When a pool is not in use, covering it is the single most effective way of reducing pool heating costs. At a glance, you can easily see that swimming pool heating costs using a pool cover is much lower than those with pools without covers.
These days, there are many choices in getting your latest model in swimming pool covers. Hidden pool covers Melbourne is one example of a progressive way of saving energy costs, this time with an automatic pool cover that is seen during use and hidden when not used.
The science
By nature, swimming pools lose energy in a variety of ways, with evaporation the far the largest source of energy loss. Evaporating water needs big amounts of energy.
It takes 1 BTU (British thermal unit) to raise one pound of water. However, each pound of 80 degreed Fahrenheit of water that evaporates takes a whopping 1,048 BTU of heat out of the pool.
The evaporation rate on an outdoor pool varies depending on the pool’s temperature, air temperature and humidity, and the wind speed at the pool’s surface. The higher the pool temperature and wind speed and the lower the humidity, the greater the evaporation rate.
Pool types
In areas that are windy, 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.
Indoor pools are free from the changes in the environment, but they still can lose a lot of energy from evaporation. They also 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.
Covers
Pool covers minimize the evaporation from both outdoor and indoor pools. It is also very effective when pools are covered when not in use. It can reduce up to 70% savings.
The hidden pool covers Melbourne on indoor pools not only can reduce evaporation but can also work on the need to ventilate indoor air and replace it with unconditioned outdoor air. Shutting exhaust fans can also save more energy.
Types
Basically, all that is needed for a pool cover is one large plastic sheet. It meets the requirements of being a vapor barrier. Those big plastic sheets from stores are not really the most ideal choice.
First, it is difficult to handle and store and it tears easily, while sunlight can deteriorate it fast enough. At most, it can only last about 1 or 2 seasons.
Covers for pools need those that are designed for swimming pools, made of special materials like the TV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene or vinyl. They can be transparent or opaque, light or dark colored. Hidden pool covers Melbourne are usually those that are automatic or semi-automatic which has mounted reels that covers or uncovers the pool at a push of a button. They are actually hidden from view when the pool is used. The semi-automatic covers also use a motor-driven reel system.