Solar covers

[vinper]

I want to do the oposite , I want to reflective cover to keep the heat out .. Like the temp bubble wrap covers for solar gain ... I cannot find anything ,maybe the reflective attic insulation stuff . Any help . My pool gains 10- 15 degees during the day.

[CarlD]

There are reflective covers, but usually the reflective side is down. You could try it upside down. Or put in solar panels.

"Solar panels??? Are you nutz, Carl? But I want to cool it, not heat it!"

Right. Run the solar panels at night instead of during the day and they act like car radiators, bleeding off heat! Then, when the season gets a little cooler, you can run them during the day and extend your season.

Carl

[vinper]

Reverse flow solar panel intresting , I see they now sell mini pool cooling towers ,but are to much coin

[kelemvor]

A reflective cover might not have the intended effect. From what I read (here: http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=13140 ) solar covers work primarily by preventing evaporation. I'm pretty sure any cover would reduce evaporation regardless of it's reflectivity. I guess it could work if you put it on in the day and removed it at night maybe?

There are water chillers on the market but they're expensive: http://www.google.com/search?q=swimming+pool+water+chiller

I remember asking this same question last summer maybe August. So far my water's pleasantly warm at about 90f in the evening, but it's sure to get warmer. I never did anything about it. Someone suggested maybe running the water through my heater with the heat off at night or something like that.

[CarlD]

Reverse flow solar panel intresting , I see they now sell mini pool cooling towers ,but are to much coin

Flexible solar panels can be had for as little as $200. Or you can go the Poconos route if you have some unused land and make your own. Poconos uses black hose but if your goal is to LOSE heat then it can be anycolor--you run them at night.

Carl

[Spensar]

Wonder if you buried a good length of hose/pipe and ran the water through it if that would cool it down. Depending on the soil and where you are, you may need to go a bit deep. Interesting problem, which is totally theoretical for me here!

[CarlD]

Ah! The Poor Man's Geothermal route!

Carl

[vinper]

Yes I should have layed a field of pipe on the bottom drain suction line . I love when you turn on the waterfall and the water that comes out 1st is so cool ....My pool temp 87-88 degrees , my koi pond in the shade 80 degrees , so blocking/reflecting the sun could lower the temps

[CarlD]

Be sure to watch your pH. Waterfalls tend to aerate the water, raising the pH.

Carl