12 Jan Pool Blanket Tips and Advice – Solar Pool Covers

So you’ve purchased a pool blanket or a solar pool cover, and you want to know how to look after it as well as get the most out of it? Good idea—if you’ve never owned a pool blanket before, there are a few important things to be aware of.

Let’s get started with some expert advice from Eco Solar Pool Heating. Below we’ve outlined some pool blanket tips and advice. This is based on frequently asked questions from our customers as well as our years of industry experience.

Should I place my pool blanket bubbles UP or DOWN?

This is a good question, and a common one too. Many people wonder if they should place their pool blanket bubbles up or down. So let’s clear this up once and for all: the resounding answer is bubbles DOWN.

Why? Your pool blanket is designed to absorb heat and then transfer this heat into your pool water. By placing the bubbles downward into the water, heat is trapped by the blanket and then transferred, via the bubbles, into the water. However, if you place your pool blanket in the pool with bubbles up, you will cause damage (over time) to the bubbles. How? Basically, they will absorb heat, but because they are up the wrong way, they won’t be able to transfer heat into the water and will overheat.

Can pool chemicals damage my pool blanket?

Yes, it’s possible. Chlorine can have an impact on your pool blanket if levels of the chemical are higher than recommended.

This can happen if, for example, you have had an algae outbreak and are flushing your pool with additional chemicals.

Also, keep in mind that having a pool blanket means that you won’t need to use as much chemicals in your pool. So it’s a good idea to adjust your chemical levels to ensure you do not have too much chemicals in your pool.

How should I store my pool blanket?

When your pool blanket or solar pool cover is not in use, it should be protected from the sun to avoid damage. Basically, if it is not in contact with water, it has no place to transfer heat. If a pool blanket is left in the sun it can overheat, and the bubbles can peel away from the base layer.

So, if you are storing your pool blanket outside of your pool (in the sun), make sure you cover it with white-coloured material. This will prevent the blanket from overheating.

Ideally, however, you should store your pool blanket away from sunlight, such as in a garage or a shed. And if you are going to be storing your pool blanket for an extended period of time, you should clean it beforehand to remove any chemical residue.

Also, a word of warning, don’t leave your pool blanket on grassy areas in the sun. The heat from sunlight can be concentrated and transferred onto your grass, causing into to burn!

Can I repair my pool blanket?

Depending on the kind of damage done to your pool blanket and the type of blanket you have, you may be able to repair it.

Generally, edges are fixable, whereas holes and tears are difficult—sometimes impossible to repair. And some pool blankets are easier to fix than others. For example, polyethylene covers are difficult to repair, as standard repair kits don’t stick to the material well enough to repair the cover.

If you have damaged your pool blanket or solar pool cover, the best thing to do is contact your local pool company. If you’re not sure whom to contact in your area, contact us at Eco Solar Pool Heating. Keep in mind that depending on the damage, it may be easier to purchase a new pool blanket.

How much money can you save on water loss?

One of the main benefits of owning a pool blanket is that they prevent evaporation from your pool. Water loss and additional water costs can quickly become expensive for pool owners, but exactly how expensive?

Well, for example, a swimming pool can lose almost 100 litres per day due to water evaporation! This water loss means you’ll have to constantly top it up, add chemicals more regularly, and can be costly too. We had a look at the different water rates in South East Queensland and did some conservative estimates on how much water loss might cost you per year.

 

	Logan City Council	Redland City Council	Brisbane City Council	Ipswich City Council
Average Water Loss Per Year	36,500 Litres	36,500 Litres	36,500 Litres	36,500 Litres
Average Cost per kilolitre*	$3.86	$2.80	$3.41	$3.498
Cost	$140.89	$102.20	$124.47	$127.68

 

*Water charges are pretty complicated, especially with a ‘tiered’ system. You should check your local council’s website for exact rates, but we have tried to use the middle-of-the-road rate where possible.

As you can see, the cost of water loss can easily add up to an expensive maintenance cost. And these estimates don’t include any fixed water costs or the fact that excess water usage will push you into a higher tiered water rate. So, in some cases, the cost can be much higher.

Do pool blankets really prevent heat loss?

Absolutely. There’s a good reason why they’re called blankets. Blankets on your bed will keep you warm while you sleep, and a pool blanket will keep pool water warm. And if you have a solar pool cover, this can also heat up your water using the sun’s energy.

Not only do pool blankets reduce heat loss, they also ensure your pool remains constantly warm, through the day and into the night.

Does a pool blanket mean I can swim in winter?

Because pool blankets have been designed to trap heat (and sometimes add heat) to your pool water, you can swim in your pool quite comfortably for most of the year.

Even in Queensland, you might be surprised how reluctant people are to swim in pools during winter. But with a pool blanket—and especially when combined with pool heating—many people are able to enjoy their pool all year round. This is another reason why a pool blanket is a great investment, as often your pool will sit unused for months at a time during winter. But with a blanket you can really get the most use out of your pool.

More tips and advice?

If you’d like to get more pool blanket tips and advice, contact us at Eco Solar Pool Heating today.