Product Brochure

The evaporation rate from an outdoor pool varies depending on the pool's temperature, air
temperature and humidity, and the wind speed at the pool surface. The higher the pool
temperature and wind speed and the lower the humidity, the greater the evaporation rate. In
windy areas, you can add a windbreak—trees, shrubs, or a fence—to reduce evaporation. The
windbreak needs to be high enough and close enough to the pool that it doesn't create turbulence
over the pool, which will increase evaporation. You also don—t want the windbreak to shade the
pool from the sun, which helps heat it.
Indoor pools aren't subjected to the environment, but they still can lose a lot of energy from
evaporation. They even require room ventilation to control indoor humidity caused by the large
amount of evaporation. The ventilated air also must be conditioned, which adds to the energy
costs.
Pool covers minimize evaporation from both outdoor and indoor pools. Covering a pool when it is
not in use is the single most effective means of reducing pool heating costs. Savings of 50%–
70% are possible.
Pool covers on indoor pools not only can reduce evaporation but also the need to ventilate indoor
air and replace it with unconditioned outdoor air. You can also shut off exhaust fans when an
indoor pool is covered, which saves even more energy.
TYPES OF POOL COVERS
Technically, all you really need for a pool cover is a large sheet of plastic. Plastic meets the
requirement of being a vapor barrier. But a large sheet of plastic that you get from the lumber
store is probably not your best choice. It will be very difficult to handle and store, it tears easily,
and sunlight will deteriorate it rapidly. You can use a sheet of plastic, but it will be very
inconvenient and it will probably only last 1 to 2 seasons maximum.
It's best to use a cover designed specifically for swimming pools. They're made of special
materials, such as UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl. They can be transparent or
opaque. Covers can even be light or dark colored.