In Ground Solar Covers

[Tirwin]

I need a new solar cover for my 20x40 inground pool. I have used standard dark or light blue covers with the bubbles in the past. I find they typically last 3 - 4 seasons before they need to be replaced.

I am curious if anyone has used the "diamond" shaped bubble cover instead of the standard round shaped bubble. Examples can be found at solarcovers.com. I probably won't go that route since they claim the 12 or 16 mil thickness cannot be put on a roller without voiding the warranty. What the heck are you supposed to do with it if not roll it up?

Another alternative is the supreme clear cover sold by bestbuypoolsupply.com. From what I've read a clear cover should heat the pool up more since more of the sun's rays are getting to the deeper water. My past experience with blue covers is the first 2 feet get warm but the deep end does not enjoy any benefit. I recognize the best benefit of a cover is to prevent evaporation but would also like to optimize heating potential if possible.

I was hoping someone on the forums would have some experience. Thanks in advance for any help.

[SalemCastles]

I just replaced a blue one with a clear one after doing some research. I'm very happy with the performance thus far as it gains a degree or two during the day which at least negates the nights loss. It does only heat the top couple of feet of water if the pump is not running but again better than not having one.

[CarlD]

I've had clear covers, diamond covers, blue covers, expensive 16 mil covers and cheaper 10 mil covers.

They all fall apart after 3 years and you discover the warranty isn't worth a pail of algae-filled pool water! Besides, if you can't roll up a solar cover what good is it?

So I buy the cheapest of the transparent types--blue if I must, clear if I can. Good for 3 years then trash.

I've also found the heavy expensive clear ones DO work better than the thin blue ones. Sort of. Not enough to be worth it.

I'm now on the third year of my latest inexpensive blue transparent cover. It's clearly going into it's last season as the bubbles are starting to pop.

My last super expensive cover started popping bubbles in the 3rd year. They all do.

Carl