Solar Cover Care

Environmentally friendly, efficient, solar covers are one of the best ways of sustaining warmth in your pool. Our portfolio has a huge variety of types and qualities catering for all budgets and applications.

Whether as your primary warming method or coupled with a heater, a solar cover will not only save you money but also extend your pool season.

Basic care will prevent rips, delamination, damage, or dirt reducing its life. So let's maximise both the life and the money you have spent by keeping it looking, and working like it is brand new for years to come by following these basic tips:

Protect the cover!

When off the pool you should protect it from the sunlight as much as possible, not that we get that much in the UK, but you still should.

Even though they are left on the pool the majority of the time, UV rays can cause deterioration over time, plastics deteriorate naturally under the UV rays effects....so keep your cover out of direct sunlight in a shaded location. We recommend using a Solar protector sheet

Handling!

To prevent and minimise damage to the air cells (bubbles), the cover should be always lifted carefully over any abrasive sections of your pool whether it be a deck, or coping stones as ragged surfaces cause rips which will cause major damage and reduce the efficiency of your cover if left unattended.

Cleaning

Debris will block the sun reducing your cover's heating ability, whereas a clean cover allows for optimum solar heating.

Hose of the dirt directly into your pool skimmer, we recommend the circulation pump is running whilst cleaning so the small debris goes through the filter rather than into the pool. If necessary, the leaf basket or trap should be emptied after cleaning.

Algae and grime will most likely just require some elbow grease, water and a soft brush to remove from the cover.

Always store your cover correctly, so avoid throwing it onto grass, sand, pebbles and grit.

Storage

Allow your cover to dry after cleaning. Once dry, fold it and roll it up from one end. You can store it in a shaded area standing on end in a large plastic bag. If you have a solar roller, you may roll up the cover and place the protective sheet overtop - preferably in the shade.

Winter

Please do not leave your cover on your pool after the swimming season ends, unless it is designed to do so.

Most solar covers are not winter covers, be aware if you do leave them on their life will be shortened due to the winter conditions. Winter covers will better protect your pool, and won't get damaged by the Autumn / Winter weather.

As previously stated for Winter storage, clean the cover, and dry thoroughly, otherwise, mildew and bacteria will build up giving you a nasty surprise at the season start!

Store in a dry, safe place.

Chemicals

The number one reason we find for cover degradation over time is chlorine Chlorine should be maintained at the proper level, if you "super chlorinate", remove the cover to avoid deterioration.

The one thing people forget is to give the chlorine levels time to return to the ideal range before putting your cover back on

Reels

Let's be honest if you have a floating cover get a Roller it allows you to easily and more evenly deploy or retract your pool cover, minimizing the risk of damage.

A reel should prevent your cover from sagging, thicker covers require a larger tube diameter, which will keep the cover taut. A sagging solar cover will increase the risk of rips or tears.

Repairs

It is essential to make small repairs before they grow and get big. Small tears can turn into big rips over time unless you repair them.

We offer solar cover repair kits are available.

As the idea of a cover is to allow light through in order to heat your pool, avoid opaque repair materials.

Pump and Filter Timing

The cover magnifies sunlight, hence the water underneath warming.

Warmer water rises to the top, bringing a higher concentration of chlorine. So it is best to time your filtration system to the warmest part of the day (approximately 10 am to 4 pm), this circulates the cool and hot water around your pool.

This spreads the heat more evenly throughout the pool while preventing hot water and chlorine from building up at the top of the pool, which can damage your cover.