opposite the current pulling it till the thing is flat.:jester: don't get a light or medium one though, go for the heavy duty. And if you fold it up and put it away you won't trip over it, LOL
the easier and cheaper way to do it is to leave the pool off during the day at the beginning and ending of the season so the sun can heat the water and run the pool in the evening to circulate the water as long as you have a chlorine floater in the pool - been doing that for several years and it works.
How well do the solar heating systems work? Saw one marked down to a great price and it says on the box it can raise the temp 10 degrees. Obviously that's only if there's alot of sun which would not be a problem. We like the water at about 82 degrees so it would help us when the temp goes down to the low 70's. Anyone have experience with this system?
Thanks everyone for your input! It sounds like some of you do leave your pump off for a portion of the day. My DH insists the pump needs to run 24/7 but I told him we should try experimenting with putting it on a timer. I was hoping that might cut down on our electricity bill. Any suggestions on that?
the pool does not need to run 24/7 - the only thing you are doing is shortening the life span of your pump. As for timers, there are all kinds from pretty cheap to expensive - i personally love a timer so i do not have to go out and turn it on or off - good luck.
one my friends painted the back half(got all the sun and was facing away from the house) of his pool flat black and that worked well for keeping the pool warmer.
