Re: solar cover on/off for best heating?
My experience in Kentucky:
When the air temperature is going to be above the water temperature, and little to no wind, I get more heat gain without my solar cover on. The higher the air temp, the less of a problem the winds are, or so it seems for me.
When the air temperature is below the water temperature, it's usually better on.
Of course, if you are trying to maintain your water temp, you should always have it covered when not in use overnight.
Bottom line is that when the air temperature is below your water temperature you will experience much faster heat loss via evaporation than when it is at or above the water temperature. Wind and humidity obviously play parts as well (wind more so than humidity unless you have near 100% humidities).
I'm in the process of collecting some real numbers since our weather pattern for the past few days and into the coming week like a broken record. If I'm able to establish any solid numbers that indicate 'the truth' I'll be sure to submit my results here.
This particular topic is very hotly (no pun intended) debated in any pool forum. I'm wondering if Mythbusters would consider putting this one to the test in some scientifically controlled conditions? I think I'll send an e-mail to Adam and Jaime! They can use my pool as long as they send Kari to help out
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Phantomandy
18x36 IG Vinyl Grecian / Hayward H250 Heater / Hayward Sand Filter / Rainbow Trichlor Online Feeder / Treated using BBB and Trichlor Combo / Tested using the world famous (and now exclusive) PS233 Kit
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