The Passive and the Active Solar Pool Cover

Solar pool technology comes in two different types: active solar applications and passive solar applications. For instance, let's say you want to charge a battery which will be used to power an automatic pool cover. That would be considered an automatic application. In contrast, let's say you want to keep your pool warm with a special cover, but you don't mind putting the cover on manually and then taking it off manually. In such a case, this would be a passive solar application.

Now, if you want a solar pool cover, there's a number of models you might want to consider. One more prominent model is “The Reel Deal,” which, as the name suggests, consists of a solar blank and a reel. The solar blanket or solar pool cover functions to cover the pool and to, by design, concentrate sunlight in the pool and trap it inside. The reel allows you to easily remove and recover the pool.

For in-ground pools, a popular passive solar pool cover is the “blue wave” model, which is rectangular and will fit over the top of your pool. The manufacturer promises that your pool will be at least fifteen degrees hotter than if it were uncovered. Prices for this model range from $60 to $100; but may depend on the size of your pool.

Now, if you want to purchase an active solar pool cover, you will have to do a considerably larger amount of work and will need to plan on spending more money. You may need to purchase a small-scale solar power station, including several solar panels, a block of batteries, and the necessary wiring, possibly including a control panel. This may set you back a few hundred dollars, but it also may give you a new means of powering outdoor applications, including floodlights, grills, and bug magnets.