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.

[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.

[CarlD]

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.

Ah! I see. I've had the opaque, blue on top, black on bottom covers. I've had the transparent blue one. I've now got the transparent clear, heavyweight one and it seems to work best, espec with solar panels.

[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.

[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