between one and two days

Well, there are actually several ways to cool down your swimming pool.

1. Run Your Filter at Night. The most practical one is to run your filter at night when the air is cooler.
2. Cool Your Pool Down with Ice. Of course!
3. Remove Landscaping.
4. Install a Reverse-Cycle Heat Pump.
5. Use Your Solar Heater.
6. Install a Water Fountain.

between 86 and 88 degrees

8 to 12 hours

You know those black trash bags? They can hold heat too. Fix one up to a hula hoop and if you want, cut one side of a pool noodle to add buoyancy and you’ve got yourself a super cheap pool heater.

12 degrees

A solar cover, placed bubble-side down, provides a dual purpose. First, the solar cover will absorb the heat energy into the plastic, and heat-up the air-filled bubbles. The solar energy is then transferred to the water, by the simple act of conduction, in the same way that a cup of coffee will warm your hands.

• Best Overall: Sun2Solar 1200 Series Rectangle Solar Pool Cover.
• Best for Round Pools: Blue Wave 8-mil Solar Blanket for Round Above-Ground Pools.
• Best Budget: Intex Solar Cover for 12-Foot Diameter Pools.
• Best Oval: Midwest Canvas Ultra 16 Mil Solar Blanket.
• Best for Small Pools: Solar Sun Rings Solar Spa Cover.

As you can see, the clear solar pool cover is better than the blue one. This cover heats up your swimming pool more and does that more evenly. With a blue cover, the heat that is transferred to the water leaves a layer of water just below the cover. But a clear cover ensures that the heat is evenly distributed.

The pump is like the heart of the equipment pad. Then yes you can do both. The solar cover when installed as it should be – on the water – has no significance with regard to the filter ( the large tank). The purpose of running the pump either with the cover on or off would be to move or circulate the water.

One of the most common fits is to have the solar cover sit right at the edge of the pool wall, which will fit your solar cover on your pool’s surface perfectly. Another option is to leave 2″-3″ around from the edge of the pool wall to remain folded upward on the pool edge.

First, ensure the water level is correct. Then, carefully un-pack the cover and lay on the water, bubble side down, smooth side facing upwards. Trim the cover with a pair of scissors to fit around the pool wall allowing for shrinkage.