Solar Pool Cover - Installed
15 years ago
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- 15 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
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Solar Pool Cover - Bubbles In or Out
Comments (3)I can help on that one. I did some experiments using bubble wrap (same as pool cover, just different sized bubbles; concept is same). The insulating factor works better with bubbles towards the INSIDE. One reason, is that not only do the bubble help to retain the heat, but the solid backing, which is facing out, helps to put a barrier between the inside and outside and stops cold air flow. But, it's very important, for the cover to work is to have it "sealed" at all edges. If, for example, if it's only 3/4 the way down and air can get up between the cover and the outer shell of your greenhouse, then you have cold air circulation which will basically thwart any efficiency that the pool cover should provide. So, if you don't have enough pool cover, then perhaps "seal" any open areas with regular bubble wrap or even double-layered plastic (not as efficient, but better than nothing). Also, you may find that 1 sheet of this pool cover, while (when sealed up) will help, it may not make a huge difference in a zone 5 if you are heating it with some heat source. Over the last 4 years, we have done some experiments with layers. In all experiments, the bubble wrap is sandwiched between 2 layers of poly plastic that covers the greenhouse. To be clear, 6 mil plastic on outside of greenhouse, layers of bubble wrap, then another poly plastic sheet on the inside of the greenhouse. This way, the bubble wrap is between the outer and inner plastic sheets. The 2 layers of poly plastic, outside and inside are sealed up completely around all edges using a zippering system on the frame of the greenhouse (wire lock I think itÂs called) We have found this to provide the best "R" value and heat retention. Here are our results. NOTE, ALL BUBBLES TOWARDS INSIDE OF GREENHOUSE ( BEST insulating factor, good light penetration: The 1st winter, we had 3 layers of bubble wrap. GOOD insulating factor, POOR light penetration: The 2nd winter, we tried 5 layers. WORST insulating factor, excellent light penetration: This winter, we tried only 2 layers. We find that during the day, the greenhouse heats up nicely with the SUN, best of all other experiments. HOWEVER, with sun gone, it loses the heat faster than the other 2 methods and will cost more to heat during cold snaps. We will be going back to 3 layers next winter. OR, we might decide to change from bubble wrap to 3 sheets of pool cover, where each is cut as 1 large sheet. Hope that helps....See MoreBubble wrap or solar pool covers?
Comments (7)Wolfover, I installed a 2x4" kneeboard 2' off the ground on one side so that the 20x40" sheet of Magniclear would fit. I could have ordered a larger cover but it would have cost twice as much with trucking and I didn't want the exhaust fan coming on throughout the entire summer anyhow. I have only the two poly layers from the Kneeboard to the ground and I can stick styrofoam sheets in the space in the spring and roll up that side plastic in the summer. If I were to do this again I would raise the kneeboard to about 4' so that that side could be rolled up above the benches. Some insulation from the bubblewrap may be lost but I think that a sheet of plastic temporarily wirelocked to the inside of wooden kneeboard would provide an extra airspace for insulation that would make up for that difference. One point about those who order the pool cover. Shipping is very high for the larger covers. I remember calling the Ohio based company and offering to pickup the cover and they told me that the covers were manufactured and shipped from Canada. But there may be a way to get around the shipping. I recently bought a second slightly smaller pool cover at Lowes that had been opened and was half price. I think that Lowes may order your size if you asked them. To check on what sizes they have in stock look in the outdoor section of their pool supplies....See MoreWhats the difference between a pool cover and solar cover?
Comments (4)aezarien is right. A black cover would plunge your GH into darkness, at which point, you might as well shut it down for winter and move the plants into the house. As for leaving the aluminet up all year: If you experience so much sunlight you need shade in winter; are you sure you even need a solar cover? You might do as well by permanently lining your GH in bubble wrap, which will keep it warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Sort of like going from lightweight double to heavyweight triple polycarb, which may well be all you need in your climate....See MoreSolar Pool Covers Work Well!
Comments (43)After looking at my situation I decided to just keep my pool cover on my green house all Summer. Here is why: The Green house temp was 120+ even with both exhaust fans going. Nothing can grow at that temp. I did figure out a way to role up one side of my green house to help cool it next summer. Plus I am thinking of adding a mist system to help cool it down. When it comes to Winter, I just purchase a pool cover that is 14x28 which is enough to cover both ends of the green house which was not covered last Winter. Since the Winters here in Ga. are mostly cloudy I will add some supplemental lighting so that the plants can grow in the winter. There are some HIGH Lumen CFL on the market at this time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Hans...See MoreRelated Professionals
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