Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
A pool cover serves multiple purposes. They help reduce water evaporation, retain heat and prevent debris from entering the pool. Additionally, they can save on energy costs by reducing the need for heating and chemical treatments.
The simple answer is yes! Pool covers are highly effective at retaining heat, especially solar covers. They help trap the warmth generated by the sun during the day, preventing it from escaping during cooler nights. When used alongside other pool heating methods, like a pool heat pump, the overall pool heating system can work more efficiently, resulting in significant energy savings and reduced operating costs. By harnessing the sun's power and minimising heat loss, pool covers offer a practical and cost-effective solution for maintaining a consistently warm pool temperature.cription
Using a solar pool cover, you can expect your pool's water temperature to rise by approximately 6–8ºC above the average ambient temperature recorded over a week. Many pool owners find that utilising a solar pool cover can effectively double their swimming season. In mid-summer, the water may even become too hot - at this point, you might want to leave the cover off for a while to cool the pool down to a more pleasant temperature.
A solar pool cover utilises the sun's energy to heat the pool water. The cover's material and air bubbles create a greenhouse effect, trapping and retaining the sun's heat within the pool water. This helps to raise the water temperature, making the pool more comfortable for swimming and extending the swimming season. The cover also helps reduce heat loss through evaporation, further enhancing its heating efficiency. Overall, using a solar pool cover is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to warm your pool water naturally.
Not at all. Most pool covers are designed for ease of use. NCS pool covers are lightweight and can be easily pulled on and off the pool by one person. For added convenience, consider using a pool roller, which can be manual or motorised. A pool roller simplifies the process even further, allowing you to effortlessly roll the cover on and off the pool as needed. With these user-friendly features, maintaining your pool and ensuring its longevity through the use of a pool cover becomes a simple and hassle-free task.
The warming process will vary depending on weather conditions and the cover's exposure to direct sunlight. Generally, the pool's temperature will gradually rise over time with consistent exposure to sunlight.
An NCS pool cover can be customised to fit most pool shapes and sizes in Australia. Whether you have an in-ground, above-ground, or lap pool, we can customise a pool cover to suit your requirements.
No worries! Regardless of your location in Australia, we have a solution. NCS Pool Covers and Rollers can provide you with a quote for your pool solar heating project remotely, thanks to our advanced Nearmap mapping software. To get started, enter your address in the comments section on our "Request a Quote" form and request a Nearmap quote. With this information, we can quickly and accurately generate a quote for your solar pool cover without the need to visit your property in person.
Superior Quality: NCS Pool Covers are crafted using the finest quality Australian Made Sealed Air micron collector. This top-tier material ensures the cover's longevity and effectiveness in harsh Australian environments, including extreme weather conditions.
Customisation: Each NCS Pool Cover is locally customised in their workshop on the Central Coast of NSW, tailored to fit your specific pool dimensions and shape. This ensures a perfect fit and maximum coverage for your pool.
Endurance and Durability: Unlike cheaper pool blankets imported from China that often deteriorate within a few months, NCS Pool Covers are engineered to withstand the rigours of the Australian climate. Their superior construction and materials guarantee outstanding durability, making them a long-lasting investment.
Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in an NCS Pool Cover can lead to long-term cost savings. By protecting your pool from debris and reducing water evaporation, the cover helps lower maintenance costs, conserves water, and reduces the need for chemical treatments.
Environmental Considerations: NCS Pool Covers contribute to environmental sustainability. They support eco-friendly pool maintenance practices by reducing water consumption and chemical usage.
Climate Care Certified: NCS Pool Covers have earned the prestigious Climate Care Certification, indicating that they meet the stringent standards of the SPASA Pool Cover Certification Guidelines. This certification ensures you are purchasing a high-quality, environmentally friendly product.
With NCS Pool Covers, you can trust in the product's superior quality, durability, and customised fit, providing you with a reliable and effective solution for protecting your pool and extending its lifespan.
NCS Pool Covers are made from a superior micron collector that includes ultraviolet inhibitors, providing added protection against UV rays. The covers feature a thicker bubble, superior buoyancy, and excellent durability, all designed to maintain their shape and protect your pool while retaining warmth for up to 10 years.
NCS Pool Covers are Climate Care Certified, meeting the stringent requirements of the SPASA Pool Cover Certification Guidelines. This certification assures you of the cover's quality and environmental friendliness.
The pool cover should be installed with the bubble side facing the water. This way, you can see the flat surface of the blanket from above the water surface.
While the cover is most effective on sunny days, it can still retain and transfer heat on cloudy days, though to a lesser extent.
When your pool cover is off the pool, follow these essential steps for proper maintenance and storage:
Pool Roller Owners: If you have a pool roller system, use the protective cover that comes with it. The protective cover helps shield the pool cover from direct sunlight and other environmental elements when it's not in use.
No Pool Roller: If you don't have a pool roller, store the pool cover in the shade when it's removed from the pool. Avoid leaving the cover folded and exposed to the sun, even briefly. The heat generated when the cover is folded can become highly magnified, potentially causing damage over time.
Heat Magnification Effect: The heat trapped between the folded layers can lead to issues like lamination problems, bubble distortion, and even the cover sticking together permanently. These damages might not be immediately visible, but they can significantly impact the cover's performance and longevity.
By storing your pool cover in the shade and taking precautions against exposure to direct sunlight when it's off the pool, you can extend the cover's lifespan and ensure its effectiveness in protecting your pool from debris and heat loss when in use. Proper storage and maintenance will also help you make the most of your pool cover for many seasons to come.
Pool covers can save you money on maintenance costs by keeping out leaves, debris, and insects, which means you'll spend less time cleaning your pool and using fewer chemicals to maintain water quality.
Yes, a pool cover can be used year-round. During colder months, it helps retain heat and reduces the workload of the pool heater. In the warmer months, it still serves as an effective barrier against debris and evaporation.
Cleaning and maintaining your pool cover is important to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Follow these straightforward steps for proper care:
Regular Debris Removal: Frequently remove leaves, dirt, and other debris from the pool cover's surface. Use a soft brush, leaf blower, or a pool skimmer to gently sweep away any accumulated debris. This prevents the litter from decomposing on the cover and potentially causing stains or damage.
Clean with Mild Soap and Water: Periodically clean the pool cover with mild soap and water. Dilute a gentle, non-abrasive soap in a bucket of water and use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down the cover's surface. This will help remove any dirt or residue, keeping the cover looking clean and maintaining its effectiveness.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the cover's material and compromise its integrity. Stick to mild soap and water for safe and effective cleaning.
Proper Storage: When the pool cover is not in use, ensure it is stored properly. If you have a pool roller system, roll the cover neatly onto the roller. For those without a roller, fold the cover carefully and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid leaving the cover exposed to the sun for extended periods, as the heat can cause damage over time.
Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the pool cover for signs of wear and tear, such as rips, tears, or fraying edges. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from worsening.
By following these simple cleaning and maintenance practices, you can keep your pool cover in excellent condition, ensuring it continues to protect your pool and retain its efficiency for years to come. Regular care will extend the life of your pool cover and save you from unnecessary expenses on premature replacements.
The lifespan of a pool cover can vary depending on several factors, including its quality, usage, maintenance, and exposure to environmental elements. On average, a well-maintained and high-quality pool cover can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years. Some pool covers particularly higher-end models, can even last up to 10 years or more with proper care.
To prolong the life of your pool cover, regularly clean the cover, store it properly when not in use, and protect it from excessive exposure to sunlight. By taking proper care of your pool cover, you can ensure it serves its purpose effectively and remains in good condition for many seasons.
Yes, pool covers are environmentally friendly. By conserving water, reducing chemical use, and saving energy by minimising pool heater operation, they contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly pool maintenance approach. NCS Pool Covers are Climate Care Certified signifying they meet the highest standards in sustainability, particularly in regards to water consumption, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and innovative solutions.
Pool covers can help reduce chemical usage. By preventing debris from entering the pool and minimising evaporation, they maintain water quality and reduce the need for additional chemicals.
Absolutely. Australia is often faced with water scarcity, and pool covers play a crucial role in conserving water by reducing evaporation. Using a pool cover can significantly decrease the amount of water lost to evaporation, helping conserve this precious resource.
Yes, absolutely! You can use any suction, pressure, or robotic pool cleaner under your pool cover without any hindrance. The pool cover does not affect the operation of the pool cleaner, allowing you to keep your pool clean and well-maintained even while the pool blanket is on.
From a heating efficiency perspective, covering the entire pool is not necessary. The pool will still heat effectively even if it's not entirely covered. However, leaving certain areas uncovered, such as edges along steps or other openings, can allow dirt and debris to enter the pool. Additionally, uncovered areas can provide a starting point for wind to lift the cover off the pool over time. For optimal performance and to keep the pool clean, it's advisable to cover as much of the pool surface as possible with the pool cover.
Maintain Chlorine Levels: Keep the chlorine level in your pool within the recommended range of 2 to 2.5ppm. Avoid exceeding 3ppm, as higher chlorine levels can have corrosive effects on the cover and do not improve sanitation. Balancing chlorine levels ensures your family's safety and prevents potential health risks associated with excessive chlorine.
Filter Operation During Hot Hours: Run your pool filter during the hottest part of the day, from 10 am to 4 pm. Even if your filter was initially set up assuming no pool cover, keeping the filter running during these hours with the solar pool cover on has benefits. It reduces chlorine evaporation, as the gas is trapped by the surface of the cover, and allows the chlorine to circulate and sanitise the water effectively.
Adjust Chlorine Input: When you use a pool cover, the reduced chlorine evaporation may lead to higher chlorine concentrations in the water. To prevent excessive chlorine build-up, reduce chlorine input by about 50%. Adjust the amount of chlorine you add manually or lower the output of your saltwater chlorinator.
Prevent Hotspots: Running the filter during hot hours also helps prevent hotspots in the pool. The sun's heat primarily penetrates the top layer of the water, creating an uneven temperature distribution. Proper filtration helps evenly disperse the heat and chlorine throughout the pool, preventing damage to the cover caused by localised high temperatures and chlorine concentrations.
By following these guidelines, you can optimise the benefits of your NCS pool cover and extend its lifespan. Keeping the chlorine levels balanced and running the filter during peak heat hours ensures a safe, evenly heated, and well-maintained pool while protecting the longevity of your pool cover.