How long does it take for a solar cover to heat up a pool?

Answer 1

It depends on the size of your pool, the number of panels, your location and the desired temperature gain.

Assuming my panels are equal to the sf of the surface area of my pool in (for example) North Carolina I can expect to see about a 1 degree rise per hour using a blanket during the sun, so when you first turn on a solar system it can take 3-5 days to fully heat your system but once it reaches that point it keeps it warm from then on.

Answer 2

The time it takes for a solar heater to heat a pool depends on the volume of the pool, the size of the solar heater, and the delivery rate of heat by the sun to the solar panel. Also important are the starting temperature of the water in the pool and the desired temperature to which the water should be heated. Those are the variables. Some "rough" calculations can be made by looking at the inflow and outflow temperatures of the water through the solar panel, and the rate at which the water in pumped through it. First, begin with an "average" amount of water flow calculated in gallons per hour, and the differential temperatures measured. Find the number of gallons of water going through the heater per day, that is, the "lighted" hours when heat is being produced. There will be more heat delivered in the middle of the day than earlier or later, probably. And cloud cover will have an impact on the effectiveness of the heater. You need "x" number of gallons per day, and you'll need the "average" temperature rise of the water through the heater. You'll check differential temperatures in the morning, at "noon" and in the afternoon to figure this out. When you're done, you'll have "x" number of gallons of water in a day being heated up by "t" degrees. Divide the volume of your pool by the flow rate per day through your heater. That's how many days it will take to raise the temperature by "t" degrees. To raise the temperature by half of "t" degrees, it will take half as long. To raise the temperature of your pool by a quarter of "t" degrees, it will take a quarter as long. The numbers will not lie if you have done your measurements accurately, arrived at your estimates correctly, and calculated fastidiously. Certainly you can easily get into the ball park by thinking this through and punching up some numbers.

Answer 3

I've been using a solar cover on my in-ground pool for the last 25 years. When I had the pool installed, I was intending on purchasing a gas heater. The installer suggested that I try the solar cover first and maybe save some $$$$. It was a great idea. To date, I've never installed that gas heater. I live on long Island, NY. We basically have a 3 month pool season. The pool is generally 90 degrees (which is where my wife likes it) between the months of July and August.

To answer the question, the solar cover starts working as soon as you put in on. Assuming your pool is in a sunny area, the pool will heat during the day. Those bubbles on the cover act like little magnifying glasses. On a good hot day, I've seen the temperature raise around 3 to 4 degrees. At night the cover acts like an insulator not allowing the heat to escape. It also keeps the water from evaporating as quickly.

There are, however, pros and cons. I find that a cover, regardless of its warranty will only last around 3 years at best. Most covers have a 2 year replacement. After that it's a pro rated deal. It's cheaper to buy a new cover on sale then to deal with the manufacturer with the pro rated nonsense. So the heat isn't totally free. It will cost about $100 (depending on your pool size) every 3 years. You will need a solar roller too... get a good metal one. It's worth the extra money. I'm on my third roller. The all metal one is holding up well. The straps will need to be replaced every few years as well.

Finally, there are several types of covers... I've tried them all. As a rule, the thicker the better, so, go with as many "mils" as you can afford! Obviously a thicker cover will heat faster and insulate better. I'm currently using a clear cover. It had the best "ratings" so I figured I try it. While it heats and insulates the pool as promised, I find it tends to promote algae growth. My favorite is still the "Space Age" cover. That's the one that's blue on the top and silver on the bottom. The plain old translucent blue isn't bad either. I'm just not lovin' the clear. Remember it's a solar cover. As such it will not keep any dirt out.

I hope that helps.

Answer 4

2 days