Plastic Solar Blankets VS Liquid Pool Covers: Conclusion
We've looked at many factors that most consumers will consider when faced with a decision on whether to purchase a traditional plastic solar blanket for their pool, or to whether to opt for the less well-known liquid pool cover option.
To some, the very fact that a plastic blanket is more conventional will make their decision for them. But the more curious, results driven consumers want to know more about the two options before making their final decision.
To some, the very fact that a plastic blanket is more conventional will make their decision for them. But the more curious, results driven consumers want to know more about the two options before making their final decision.
- Which one retains heat better, a plastic solar blanket or a liquid pool cover?
- Can a liquid cover conserve as much water as a plastic blanket?
- Will my family be more save with a liquid pool cover or a conventional plastic blanket?
- Which one will I have an easier time using and applying on a regular basis?
- How much of a price difference is there between a plastic solar blanket and a liquid pool cover?
If you haven't had the chance to experience the battle first hand, make sure you read the replay of each round before spoiling the suspense by reading the conclusion first! You don't read the last page of a good book first, do you!? Catch up here:
Conclusion Round 1: Heat Retention
In the first round we found that up to 70% of heat from a swimming pool is lost through evaporation, and by using a pool cover of some variety, you can greatly reduce this loss. It was also shown that both plastic solar blankets AND liquid pool covers have been provide to decrease the rate of heat loss by between 50 - 70%. However, plastic solar blankets will also decrease the amount of solar heat gain that is possible by about 5 - 15%, whereas a liquid pool cover will not do this. For that reason, the ADVANTAGE was awarded to the liquid pool covers.
Conclusion Round 2: Water Conservation
In the second round we found studies that proved both both plastic solar blankets and liquid pool covers will conserve 30 - 50% of water that is normally lost to evaporation. We were about to call a tie, when we realized that a plastic blanket will only conserve water when it is actually covering the pool. During that time, the pool cannot be in use. So, in order to conserve the maximum amount of water possible, a swimming pool would ideally be covered 24 / 7 - even while in use. Liquid pool covers offer this potential, and were awarded the ADVANTAGE.
Conclusion Round 3: Safety
The third round was a hot topic because we looked at safety issues. For any product to be used with confidence, there must be certain questions of safety addressed. We found that conventional solar pool blankets do not offer any safety assistance and may even be considered a risk of entrapment. Liquid pool covers do not offer any safety assistance either, but pose no risks of any kind when used as recommended, so they were once again, given the ADVANTAGE.
Conclusion Round 4: Application
In the fourth round, application, we considered a few important points: fit and usability. In order for any pool cover to perform to its best potential, it much correctly fit the swimming pool in question. The process of actually using it to cover the swimming pool is equally as important. We discovered that traditional plastic blankets will conveniently fit most rectangular, oval or round pools, but uniquely shaped pools will require a custom cover. Liquid pool covers, on the other hand, automatically fit themselves to any size or shape of swimming pool. 1/2 Advantage goes to liquid pool covers...
When applying a plastic solar blanket, it must be physically pulled / spread out across the pool. Without a reel, this is likely a 2-person chore. Uniquely shaped pools or very large swimming pools are going to increase the work load. Then, anytime you want to swim, you have to physically pull or reel it off the pool. Liquid pool covers require no heavy lifting and only minutes each month. The ADVANTAGE here, without doubt, goes to liquid solar covers.
When applying a plastic solar blanket, it must be physically pulled / spread out across the pool. Without a reel, this is likely a 2-person chore. Uniquely shaped pools or very large swimming pools are going to increase the work load. Then, anytime you want to swim, you have to physically pull or reel it off the pool. Liquid pool covers require no heavy lifting and only minutes each month. The ADVANTAGE here, without doubt, goes to liquid solar covers.
Conclusion Round 5: Price
Price is often on of the main deciding factors when it comes down to deciding on a new product. We found, with the help of Google and various online retailers, that the average annual cost of a conventional bubble cover would be in the range of $100. An annual cost of Ecosavr - based on an average 6 month swimming season - would be about $60. For Heatsavr, the cost would only be about $45. Again, the advantage goes to the liquid pool covers, either HeatsavrTM or EcosavrTM.
Final Conclusion
After extensive consideration, it seems that the advantage in every single round went to liquid pool covers. For that reason, we have to conclude that, in a battle between Plastic Solar Blankets and Liquid Pool Covers, the reasonable choice would be to start using Ecosavr or Heatsavr. Why don't you start today? >> Where to Buy
Recent
Not Another New Year's Blog Post
January 4th, 2017
Setting 2017 Goals for Your Aquatic Facility
December 20th, 2016
Why Swimming Pool Exercise is Better than Land Based Exercise
December 13th, 2016
Being a Winter Safe Haven for your Fair Weather Friends
December 6th, 2016
De-Stress the Care and Maintenance of your Aquatics Facility
November 29th, 2016
Archive
2017
2016
April
Alkalinity - What's Happening in Your PoolBackwashing - How it will affect your pool experienceChloramine levels and liquid pool coversDrought - Is it Conflicting With Your Pool Opening?Environmental Awareness Can Actually Save You MoneyFlocculant and your pool - do you need them?Gutter Skimmers and Pool Circulation SystemsHeat Loss - How to Control your Pool Water TemperatureImitation - Know What Your Options Really AreJets, Fountains, Water Features and MoreKeep you pool warmer, longerLiquid Pool Covers - Which One is Right for You?Moisture in the Air - Fight Humidity Levels in Indoor Pool AreasNatatoriums - Indoor Air Quality ControlOpening Season Has Arrived!Proof of Efficiency and Safety - What's Really ImportantQuality Control: Should Pool Owners do their Own Dirty Work?Reduce Your Impact, Conserve your ResourcesSafe and Sound: Liquid Pool Cover FactsTestimonials, Tests & Trial ResultsUV & Ozone Treatments Systems and Liquid Pool CoversVapor Retardants and Water ConservationWater & Energy Conservation Guide (Video)Xerophyte - What is it and why should you care?Yard Differentials - Any Time. Any Place. Any Pool. Always Safe.Zebras and Swimming Pools - Maybe we can't actually help with everything
May
June
July
August
October
Being in Control and Saving Money at Your Aquatic Center Here Is A Product that is Helping Commercial Pool Operators Like Yourself Save Energy AND Reduce Their Stress Levels The Highest Fright Factor for Your Swimming Pool Doesn't Only Come Around on Halloween Simple Steps to Reduce the Footprint of Your Swimming PoolPeak Performance: Humans vs. Swimming Pools
November
2015
2014
March
Challenge your energy bill.NSF Approved, Cost Reducing, Energy Efficient Swimming Pool Product for YOU!Thinking outside the "Box" can help grow your business this seasonDoes your facility offer Scuba Diving Lessons?Do Liquid Pool Covers Work on Infinity Edge Pools?Online Photographs - the 2014 method of "Window Shopping"If my pool is small, how long will Ecosavr last?
2013
January
May
The Fringe Benefits of ADA CompliancyFishing for Customers - The Sales GameHow Much Do Liquid Pool Covers Cost?How do Liquid Pool Covers WorkMay is National Water Safety Month!Plastic Solar Blankets VS Liquid Pool Covers: Round 1Plastic Solar Blankets VS Liquid Pool Covers: Round 2Plastic Solar Blankets VS Liquid Pool Covers: Round 3Plastic Solar Blankets VS Liquid Pool Covers: Round 4Plastic Pool Blankets VS Liquid Pool Covers: Round 5
June
July
11 Comments
Your blog is very informative.I also confused for best pool cover between Plastic Solar Blankets or Liquid pool covers,Thanks for sharing such informative information.
Ca I use a liquid pool cover with a plastic solar blanket as well? Thanks Tim
Does the air temp determine how well it works? When I put it in the pool, it looks milky and it sort of collects in my skimmer and looks like little white slivers. Any insights? It's been in 40s and 50s at night here and I haven't been able to heat the pool yet.
For every one study in favor you usually can find one against. While this has been the case yet for liquid solar I do have concerns that there hasn't really been any long term health studies. It seems like kids ingesting this product on a daily basis during the summer months has the potential to have adverse affects?? Thinking back folks thought asbestos was OK for the 60 or so years it was in use. We know how that turned out.
if your pool is filtering all the time does that make the liquid cover less effective?
Hello Monique! Thanks for such an informative and helpful post. You have clearly outlined each and every point. Worth going through it. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for Sharing this great points.