Can You Run the Pool Pump with a Solar Cover On?
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Not only is it safe to run the pool pump with a solar cover on, but it is also the recommended practice since it provides several benefits.
Running your pool pump with the solar cover can help reduce the number of hours the pump needs to run. This leads to savings on electricity costs and extends the life of your pool pump.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of running your pool pump with the solar pool cover on and understand why running the pool pump with the solar pool cover on is beneficial.
How Does Running Pool Pump With Solar Cover On Help?
The pool pump circulates water through the pool system. This allows the filter to trap debris and leaves you with sparkling clean, healthy pool water.
The solar pool cover lays on top of the water to retain heat and prevent evaporation. It also blocks leaves, dirt, and other debris from entering the water.
When used together, the solar cover takes over some of the workload for the pool pump. With fewer contaminants able to get in, the pump doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your pool pristine.
The reduced operation time saves electricity and prevents excessive wear on the pump.
What Are The Benefits of Running Pool Pump With Solar Cover On?
Using your solar pool cover with the pool pump running provides several nice perks:
Saves Energy and Heating Costs
Solar covers trap heat from the sun, raising your pool’s temperature. This means your pool pump and heater don’t have to work as hard, which makes a huge difference in your electricity and heating expenses.
The cover also prevents evaporation, further helping to keep the pool water warm.
Reduces Water Loss from Evaporation
Evaporation is a major source of water and heat loss in swimming pools. The solar cover forms a protective barrier that prevents moisture from evaporating. This conserves water, making your pool more eco-friendly.
Keeps Pool Cleaner
The solar cover stops debris like leaves, dirt, bugs, and other contaminants from falling into your pool.
With your pool covered, you simply clean the debris off the surface instead of fishing it out later. This also prevents objects from clogging your pump and filters.
Extends Swimming Season
The solar cover helps maintain comfortable water temperatures longer into fall by trapping heat and insulating your pool. You can keep swimming even when the weather cools down.
Extends the Pump’s Lifespan
Less debris and dirt in the water means your pump doesn’t have to work as hard. The reduced workload enhances efficiency and can extend the pump’s operating life.
With a pool cover on, you will also need to clean the skimmer basket less often.
Promotes Even Heating
The sun initially heats the top layer of pool water under the cover. Running the pump circulates this warmed water down, preventing cold spots. This ensures uniform heating for a comfortable swim.
Tips for Running Pump with Solar Cover On
When you run the pool pump with the solar cover on, follow these tips:
Monitor the Water Level
Check that water levels remain mid-skimmer. If levels drop too low, the pump can suck in air and lose prime. Add water if needed before running the pump.
Remove Debris from the Cover’s Surface
Use a leaf blower or pool skimmer to clear leaves and dirt from the cover’s surface. This prevents debris from entering the water when you remove the cover.
Cut a Flap in the Cover for Skimmer
Cut a flap in the cover so it doesn’t obstruct the skimmer weir door. This allows the skimmer to move freely and function properly.
Eliminate Rainwater Pooled on Cover
Use a sump pump or wet/dry vac to remove rainwater pooled over the cover. This prevents dirty water from diluting chemicals when the cover is removed.
Remove Cover Before Adding Chemicals
Certain swimming pool chemicals can degrade the solar cover over time. Remove the cover before adding chemicals like chlorine or acid.
What Type of Pool Covers Can You Use?
Most solar pool covers are safe to use while running the pump. The most common options include:
- Standard Solar Blankets – These popular covers have bubbles on the underside to absorb and transfer heat. The smooth top blocks debris.
- Thermal Pool Blankets – Also known as pool space blankets, these insulated covers retain heat well.
- Solar Rings – Inflatable tubes float on the surface and heat up in the sun. Gaps allow some debris through.
- Safety Covers – Sturdy covers designed for walking on can be used, though circulation may be slowed.
- Automatic Covers – Covers on a motorized reel can be used like standard covers. Just open fully before swimming.
Solar blankets and thermal covers are your best bet for reducing debris while the pump runs. But any solar cover is better than no cover!
How Can You Monitor Water Level With Cover On?
When running the pool pump with the solar cover, one important tip is to check the water level periodically. You want to make sure it stays around midway up the pool skimmer.
The water level tends to drop over time due to minor evaporation and splash out. If it drops too low, air gets pulled into the pump intake, damaging it.
It’s easy to monitor the level – simply peek under the cover near a skimmer every few days. Look for the waterline on the side of the skimmer. If needed, top up the pool to bring the level back up. Taking this quick check ensures your pump stays protected.
How Else Can You Maintain Proper Pool Care?
In addition to running the pump adequately and using a solar cover, a few other maintenance tips will keep your pool in shape. By staying on top of all aspects of maintenance, you can maintain healthier pool water:
- Monitor chemistry 1-2 times weekly and adjust chemical levels as needed. Proper sanitation is essential.
- Clean out skimmer and pump baskets weekly to ensure proper flow. Clogged baskets reduce filtration performance.
- Shock the pool with chlorine weekly to control algae and organic compounds that build up.
- Check and backwash the filter regularly. Backwashing removes trapped gunk so the filter can keep doing its job.
- Brush walls manually vacuum the floor to keep surfaces free of sticky buildup. This complements the pump’s filtration.
- Drain and refill some water periodically to dilute dissolved solids that the filter can’t remove.