Here's a photo (link below) of the shape of my GH so you have some idea of the shape I'd be trying to wrap.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:286637}}

So I'm the only one with a lean-to GH thinking about a solar pool cover?

Does anyone out there even have a lean-to / home attached greenhouse or am I the only one?

fuzzy: I wrote on another thread that I had a notion, but wouldn't offer it until I had more info.

So I'll repeat my questions:

Can you drill small holes through the center of the aluminum frames on your GH? Meaning; is there a space in them not part of the actual mounting for the glass? The hole size I have in mind would be to fit 1/4" bolts, although a bit smaller would work too.

And- how high is your GH at the peak?

i have a home attached lean-to greenhouse. I don't have a solar cover on the outside during the winter because of the high winds we have. I think it would just blow off and be a large hassle. I do insulation the inside with bubble wrap every winter. It is a pain in the butt, but i think it does help alot.

-renee

As far as can I drill small holes the answer is probably a very qualified yes...based on the reason behind them, the real question is probably more like would I ever drill holes in the frame....and I doubt I'd do such an un-repairable move. In re-reading 1/4-inch bolts would not fit between my panes of glass anyway.

My green house is in the neighborhood of 12-feet from floor to peak at the highest point.

With a wood frame all around the greenhouse, I don't think attaching the solar pool cover would be too tricky. The wood extends around the three sides of the floor and the two vertical sides. I do have wood across where the rood meets the house, but given the way the aluminum header is designed, I'm not sure I can use it. I'm also fairly certain I can't reach most of the roof anyway except from the ends.

I am concerned about the weight of the cover (getting it up on the roof), and folding it in such a way that it's snug and not as prone to the wind. I do think I can wrap some wood in the ends and screw that wood to the base/wall wood to make it secure but maybe I'm underestimating how large a sail this thing may be. We do get high winds, but given the way I "plan" to attach it the winds should only be able to enter at the peak if at all.

I've thought about the bubble wrap endlessly. With a 16x10 greenhouse I just can't fathom how long it would take even with a reliable attachment method to do, especially on the ceiling. and high parts of the wall. I'm also thinking that it still leaves gaps for heat to escape and I also picture it just plain falling off. Thanks but as I said bubbble-wrap is out.

Thanks birdwidow...I get where you're going with this. I think I would probably not be comfortable drilling holes in my frame, even assuming I was bale to do it safely. Pretty much monly the edges of the roof of the greenhouse are reachable anyway. I really wish I could get a handle on the exact weight of a 40' x 20' solar pool cover. I've considered the 3 or 4 piece solution, but attaching them to each other and to the GH is problematic. Assuming I can get it up n the GH, a one-piece solution would be easier to attach. I'm just not sure how heavy is "heavy." I'd like to think that maybe there is a way to get a 1-piece solution in place simply sliding it slowly up the roof on either side. Anyone know how heavy these are?

Fuzzy,

I can't answer your question on weight, but it would be easy enough to find out.

Most of the vendors have toll free numbers listed on their websites and if you find the cover you want and there isn't a number to call, if you go through the ordering process, the site may show the shipping weight, which would be be very close to the actual weight of the cover.

However, there are a limited number of pool cover mfg., so whatever brand you choose would likely be available from more than a few vendors. I like my Diamond Clear, BTW. 3 years of midwesern winters and we still haven't managed to tear it.

One other option that might work to get a fitted cover and still allow you to use pieces, is tape. Scotch clear duct tape is pretty powerful stuff and unlike those of us with polycarb, you can safely use solvent to remove any tape residue from glass.

So if the side and front pieces were laid about 2 ft. up onto the roof and around the corners and held in place with tape, that would leave only the top piece to be secured, and to do that....

I still favor battens, so what about a frame! Make a frame to fit all along the edges of the roof, but of 2 x 4's, for weight and some wood to allow you to cut into it. Half lap the ends and drill out for bolts. Lay the pieces on the roof, bolt them together, then, with screw eyes already set along the sides of the lumber and more down on the base, use a strong, supple braided nylon rope, to lace it all together.

Then in spring, just reverse and with the frame disassembled, it would be easy to store.

Does that appeal? I hope so, because I'm running out of ideas. (LOL!)

Thanks you...I'll see if I can find out the weight (most are free shipping or non-weight based shipping).

I'll also check out the tape idea as a possibility fr securing the slack/folded over corners.

I think the wood idea is to complicated/hard for what I have in mind.

Ideally I'd like to pull the entire uncut cover up on the roof using one ladder at each end. Secure it to the house and floor wood, fold & tape the slack/excess and cut out vents or door if necessary and take it down in spring. Except fo rthe potential weight issue I think this may work best. No seams to fail, no seams for heat to escape....I guess weight is the issue.

A 14ml thick 20'x40' Mangi-clear weighs about 45 pounds. That appears to be the weight of the entire cover. based on that I think it's fairly reasonable that 2 people woulc be able to drag it up on the roof of the greenhouse. Even if I go with 16ml it shoudl still be a manageable weight....especially given that this is the total weight and to lift it to the roof you'd only be supporting part of the weight. This may answer the question.

Hi fuzzymoto... I know this is a very old post. I am in a similar quandary about installing solar pool cover over my GH. Was wondering what did you end up implementing? Will appreciate your sharing your experiences as you researched options. Thanks