Solar Pool Covers: Best Practices for Heating & Heat Retention

No, a solar cover should not be left on the pool during the day when there is sunlight. The purpose of a solar blanket is to passively heat pool water by trapping heat from the sun during the day and preventing heat loss during the night. However, leaving the solar blanket on the pool during the daytime can actually lead to overheating of the pool water.

When the sun's rays hit the pool water, a significant amount of heat is absorbed by the water. If the pool is covered by a solar blanket, the blanket traps the heat and prevents it from escaping, causing the pool water temperature to rise rapidly. This can lead to uncomfortable and potentially unsafe swimming conditions. Additionally, leaving the solar blanket on during the day can reduce the effectiveness of the blanket in retaining heat during the night.

To properly use a solar blanket, it is recommended to place it on the pool water at night or in the evening when the sun's heat is no longer as intense. This allows the blanket to trap the heat absorbed by the pool water during the day and prevent heat loss during the cooler nighttime. Removing the solar blanket during the day allows the pool water to cool down and prevents overheating while still allowing the blanket to effectively retain heat during the night.