Gas Heaters
Many people will employ gas fired or electric powered heaters to heat their pools to the desired temperature. While this is
Solar Blankets for Your Pool
Using a solar blanket can achieve the same result, while saving energy and taking advantage of the sun’s heating rays to keep your pool warm. Many people do not like the extra work involved and the time it takes to remove and install the solar blanket each day, however it is an inexpensive way to heat your pool.
The work involved is not a lot. Basically you have to roll up the solar blanket when you want to use the pool using a roller or wrap it with straps. When you are ready to place the blanket back on the pool, it is a quick 2 or 3 minute job to pull the blanket back over the pool. There is no cost other than the two to three hundred dollar cost of the blanket depending on the size of the pool, when you purchase it and install it.
Rollers for Solar Blankets
In ground pools have a neat device that you can purchase to use to remove your solar blanket from the pool. Basically it is a long tube that spans across the pool with a crank at one end that
These same rollers can be installed on above ground pools. However it is a little more difficult since you need to install something to attach the roller too that sits on top of your above ground pool and off to one side. You will need to cover your solar blanket when it is rolled up with a white plastic sheet. This protects it from the sun and avoids over heating. They come with the solar blanket and can also be purchased from your pool store.
Above Ground Pool Solar Blankets
Above ground pools do not seem to cool down as fast as in ground pools. They tend to heat up more quickly as well. This is primarily due to the cooling effect of the ground around the in ground pool . It keeps the water at a constant temperature. Never the less if you want to heat your pool you can with a solar blanket. They are quite effective and will keep your above ground pool warmer than many in ground pools.
In this case the blanket is just manually rolled up and left hanging at the side of the pool. Which is fine. You do not have to be concerned about purchasing a roller and mounting it at one side of the pool. It is a little bit more laborious to rolling up the blanket.
Maintaining and Installing a Solar Blanket
Installation is pretty simple. Purchase a blanket that is either the size of your pool. Or slightly larger if your pool is not a rectangle such as a kidney shaped pool. Next lay out the blanket on your pool and allow it to stretch. The heat from the sun will soften it a bit and stretch the blanket somewhat as it heats up.
Next using a pair of scissors, cut the blanket while it is on your pool to the edges of your pool. Follow the shape of your pool. Installation and cutting will take a maximum of no more than 30 minutes. Attach the blanket to your roller if you have one and you are done.
Comments are welcome regarding solar blankets for pools and any other methods of heating your pool for swimming. For more related articles about solar heating, click here.
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