Question 1

which side down

Accepted Answer

Bubble side down.  The bubbles diffuse the sun's rays into the water warming it better than if the smooth side was down.  Actually it will warm your pool a good 5 to 8 degrees more with the bubbles down (facing the water).  Plus it adheres to the water better in windy situations.  It is also easier to sweep or clean the solar blanket when the smooth side is up.

Question 2

Will this help me save water by reducing the evaporation? Or will it heat up the water and cause more to evap?

Accepted Answer

Even though the water heats up, it's trapped under the cover which minimizes the evaporation rate.  (It would reduce it completely if it was totally sealed) There will be minimal evaporation around the sides, and if there are any holes that allow water to come to the top, but my "refill" rate has been cut at least 75-80%.  Here during the summer, I used to have to refill every 7-10 days. So far I've done it only once in the last few weeks.  Not sure if I can share links, but there is an article on energy (dot) gov on Swimming Pool Covers and it references some good stuff.

Question 3

If I don't have a heater for my inground pool will this cover help to warm the water?

Accepted Answer

Florida: 60 degrees...Utah: 80 degrees.....  Solar covers are much more effective (and necessary) in the dry sunny climate found west of the Rockies than in the more humid climate east of the divide.  In dry climates pools get cold even with lots of sun because almost all pool heat is lost through evaporation, and solar covers effectively reduce that.  In June and July, solar radiation keeps my pool at 80-83 degrees if I cover the pool immediately after swimming to prevent evaporation.

Question 4

can I leave the solar cover on the pool for the winter (Florida, no freezing temp)

Accepted Answer

Sure, you can leave the solar cover on. It will still add some heat into the water but the better use is that it will keep debris out of the pool. Even if the pool is not used during the winter season.

ASIN	B003TQMCAS
Additional Features	Foldable, Lightweight, Thermal Insulation, UV Resistant
Best Sellers Rank	#27,590 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ( See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ) #163 in Pool Safety Covers
Brand Name	Blue Wave
Closure Type	Pull on
Color	Blue
Customer Reviews	4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (2,485)
Global Trade Identification Number	00672875301065
Included Components	16-ft x 36-ft Solar Blanket
Installation Type	Floating
Item Type Name	12-mil Solar Blanket for Rectangular 16-ft x 32-ft In-Ground Pools – Blue
Item Weight	27 Pounds
Manufacturer	Blue Wave Products
Manufacturer Part Number	NS420
Manufacturer Warranty Description	5 year Limited Manufacturer
Material Type	Plastic
Model Name	12-mil Solar Blanket for Rectangular 16-ft x 32-ft In-Ground Pools – Blue
Model Number	NS420
Pattern	Solid
Product Care Instructions	Machine Wash
Product Style	12-MIL
Shape	Rectangular
Size	32' x 16' (Rectangular)
Theme	Plain
UPC	672875301065 663001695493
Unit Count	512.0 Square Feet

Blue Wave 16x32-ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil Blue – Solar Cover for Above Ground Pool & Inground Pool, Thermal Bubble Blanket for Heat Retention & Reduced Evaporation

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