Want to know more about the whole range of pool blankets available?
Here’s a comprehensive guide to swimming pool blankets from Conquest Pools Albury Wodonga.
Swimming pool blankets are an essential accessory for pool owners, providing numerous benefits such as heat retention, debris protection, and evaporation reduction. However, with a wide array of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which type of pool blanket is best suited for the Australian climate. In this blog, we will explore various swimming pool blanket types and discuss their pros and cons, helping you make an informed decision for choosing a blanket that best suits your needs.
Solar Blankets:
Solar covers, also known as solar blankets or bubble wrap covers, are one of the most popular choices for Australian pool owners due to their ability to harness the sun's energy. These covers are made from a durable, UV-resistant material and consist of air-filled bubbles which sit below the surface. The air pockets heat up in hot sun rays of summer and warm the water below. These bubble wrap style solar blankets come in variety to material blends and thicknesses to suit all budgets however please understand the cheaper the blanket the quicker it will break down and require replacement. If you do not have, nor plan to add pool heating to your swimming, then the solar blanket may be of interest to you.
Pros:
- Solar blankets help increase water temperature by trapping the sun's heat, extending the swimming season.
- They reduce water evaporation, conserving water and reducing chemical loss.
- Solar covers prevent debris, leaves, and insects from entering the pool, minimising maintenance efforts.
- Easy to install and remove.
Cons:
- Solar covers are primarily designed for heating rather than insulation, so they are not as effective in retaining heat overnight or during cooler months.
- They require direct sunlight in warm/hot weather to achieve pool heating.
- May over heat your pool in summer or require removal to avoid over heating your pool which then defeats the purpose of having a pool blanket.
- Can cool the pool water in low over night temperature climates.
Liquid Pool Covers:
Liquid pool covers, also called liquid blankets or evaporation inhibitors, are an innovative alternative to traditional physical covers. They consist of a biodegradable, chemical-based formula that forms a transparent ‘film’ on the water's surface to stop the UV rays causing evaporation or burning off pool chemicals. If your goal is to reduce evaporation and save energy on pool running cost and chemicals, then a liquid blanket system may be a solution to fill those needs.
Pros:
- Liquid pool covers provide excellent evaporation reduction, often comparable to physical covers.
- They are easy to apply and require minimal maintenance.
- Liquid covers do not hinder pool access, making them suitable for busy pool areas, small yards or commercial facilities.
- Suitable for irregularly shaped pools and those with water features or fountains.
- Resolve the potential eye sore of a physical blanket and roller in your pool yard.
Cons:
- Liquid pool covers need to be reapplied regularly or via an automatic dosing system.
- They do not offer the same level of debris protection as physical covers.
- Liquid covers are more expensive than cheaper types of pool blankets.
- Liquid covers offer less thermal insulating benefits.
Thermal Blankets:
Thermal blankets, also known as insulating covers, are designed explicitly for heat retention and insulation. If your have or plan to add any type of pool heating (Solar matting/Gas/Electric) to your swimming pool then a thermal blanket is the best option for you. They are typically made of closed-cell foam or insulating materials sandwiched between layers of durable fabric. Thermal blankets can be made in a variety of thicknesses - the thicker the blanket the better the heat retention your swimming pool will have to reduce heater running cost and further extend your swimming season.
Pros:
- Thermal blankets are highly effective at retaining heat especially overnight and during colder periods, extending the swimming season greatly.
- They provide substantial energy savings by reducing pool filtration and heating running times and energy consumption.
- These covers help prevent water evaporation, reducing water and chemical consumption.
- Excellent at keeping debris, leaves, and insects out of the pool.
Cons:
- They require more effort to install compared to other types of pool blankets.
- Thermal covers tend to be more expensive upfront, but the energy savings can offset the initial cost over time.
Safety/Security Covers:
Safety covers are designed primarily for child and pet safety around the pool. These covers are made from robust materials such as reinforced mesh or solid vinyl, creating a barrier across the pool's surface making it very difficult to come into contact with the water. If your main priority is safety in the pool area you would choose a safety cover to best suit this need.
Pros:
- Safety covers provide the highest level of security, preventing accidental falls into the pool.
- They offer excellent debris protection, keeping the pool clean and reducing maintenance.
- Some safety covers can support the weight of a person keeping any children safe if they happen to escape adult supervision and enter the pool area.
Cons:
- Safety covers are typically far more expensive than other pool blanket options.
- Installation and removal may require professional assistance.
- They are not as effective in retaining heat or reducing evaporation as some other types of covers.
Winter Pool Blankets:
Winter pool blankets are specifically designed to protect pools during the winter months when they are not in use. These covers provide a barrier against harsh weather conditions and help maintain the pool's cleanliness and integrity during the offseason. If you experience large amounts of debris through winter or heavy winds that blow a lot of foreign matter into the swimming pool this may be the solution you need.
Pros:
- Winter pool blankets offer excellent protection against debris, leaves, snow, and other winter elements, preventing them from entering the pool.
- Winter pool blankets can serve as an additional safety measure by acting as a solid barrier, preventing accidental entry into the pool.
- Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, winter pool blankets are typically made from heavy-duty materials that are resistant to tearing and damage.
- Once properly installed, winter pool blankets require minimal maintenance, allowing for easy and hassle-free pool closure during the winter.
Cons:
- Due to their heavy and robust nature, winter pool blankets can be challenging to install and remove, often requiring multiple people or professional assistance.
- Once in place, winter pool blankets restrict pool access completely, making it difficult to use the pool during the offseason.
- Winter pool blankets make servicing and maintaining the pool difficult and often result in green pool water and cleaners not operating as access is restricted. This would require an intensive ‘pool start up’ once summer arrives again.
- In some cases, winter pool blankets may accumulate water, especially during heavy rainfall or snowfall. Proper draining and maintenance are necessary to prevent damage or sagging.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right swimming pool blanket for your swimming pool requires some thought into your site specific circumstances. Call Conquest Pools Albury Wodonga to identify your requirements and tailor a solution for your pool blankets needs.
Phone: 0260592405
www.conquestpoolsalburywodonga.com