Solar Pool Cover Alternatives

Solar pool covers are a great and inexpensive way to get more use out of your pool and keep it clean at the same time. While a solar pool cover will work well for your needs in the summer, spring and fall months, there are some solar pool cover alternatives to consider for the winter months, or if you do not want a cumbersome cover that you have to take on and off each time you enter and leave the pool.

Pool covers minimize evaporation into the outside air. This evaporation is actually the biggest culprit when it comes to losing heat from the pool. A pool cover will keep the water in the pool, and the more water, the warmer the pool will be. Pool covers can be used on indoor and outdoor pools, as well as in-ground and above-ground pools.

Liquid Pool Covers

Liquid pool covers are one solar pool cover alternative. They do not claim to work as well as a solar pool cover, but they do cover the pool 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most liquid pool covers are made from biodegradable materials, and they can be pricey – $200 for just a few gallons. They work by providing a small layer of materials that lie on the top of the pool and keep the heat in. There is no clumsy cover to roll up prior to and after swimming. These types of covers tend to work the best in climates that are very sunny and warm to begin with. They do not work well in windy, cold climates. For those climates you will need a traditional solar pool cover or blanket. Liquid pool covers do not keep debris from entering your pool.

Winter Pool Covers

Winter pool covers are another solar pool cover alternative. No matter how well a solar pool cover works, there are simply going to be months that your pool cannot be used. For these months, a good winter pool cover is one of the best solar pool cover alternatives. These are a heavy-duty option to cover the pool and keep it free from debris. Solar pool covers do not need to be an exact fit for the pool, but it is a good idea to make sure the winter pool cover is a perfect fit. These can be more expensive because of the custom fitting, but they really are crucial to making sure your pool stands up through extreme weather.

Solar pool cover alternatives can be used to supplement a solar pool cover in the winter months or in place of a solar pool cover or blanket. Liquid pool covers work best in a summery, warm climate, and winter pool covers work the best in climates with severe winters. Use them as complements to a solar pool cover, or alone if you wish. If you really care about using your pool for an extensive period each year, then a solar pool cover is the best bet for you.