Cutting Solar Cover

[waste]

rrands, JShilling has a point, with a reel irregular shapes are a hastle, but not too much of one if you have 2 people rolling it up (as a solo project it pretty much sucks ). However, not having it cut has it's own set of problems - the cover 'staining' the deck, gaps, which let debris in and allow heat to escape - especially around ladders, etc, and the wind removing it for you (but not putting it where you want it )
If you decide to cut yours 2 people are also recomended (1 to cut and another to hold up the peice you've removed), if you keep tension on the 'cut' and with a sharp pair of scisors, the cover should cut like wraping paper (ie, just run the 'slightly split' scisors down the cut line.) When I cut one, I use the edge of the coping as my guide, this allows a fit that covers the water surface but not so much that it 'slops' onto the deck. If using a reel, I leave the back edge uncut so that it will roll up better.

[rrands]

Awesome - thanks guys!

I don't have a reel, so that is not an issue (I am not against one, just don't have a place for it...)

So, if I understand you correctly, if I do decide to cut it to shape, I should cut it so that it fits as closely as possible to the side-walls? (I don't have anything protruding from the water, like stairs, etc).


Thanks!

[waste]

rrands, yes - cut it to shape with just a little over all around (ideally, it will be up on the wall a little all around the pool), this will keep 'max' heat in the water.
I feel obliged to remind you to remove (at least part of the cover) for an hour or so every other day to let 'things' 'gas off' so you don't run into some problems that can arise by keeping the pool constantly covered for days on end. [I don't fully understand chemestry, but apparently letting the pool 'breath' regularly helps keep things on an even keel]. Chemgeek could tell you all the interactions that are involved, or you could 'search' a few of his posts on the topic and get an idea of what I'm trying to say.
If you need any more help, feel free to ask (obviously - the site's free )

[doggie]

Just let it 'relax' on the pool for a few days before you cut it. That way, you'll have more of a true size since all the wrinkles and folds will have had time to work out.