Using a pool blanket, particularly a solar pool cover, correctly involves understanding its design and purpose. For a solar pool cover, the bubbles should face downwards. This is the most effective way to utilize its features.
Why Bubbles Should Face Downwards
The design of a solar pool cover with bubbles isn't just for aesthetics; it's functional. The bubbles are crucial for heat transfer and retention.
- Trapping Heat: The small air pockets within the bubbles act like miniature insulators and heat traps. When placed bubble-down, the bubbles are in direct contact with the water's surface.
- Transferring Heat: Heat from the sun penetrates the cover, gets trapped by the bubbles, and is then efficiently transferred directly into the pool water below. This process warms the water over time.
Placing the bubble side down maximizes this solar heating effect and helps the cover perform its primary function effectively.
Consequences of Incorrect Placement
Putting a solar pool cover bubble-side up can lead to several issues:
- Reduced Effectiveness: The cover won't heat the water as efficiently because the heat isn't being transferred directly into the pool water by the bubbles.
- Potential Damage: Having your pool cover facing the wrong way, with the flat side down and bubbles exposed upwards, can lead to it being damaged. The intense sun exposure on the bubble side can cause the material to degrade faster.
Basic Steps for Using a Solar Pool Cover
While the specific placement (bubble-down) is key for solar covers, here are general steps for covering and uncovering your pool:
- Unroll or Place: Gently unroll or spread the solar cover bubble-side down onto the surface of your pool water. Ensure it covers the entire water surface.
- Trim (if needed): If it's a new cover, you may need to trim it to fit the exact shape of your pool for maximum coverage and effectiveness.
- Removal: To remove the cover, fold or roll it up carefully from one end. Using a roller system makes this process much easier and extends the life of the cover.
- Storage: Store the cover in a shaded area when not in use, especially if rolled on a reel, to protect it from UV damage.
Benefits of Using a Pool Blanket
Using a pool blanket, particularly a solar cover used correctly with bubbles down, offers several advantages:
- Heats Water: Increases pool water temperature naturally using solar energy.
- Reduces Evaporation: Significantly lowers water loss, saving water and reducing the need to top up the pool.
- Saves Energy: By retaining heat, it reduces the workload on pool heaters, saving energy and costs.
- Keeps Debris Out: Helps prevent leaves, dirt, and other debris from entering the pool, reducing cleaning time and chemical use.
By ensuring your solar pool cover is placed with the bubbles facing downwards, you maximize its efficiency in heating your pool, minimizing heat loss, and protecting the cover itself from premature damage.
