Can solar bed covers be used effectively in indoor pools, and what are the unique benefits or challenges?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

While often associated with outdoor pools, buyers occasionally inquire about using solar bed covers for indoor pools, and the answer is yes, they can be highly effective, though with unique benefits and challenges. For indoor pools, the primary benefit shifts from direct solar heating to superior heat retention and dramatic evaporation reduction. Indoor pools, even without direct sunlight, still lose heat through the water surface and suffer from significant evaporation, which leads to high humidity, condensation issues, and increased energy costs for both heating the water and running dehumidification systems.

A solar bed cover acts as an excellent thermal barrier, trapping heat within the water and drastically cutting down on evaporative heat loss. This directly reduces the energy required to maintain water temperature and significantly lowers the load on HVAC systems used for humidity control, leading to substantial energy savings. The challenge is that the 'solar' aspect is diminished; while some ambient light might penetrate, the primary function is thermal insulation. Therefore, the choice of cover material might lean towards thicker, more insulated options rather than those optimized solely for solar gain. The handling and storage within an indoor space might also require more thought, potentially necessitating a high-quality reel system for ease of use. However, the proven ability to reduce chemical consumption (due to less evaporation) and drastically cut utility bills makes it a worthwhile investment for many indoor pool owners.