Comments on: Review of Swimming Pool Solar Heating Rings – Do They Work ?

By: Ed

Ed — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:02:43 +0000

I was investigating the solar rings because the solid cover doesn’t work for me since I don’t have room for a reel and the dog likes to jump in on her own to cool off and the solid cover would be dangerous. I like hexagonal solar sun discs better in concept because they cover more area than the circular solar sun rings, are made of bubble wrap that won’t deflate the whole thing if you get one hole (or the dog gets a hold of it), the bubbles insulate better than partial coverage single region flat partially inflated balloon, they are clear (i know they look white in the picture) so they let the light get into the deeper water for more even water heating to prevent algae growth in the over warm water under the darker rings (dark does not capture more heat, it just captures it near the surface where it can be removed by the air better), and the velcro should have a more positive hold than magnets. See the following link for more of a comparison. http://www.poolsupplyworld.com/blog/article/Solarsunringsvssolarsundiscscomparison/

Note: I did not get to try these because when I suggested we try them my family refused to take the time to remove and replace anything on the pool to swim, so I am stuck with the liquid solar pool covers that you can get in any pool store or on the internet. I hate adding chemicals to my pool at all but these are easy, not noticable, and do not interfere with access to the pool.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:25:24 +0000

This is the 2nd year I am using the solar rings & I LOVE them! Its nice to be able to leave some in the pool if I am only lounging on a float. Overall, they are so much easier than a solar cover and way easier to store during the winter.

By: Ed

Ed — Sun, 30 May 2010 09:12:48 +0000

Can you clarify “what you mean by water logged” Does that mean that the ring around the edge is filled with water, which could easily be fixed by a design change by adding styrofoam to the outer ring instead of inflating. If you mean the air pocket between the two layers, then making them out of blue/gold diamond bubble material would compartmentalize them, so they would last longer, and help prevent heat reflection. As for a dog in the pool, yeah they are chew toys and would be especially susceptible to damage if inflated or a common air pocket in the center.

Question: Why does it say only cover to 80% vice 100%. Most covers work best as heat retainers, if they are 100% covered, and most covers are sold for 100% coverage? It would seem to me that square would give most people nearly 100% coverage on rectangular pools.

By: Sondra

Sondra — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:05:18 +0000

How many would be needed for a 22′ x 44′ pool ? 35,000 gallons

By: Proworkflow

Proworkflow — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:38:38 +0000

I really believe there is a product defect with these things. Since they have to meld little connecting areas between the 2 layers, it is also create a condition for leaks. I am contemplating getting them again as the lab is not using the pool as much as the last couple of summers.

By: admin

admin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:28:36 +0000

Peter have a look here: http://www.bizrate.com/swimming-pools-jacuzzis/intex-110-120-volts-swimming-pool/

By: Peter

Peter — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:15:55 +0000

Anyone know who makes a “plug and play” 110-120V portable pool heater for Canadian use???

By: craig farnsworth

craig farnsworth — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:12:26 +0000

come on people if you say they work you own the company or something because they are not worth the trouble to put them on

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:40:34 +0000

I bought these and were very happy with them. The ONLY problem we had is our lab thought they were a big chew toy. As for heating the water, we often found the water felt too warm. I am contemplating getting them again as the lab is not using the pool as much as the last couple of summers.

By: jaye

jaye — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:34:14 +0000

These rings do NOT work! [I have a 24 foot above ground round pool and bought the "Solar Petals"] I could kick myself for spending all that money – they ended up at the dump. I could not believe there was an EMagazine article suggesting them as an alternative to a solar blanket. Clearly the author never tested them. I didn’t notice any significant change in the temperature of the water during the season I used them and my pool is in full sunlight all day.