Solar covers (blankets) come in different shapes and sizes and are offered for in ground and above ground pools alike. Many homeowners simply buy an amount larger than their pool and then cut it to fit the exact shape and size of the pool.

Solar covers most often contain air pockets or bubbles that capture heat from the sun's rays and send the heat to water in your pool. Most solar covers are made out of a synthetic polyethylene material and most are a transparent blue, while others are offered in darker colors including gray. They have many benefits and some estimate that it can increase a pool's water temperature by 2-4 degrees Celsius

Solar pool covers can help the water retain heat during cool nights. By acting as an insulator they minimize the amount of heat that can escape from a pool when the weather is cool. Solar covers also lessen the amount of water that will evaporate from your pool, which will also help reduce heat loss.

Solar blankets are often placed on a roll up station which can cover or be removed electronically or manually. Some are sold with the reel on wheels for easy maneuverability. Solar covers should be put on a pool throughout the night and can be put on during the day when the pool is not being used.

Solar blankets can save pool owners money by decreasing how much they spend on replenishing water and decrease the amount of work and energy required by your pool's heater.

Solar covers are normally not fastened down and because they float on top of the water. They are not designed to protect children or small animals from entering into a pool. As well, a person should remove the entire solar cover before ever entering a pool, because getting trapped under a partially removed solar blanket is very dangerous.

Roll Up Stations

SOLCO's range of Roll-up Stations are exactly what you need to free you from the hassle of dragging large pool covers off pools.The innovative design and durable components used make it a world class product at affordable prices.

There are various sizes ranging from a 1metre to the heavy duty 8.5 metre roll up station deluxe.

Roll up stations save you the time of manually rolling and folding away large blankets and lets you enjoy that time swimming in your pool.

Solar Blanket

CAUTIONS: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

1. PROTECT YOUR SOLAR BLANKET.
Folded or rolled up Blankets should be protected from sunlight. The same solar heating capability that heats your pool generates a temperature hot enough to damage the air cells two to six layers down in a folded or rolled up blanket.
To prevent this, protect the Blanket from the direct rays of the sun when folded or rolled. The folded or rolled Solar Pool Blanket must be protected even during short periods of direct sunlight, to help extend it's life. Folded or flat, the Blanket should not be left on a hot deck in the sun.
DELAMINATION DUE TO SUCH IMPROPER EXPOSURE OF THE SOLAR POOL BLANKET TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT WILL RESULT IN VOIDING THE ENCLOSED WARRANTY. Maximum recommended temperature for storage in the shade is45° Celsius. If there is no convenient shade area near your pool, we suggest storing the folded or rolled Solar Pool Blanket under a bench, veranda roof, garage or with a light coloured opaque cover as above.

2. TREAT YOUR SOLAR POOL BLANKET WITH CARE.
To help prevent damage to the bubbles, the Blanket should not be dragged over abrasive pool decks, coping, or any sharp, rough surfaces.

3. NEVER LEAVE ON LAWN.
If the blanket is removed for trimming or cleaning, remember it's solar heating abilities. THE LAWN CAN BE BURNED IN LESS THAN ONE HOUR IF THE POOL BLANKET IS LEFT IN ONE PLACE.

4. HIGH TEMPERATURES.
WATER TEMPERATURES ABOVE 30 DEGREES CELSIUS MAY ALSO SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE SOLAR POOL BLANKET and, incidentally, could damage a painted pool as well. During summer, if pool temperatures rise above 30 Degrees Celsius, the Blanket should be removed and stored in a shaded area.
(See CAUTION 1 above.)

5. CLEANING.
Most dirt and leaves can be hosed off the floating Blanket directly into your pool skimmer. Run the circulation pump during such hosing to send minute debris into the skimmer and through the filter instead of into the pool. If necessary, the leaf basket or trap can be emptied after hosing. Water and a soft brush are generally all that is required to remove heavier grime and algae from the Blanket. A CLEAN BLANKET ALLOWS FOR MAXIMUM SOLAR ENERGY HEATING.

6. STORAGE.
After cleaning the Pool Blanket, it is best to roll it up from one end. It should then be stored in a shaded or protected area below 45 Degrees Celsius, perhaps suspended from your garage roof or in a large plastic bag in the house. If planning to store the Blanket for an extended period, allow the Solar Blanket to dry before rolling it up this will prevent mildew from forming in the water trapped within the folded Blanket. This mildew will not, however, harm the Blanket.

7. CHLORINE USE.
The Blanket will help maintain normal chlorine levels. Fixed dosing can result in higher than normal concentrations. This may reduce the life of the Solar Pool Blanket if left unchecked. Use your chlorine test kit regularly.

SOLAR BLANKET AND ROLL-UP STATION

1. It must be remembered that due to the relatively low nighttime temperatures on the Highveld, you should keep your cover an at all times except when swimming for maximum efficiency and pleasure from your system. The first rule in pool heating is to retain the heat that you have gained from whatever source. No pool heating system will work effectively if the cover is not used.

2 It is imperative NEVER TO LEAVE A ROLLED/FOLDED POOL BLANKET IN THE SUN. Excessive heat build up occurs which will lead to delaminating or even melting of the cover. If a roll-up station has been supplied, protect the blanket from sun with the white cover supplied and store in the shade.

3. If the blanket is unrolled on the lawn for washing purposes this should not be done when the sun is at its strongest or left on the grass for any length of time as it will burn and kill the lawn beneath it.

4. If you have been supplied with a roll-up station, it should not he used as a seat or diving board. It has been designed to be light and portable and will not cope with excessive loads. The shaft and bearing block should be oiled or greased periodically.

5. Maintain a minimum chlorine level in your pool to combat algae. Excessive use of chlorine will burn the cover (bubbles go white) and eventually the heads of the bubbles will break off. Floating chlorinators are not recommended. If it is necessary to super chlorinate your pool, remove the cover and only replace once the chlorine level returns to normal.

CHEMICALS

1. We have found through experience that the simplest and least expensive way of maintaining your pool is as follows:

a. Stabilize your pool by adding stabilizer (Cyanuric acid) in accordance with the instructions on the packet.
b. Adjust the PH level by adding Soda Ash or Hydrochloric Acid until the PH reading is between 7.2 and 7.6.
c. Add HTH granulated chlorine (preferably pre-dissolved) until a reading is obtained on your test kit.     Maintain this reading by adding two to four cups per week.
d. By maintaining your PH at the correct level, one will get maximum benefit from the chlorine added.

2. The PH of granulated chlorine is 7.2, which means that with a marbelited pool (which is alkaline) your water will tend towards alkalinity and will require Hydrochloric Acid to be added periodically. Stabilized pool pills have a PH of 2.2 (acidic} which, if not checked, could lead to water becoming acidic.

3. It is most important that the above chemical control is adhered to for trouble free operation of your system and clear sparkling water.