Solar blanket takes 2-3 days to raise the pool water temperature to 7 degrees C. Pool blanket or cover is mainly used to protect your pool from algae growth and debris. It reduces evaporation and keeps the heat. It only works as a heater in a warmer atmosphere.
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The Truth about the Solar Blanket You Do Not Know
Solar blanket does not heat the pool water; it only keeps the temperature of the sun heat. The bubble side absorbs the temperature; the silver or black side does not pass the sunlight into the pool and reduces evaporation up to 60%.
Indeed, it is the most affordable way to heat a swimming pool. However, solar blankets are not made for heating pools. It helps to protect your pool in many ways, as well as it saves money.
How Does Solar Pool Cover Work?
Solar blankets have blue bubbles that help to absorb heat, and on the other hand, the dark surface prevents sunlight from entering into the water maintaining the warm temperature.
That is why many people use black color for pool covers and blankets. It does not warm the water; rather, it keeps the heat even at night. Moreover, it prevents water evaporation.
If you are getting direct sunlight in your pool, then you can use it as an alternative to a solar heater for the pool. However, it is not a great alternative because it does not work in winter.
Besides that, you can cut it into small pieces to cover your pool.
Please note that you should not keep your cover for more than a week; otherwise, it starts a chemical reaction. If you have done this, please check the water quality before swimming.
Benefits of Using Solar Blanket
Indeed, solar blankets are in high demand. The other two alternatives are solar rings and liquid solar covers. We have dedicated articles on this. Please read them to know more.
Some benefits are
- It prevents algae growth and does not allow sunlight to enter the water.
- It protects your pool from bacteria, dry leaves, and debris.
- It saves maintenance costs and energy bills and makes your pool look awesome.
- It prevents water from evaporating up to 60%.
Alternative of Solar Blanket
The best alternative to a solar blanket is a solar ring or liquid pool cover. Yes, you read it right—’ Liquid’ pool cover. No one tells you about it. We have many articles on this. Please read them to know more about it.
Solar Rings
These little discs float on your pool water. You need 5 rings to cover a 32 square meter pool. Indeed, it is not as effective as a solar blanket.
Liquid Pool Cover
No one tells you this. A liquid pool cover is small molecules of thick layers. It reduces evaporation by up to 40%. However, it works in stagnant water; please switch off the filter before dropping this liquid.
DIY or Solar Pool Heater: Which is the Best?
It depends on your needs. If you need a long-term solution, you should choose a solar pool heater, but if you live in Eastern countries, then DIY or dome heater is enough to fulfill your needs. Generally, swimming pool owners prefer solar pool heaters, and DIY/dome is based on residential premises.
However, a pool cover is mainly used to prevent debris, dirt, and algae growth, but it is not primarily for water heating. A pool cover is essential for many reasons.
- Prevents water evaporation
- Saves energy maintenance costs and time.
- Keeps out leaves and debris.
- Prevents algae growth
Solar rings look great on the pool water, but they are ineffective. However, if you are a pool owner or very passionate about the pool, please buy the solar blanket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Quickly will a Solar Cover Heat a Pool?
The solar cover takes 3 days to heat a pool up to 5 Degree C. It is mainly used to cover your pool and not as an alternative to a solar pool heater. Solar cover keeps the heat of the sun even at night and stops evaporation up to 60%.
How Much Does the Sun Heat a Pool?
The sun heats a pool up to 10 degrees C in summer, but it also evaporates water. Moreover, it cools down to a lower temperature at night. That is why; you need a solar blanket or cover to keep the temperature and prevent water evaporation up to 50%.
Do Solar Dome Pool Heaters Work?
Solar dome pool heater raises the temperature of the water up to 7 degrees C. However, it works like a DIY pool heater. It uses black pipes, and water flows into the pipes. It is the most affordable solution for your pool.
Does a Solar Cover Heat the Pool?
Solar cover heats the pool up to 5 Degree C within 3 days. It does not directly heat up the pool; rather, it keeps the temperature and prevents water evaporation up to 60%.
