![]() 8 or more #8 x 3/4" Pan head Phillips Zinc (or Stainless) Self-Drilling Screws (some people call them self-tapping).spray paint (to block UV light from damaging the PVC pipe).slip coupling to female threads (for connecting the handle).adapter from slip coupling to male threads.I used about 2' total length cut into sections as giant washers/clips to attach the solar cover to the 1/2" pipe. You will also need some 1 inch diameter SCH-40 PVC Pipe. I used 10' long pieces since they fit in my car and then joined two pieces together with a $.29 splice coupling to make them longer. You will need a piece of 1/2 inch diameter pipe as long as your existing pool cover. Its inexpensive, water-safe, and is easy to cut, drill, screw, and paint. I used Schedule 40 PVC pipe and fittings to make this. Home Depot or your local hardware store will have all the same parts - these are very common and inexpensive. I decided to make and document building my own for about $12 in parts from the Lowe's plumbing department. This is a very neat design and works well for a small deck without room for a traditional pool reel. Then, you just drag it out and into the shade and you are ready to swim. I saw a video for a product that basically attaches long sticks to the underside of the solar blanket allowing you to roll it up (just like a pie crust around a rolling pin) while it is floating on the surface of the water. I ended up cutting it into 2 pieces to make it easier for one person to pull off, but this usually just ended up as two wads blowing around the back yard. You could (with 2 people) sort of lift it off and roll it up into a giant roll, but it was still a pain. I originally just dragged my cover on and off, but this ended up in a large wad that blocked walking around the pool (could be dangerous) and also would get blown around the back yard by the wind. My in-ground pool is sort of a Kidney or Jelly Bean shape and is wider at the ends than in the middle, so a reel would not work. For square or rectangular pools, you can use a deck mounted pool reel or even an automatic motor to do the work. Unfortunately, taking off and putting the solar blanket back on the pool can be a real pain. Keeps dirt, birds, and other items out of the pool so your water stays cleaner and helps reduce TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) - which delays having to drain and refill your pool water.Helps keep the heat in at night when the temperature drops, especially important in desert areas.Blocks some of the UV light that destroys the chlorine in the water so you don't have to add as many pool chemicals.Reduces evaporation which saves on water refilling.Heats the water with the sun - so its more comfortable and it extends the swimming season.A solar blanket is a giant "bubble-wrap" cover that floats on the top of the water in your swimming pool. ![]()
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