solar cover 'fish"

[tmack]

Hi...like many here I struggle taking the solar cover (15X30 AG Pool) off and on that I usually don't bother using it. I haven't seen a reel that is worth the money, otherwise I would buy one. I was wondering if anyone uses those 'fish' that slowly let out a chemical that supposedly acts like an invisible solar cover. Are they worth the money? I usually don't like to have anything (toys, etc.) floating in the pool while I swim but in an effort to maintain a higher water temp I would consider these if they are effective. Thanks in advance for your replies!

[aylad]

There were posts on the old forum about this...I don't have any personal experience with them, but the general consensus was that, unless you have a completely undisturbed water surface, they were a waste of money.

Janet

[Bleach=Chlorine?]

There are also posts on this forum regarding the solar fish. One person claimed results near that of a solar cover but I believe the general feeling was not so good.

Solar Fish posts...

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=1483&highlight=solar+fish

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=1675&highlight=solar+fish

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=1459&highlight=solar+fish

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=250&highlight=solar+fish

[gwrace1]

I would agree that this may be easier than the solar cover. We have one but have never used it. Makes it a little difficult with the aluminum deck and fence. Water temps are in the mid-90's right now but this might be good if it would extend the swimming season to late November or early December.

[rmeden]

I posted in the other threads, but I saw a 2 degree overnight drop with the "fish" and a 4 degree without it.

I used it for a month or so while letting the solar panel (ebay) do it's thing....

Pool is now 87 and I've stopped using the heater! I'm gonna coil it up, but may need to keep it around to cool the pool!

Robert

[tmack]

you guys down south are lucky...I'm in New England. I opened my pool on Memorial Day weekend and did the spring opening routine and topped off the water level. the water temp was 54 degrees then and now about 64 on a hot day. Seems to lose about 5 degrees overnight depending on the nighttime temps. If we have a heat wave (about 5 days of 90+ weather) the water temp might get up to 75 or so if I use the solar cover. I'm thinking of a solar heater but then I'd need to use the cover very night, then I'd need the reel...nothing but money...thanks for your replies

[NWMNMom]

Come on, bite the bullet and get a solar heater and use your blanket. What's worse, a few minutes day and night to put the cover on/off OR not getting use out of an expensive pool because its too cold? We live in probably the coldest part of the country by far (often called the Nation's Icebox) and we enjoy pool water in the 80s and higher most of the summer. As for $ options on a reel, I have two words - DIY and EBay

Just the first 5 hours of the panels this year our water temp raised 4 degrees, then we were on and offline due to old connections/hoses leaking - we always pay for laziness at pool closing when we open the next year! Our pool was 78 degrees this morning, sun is shining as we speak so I expect low to mid 80s water when I get home. Where is my pool floatie???