A pool cover, especially a solar blanket, heats your pool water by working in two primary ways: it helps capture the sun's warmth and reduces heat loss.
Think of a solar blanket as a large sheet resembling bubble wrap. This design is key to its effectiveness.
Capturing Sunlight (Solar Gain)
One crucial function is to maximize solar gain. The material of the cover allows the sun's rays to pass through more effectively than an uncovered water surface might, letting that solar energy reach and warm the water below.
Preventing Heat Loss (Insulation)
The other, often more significant, role of a pool cover is preventing heat loss, particularly during the cooler parts of the day and night. The air bubbles in the cover act like insulation. Just as insulation in a house keeps heat inside, these trapped pockets of air help to trap the pool's heat that has been absorbed during the day. This prevents the warmth from escaping into the cooler air.
The Combined Effect
By allowing solar energy in during the day and preventing heat from escaping out at night, the pool cover effectively raises and maintains the water temperature.
- Daytime: Sunlight enters the water.
- Nighttime: Trapped heat is held in by the cover's insulation.
This continuous process helps keep the pool warmer than it would be if left exposed to the elements.
For the best results in heating and heat retention, it is recommended to keep the cover on as much as possible between swims.
