Are there any new alternatives to solar blankets such as chemical additives to reduce evaporation?

Answer 1

Yes, there are a few, but they have drawbacks equal to or greater than simply using a regular solar cover.

First, you are asking for a liquid to form a cohesive firm on the water to reduce evaporation and keep in heat.

But the liquid must be; safe for human consumption (people are known to swallow some water now and then); non-oily (no one wants to have to wash off AFTER they get out of the pool; chemically inert (to keep the pool chemistry stable); and perfectly clear (no one wants a color added the water).

Generally, no one has come up with a perfect solution (yet anyway).

I provide the following links to sites that advertise such a chemical for information purposes only and in no way recommend them.

http://www.solardirect.com/pool/poolcover/liquid-blanket/liquid-blanket.htm

http://www.poolcenter.com/solar_blankets_liquid_solar_poolstor.htm

Hope this helps ...