The Solar Pool Cover - Extending Your Pool Season

Having a backyard swimming pool can be a very big investment, especially if you decide to have an in ground pool installed. And one of the ways to maximize your return on that investment is by doing whatever you can to extend the swimming season in your part of the country.

For those who live desert or southern climes, of course, swimming weather is more or less a given, no matter the time of year. But for those who experience four distinct seasons, investing in a solar pool cover can mean another month of comfortable water temperatures tacked on the either end of the swimming season. A solar pool cover costs nothing to operate and you will always have a plentiful, renewable source of energy--the sun--keeping your pool water warm.

Pool Heat Pumps

The traditional method of heating a home swimming pool is to use either a gas powered or electric heating pump, requiring the pool owner to keep replenishing the gas supply or to pay even more on what is probably a significant warm weather electric bill. A solar pool covers, which can add 10 to 15 degrees to water temperatures, is designed and colored to mesh with the overall appearance of your pool.

How Solar Pool Covers Work

A solar pool cover, or "blanket," is made of heavy-weight, UV-resistant polyethylene similar to the bubble wrap used as package cushioning, but much more durable. The surface area of the thousands of bubbles on the solar pool cover is large enough to trap and hold a tremendous amount of the sun's heat, and transmit the heat to the pool's water. Conversely, the solar pool cover acts to insulate the pool's water and prevent the heat from escaping.

For the homeowner's convenience, a solar pool cover is designed to be free-floating, so its removal does not involve dealing with tie-downs nor anchors. For large swimming pools, however, the sheer weight and size of solar pool covers, and their storage, can be significant issues. So solar pool cover manufacturers now have come up with solar pool cover reels, similar to garden hose reels, which ease the removal of the covers.

The price of a polyethylene solar pool cover will, of course, depend on its size; a 20' x 40' cover can be found on the Internet for between 0 and 0. Moveable solar pool cover reels cost around 0, all those for exceptionally large pools will be more.

The Solar Pool Cover - Extending Your Pool Season

Should You Install a Swimming Pool Heat Pump?

If you have a pool, have you ever considered using a swimming pool heat pump to heat it? The efficiency of one of these units depends on the actual temperature outside. Since most pools are located outside, it is a logical choice to heat them in this manner. Many people still are not familiar with the operation of these machines. They do not actually generate heat; they just move it from one place to another.

A swimming pool heat pump will heat the pool to the desired temperature at an efficient cost. Just set the machine to the temperature you want and that is it. Thus, even if the weather is not that great, you can be assured that your pool is the right temperature for a enjoyable swim. These pumps work best when the weather is not too cold. They use the outside air as a free energy source.

Pool Heat Pumps

A swimming pool heat pump will work in the same principle as an air conditioner or refrigerator but in reverse. The main mechanics of one of these units consists of a condenser, a ventilator, a heat exchanger and a compressor that incorporates a refrigerant.

The swimming pool heat pump will kick into action when the temperature of the water falls a degree or two below its desired setting. When the water reaches the temperature you have set on the machine, then it will automatically shut off until it is needed again. To find one of these units, check with a local heating and air conditioning supplier, they will likely carry heat pumps of varying sizes as well. Alternatively, you can search the internet for a company that may sell them online. However, purchasing them from a reputable dealer that is local to you is much more advised because you should have the supplier install the unit and provide you with the proper operating instructions.

In conclusion, heating your pool with a swimming pool heat pump is an energy efficient method of keeping your pool comfortable during the entire swim season.

Should You Install a Swimming Pool Heat Pump?