Swimming pool covers
Covers
Swimming pool heating costs can be significantly reduced by using a pool cover. Use of a swimming pool cover also can help reduce the amount of chemicals (chlorine, etc) required by the swimming pool. Outdoor swimming pools gain heat from the sun, absorbing 75%–85% of the solar energy striking the swimming pool surface. Though a cover decreases the total amount of solar heat absorbed by the swimming pool, the cover eliminates heat loss due to evaporation and reduces heat loss at night through its insulating properties. Most swimming pool heat loss is through evaporation.
The heating effectiveness of a cover depends on the type of cover used. A bubble cover is the most effective, as it allows the largest amount of solar flux into the swimming pool itself. Thermal bubble covers are lightweight UV stabilized floating covers designed to minimize heat loss on heated swimming pools. They raise temperature of a pool by around 11° Celsius when used in conjuction with a heating system. Bubble covers are typically applied and removed by being rolled up on a device fitted to one side of the pool called a roll up station. Covers fall apart after 4 or 5 years due to sun exposure, overheating in the sun while off the swimming pool, and chlorine attacking the plastic. Bubble covers should be removed during super chlorination.
A vinyl cover absorbs more sunlight directly, allowing temperature to rise faster, but ultimately prevents the swimming pool from reaching as high a temperature as a bubble cover. Vinyl covers consist of a heavier material and have a longer life expectancy than bubble covers.