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Solar Heating
& Blankets
Solar
heating is a very desirable way to heat
your pool and spa for one simple reason;
It’s free heat. After the initial
investment, the heat that raises the
water temperature in your pool or spa is
free. The sun provides the energy to
generate the heat through the solar
panels or solar blanket. Solar blankets
also prevent massive heat loss. When a
pool or spa is covered with a solar
blanket, the heating cost can drop by
70%.
Use and Care of Your
Solar Blanket
Solar blankets serve a very useful role. Retaining heat is the most important one. A
solar blanket will also help raise the water temperature a certain amount, but if you are
expecting a solar blanket to heat your pool to 90 degrees in March or September, you will
be disappointed. You can, however, expect a modest temperature increase with your solar
blanket. The following are tips and ideas that will prolong the life of your solar blanket
and make the most of your solar blanket experience.
-
Getting Your Solar Blanket
When you measure your pool for your new
solar cover, measure from the longest and widest points
of the pool. Include steps and loveseats. When you get your solar blanket, it will be a
large triangle. Lay it over the pool, bubble side down and leave it for a day or two
before trimming it. This will allow the blanket to “open” a bit before trimming,
giving a better fit.
-
Trimming Your Solar
Blanket
After your solar blanket has sat out of the box, and over the pool
for a day or two, it is time to trim it. Use a sharp pair if scissors or a razor knife.
The idea is to have the blanket fit edge to edge, end to end. Cut the
solar
blanket all the way around
the pool; be sure to cut the corners to
the proper radius.
-
Storing Your Solar Blanket
The best way to store your solar blanket is with a roller,
or a
solar blanket reel. The solar blanket is attached
to the roller with straps, and is rolled up when the blanket is not in use. Most rollers have wheels that
can be used to store the cover and reel when it’s party time or when you just
don’t want it around. However, you do not need a
solar blanket reel. Most solar covers come with a
large white bag for storage. You can just pull the solar blanket off of the pool, fold it
and put it in the shed or garage. When storing your solar cover for the winter, use a
swimming pool cover cleaner and deodorizer. Do not leave the solar cover out in the
weather during the winter unless it is on the pool, in use.
-
Cleaning Your Solar Blanket
The best way to clean your solar blanket is to use a
solar
cover cleaner and disinfectant.
Wet the solar blanket and use your telescoping pole and your pool
brush. Squirt the solar blanket cleaner on the cover and scrub. You can do this with the
cover right on the pool if you want to. When you are done, get a hose and hose the dirty
water into the skimmer opening. It may be easier to remove the solar cover from the pool
and spread it out on the lawn. If you have a slope you can spread it on, this will make
rinsing easier. For a quick cleaning, you can just hose off the solar cover while it is on
the pool. Hose the debris right into the skimmer opening or into the corner and use your
leaf net to remove the debris.
-
Getting the Most Out Of Your Solar
Blanket
You can increase the life of your solar blanket by following a few
simple rules. Never leave your solar blanket outside when the pool is winterized. Make
sure you keep a chemically balanced swimming pool. Remove the solar cover when you shock
the pool, and leave it off for 2-3 hours after any chemical treatment. Use a
cover cleaner
and deodorizer on a regular basis.
-
When Is It Time to Replace My Solar Blanket?
Your
solar cover will not last forever. The plastic will begin to
deteriorate after time. When the solar blanket begins to flake and get brittle, throw it
away. The first sign of the end of your solar blanket is when the bubbles on the underside
begin to fall off. Then you can use it to cover the firewood pile.
Solar Pool Heating Systems
Why Solar Heating?
As mentioned before, the best thing about
solar heating is that it is free heat. After the initial investment,
there will be not additional cost for
your heat. You
can’t beat it. You will not get the response you will get from a gas heater, but
solar pool heaters will raise the water temperature comfortable for swimming and more. The
response you get from your pool
solar heating system will depend on your geographical
area, the weather, the location of the panels, whether the pool is covered and the system
you choose. According to the United States Dept. of Energy, solar pool heating is the most
cost effective use of solar energy. Also, there are no expensive parts to replace, no
pilots to light, no electronic components. And best of all, no expensive fuel to burn
away.
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