hmm, you raise some interesting 'conservation of energy' issues there Smokie. If the sun is shining on the pool anyway, isn't that a more efficient heater than storing the energy in a solar cell and then putting it back into the pool? I suppose if you had a black bottom then things might be different. Very different...
H
'Tis a solar blanket that Smokie is referring to. This is a relatively thick sheet, the consistency and shape of bubble-wrap. I use one on my pool and it negates the use of the heater during the summer.
It fulfils three functions....
1) Amplifies the heat erergy applied by sunlight quite dramatically (I have to jetwash mine on my driveway, because the heat energy generated would burn my grass)
2) It retains the pool water temp, when the ambient temp drops (at night, for example, where you can lose 5 degrees F per hour, until you hit ambient)
3) Keeps contaminents (leaves, dust, bugs etc.) out of the water.
My pool is 22,000 gallons and my water temp stays constant at around 88 degrees during the summer, without any assistance from my pool heater.
The solar planket needs to be a neat fit around the pool edge and it floats on the surface.
I'd be happy to send one over if needed (don't ask me to bring it with me - it's s bit bulky)
