Quote Originally Posted by lorettasweet View Post
I'm considering getting a solar cover for the first time. Summer temps here stay in the 80's - 90's, but cool off pretty good at nights so there's alot of time thru the summer it's a little cold to use the pool, especially for my young son.

After reading these posts, I always wondered if they really did that much good keeping the water warm. Does it also help "warm" the water if it's kept on during the day when the sun hits it?

Also, I have a 27' round pool, with a deck built on and drop in steps. Would I cut the cover to allow for the steps? Or just let it bunch up as close to the top of the steps as I can get it?
i haven't noticed much in terms of adding warmth..i have a typical blue solar cover. i believe the more expensive clear ones can actually transfer the heat to the pool. but for either one, in terms of keeping water from evaporating which really is where you can lose a lot of heat, they are amazing..if i had to spend 90 bucks a year for a new cover for my pool, it would be worth it. in terms of the steps, i just cut mine so it has a "tongue" that comes folds out from the rest of the cover to allow for where the steps are. when i go to "reel it up", i just fold that piece in before i use the reel so it doesn't tear on me. the reel is the way to go by the way. i have an 18 x 33 kidney shape and i hear of people trying to manually take their cover off and put it aside when swimming..for the 89 bucks a reel cost me, it was well worth it. taking the cover off and putting it back on is a 3 minute operation for me.