Do you have a swimming pool in your backyard that you want to be heated up, but the sunny days are few and far between? If so, worry not. There are several things you can do to keep your pool heated when the sun’s rays are nowhere in sight.
One option is to purchase a liquid solar cover. However, it is important for you to know what type of liquid solar cover would work best for your needs. So let’s take a moment and talk about this type of solar cover and its importance.
What Is a Liquid Solar Pool Cover?
A liquid solar cover is a solution for heating up your pool. It works by capturing the heat from the sun’s rays. This is a material that is covered with a thin film of liquid. As these liquid solar covers sit on the pool, they absorb solar energy and transfer it to the water to be used for heating purposes.
Not only do these liquid solar covers remove the need for you to use chemicals or electricity to take care of heating your pool. But also that extra effort means you have more time to relax and enjoy playing in your pool without the water being too cold.
How Much Is a Liquid Solar Cover?
The price of a liquid solar cover depends on the size of your swimming pool and the amount you would like to cover it with. It is also available in smaller sizes. Its prices start at around $30 and go up to $120 for the largest size.
Liquid Pool Covers: A Modern Solution
Months of escalating pool heating costs? Enter the liquid pool cover. Unlike traditional bubble wrap solar blankets, this advanced method uses a light liquid to form an invisible barrier on the water’s surface.
Here’s a quick dive into its mechanism:
- Layer Formation: The liquid pool cover, being lighter than water, rises to the top. It’s advised to use 4 ounces for every 20,000 gallons. This liquid forms a thin layer that parts during pool usage and reconvenes afterward.
- Benefits: Opting for a liquid cover can offer several advantages. However, one should also consider the perks of traditional blanket solar covers. Today’s technologies, like mono-layer technology, make liquid covers even more efficient, conserving gallons of water and lasting up to a month.
- Evaporation Suppressant: This liquid barrier acts powerfully against evaporation, ensuring minimal water and heat loss.
In essence, the liquid pool cover is a modern, efficient alternative to traditional methods, saving costs and conserving water.
How Beneficial Is a Liquid Solar Cover for You?
Some researches show liquid solar cover minimizes heat loss and water evaporation, and they offer several significant advantages. Here are some of them:
Heat retention: Suppose you reside in a cold climate or wish to prolong the length of your swimming season. A liquid solar cover will work wonders for your pool. The use of a liquid cover may raise pool water temperature by up to 6 degrees, making a significant difference in a chilly pool.
Energy savings: Suppose you’re using a gas or electric pool heater, then it means that you’re already spending money to keep your chilly pool water warm.
With a liquid solar blanket in place, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of time you spend running the heater, resulting in significant savings. Your pocketbook, as well as the electricity grid, will be thankful for that.
Water conservation: People who live in drought-prone areas are painfully aware of the importance of water conservation. Over time, less evaporation will occur due to the use of a liquid solar blanket, resulting in hundreds of gallons of water saved. It means you’ll be refilling your pool less frequently, which will result in savings on your water cost.
Convenience: A bottle of liquid is less complicated to transport and store than an enormously heavy cover. The liquid is the more convenient option with all the bother of folding, storing, washing, and spreading.
The huge plus of using liquid solar cover is, you can still swim in your pool when a liquid solar cover is applied to the pool. Indeed, you cannot say the same about traditional solar pool covers.
But the Question Is, Are Liquid Solar Covers Safe?
A liquid solar cover has very little chemical component, making it highly safe for anyone who chooses to swim in the pool.
Studies have shown that this product cannot cause harm to humans and animals. It is also biodegradable, making it utterly harmless to the environment. But, just like with any chemical, there is always the possibility that someone might be sensitive to it and that it could cause discomfort to them. So it’s always a good idea to try anything out before investing in a year’s worth of product.
Apart from the product’s safety, it’s worth noting that, unlike a solar plastic cover, there is no possibility of a kid or animal getting trapped beneath the covers.
Another issue is that a plastic solar cover can serve as a breeding ground for germs and algae. But, by using a liquid cover, you can still allow your pool to breathe while reducing the chance of algae growth. Additionally, it is entirely harmless for your filtering system.
Steps to Using a Liquid Solar Cover in Your Pool
It couldn’t be much simpler to use a liquid solar cover on your pool. It’s a straightforward three-step technique that requires little instruction.
Step 1: Shake the Liquid Solar Cover’s Bottle
Take your newly bought bottle of the liquid solar cover and give it a good shake before you use it. You have to stir the mixture properly for them to function effectively.
Step 2: Turn On Your Swimming Pool Pump
The liquid needs a little help to make its way around your pool. Turning on your pool pump to assist in water circulation helps guarantee that the solution gets evenly diluted on the pool’s surface.
Bear in mind that it will always float back to the top because this substance is lighter than water.
Step 3: Add the Liquid to Your Pool
Here’s where you should follow the manufacturer’s directions. The amount of solution you need to apply depends on the size of your pool and the type of chemicals you use. The majority of pool owners recommend using roughly 4 ounces of liquid every 20,000 gallons of pool water.
Some brands may suggest that you pour the liquid straight into your skimmer, while others recommend applying it directly to your pool.
How Often Should You Use a Liquid Solar Blanket?
Simply add the mixture to your pool twice a week and follow a tight schedule to achieve the best effects. It’s also an excellent idea to increase the dosage if the weather turns poor or if your pool is being used more frequently than usual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do liquid solar covers affect water chemistry or pool equipment?
When used as directed, liquid solar covers should not affect water chemistry or pool equipment.
Can I use a liquid solar cover in any type of pool?
Liquid solar covers are compatible with most types of pools, including in-ground and above-ground pools.
How effective are liquid solar covers at retaining heat?
Liquid solar covers can reduce heat loss due to evaporation by up to 50%, helping to maintain pool water temperature.
Do liquid solar covers prevent debris from entering the pool?
Liquid solar covers are not designed to prevent debris from entering the pool; their primary function is to reduce heat loss through evaporation.
Are there any health concerns associated with liquid solar covers?
Liquid solar covers are considered safe when used as directed, but it’s advisable to read and follow the product’s safety instructions.
Can I use a liquid solar cover in hot tubs or spas?
Liquid solar covers can be used in hot tubs or spas to reduce heat loss through evaporation.
Bottom Line
A liquid solar blanket is extremely effective, and you can use it together with other swimming pool heating elements to retain the heat in your pool. They’re reasonably priced, simple to use, and, most importantly, safe.
Suppose you’re searching for a simple, cost-effective solution to maintain heat in your pool (while also saving time and money on other maintenance tasks such as adding water or chemicals). In that case, liquid solar covers are an excellent place to start.
Also, below are more pool articles that you will definitely find useful. Check them out! To view more pool articles, click here. Happy Swimming!
