Solar Cover and Reel Recommendations?

[chipholder]

While this discussion is very interesting, it seems to have drifted from the original question. I am also looking to buy a replacement cover for my 20x40 IG and was hoping to get some help from the forum. Regardless of heat losses, I know I need a new cover. I just want to buy the best thing for my pool, both longevity and max heat gain. Should I spend more on a 12 or 15 mil cover? Should I buy round or diamond shaped bubbles? Should I buy one with the aluminized layer?
Any help is appreciated.

[not2hi01]

I bought a 12 mil clear solar cover last year...without question its the best purchase I've made...works wonders and way better than my previous blue cover...I'll most likely open a bit earlier this year since it heats the water a lot faster and more throughly.

[chipholder]

While this discussion is very interesting, it seems to have drifted from the original question. I am also looking to buy a replacement cover for my 20x40 IG and was hoping to get some help from the forum. Regardless of heat losses, I know I need a new cover. I just want to buy the best thing for my pool, both longevity and max heat gain. Should I spend more on a 12 or 15 mil cover? Should I buy round or diamond shaped bubbles? Should I buy one with an aluminized layer?
Any help is appreciated.

[CarlD]

We only got a LITTLE tangential !

Matt4x4--you don't need to point your return jets down. Convection will drive warm water up, and cold water down--if you have a low drain, it will catch that cold water and pump it out the return where it will be wamed. Oh, I think you meant you prefer a TRANSPARENT cover, not an opaque one.

I don't think the shape of the bubble matters, but I do think clear covers, as thick as you can justify spending $$$ on is the way to go.

I am going from a resin-handle reel that died after 3 years to an all-metal one. I hope this lasts longer and works better. Both are Horizon brand, but I'm not a lover of Horizon--I just thought the aluminum one was well made.

[matt4x4]

Carl, since my pool only has a skimmer and return, with a blue solar cover on during the day, unless I point my return down, I would not get the heat down there since it would all stay up top (no bottom drain), so essentially - no convection.
As soon as you add a bottom drain, it's a whole different scene, change the solar cover to clear - whole new scene..
I think this topic has about a million different combinations with different results for each.
My choice for solar covers would be opaque or reflective underside, in that order.

[NWMNMom]

Huskerfan (Donya) still have that reel? I know the story, read it last year. Our pool 18x33 AG. shoot me an email if still available. wmau@wiktel.com