Save Energy with ThermGard Pool Covers
The natural loss of heat accounts for more than 70% of all heat lost from both indoor and outdoor pools. When the air temperature drops below your pools temperature, water evaporates from the surface of the pool theoretically until the water is the same temperature as the air. For heated swimming pools this means that your swimming pool heater will have to be engaged more frequently in order to maintain the desired temperature of the pool. This results in higher consumption of energy as well as higher costs for the aquatic facility.
It only takes 1 BTU to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree, but each pound of 80° water that evaporates from a pool causes a loss of 1048 BTUs of heat energy.
In addition, each gallon of reheated water that needs to be added to a pool causes more chemicals to be used, which can lead to higher chemical expenditures. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the most effective way to prevent evaporation is to cover the pool when it’s not being used. Pool covers block evaporation as well as radiant losses, and provide some insulation from convective losses. Achievable savings from pool covers depend on how long the pool is covered and on local conditions that affect how evaporation is taking place, but on average it can translate to a savings of 50 to 70%. The key to a pool cover system is the fabric it’s made from. ThermGard Insulated Pool Covers are made from a seven layer, custom-laminated polyethylene for optimum insulation and durability. A division of Universal Filtration, ThermGard pool covers are the culmination of over 30 years of manufacturing experience. The company began in the late 1960s when Universal Filtration pioneered the idea of interchangeable filter parts. These filters had fabric covers, which inspired the founders to consider other uses for fabric in the pool industry. So, in the 1970s and 1980s, they created ThermGard pool covers and storage reels.
Thermal pool covers are specially engineered to prevent heat loss in pools. Both the blue top layer and the black bottom layer of the cover feature UV coating to block the sun’s harmful rays from causing chlorine dissipation and excess heat. ThermGard thermal pool covers are also stuffed with a 1/8” thick layer of cross-linked polyethylene insulating foam. The layers of the ThermGard Covers are sealed together with a lock stitch, which prevents unraveling. Even if a few stitches are broken due to wear-and-tears, the lock stitching will stay intact enough for easy repairs. The fabric comes in standard (40 strands per inch) or deluxe (44 strands per inch). While the deluxe grade fabric is more expensive, it’s denser weave is more durable and longer lasting. It’s perfect for areas with harsher climates and pools that are more frequently used. ThermGard also offers an additional weighted edging for wind resistance if necessary.
But, a cover only saves energy and money when it’s used. ThermGard has found that the easiest way to encourage regular use of their covers is to provide a convenient storage system. Universal Filtration’s storage reels are constructed entirely of grade T-304 stainless steel with welded construction for steadiness and durability, and are available in a single, double, and triple winding tube configuration. Each tube holds 150 lineal feet comfortably and comes in widths of 10 to 20 feet. If your pool needs more than 150 feet of cover, then you would need to purchase either a double or triple configuration. The reels are on casters for easy transportation and storage. When you’re ready to use your storage reel, ThermGard has designed them with jack brakes to stabilize the reel while you roll out your ThermGard pool cover with the large diameter hand wheels on each end of the tube. Reels can also be mounted on a wall in your facility if your facility doesn’t necessarily need a transportable model.
Furthermore, ThermGard offers a self-contained power drive unit that can be used with your existing storage reel to electrically power your cover panels on and off the pool. The power drive unit features a corrosion and impact-resistant light weight storage container with durable stainless-steel tube chassis and polyethylene swivel casters. This unit can power a 75-foot ThermGard panel on and off the reel in two minutes. Both the power drive unit and the storage reels have specially made covers that can be purchased separately.
To start saving hundreds on energy and chemical costs purchase your ThermGard pool cover and storage reels today from Recreonics Inc.—your aquatic authority.
