How to Install Solar Pool Covers

Solar pool covers use plastic bubbles to filter sunlight down into the water and warm it. That can save you a great deal of money on heating costs, as well as allowing you to enjoy nice, warm pool water without having to wait for the heat pump. Some solar pool covers utilize formal cranking mechanisms that allow your to unfurl it and reel it back in at a moment's notice. They're not required, however, and you can install a solar pool cover of your own with just a little bit of planning.

Step 1
Measure the size of your pool with a tape measure to determine what size pool cover you need. The cover needs to fit over the surface of the pool precisely, and in most cases must be cut to specification after you buy it. At this stage, you simply want accurate measurements for comparison purposes. If you have an abnormally shaped pool, don't panic. Simply measure it at its widest point and at its longest point; that's sufficient to determine the right size for your pool cover.
Step 2
Contact a pool supply store and see if you can purchase a solar pool cover that matches your specifications exactly. If you can't (and you often won't), then purchase one larger than what you require. You can then cut it to match your pool's size.
Step 3
Lay the pool cover flat across your pool--bubble-side down--taking care to smooth out any wrinkles or folds. Mark the location of the pool sides along the cover with a magic marker.
Step 4
Cut your pool cover to size with a pair of scissors, using the markings you have made as a guide. You want the cover to match your pool specifications exactly. A good rule of thumb is to make two series of cuts: the first one a "general" sizing, and the second a "trim" to make sure it all fits.
Step 5
Lay the re-cut pool cover across your pool. It won't sink, and the seal it makes with the water will help it to work its best.
Step 6
Stand on one end of the pool and pull a length of the cover measuring about 1 foot up onto the patio. Make a fold and pull another foot up, then fold it again and pull another foot up, and so on until the entire cover is up. This "accordion" folding takes up a minimum of space, and will allow you to quickly replace the cover across the pool when you're done swimming.

A Solar Pool Cover is the Way to Go

Why should you choose a swimming pool solar cover over the other types of ... Unlike other pool covers, the swimming pool solar cover simply ...

After all, covers help keep your swimming pool free of debris, trash, mildew, etc. It can help keep your pool safe for children who might be playing near it (kids do not always watch where they are going - you don't want anyone to fall in!) and can help reduce your maintenance and energy costs.
Without a cover, water will evaporate from your pool which can throw off the chlorine balance and reduce your pool's temperature by quite a lot! Now that you know how important it is to keep your pool covered - what kind of cover should you choose? There are many different kinds of pool covers available - you might even find that you want a solar cover!
Why should you choose a swimming pool solar cover over the other types of covers for swimming pools that are available? Why is a solar pool cover so special?
The main reason that swimming pool owners choose the solar pool cover over other types of pool covers is the amount of money it saves them in heating costs for their pool. The basic type of solar pool cover sits on top of the swimming pool and simply keeps the water from evaporating and keeps the heat of the pool contained. With the cover in place, the heat cannot dissipate into the cooler air surrounding the pool because the solar pool cover is too thick.
There is also a second type of swimming pool solar cover that has bubbles in it (some people say that it reminds them of a big sheet of bubble wrap). The bubbles absorb heat from sunlight and then transfer that heat into the pool's water. This can raise the temperature of the swimming pool by as much as fifteen degrees!
The solar pool cover, however, is a little bit harder to store and deal with than other types of swimming pool covers. Unlike other pool covers, the swimming pool solar cover simply floats on top of the water. It is not anchored or tied down in any way, which is why some companies call their solar covers, "solar blankets." Depending on the size of your pool, taking the pool cover off of the pool can be quite a challenge if you do not have help! Some owners roll their covers up on a type of spindle, while others simply struggle with folding the enormous wet blanket.
Whichever type of solar pool cover you choose, remember that you need to be diligent about keeping your pool covered while you are not using it. Covering your pool saves you money and time and helps maintain the structural integrity of the swimming pool itself. Your solar pool cover will keep out trash and debris and help maintain the water temperature, no matter what time of year it might happen to be!
Pieter West travels the world on a regular basis and have written about numerous subjects. He has an extensive knowledge about, finances, DIY, parenting advice and many more subjects.