Why
buy a cheap pool cover?
Pools lose energy in a variety of ways, but
evaporation is by far the largest source of energy loss for swimming
pools. When compared to evaporation, all other losses are small.
Technically, all you really need is
a large sheet of plastic. Plastic meets the requirement of being a
vapor barrier. But a large sheet of plastic that you get from the
lumber store is probably not your best choice. It will be very
difficult to handle and store, it tears easily, and sunlight will
deteriorate it rapidly. You can use it, but it will be very
inconvenient and will only last 1 to 2 seasons max.
One of the lowest cost pool covers
made specifically for swimming pools is the bubble cover (some call
them solar covers). They are similar to bubble packing material
except that they use a thicker grade of plastic and have UV
inhibitors, etc.
So when considering a pool cover, note that a cover will also
decrease the solar gain contribution to some extent, depending on
the type of pool cover used. A transparent bubble cover may reduce
solar energy absorption by 5-15%, and a completely opaque cover by
20-40%.
As reported at: eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/factsheets/pool_covers.html
When shopping for a pool cover, you have three main options:
- Winter covers
- can be used all year long.
read more>
- Safety covers
- designed to be strong and protective.
read more>
- Solar pool covers
- retain the water's heat and
minimizes the amount of water that evaporates from pools.
read more>
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