Pool covers (solar)

[JimK]

So my instincts were right.

[bssage]

Nice,,,,Thanks,,

So I am dumbing this down for myself and checking my understanding with your.

Since my pool is an outdoor, AG, In Iowa. I want to both gather as much heat as I can, and keep it in the pool best that I can.

The best "Bang For My Buck" is a clear insulating cover, Not a Solar Cover? Preferably one with a Mill thickness that would allow me to run my pump with the cover on during the hottest parts of the day??

Does anyone have an Insulating cover they recommend??

And hey, If my understanding is incorrect. Feel free to correct me.

[FormerBromineUser]

Interesting info, ChemGeek! One part seems strange, though. Year after year with my auto-cover, I actually have to open it during the day in the hottest times of summer to cool the pool down. My water temps (when compared to cover on during the day vs off), tell me that cover-off will cool the water more than cover on. (Hope that makes sense). Maybe that's been a fluke.....

[JimK]

Interesting info, ChemGeek! One part seems strange, though. Year after year with my auto-cover, I actually have to open it during the day in the hottest times of summer to cool the pool down. My water temps (when compared to cover on during the day vs off), tell me that cover-off will cool the water more than cover on. (Hope that makes sense). Maybe that's been a fluke.....

Cover off = more evaporation = cooler water.

[Anonymous [GDPR] European in the UK]

Where abouts is your thermometer placed? many are just under the surface. As Chemgeek said the clear covers heat deeper into the pool warming the water whereas dark covers heat very close to the cover where the thermometers are. Try the test with the thermometer nearer the bottom of the pool for a better assessment. Getting into a pool with stratified water, warm on the top cold on the bottom isn't as pleasant as warm all the way through.

[FormerBromineUser]

Great point, Teapot... As usual!

[Toybuilder]

I'm hitchin' a ride. This is great information. Thanks for the post bssage.