Caring for your solar pool cover
Caring for your solar pool cover
A new solar cover is very easy to look after, but there are a few key things that are important if you want to protect its life and performance.
Always use an over-cover when the blanket is rolled up or folded off the pool.
This is one of the most important steps. If the cover is left exposed while rolled up, it can overheat very quickly and cause what is commonly known as roller burn.
Keep your chlorine levels under control.
Chlorine should never exceed 3ppm. High chlorine levels can damage the blanket, reduce its lifespan, and may void your warranty.
Reduce your chlorinator output once the cover is installed.
If you have an automatic chlorinator, including salt or magnesium systems, the output should generally be reduced by around 50% once a pool cover is fitted. If your system is already on its lowest setting, reduce the running time instead. It is important to test your water regularly and make sure chlorine levels stay in the correct range.
Make sure the cover system is set up correctly.
If you are using a roller system, the blanket should sit and roll correctly so it does not drag unnecessarily across pavers, coping, or rough surfaces, as this can cause avoidable wear and tear.
A quality solar cover will do a great job of reducing evaporation, holding heat, and lowering running costs, but like any pool product, a little care goes a long way.
6 IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT SOLAR COVERS
- A solar cover will cut chemical consumption by around 50% - automated chlorinators must be adjusted appropriately. If a chlorinator is already running on its lowest setting, running time needs to be reduced. Failure to do so will result in overchlorination, and damage the cover.
- Check chlorine levels regularly - the industry standard is around 1.5 to 2.5ppm. Chlorine levels should never exceed 3ppm - to do so will damage a solar cover, and void any warranty.
- When superchlorinating, remove the cover completely, and do not replace it until chlorine levels have returned to normal.
- Most solar covers will shrink, and this is allowed for on new covers. Never trim exactly to size upon installation - allow for several cm all around, and wait for at least 2-3 weeks before doing a final trim.
- A solar blanket must always be covered when rolled up. If left uncovered, the layers heat up and can melt. It is called ‘roller burn’ and can not be repaired.
- Never swim under a solar cover. The cover literally sticks to the water surface, so there is no air underneath it. Covers must be completely removed from the pool prior to swimming.