Solar energy is increasing in popularity lately, especially when you consider the high cost of heating with electrical energy. Solar power comes from eliciting the sun rays to a silicon panel which transforms the sunlight into heat or energy.
If you are thinking about purchasing a solar cover or a solar blanket, you should know a couple of things first. With all of the advertisements, I'm sure it's confusing to know which one is best. Let's review the pros and cons of owning a solar cover or blanket.
What is a Solar Cover and Do They Work?
A solar cover is essentially a plastic blanket that tops the surface of water. It may look like bubble wrap and it comes in a variety of colors. You can choose from green, blue, black or clear. The covers can be cut …show more content…
They keep the heat in the pool where it should be and this makes a huge difference in the temperature of your pool. In reality, during the hot summer months, a solar cover can cause the pool to get too hot and this can cause discomfort, therefore, you may not want to use them until the cooler months other than to keep debris out of the pool. Additionally, the prevent water from evaporating so that you can conserve water. If you are employing a bubble cover, you are also saving at least 50% of the cost to maintain your pool.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price may vary depending on the quality, size and thickness. Most solar covers range from approximately $75 to $300. What can get expensive is the solar cover's reel and these can cost anywhere from $200 to $500.
How Long Will They Last?
Almost nothing last forever, however, most solar covers will need replacing in about four to five years or when the bubbles start to deteriorate. With quality being an issue, if you buy the cheaper versions, you may need to replace them more often. There is good news though. The solar cover reels last up to eight