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Greenhouses & Garden Structures

Solar Pool Covers

17 years ago

Hi,

I'm just getting ready to winterize my greenhouse and can't decide between double poly or a solar pool cover. I have a 20 x 15' hoophouse.

I have a few questions about solar pool covers which may help me make up my mind. The first is : does the cover need to reach all the way round the g/h ? We live in a windy location and I intend to fasten the cover to the inside of the frame with metal clips. The diameter of the hoops is ~ 20'. Would it be ok to use an 18' cover and leave the bottom foot or so uncovered ? The 20' x 40' covers are way more expensive than the 18 x 32 !

What thickness of plastic do I need ? Is 14mm the same as 14 gauge ?

Can anyone recommend a good source for covers ? The cheapest one I found so far is this one : http://www.intheswim.com/shopping/product.aspx?productid=SKU18638&GCID=C14163x009-solar&e7=Y&e8=S2300&pcode=103&pcode=103&keyword=S2300

would the silver backing cause a problem in any way ?

thanks

Simon

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Comment (1)

Mike Larkin
17 years ago
does the cover need to reach all the way round the g/h - Yes it will be easier to attach to the bottom of the GH and less likely for the wind to pick up and blow off.
We live in a windy location and I intend to fasten the cover to the inside of the frame with metal clips. GOOD LUCK! I tried to secure with rope crossing back and forth and front to back. It would be nice if there was a way to securely attach to the pool cover - but there is not - unless they are making improved covers. I spent many cold days and late nights trying to re attach the cover after the wind blew it off.

Please do a search on this forum - there has been much written about solar pool covers.

This year I have taken my pool cover and placed on the inside. I had to cut into 6'wide x 18' long strips, and attached on the inside of the hoops. ( I deflated the double poly and slid in between the poly and the metal hoops. I will not have to worry about the wind. Mike
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I purchased a 16x28 solar pool cover on eBay costing $85., installed it over the top of my 12x16 green house which has a wooden frame. I fastened it with furring strips. I did not cover the ends at this time. I noticed about a 10 deg. difference after installing it. I will probably cover the ends next winter. About heating your green house, there are many non-vented LP heaters on the market with thermostats that don't need electricity. You can always hook up a medium size LP tank to it, locating it on the outside of your green house. Even a 40 or 100 lber would do. You might want to check out Lowe's or Home Depot, they both carry them. Hans
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