Discover the Pros and Cons of Pool Bubble Covers: A Comprehensive Guide to Make the Right Choice

Paul West/ Backyard Gardening

Understanding Pool Bubble Covers

Venturing into the specifics about pool bubble covers gives you a better idea in deciding if it’s the right option for you.

What Are Pool Bubble Covers?

Pool bubble covers, commonly referred to as solar pool covers, play a pivotal role in pool maintenance. Picture these covers as a large sheet of bubble wrap. Each bubble functions as an individual insulator, trapping heat within the pool while thwarting debris. Originating mainly from polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate or chlorinated polyethylene, these covers are effective for both above ground and in-ground pools.

How Do Bubble Covers Work?

They operate on a simple, yet fascinating principle. The “bubbles” adhere to the water’s surface, minimizing evaporation rate –
one of the major avenues for heat loss in pools. They absorb sunlight, converting it into heat and directing it to the water below. Also, they use insulating air pockets between the bubbles to contain the heat within the pool and prevent it from escaping into the cooler surrounding air. As a result, not only is the pool’s water temperature increased, but energy costs for pool heating decrease due to the reduced need for artificial heating. So, when you’re ready to jump into a warm pool, perhaps a bubble cover has been the unseen hero behind the scene.

Pros of Pool Bubble Covers

While bubble pool covers’ key role is maintaining a warm, clean pool environment, they also possess a plethora of additional benefits. These range from energy conservation to providing protection from debris.

Energy Conservation

Indeed, energy conservation is one of the prime advantages of bubble pool covers. It works by reducing the amount of energy required to heat the pool water. The cover’s unique design traps sunlight and uses air pockets to retain the heat. So, the pool water warms up without calling for a heater – an action that significantly cuts down your energy consumption. A study by the U.S. Department of Energy showed that solar pool covers could potentially save up to 70% of pool heating costs[^1^].

Reduced Evaporation

Besides, bubble pool covers also prevent water and chemical evaporation. Ever noticed how frequently the pool water level drops or how you seem to be using more chlorine than usual? That’s evaporation in action. But with a bubble pool cover, the rate of evaporation drops significantly, leaving you with not only a fuller pool but also lower water and chemical usage. Pools lose about 70% of their heat through evaporation[^2^], but you can cut that loss in half by simply using a bubble pool cover.

Protection from Debris

Finally, bubble pool covers provide excellent protection from unwanted debris. Any pool owner can attest to the myriad of leaves, twigs, and insects that find their way into pools – giving the pool filter a strenuous workout. Pool bubble cover serves as a barrier, keeping your pool clean and relieving the pool filter from overworking. It’s a win on both the cleanliness and maintenance fronts!

Cons of Pool-Light Covers

While pool bubble covers have distinct advantages, certain drawbacks also exist. In this section, we’ll explore these cons in three main areas: installation challenges, maintenance requirements, and potential durability issues.

Installation Challenges

Installing pool bubble covers isn’t always a breeze. Depending on the pool shape and size, fitting the cover properly might become a tricky task. For instance, a rectangular pool cover isn’t designed to suit an oval or irregularly-shaped pool.

You also must remember to position the bubbled side facing downwards, a common mistake many first-time pool owners make. Inaccurate installation may lead to inefficiencies, with the cover failing to serve its purpose of temperature and evaporation control.

Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance of pool covers has its own set of challenges. From time to time, you’ll need to clean the cover, a process that may find many pool owners buy an additional pool cover cleaner.

Debris like leaves, bird droppings, and bugs can collect on top of the cover. If left unattended, they can turn into a nuisance and potentially damage the cover. Also, these pool bubble covers are bulky, making storage a substantial issue during the swimming season when they’re not in use.

Potential Durability Issues

Made of plastic materials, pool bubble covers are subject to wear and tear. Sun exposure can drastically reduce their longevity, leading to bubbles popping over time or the cover becoming brittle and prone to tears.

Although some high-quality bubble covers come with UV protection, even these can’t escape the inevitable wear and tear process. Hence, even though their benefits, pool owners often need to replace bubble covers every few years, increasing the overall cost of upkeep.

Remember, understanding the pros and cons aids in making an well-informed choice about whether a pool bubble cover is the right choice for you. Weigh these variables against your personal preferences, budget, and the specific circumstances of your pool before proceeding.

Choosing the Right Pool Bubble Cover

Selection of a pool bubble cover isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision; it’s a process tailored to the specific needs of your pool. So, how do you make the right choice? Here are some factors to consider.

Considerations for Size and Shape

Recognizing the size and shape of your pool matters. Whether you have a standard rectangular pool or a custom-built curvilinear one, pool bubble covers exist in various shapes and sizes. For pools with irregular shapes, it’s advisable to go one size larger, providing allowance for any unique corners or extensions.

For size, don’t make an approximation. Take specific measurements of your pool dimensions (length, width, and breadth if applicable). With this data, purchasing a cover that fits becomes easier and more accurate.

Material and Quality Considerations

In most cases, pool bubble covers are made of polyethylene or polypropylene. The difference between them lies mainly in durability, UV resistance, and scratch resistance. Polypropylene tends to be more durable and offers better UV resistance whereas polyethylene is a cost-effective option.

Thickness denotes the quality of a pool bubble cover. Most covers range from 8 to 16 mils in thickness. Thicker covers tend to last longer, absorb more heat, and provide better insulation but they’re often more costly.

Cost-Effectiveness

Upfront, a pool bubble cover can seem like a hefty investment, especially when eyeing the thicker, more durable options. But, remember they significantly reduce evaporation, maintain pool temperature, and lower energy costs, saving you money in the long run. So, the one-time cost may be worth the long-term savings.

Balancing cost with material and quality helps you choose a cover that offers value for money. Yet, keep in mind your individual situation about budget, pool usage, and local climate can influence the ultimate choice. It’s about finding the right cover that delivers both on performance and cost-effectiveness. Expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on size, material, and quality.

Choosing the perfect pool bubble cover involves weighing pros against cons and considering multiple factors. It’s an investment that asks for careful thought. So, take your time, do the research, and make an well-informed choice that eventually serves you well and enhances your pool experience.

Conclusion

So you’ve seen the ups and downs of pool bubble covers. You’ve learned they can effectively manage your pool’s temperature and cleanliness, even though the initial hurdles in installation and ongoing upkeep. You’ve also discovered the importance of picking a cover that fits your pool’s unique needs. It’s about more than just size and shape; material quality, UV resistance, and cost-effectiveness play significant roles too. It’s clear that the right pool bubble cover can enhance your pool experience. But remember, it’s all about balance. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your specific situation, and make an informed choice. That’s the secret to getting the most out of your pool bubble cover.