by the Pool Service & Repair Experts at GL Pools
A pool cover comes in handy when it comes to pool maintenance. A bubble wrap pool cover or solar blanket utilizes the sun’s energy to heat your pool water, protect the pool from leaves, dirt, and debris, and prevent evaporation. It magnifies the sun’s rays and diverts the heat to the water below. Here we’ll discuss everything you need to know about pool bubble covers, how they impact the demand for pool maintenance, and tips on choosing the right swimming pool bubble cover.
A pool bubble cover is a highly beneficial tool that’s an ideal addition to your pool maintenance routine during the summer. This is understandable, considering that its purpose is to retain heat and prevent evaporation which only exists in the summertime. It’s essential to keep this in mind, as prolonged use of a bubble wrap pool cover can lead to its deterioration. If you’ve ever seen a pool bubble cover, you’ve likely noticed that they come in a few different colors. Below, we’ll go over the details of clear vs. blue bubble covers.
Clear vs Blue Pool Bubble Covers
Solar covers are an essential part of swimming pool maintenance. Not only do they help maintain a comfortable water temperature and minimize evaporation, but they also help keep your water cleaner, reducing the need for pool maintenance. When comparing clear vs blue pool bubble covers, there are similarities and differences, and each has its benefits. For example, both color pool bubble covers will reduce evaporation at about the same rate. They will also both help retain heat but in different ways. Wondering what the best pool bubble covers to heat your pool are? Clear covers allow more of the sun’s UV rays to pass through, which allows heat to transfer into the water. Blue covers, however, don’t let in as many UV rays, which means they don’t trap the heat as well. While clear pool bubble covers provide better heat transfer, blue solar covers absorb more UV rays making them more effective at retaining warmth for a more extended period. This makes them an excellent choice for pools that get less than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Another difference between clear vs blue pool bubble covers is in their durability. Because they absorb fewer UV rays, clear bubble wrap pool covers tend to have a longer lifespan. But while blue covers may deteriorate faster, the fact that they absorb more UV rays can help inhibit algae growth which can make your pool maintenance more manageable.
Lastly, if you are concerned with price, blue bubble wrap pool covers are typically less expensive. But pool bubble covers are available in a range of blues from light to dark, so if you’re having trouble deciding on a clear vs blue pool bubble cover, light blue can offer a good balance between the two.
Other Factors in Choosing a Pool Bubble Cover
When seeking bubble wrap to heat pool or reduce your time spent on pool cleaning, there are several other factors to consider other than color. For example, in addition to color, you’ll also need to consider the thickness or weight of your cover. Most solar covers are between 8 mils and 16 mils thick, with 12 mils being the most popular. As you can guess, the thicker the solar cover, the more durable it is and the more heat it will retain. Manufacturer and warranty are additional factors to consider. You should focus your search on pool covers with extended warranties from well-established companies. At GL Pools, we carry both clear and blue pool bubble covers from Pool Style – a highly-trusted provider of pool covers and more.
Swimming Pool Bubble Cover Pros and Cons
Bubble top covers are large plastic sheets cut to fit the size and shape of the pool for which it’s intended, offering significant maintenance-related benefits. Pool bubble covers are easy to use and provide an affordable cover solution compared to other pool cover styles, such as retractable, rolling deck, or mesh security covers.
Some of the more common benefits include keeping a pool pleasantly warm, keeping out dirt, debris, and leaves, as well as preventing undesired amounts of water loss because of evaporation—all things that can save you both time and money when it comes to swimming pool maintenance. While they can be used year-round, pool bubble covers are best suited during warmer months when your main goal is to retain heat and prevent evaporation. As a side benefit, limiting the use of your solar cover to summer can help extend its life.
As with any pool cover, solar blankets should be used with caution and care. Pool bubble covers float on the water and are not supported by any other means. They are effective in curbing evaporation and reducing the need for maintenance, but they are not safety devices. They cannot prevent people or pets from falling into the water. If a person or animal falls in while the cover is on, it can be difficult for them to get out of the pool or for someone to access them to help.
Because pool bubble covers are unsecured around the edges, debris can sometimes make its way under the cover and become trapped. Additionally, if weighed down by enough leaves or debris, a bubble cover may begin to sink. This can cause issues with water clarity or algae, which is why routine maintenance and water quality monitoring are still necessary to help ensure the health of your pool. It is also important to note that bubble covers should be removed before any pool skimmer or cleaner is operated to avoid entanglement or damage.
Another consideration is the weight of the pool bubble cover. While heavier covers are more durable and retain more heat, they can be a bit more challenging to install and remove. To help, many pool owners use manual rollers or reels to help install, remove and store their solar covers with greater ease. But remember, a lighter-weight bubble cover can still be quite effective in maintaining a comfortable pool temperature, slowing water loss, keeping your pool cleaner, and reducing the need for frequent swimming pool maintenance.
Conserve Water and Reduce Evaporation with a Solar Pool Cover
Did you know evaporation is the leading cause of water loss in a swimming pool? That’s why bubble wrap to heat pool covers are so highly recommended. If you’re looking to conserve water and reduce evaporation in your pool, the process is much easier than you might think. In fact, according to the National Pool Industry Research Center study using a bubble cover is 94.9 percent effective in stopping water evaporation and water loss.
Best Pool Bubble Covers to Heat Your Pool
When choosing a bubble wrap pool cover to make swimming pool maintenance easier, there are several things to keep in mind. For starters, as we mentioned previously if you’re looking for a cover that holds heat for long periods, you’ll want a blue cover. On the other hand, clear pool bubble covers will degrade less quickly and allow faster heat transfer. For either color, a thicker weight offers greater durability. But if you think you might have difficulty handling it, you may want to use a lighter-weight solar blanket or invest in a manual roller or reel. When you consider these factors in addition to the warranty, you can make an informed decision and find the best pool bubble cover for you. For more information on pool bubble covers and pool cleaning service in Carlsbad and throughout San Diego, contact GL Pools today.