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The Expert Guide To Pool Cleaning

October 6, 2022October 6, 2022 by admin

How often do you clean your pool? The elbow grease, scrub it sparkly clean kind of clean? Let’s face it; swimming pool cleaning is probably not on the top of your list of fun things to do. But it has to be done, so you may as well make it as easy as possible.

The reality is that even if you have the best pool cleaning equipment available on the market, if you don’t clean it regularly, problems will creep in, and pool cleaning will become costly both in time and money. Besides, you won’t be able to swim in your pool.

Why Do We Need to Clean a Swimming Pool

Sometimes we think that adding chlorine and sanitising chemicals to our pool is all we need to do to keep it clean. These elements are a great start to maintaining a great swimming environment. However, buildup happens, and there is a point where a more intensive clean is necessary.

Pool chemicals won’t keep bugs and leaves from falling into the water or keep buildup on the floor and walls of your pool at bay indefinitely.

The Best Pool Cleaning Equipment

Cleaning your pool properly helps by having the right tools on hand to make the task easier. Let’s look at the most essential swimming pool cleaning tools for you to have on hand.

Telescopic Pole

The beauty of this tool is its versatility. You can attach skimmers, vacuum heads, brushes, and other accessories to it, depending on what you need to do. Ideally, buy an eight-foot pole that can be extended to 16 feet. This will give you the flexibility to be able to clean the floor as well as the walls.

Skimmer Net

Scoop up leaves, bugs, baby ducks, and anything else that falls into your pool and cannot get out. It removes things below the surface and is usually attached to your telescopic pole.

You have two types of skimmer net to choose from – a bag skimmer or a flat one. If you can buy a heavy-duty skimmer that will last. Generally, the flat skimmer is easier to use because anything collected can be shaken off, whereas the bag option is more time-consuming to empty even though it holds more.

If you make it a habit to skim your pool every day and less debris will fall to the bottom of the pool. This will make it much easier to vacuum and keep your pool clean.

Pool Brush

Attaching a pool brush to your telescopic pole enables you to get your scrub on and remove dirt and algae BEFORE it gets super attached and difficult to remove. The best type of brush for you to use depends on the surface of your pool:

Use stainless steel bristles on Gunite.
A brush that combines both nylon and steel bristles is ideal for unpainted concrete.
Use nylon bristles only on painted concrete, vinyl, and fibreglass.

Brush the corners, walls, and ladders/steps of your pool at least twice a week, and pay special attention to any lurking algae.

Manual Pool Vacuum

The manual vacuum cleaner also attaches to your telescopic pole via a vacuum head, a skim vac/vacuum plate, and a vacuum hose that is long enough for you to reach every surface of your pool.

Unless your pool isn’t staying clean, every second day is often enough to vacuum your pool. If you regularly cover your pool, adjust your vacuuming schedule to suit your situation.

Cleaning Your Pool Filter

Your pool filter determines how clean or dirty your pool water is. So if the filter is dirty, your pool water will be too. The best way to clean your filter will depend on the type of filter that you have.

The thing that is consistent for all makes and models is that your filter must be cleaned regularly to keep your water clean.

Cleaning Your Pool Deck

Most of the time, all you need to do to keep your pool deck clean is sweep or spray it to remove any visible dirt and debris. To keep bacteria and algae from living on your deck, ensure you disinfect it regularly; otherwise, it can become slippery and dangerous.

The type of cleaner/disinfectant you will use depends on what your deck is made from, so choose one that won’t damage its surface.

Pool Chemicals

Sanitising Your Pool

Chemicals are used in pools to sanitise the water and prevent bacteria from growing. Things like topping up water, grass, dust, leaves, and people can all cause bacteria to grow in your pool water.

Chlorine is the most commonly used sanitiser in Australia. However, other options like ozone gas, UV sterilisation, bromine, or ionisation can also be used. Most Australian health departments recommend chlorine for residential pools. Check with your local council to see if they have any requirements.

The three ways you can use to chlorinate your pool are:

Adding chlorine manually.
Using a salt chlorinator that produces chlorine.
Automatically add chlorine to your pool using a liquid chemical feeder.

Manual Chlorination

Manual chlorination takes the most time and effort. Manually chlorinating starts with testing your pool water so that you know how much chlorine to add and should, on average, be done every second day.

Salt Chlorination

Saltwater pools have become more common in Australia, but chlorine is still needed for sanitation. But saltwater pools do it a little differently. They convert salt crystals into chlorine gas using salt chlorinators. This gas then dissolves into the water.

Here are some other facts about salt chlorinators:

Salt chlorinators can be installed into existing pool pipework for any pool except any model with above-ground metal structures because they will rust.
You can purchase self-cleaning models. Otherwise, regular models need to be thoroughly cleaned every two weeks.
When first installed, salt must be added to the pool by hand – initially, 4kg of salt per 1000 litres. You can expect to lose up to 30% of salt annually, so plan for regular top-ups.
Salt chlorinators are automatic and cost-effective and will look after your pool whenever you are away.

Liquid Chemical Feeders

A liquid chemical feeder is attached to your filtration system. It will automatically add liquid chlorine to your pool and acid if required.

If you purchase a simple model, it will only add chlorine. You determine how much and how often by programming it into the unit.
A more complex liquid chlorinator will have sensors that regularly test pH and chlorine levels and top up as needed to keep your pool balanced and clean. It even adjusts as people are using the pool. With these models, you should still regularly test the balance of chemicals in your pool as well by hand.

Balancing Your Chemicals

Apart from adding chemicals to your pool to sanitise it, you may also need to ensure that your pool water is chemically balanced:

pH (acidity/alkalinity level): 68%
calcium hardness: 16%
total alkalinity (TA): 16%

You must regularly check your pH and chlorine levels, usually once a week when you are not using your pool much but every day when you are using your pool often. Calcium hardness and total alkalinity levels don’t need to be checked as often.

Balancing Pool pH

The reason that you need to monitor your pool’s pH levels is that if your levels are wrong, the effectiveness of your chlorine may be reduced, and swimmers can get red eyes and itchy skin.

The pH ranges are:

7.0 = neutral
Below 7.0 = acidic
Above 7.0 = alkaline

According to Australian standards, 7.4 is ideal, and anything between 7.0 to 7.8 is acceptable. Topping up the pool water, rain, folks swimming, and chlorine can change your pH levels.

Total Alkalinity (TA)

If the total alkalinity in your pool is low, pool equipment and surfaces become prone to erosion, and your pH levels may also become unstable. According to Australian Standards, the ideal should be 60 – 200 parts per million.

Calcium Hardness

It’s essential to get your dissolved calcium levels in your pool right. Too low and pool equipment may be corroded, and too high can cause scale. Domestic water testing kits cannot accurately measure calcium hardness, but if you take a sample to a nearby pool shop, they can test it for you.

If your calcium levels are not high where you live, testing once a year should be enough unless you sanitise your pool using calcium hypochlorite.

Testing Your Pool Levels

Many testing kits are available at pool suppliers, and a four-in-one test kit is a solid option for testing your pool water. This will test total alkalinity and pH, chlorine, and tell you the amount of acid required to rebalance your pH levels.

You can also purchase electronic testers that will read a strip that has been dipped in your pool water.

Specialist Pool Cleaning

One of the questions we often get asked by pool owners is why is my pool green? So we thought we would cover it here and the easy methods we know for cleaning it so you can get back to enjoying sparkling clear water.

Why is My Pool Green?

A few things could be responsible for your pool water turning green. It could be algae; here are the reasons that it may have overtaken your pool and turned it green:

pH Levels are Imbalanced: if your pH is too low, it will irritate swimmers, in particular, with the eyes. On the other hand, if it’s too high, it also irritates the skin and encourages the growth of algae and bacteria.
Filter Issues: You must check your filters regularly to ensure that they are working correctly and not clogged. Your filtration system gets rid of algae and bacteria, and if it’s not doing its job, you will end up with an overgrowth of bacteria, and your water will be unsafe – and possibly green.
Weather: When the weather turns warm, and the humidity rises, you need to pay more attention to cleaning your pool. Algae loves warmer weather and flourishes in the humid heat.

How to Clean the Green From Your Pool

Let’s get down to it. We have six easy steps to get rid of the green from your pool and get you back to swimming:

Check Your pH

If your pH levels are high, your pool is the ideal breeding ground for algae. Start with testing your levels and reduce them with either muriatic acid or sodium bisulphate if they are high. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s dosage and safety instructions.

Check your chlorine levels while you are at it, but the odds are you need more chlorine if the water in your pool is green.

Chlorine Shock

If your chlorine levels are low, you can shock your pool by adding chlorine which will balance your chlorine level and kill all algae. You will need around 30 ppm chlorine to kill the algae effectively, and repeat the process if your water isn’t clear after the treatment.

Scrub a Dub Dub

Once you have adjusted the chemical balance in your pool, you will need to scrub the walls with an algae brush and get as much algae as you can that is stuck there. Include any tools, toys, and your ladder in your scrubbing process to ensure all of the algae is gone.

Let the Filter Do its Part

After you have followed the previous steps, run your filtration system. It may take a few days, but your filter will move your chemicals around and sanitise your pool, and eventually, the water will be clear and clean again.

In Case of Cloudiness

In extreme cases, you may still have cloudiness in your water even after you have run the filter for a few days. What you can do is use a flocculent to bond any leftover debris together. This makes it easy to remove it from your pool water with your vacuum.

Algaecide

An Algaecide will eliminate any spores still lurking in your pool to prevent another outbreak. If these steps don’t work and your pool is dark green, the last resort is to drain your pool and clean everything.

Preventing a Green Swimming Pool

You have dealt with a green swimming pool and don’t want to do it again. So now you need to know how to prevent it from happening in the first place. Try these steps to keep your water clear and algae-free:

Pool Maintenance: Keep it sparkling clean and automatically reduce the risk of algae growth. Skim, scrub, and vacuum the floor every week. If you see even a tinge of green, test your pH and take steps to stop it from getting worse.

Filters: Regularly check your filtration system and change cartridges as needed. Clean out any residue and algae you may find and ensure it is functioning properly.

Balance Your pH: The chemical balance in your pool is important for all the reasons here, focusing on your pH. Keep the range between 7.4 to 7.6 to avoid issues.
Chlorine Levels: Having the right amount of chlorine in your pool is essential to ensure that your pool is an environment where algae do not want to grow.
Pool Cover: If you cover your pool when it is not in use, you will reduce the growth of algae.

POOL CLEANING ACCESSORIES

Pool Heat Pump Buyer’s Guide

September 29, 2022September 13, 2022 by admin

Deciding to buy a pool heat pump is an easy decision. What can confuse the layperson is which unit will deliver the desired results.

We have created our pool heat pump buyer’s guide to help you make an informed choice when considering the best pool heat pump for you.

How Does a Heat Pump Pool Heater Work?

A pool heat pump works similarly to an air conditioner except in reverse. Instead of pumping cool air, a pool heat pump pulls heat from the air around it. It then heats the refrigerant and compresses it to create even more heat.

This hot air is then directed through a heat exchanger where the water is heated. This process runs on a continuous loop using only a tiny amount of electricity to operate the compressor and fan.

Because the heat is extracted directly from the surrounding air regardless of the time of day, a pool heat pump does not rely on radiation or direct sun. It can operate with cost savings even in very cold conditions.

How Does a Pool Heater Work in Winter?

Since a pool heat pump pulls heat from the air circulating around it, how does it work when the ambient air is cold, as in wintertime?

It depends on the coldest temperatures where you live, so you will need to check the shutdown point of any unit that interests you. However, in Australia, we don’t have the freezing temperatures to deal with that many countries have.

The easy answer is that heat pumps work the same in cooler seasons as in summer. It still transfers the available heat from the air and runs it through the evaporator coil to heat your pool.

Advantages of Using Pool Heat Pumps

Ideal for mild and humid climates.
Enables you to extend the use of your pool through the cooler months.
They are available up to 250 kW for large commercial pools, then between 44 kW – 9 kW for smaller residential pools.
Using a pool heater in tandem with a solar cover helps to retain heat.
Very low maintenance and simple to install and use.
Are a green solution as they don’t run directly on fossil fuels, have no emissions, and operate on a small amount of electricity.
Cost efficient with low operating costs.
Can be set to auto shut off at a pre-determined temperature.
A robust solution to pool heating.

What Size Heat Pump For My Pool?

It is essential for you to get a pool heat pump that fits your requirements. We have a handy online heat pump calculator here that will help you calculate the size unit you need.

Remember that having a pool cover in place will help keep your pool warmer and reduce your costs for heating – especially if your pool cover is a solar one.

Can I Run More Than One Heat Pump at a Time?

The capacity you need from your pool heater pump depends on your pool size and the area you need to heat. If you have a large pool, you can install two or even four pool heat pumps to ensure you get the heating you need.

They can be plumbed in parallel to each other or in series. A professional can advise you on the best heating solution for your pool.

How to Plumb a Pool Heat Pump

Generally, it’s a great idea to get a professional to install the plumbing and swimming pool heater unit unless you are a qualified tradie. However, we have included a few quick tips on what is needed for a successful installation.

1. The Right Location

To work to its optimal capacity, your pool heat pump has to have excellent airflow. It needs to be away from obstructions so that the expelled air is not sucked back into and recirculated by the unit. Ideally, locate it outdoors, so it has an endless supply of fresh air to extract heat.

Check whether your swimming pool heat pump has a vertical or horizontal fan, as this will potentially affect where to install it.

2. Water Flow Rate

You must have the required water flow rate for your pool heat pump to work efficiently. If it is lower than indicated by the manufacturer, the pump will switch off because the water inside it will overheat.

3. Installation Base

Pool heat pumps need a solid and level base – ideally, concrete, timber decking, or paving slabs that are stabilised in sand.

The pool heater can either be placed above or below water level as long as the pool circulation pump has the power to supply the needed water flow rate for optimal performance.

4. Electricity

It is essential you check that your electrical current can support both the startup and running currents before you purchase a pool heater. Generally, you install a dedicated cable between your heat pump’s electrical consumer unit and a breaker dedicated to the heat pump.

It is usually recommended to run a dedicated cable back to your electrical consumer unit for the heat pump and install a dedicated breaker for the heat pump. Heat pumps need more electrical current on startup, but this is minimal and lasts only a millisecond before returning to your pump’s regular running current.

5. Plumbing

Depending on the size of your pipes, it should be straightforward to add your swimming pool heat pump to the pool pipework you already have in place.

If you have a heater or boiler already installed, unless it doesn’t work, you can leave it in place and add the pool heat pump in line with it. This allows you to use both together if you want to heat your pool quickly.

Use Pool Heat Pumps for Hot Tubs/Spas

Some pool heat pumps can also be used to reduce heating costs for a hot tub or spa. You install it into the existing spa circuit and set the maximum temperature to which you want it to heat.

Are Swimming Pool Heaters Worth it?

The upfront pool heat prices are generally higher than gas pool heaters, but the savings are in the operating costs. The typical swimming pool heat pump will have a lower cost to run because it is more efficient at heating. If maintained properly, they will also last longer than their gas counterparts.

Can You Add a Heat Pump to an Existing Pool?

The easy answer is yes. Especially if your existing pipes are the same size as the ones needed by your pool heat pump, they can even be installed alongside an existing heater so that you can use them together.

How long does it take to heat a pool?

The length of time that it takes to heat your pool with a heat pump is influenced by a few factors. These include the size of your pool and whether you are heating while using a pool cover to reduce evaporation.

Do pool heat pumps run all the time?

A pool heat pump only needs to be operating until the desired water temperature is reached. Most units have a built-in thermostat that will turn the pump on once the temperature of the water drops. Having a pool heat pump running constantly will waste money and electricity.

Does a heat pump need to be in the sun?

You can install your swimming pool heat pump in the sun, but it won’t make it more efficient. A pool heat pump relies on the air temperature around it, not heat from the sun, so the most important factor in installation is proper air and water flow for your unit.

Does the Time of Day I Run My Heat Pump Make a Difference?

The efficiency of your swimming pool heat pump is affected by when you use it. As it gets its heat from the air around it, the best time to use your pump is in the warmest part of the day.

If possible, adjust your settings on your filtration system to operate when it is warmest, and it will provide the water flow your heat pump needs when it is optimal.

Sensaheat Premium Inverter Pool & Spa Heat Pumps

How Long Do Pool Heat Pumps Last?

Pool heat pumps are high quality and have a long lifecycle. Usually, they will still be working well for up to 20 years, or even longer, when you do regular maintenance and servicing. Like any pump, how long it will last depends on how well you maintain and look after it.

Troubleshoot Your Heat Pump Pool Heater Installation

If you are thinking of installing your heat pump yourself, here are a few important tips about location and what to avoid to prevent ongoing issues.

Your Garden Sprinkler System

If you have a sprinkler system installed in your garden near your pool, you need to ensure that any water spray from it cannot reach your pool heater pump as it can cause damage to the heater components.

Your Homes Gutters

One thing you may not think of is runoff from your gutters. You must ensure that it will not cascade directly into your heat pump pool heater because it will cause damage over time. Rainfall is okay, but a solid stream from your gutters can eventually cause damage to your pump components.

Spacing Guidelines for Installation

Ensure a minimum of 80 cm distance between your heat pump and any obstruction.
Ensure there is around a 150 cm distance between the top of your pump and any objects like overhangs and branches.
Allow a minimum of 30 cm between the sides of your pump and any object.

To What Temperature Should I Heat My Swimming Pool?

Ideally, the best swimming pool temperature is between 24C and 28C. This range accounts for swimming and relaxing in your pool while feeling refreshed even when the weather is scorching.

Best Heat Pumps For Pools

The Sensa-Heat range, the Madimack ECO range, and the Pentair UltaTemp HXi range are some of the pool heat pumps we recommend. For the complete range of heat pumps we sell, check out our Pool Heater & Heat Pump page here.

Boost Your Heat Pumps Performance With A Pool Cover

Evaporation causes a considerable loss of energy from your pool. How much evaporation for an outdoor pool depends on a few factors:

The temperature of the water.
The presence of wind and the speed it blows across the surface of your pool.
The humidity and temperature of the air.

A windbreak can help in areas where the wind is an ongoing issue. A fence, trees, and even shrubs help to reduce evaporation.

However, a windbreak needs to be close enough to the pool and high enough so that it doesn’t cause turbulence, which will increase evaporation. The other factor to consider is that you don’t want too much shade overshadowing your pool, so you must achieve a delicate balance.

Indoor pools are not at the mercy of the external environment but can still lose considerable energy from evaporation. Room ventilation is needed to control the amount of humidity that is caused by evaporation.

How Does a Pool Cover Work?

The two primary purposes of pool covers are minimizing evaporation and reducing heating costs. They can also reduce maintenance and cleaning time and costs as well.

You can save 50 to 70% of pool heating costs by covering your pool, especially when you are not using it. This applies to indoor and outdoor pools. In the case of indoor pools, a pool cover will also save you money by reducing the need to ventilate the air and run exhaust fans.

The Different Types of Pool Covers

The bare minimum you need to cover your pool is a sheet of plastic. It may create a vapor barrier but will be difficult to install and remove, easily tear, and be damaged quickly in direct sunlight.

A cover specifically designed to cover a pool is your best option, and there are a few options from which to choose. Pool covers are made from materials like UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl can be opaque or transparent and come in different colours.

Keep in mind, when looking for your pool cover, outdoor pools will absorb 75-85% of the sun’s energy when it hits the water’s surface. Adding a pool cover can reduce this gain depending on the type of pool cover you.

Solar/Bubble Pool Cover

The cost of these covers is at the lowest end of the spectrum. They look similar to bubble wrap but are made from a thicker grade of material and have inbuilt UV inhibitors.

Vinyl Pool Covers

These are made from a heavier material than the bubble covers, are more robust, and are expected to last longer. Vinyl pool covers can also be purchased with insulation positioned in the middle of two vinyl layers.

Getting a Pool Cover That’s Easy to Use

Ease of use is vital with a pool cover. If it’s too difficult to open or close, you will more than likely avoid using it. The different options are:

Manual: You can either remove it by hand and fold it to store it or use a pool cover reel that can be rolled away to store the cover.
Semi-automatic reels: These are motorised and utilize electric power to take the cover on and off. They generally need someone to guide the cover onto the reel and can be either built-in or detached.
Automatic reels: These are fully automated, and the cover easily slides onto and off the pool using a simple push of a button.

BEST POOL HEAT PUMPS

Solar Pool Covers – How They Work, The Benefits & How To Choose One

September 14, 2022March 24, 2022 by admin

What is a solar pool cover?

Solar pool covers, often referred to as pool blankets, are large sheets of heavy-duty bubble wrap made from light, transparent plastic, like polyethylene or polypropylene. The air bubbles absorb heat from the sun and then transfer that heat to the water, thus heating up the pool water.

Types of solar covers.

There are different grades of thickness for solar pool covers, ranging from 250 microns to 600 microns. One micron is one-millionth of a metre or one-thousandth (1/1000) of a millimetre.

The 250-micron pool cover material is 0.25 mm thick, and the 600-micron pool cover material is 0.6mm thick. Thicker covers are more costly, retain slightly more heat and last longer than thinner ones. They usually also come with longer warranties.

Solar pool covers also come in various colours: the most common being transparent, blue, and blue with silver. There’s a lot of discussion about which colour is better for heating and heat retention. Some pool owners think that darker colours absorb more heat than lighter ones, while others claim that transparent colours let more heat through.

We have found that our Daisy Titanium Blue covers are the most effective because they have a translucent top layer so the sunlight can pass through, but the bottom layer is silver-tinted, so it reflects the heat back into our pools.

If you live in a tropical area where warmer water isn’t desired, you can use a non-heating Solar Cover like Daisy Titanium Cool that will reflect the sun’s heat without absorbing it into the pool covering material, so it transited virtually zero sunlight and heat to the water maintaining the pool’s water at approximately the same temp as an uncovered pool.

The Benefits of Swimming Pool Covers.

Investing in a pool cover is one of the easiest ways to save money on the cost of your pool. Installing or using a pool cover is a simple yet highly effective way of keeping pools free of garden debris and insects. There are numerous reasons to cover your swimming pool when it isn’t in use. Pool covers are an essential accessory for any pool and will save you and your pool owner both time and money for pool maintenance.

Most pool owners only use their covers during the cooler months; however, there are plenty of benefits to using them throughout summer. Here are some of the best reasons why you should use a solar pool blanket:

Reduce water usage.

Your pool loses water at a greater rate during summer because of the extra heat. Evaporation is one of the main factors in water loss. Floating pool covers virtually eliminate evaporation if they’re left on when the pool isn’t in use. This can help reduce the amount of water you use by not having to refill your pool as frequently.

They keep water from evaporating by as much as 95%, which means that they are one of the best things to preserve your pool water. Keeping your pool water clean by using a pool cover reduces the number of times your swimming pool needs backwashing.

If the water level falls below the height of the skimmers because of evaporation and your pump sucks in air, you will quickly damage them. A cover prevents this from happening.

Keeps leaves and debris out of the water.

It can be a never-ending battle cleaning up leaves, bugs, and other debris from your pool each week. Algae may start growing if leaves and other debris are not removed from the water. In addition, leaves that fall onto the surface of the cover stay dry and may blow off again. The remaining leaves can be swept away or removed with a leaf blower

Less chance of water flow blockages.

When leaves stay on top of the cover, they don’t end up in your skimmer basket, where they can cause blockages if left unattended. Blockages in your filters and cleaners reduce their efficiency, which results in poorer quality water and increased chances of the pool turning green.

Blocked skimmers and pump strainer baskets can put extra strain on your pumps, which may lead to pump failures. Fewer leaves in the pool mean your leaf collector on your automatic vacuum cleaner needs emptying less frequently.

Keeps heat in the pool.

Keeping your pool covered helps reduce heat loss. The more direct sunlight you get for your pool, the more heat it can provide. When the temperature drops at night, it will usually lower the temperature of the pool’s water. The transparent pool cover allows maximum sunlight and heat into your pool.

Short wavelengths of light will pass through the bubbles of the cover to generate heat, just like a magnifying glass does. A pool cover will retain the sun’s heat and may even keep the water warm enough for swimming the next day, meaning that you will save money and energy by not using your heating system as often.

Save on pool heating costs.

A cover will save you up to 50% on heating costs because evaporation is the primary source of heat loss for pools, which occurs mainly during night-time when the air temperature drops below the pool water temperature.

Extend your swim season.

If you don’t have access to a pool heater, a pool cover will help extend your swimming season into autumn and spring, increasing the pool temperature up to 8°C in pools that get direct sunlight.

How much warmer?	Summer*	Spring*

Pool Covers in Melbourne	4-6 °C	3-4 °C
Pool Covers in Sydney	6-8 °C	4-6 °C
Pool Covers in Brisbane	6-8+ °C	4-6 °C
Pool Covers in Perth	6-8+ °C	3-6 °C

Reduce chemical usage.

Chemicals are used to restore your pool to a healthy state when leaves, debris, and even rain cause imbalances in your pool water. If you have a pool cover to protect your pool from debris, your pool will stay cleaner for a more extended time.

A pool cover doesn’t replace chemicals, but it can help cut down on the amount you’ll need to use to keep your pool clean. Chlorine is the most common water sanitiser, but it degrades when exposed to sunlight. Covers reduce the UV radiation hitting the water, so you don’t need to consume as much.

In addition, if you have a pool with a saltwater system, your chlorinator requires less electricity. If you add chlorine manually or by dosing pump, you will consume less chlorine, saving you time refilling and money buying chlorine.

Spend less time on maintenance.

Which would you rather do, keep your pool clean or enjoy relaxing in it? If there aren’t any leaves or other debris falling into the pool, you’ll have less cleaning to do, which means you’ll save money. Also, because there’s less water evaporating from the pool, you won’t have to add as many chemicals to the pool to keep it balanced.

If you’re interested in a pool cover but aren’t sure where to start, we can help you find the right one for your needs and budget. See our pool covers selection or give us a call today to learn more about our pool covers.

The downsides of having a pool cover.

There are many benefits of having solar covers, but there are also some reasons why people don’t like them. Many people find them unattractive and don’t like the look of solar covers. A fully transparent cover like Daisy Illusion solves the problem by having the water show slightly through the cover and have a lesser visual impact.

They can be challenging to use. A spontaneous jump into the pool for a quick swim means doing extra work. For example, you need to roll the cover off your pool before your swim and replace the cover afterwards.

They’re difficult and impractical to use for irregularly shaped pools. They work best on square or rectangular pools. If your pool shape has curves or a kidney bean shape, it may not be possible for you to use a roller on the side of the pool.

You need to have room for the roller on your swimming pool deck to store the pool cover when it isn’t on the pool. Bubble covers should be covered so they don’t get too hot when they’re on the rollers. The bubbles act as magnifying glass and can cause damage to the layer of cover underneath it if not protected from the sunlight. If you’re keeping the cover off the swimming pool for any time on a sunny day, this is another chore.

Solar pool covers can increase the consumption of salt and other ‘non-chlorine’ chemicals. Saltwater pools don’t get rid of salt by themselves; the salt is removed by draining water out of them. By using a cover, you keep all of the rainwater, which means you need to drain the water from the pool along with salts and other chemicals.

Installing a pool cover.

To install a pool cover, first, take it out of the box and unfold it by the pool. Next, lay the bubbles facing down on to pool water. These bubbles filled with air will keep your pool cover floating and act like tiny magnifying glasses heating up your pool water.

Initially, the solar blanket will be probably much bigger than the pool. Cut the excess fabric with scissors so that the blanket fits inside your pool. You should leave the cover about two inches longer and wider on both sides to curve up the sides of the pool. It may take up to eight weeks for a new pool cover to sink in, and if the cover is cut to the exact size at the beginning, there may be a gap later on from the cover to the pool walls.

Leave 2 to 3 inches long flap at the skimmer location to tuck the flap of the cover under the skimmer’s edge. This allows you to brush debris into the skimmer before removing your blanket.

Using a solar pool cover.

If you have a big pool or frequently swim, removing the solar blanket can be quite a chore every time you want to enter the pool. A pool cover roller, aka a reel, is an easy solution to get the cover on and off the pool.

The pool cover roller is installed on one side of the pool, one edge of the pool cover is attached to the roller with small strings or straps. By turning the wheel or a handle, we can reel in the cover onto the roller, saving lot of hard labour.

Some pool cover rollers come with wheels or casters that allow them to be moved away when not in use. An option to attach them to the wall with mounting brackets is also available. Which works best usually depends on how much space you have in your pool area.

Things to watch out for while using a solar pool cover.

Before you let anyone swim in the pool, it is important to remove the pool cover completely to ensure that no one gets trapped underneath it. This is especially true when it comes to pets and small children.

If you use a cover with a salt chlorinator, chlorine gas can build up underneath the cover and increase the chlorine level in the pool if it isn’t used for longer periods. It predominantly occurs during the coldest winter months when pools aren’t used, and chlorine demand isn’t high.

High chlorine levels can damage rubber parts of pool cleaners. Therefore, it is recommended to take off the cover in winter at least once every two weeks to let the chlorine gas out.

Solar Pool Covers: Frequently Asked Questions

Solar pool covers go bubbles facing up or down?

One of the most commonly asked question by solar pool cover buyers is if the bubbles of the cover face upward or downward. The bubbles also act as a magnifying glass to transfer the sun’s heat into the pool water effectively.

If the bubbles are pointing away from the water, then they won’t be able to transfer the sun’s energy into the water. In addition, if the bubbles are positioned incorrectly, the solar blanket will be damaged over time as the hot air trapped inside the bubbles will cause the bubbles to deteriorate, making the solar blanket unable to release the heat trapped inside them.

Should I leave my solar pool cover on during the day?

To get the most out of your solar pool cover, put it on whenever the pool isn’t being used. During the day, you’re most likely to get the most heat from your solar blanket. But it is also helpful to leave the solar blanket out during the night, as this will significantly decrease evaporation and heat loss.

How to ensure that the cover doesn’t blow off the pool?

Well-fitted solar pool covers are without any edges that ascend above the pool coping, they won’t blow off in the wind. Instead, the wind will generally blow down onto the cover, holding it in place. This statement is correct unless the solar blanket is cut too big and extends over the sides of the pool, or the blanket is cut too small and doesn’t align with the pool’s edges. An incorrectly fitted solar blanket allows air to pass underneath, and then the wind may lift it off the pool.

To get the most out of your solar pool cover, ensure that there are no gaps between the edge of the pool and the solar blanket’s edge, so the wind cannot lift any edges and blow underneath the solar blanket. A well-fitted blanket will also improve the overall effectiveness of your pool cover.

How long will the solar pool cover last?

A swimming pool with a too high chlorine level will shorten the lifespan of a pool cover and speed up the deterioration process. With UV radiation and pool chemicals like chlorine constantly attacking it, a bubble cover is subjected to a harsh environment.

Heat will also play a role in accelerating the effects of chlorine and UV radiation. As a result, a solar pool cover has a limited lifespan, mainly depending on the correct care. As a general rule, the 300-micron covers last up to five years and the 500-micron covers about eight to ten years.