Google

Friday, August 29, 2008

The Solar Pool Cover - Extending Your Pool Season

Having a backyard swimming pool can be a very big investment, especially if you decide to have an in ground pool installed. And one of the ways to maximize your return on that investment is by doing whatever you can to extend the swimming season in your part of the country.

For those who live desert or southern climes, of course, swimming weather is more or less a given, no matter the time of year. But for those who experience four distinct seasons, investing in a solar pool cover can mean another month of comfortable water temperatures tacked on the either end of the swimming season. A solar pool cover costs nothing to operate and you will always have a plentiful, renewable source of energy--the sun--keeping your pool water warm.

The traditional method of heating a home swimming pool is to use either a gas powered or electric heating pump, requiring the pool owner to keep replenishing the gas supply or to pay even more on what is probably a significant warm weather electric bill. A solar pool covers, which can add 10 to 15 degrees to water temperatures, is designed and colored to mesh with the overall appearance of your pool.

How Solar Pool Covers Work

A solar pool cover, or “blanket,” is made of heavy-weight, UV-resistant polyethylene similar to the bubble wrap used as package cushioning, but much more durable. The surface area of the thousands of bubbles on the solar pool cover is large enough to trap and hold a tremendous amount of the sun’s heat, and transmit the heat to the pool’s water. Conversely, the solar pool cover acts to insulate the pool’s water and prevent the heat from escaping.

For the homeowner’s convenience, a solar pool cover is designed to be free-floating, so its removal does not involve dealing with tie-downs nor anchors. For large swimming pools, however, the sheer weight and size of solar pool covers, and their storage, can be significant issues. So solar pool cover manufacturers now have come up with solar pool cover reels, similar to garden hose reels, which ease the removal of the covers.

The price of a polyethylene solar pool cover will, of course, depend on its size; a 20’ x 40’ cover can be found on the Internet for between $180 and $230. Moveable solar pool cover reels cost around $300, all those for exceptionally large pools will be more.

You can also find more info on Solar Garden Light and Solar Outdoor Lighting. Solarpowerreview.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Solar Pool Heating.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Save Water, Energy and Money With a Solar Pool Cover

Owning a pool and living green doesn't seem to mix. Pools use up so much energy to keep clean and warm and also guzzle so much precious water it seems like a lost cause to turn your sparkling blue pool, green. But there is good news for pool lovers.

There's an easy, inexpensive way to have your pool go green...a solar pool cover! Seriously, these little things can make a big impact on water, energy, money and time savings. They come in a variety of styles and colors so you can pick the one that suits your surroundings.

Just check out the facts that the Department of Energy has posted about solar covers:

* Conserve water by reducing the amount of make-up water needed by 30%-50%

* Reduce the pool's chemical consumption by 35%-60%

* Reduce cleaning time by keeping dirt and other debris out of the pool.

Wow! So basically, because you keep the solar cover on the pool when not in use, the water evaporation is drastically reduced. That means your putting less water in to keep up the water levels.

Also, the chemical levels remain more constant so you'll save time and money by using less. But the biggest advantage is heat.

The average solar cover will increase the water temperature by 10-15 degrees! And the best part is solar energy is free, so you won't have to keep paying the high cost of heating the water through a pump. Or, if you don't heat your pool, then you'll get an added benefit of warmer water and a longer swim season.

Planning to install solar panels? If so, don't overlook the solar pool cover. Having one will reduce the size of the solar panel system thus saving you cash.

So if you own a pool, get a solar pool cover to go green and save water, energy, time and money!

Grab your FREE report: 10 Easy Ways to Go Green...Go to http://www.howyoucangogreen.com/blog to sign-up for the How You Can Go Green Newsletter as well as the FREE report and to be the first to get updates on green issues, products and ideas.

Solar Pool Covers - Two Types Of Covers to Consider

Solar power is quickly becoming the choice in alternative energy. People are realizing that solar energy can live up to traditional energy sources and, in fact, work perfect for certain applications. Solar pool covers are one of those ideal uses for solar energy.

There are two types of solar pool covers. They involve passive or active technology. Passive solar energy involves more manual work then active solar energy. For instance, using a battery to put the cover on and off would be active, where manually putting the pool cover on yourself would be passive. Your first main choice will e to decide which of the two you would prefer. Active pool covers will be more expensive then passive pool covers, but both serve the purpose very well.

As for different models of solar pool covers, there are many choices. There are options like a pool cover that uses a reel to help put it on and remove it. All models, basically serve the same purpose, though, of keeping the pool covered and helping to keep heat from escaping. The main differences are going to be the look of the cover and the little extras, like a reel.

There are also solar pool covers suited for in ground pools. A model called the blue wave is sold with the manufacturers word that your pool will remain fifteen degrees warmer then without a cover. The prices for these models range from $60 to $100, with the pricing difference mainly depending on your pool size.

These examples are all the passive type of solar pool cover. If you are wanting an active solar pool cover then you will be looking into more advanced technology. This means more money and more work on your part. Active solar pool covers will require some installation.

You will need some type of solar power storage and collection device. This usually will involve solar panels, a battery and maybe wiring. A good benefit of an active solar pool cover is that you can also use the solar power you are gathering to power other things, like outdoor lighting.

Your choice in an active or passive solar pool will largely depend on your budget and your personal preferences. Both will serve to protect your pool, help keep it clean and trap heat inside. They are a great investment and a perfect way to use solar energy.

Learn how you can save money and save the Earth by using the infinite source of energy: Solar Energy. You can find more information at Joseph's website at http://www.mysolarenergyathome.com as he expounds on Solar Power and Solar Pool Cover

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Then

Monday, August 11, 2008

Solar Pool Covers Versus Mesh Freehold Pool Covers-What Is the Best?

Are you a Freehold resident who is in need of a swimming pool cover? When it comes to buying a Freehold pool cover, you will soon see that you have a number of different options. While many pool owners mistakenly believe that all pool covers are the same, they actually are not. Two common types of pool covered purchased by Freehold pool owners include mesh pool covers and solar pool covers. If you are wondering which Freehold pool cover is best for you and your pool, you will want to continue reading on.

When it comes to buying a Freehold pool cover, there are many pool owners who choose to buy solar pool covers. One of the many benefits to buying a solar Freehold pool cover is the cost. Solar pool covers are known as being more affordable than all other types of pool covers. They are also well known for their heating capabilities. A Freehold solar pool cover uses the sun’s rays to help heat a pool. In that aspect, many homeowners can save money by using a solar Freehold pool cover instead of purchasing a pool heater.

Although solar Freehold pool covers are popular and affordable, they do have their downsides. One downside to purchasing a solar Freehold pool cover is safety. Solar pool covers are known for their pool heating capabilities, but they are not necessarily known for their safety. Should you or a child accidentally fall into your in-ground pool and it was covered with a solar Freehold pool cover, did you know that you or the child who fell will continue to sink to the bottom of the pool. In fact, solar pool covers can even make it harder to get out of a pool accident.

If you are interested in having your pool heated a little bit by the sun, you may want to think about buying a solar Freehold pool cover for your pool. However, if you are more focused on safety, you may want to look into a mesh Freehold pool cover. Mesh pool covers are most well-known for their safety. It has been said that some mesh pool cover can hold weight up to thousands of pounds. Of course, you are advised not to rely on a mesh Freehold pool cover to withstand your weight, but it is nice to know that it could in the event of an accident.

If you are unsure as to what type of Freehold pool cover you should buy for your in-ground pool, you may actually think to think about both mesh pool covers and solar pool covers. There is a way that you can use both. In fact, there are even some mesh pool covers that are also made with solar absorbing materials. For more information on which type of Freehold pool cover you should purchase for your pool, you may want to think about speaking with a pool safety expert or installer.

Aang Swihart is a writer for Pool Safety Systems . com where you can find accurate information about a Freehold Pool Cover and other related information.

Add to Technorati Favorites