Buying And Installing Swimming Pool Solar Covers

The benefits of a solar cover are:

They raise pool water temperature. They reduce, in fact almost eliminate, heat loss from evaporation. They help to retain heat in the swimming pool. They help to keep dirt out of the pool and reduce contamination of the water.

To get the most of these benefits, it is important that a cover fits the pool well. To be most effective they need to lie flat on the water, without any exposed areas or curling up the wall. This will allow the greatest amount of solar energy to heat the water.

If there is any of the pool surface left exposed, then the benefits are greatly lost as there will be more evaporation and much less heat gain.

The critical starting point therefore is to have accurate pool dimensions. These should be taken at water level, measuring between the pool walls. Covers can be made exactly to shape and size if they are for a regular shape such as a rectangle, round or roman end. For highly shaped pools however, this may not be possible. In this instance you need to order the cover to meet the widest width by the longest length, and then trim on site.

When you install your cover, it should be placed flat across the pool with the bubbles on the underneath. Try to smooth out any wrinkles as you go, although due to the nature of the material, this may take a couple of weeks.Be careful when handling the cover on the pool surround, that you do not drag it and cause any damage to the bubbles.

If necessary the cover should now be trimmed with a pair of household scissors. If your pool is a complex shape then it is best to do this in two stages. Initially cut the cover about six inches larger all round, and then go round a second time fine trimming in. In installations where the cover is handled in conjunction with a reel system, then it may be best to cut the cover slightly narrower than the pool. This will prevent any friction and drag between the cover and the pool wall, allowing the it to glide easily over the water.

At this stage, if you are using a reel system, fit the straps that connect the reel to the cover. These are normally fitted every 12 to 18 inches apart, but always follow manufacturers instructions.

Your cover is now measured, installed and ready to do its job. To get the most from the life of your cover we recommend that you follow these points regarding on-going care and maintenance.

Never drag the cover across rough surfaces or the edge of the pool. Damage is highly likley to occur to the bubbles.

When the solar cover is not in use and on the reel, it should be covered with the white protective sheet provided.

Whilst the pool is being chemically treated, the cover should be removed from the pool, and not put back on until safe concentration levels are reached. The level of chlorine should not rise above 3 parts per million whilst in contact with the cover. Damage caused by excessive chemical exposure is excluded from the warranty.

Keeping your cover clean will allow more of the sun's rays to pass through to heat your pool water at all depths.

To prolong the life of your cover, it should be removed from the pool during the winter months and replaced by a winter cover to keep your pool clean.

Clean the cover thoroughly and then dry it to prevent any mildew. Fold it on the seams and roll it from one end, and store in its bag in a clean dry place.

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