A bubble solar pool cover is ideal for keeping the swimming pool warm and keeping it covered and protected from debris. However, one of the most frequently asked questions by new users is which side of the solar cover goes up.
We’ll start with a straight answer: the bubble solar pool cover should face down to let sun rays get trapped in the bubbles. This way, the heat will be transferred into the water for faster heating.
How do solar pool covers work?
The bubble cover, also called solar cover or isothermal cover, has the function of preserving the water in your swimming pool during spring and summer.
It has the advantages of being thermally insulated, light, retaining heat, inexpensive, and saves on your water and cleaning product expenses.
Finally, when you store your bubble cover during the winter period, a small space is enough for it.
Which way to put a bubble cover?
The bubble cover sits and floats on the water. As you’d find in your pool solar cover instructions, the bubbles are placed on the waterside and the smooth anti-UV side is facing outwards. The solar cover is not likely to be lifted by the wind thanks to a suction cup effect. Its insulation depends on its thickness, which is available in 180, 300, 400, or 500 microns (1 micron = 0.001 mm).
This swimming pool “cover” has an insulating role. It prevents heat loss and reinforces the effects of the sun’s rays. The temperature of the water in your swimming pool is thus better maintained, often avoiding the need to start up the heat pump (therefore saving energy). The color of the bubble cover is also important:
- The blue colored bubble cover is a basic thermal insulator
- The translucent solar cover uses solar energy better to gain up to 8 degrees more than with a blue cover.
- Finally, the blue-black cover also has the advantage of preventing the proliferation of algae
What are the advantages of a bubble cover?
By choosing to put a bubble cover on your pool, you will reduce the evaporation of water by around 90%. Such an advantage allows you to save on your water costs and the purchase of treatment products. A solar cover keeps pollution out of the water, and debris enters your pool less.
The bubble cover protects your pool from impurities which are the cause of the development of algae or bacteria. It keeps water pure and healthy. Thanks to your swimming pool cover, you will keep the heat of the water overnight.
A swimming pool “cover” plays the role of insulation between the air and the water and thus prevents the loss of heat. In summary, the bubble cover is both economical and ecological.
FAQs
Does a solar pool cover need to touch the water?
The solar pool cover is supposed to touch the water. The bubbles are placed on the water while the smoother side faces upwards.
How fast does a solar cover heat a pool?
For every 12 hours of usage on an inground pool, a solar pool cover can add about 5 degrees Fahrenheit to the temperature of the pool.
The Solar Pool Cover Faces Downwards, Always!
As we’ve emphasized, the solar pool cover is supposed to face downwards on the water. The heat is better trapped and transferred into the pool water this way. It is important that the bubbles are always hidden from the sun.
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