need more input...
photos of existing cover and surrounding area...
cover shown on and off pool.
DM
photos of existing cover and surrounding area...
cover shown on and off pool.
DM
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
Thanks for the ideas. I will check out craigslist. I've used the "solar pills" (liquids) but I haven't been convinced they actually do anything. I will probably use them once summer/warm weather hits. I think the cover will do better now when the nights are still getting really cold and days aren't getting very far into the 60s.
As for the solar heater, I'd love to hook up one of those, too!
As for the solar heater, I'd love to hook up one of those, too!
not THAT you CAN diy easily!As for the solar heater, I'd love to hook up one of those, too!
i'd still be happy to help out with the cover, but i need to see what i'm dealing with.
i did this from necessity:
http://www.diychatroom.com/f29/free-plans-homemade-drywall-lift-33625/
but yours sounds like fun!
DM
Trying to do the same thing.
I am also trying to come up with something workable and inexpensive. So far, I have invested about $18 in two treated 2x4x10's and three 10 foot lengths of 1 1/2 inch schedule 40 conduit plus two elbows for a crank. I just put it up last night and haven't tried cranking it up yet, still in the forties this morning. I am also interested in advice from others. The pvc conduit sags a bit and I'm still not sure how I'm going to attach a strap to connect the pole to the solar cover. I have attempted to attach a picture of my setup. The pool is 30 feet round and the span of my reel is about 22, I figured I would fold in the sides as I reel it in.
I am also trying to come up with something workable and inexpensive. So far, I have invested about $18 in two treated 2x4x10's and three 10 foot lengths of 1 1/2 inch schedule 40 conduit plus two elbows for a crank. I just put it up last night and haven't tried cranking it up yet, still in the forties this morning. I am also interested in advice from others. The pvc conduit sags a bit and I'm still not sure how I'm going to attach a strap to connect the pole to the solar cover. I have attempted to attach a picture of my setup. The pool is 30 feet round and the span of my reel is about 22, I figured I would fold in the sides as I reel it in.
Attachments
Something that works very well is aluminum irrigation pipe. I've made dozens of rollers from it. It's thin wall, (.050-065), very light, and available in continuous lengths to 40ft.
I ususally use 4" for up to 30', and 6" for 40', but it's available in 2" and up. This will have much less sag than iron pipe and is easy to work with (once you figure out how to get it home ). If enquiring about it, be sure to specify bare end tubing, as it is also available with 'connector' ends.
It's not the cheapest, but depending on where you live, it may be available used.
Gary
I ususally use 4" for up to 30', and 6" for 40', but it's available in 2" and up. This will have much less sag than iron pipe and is easy to work with (once you figure out how to get it home
). If enquiring about it, be sure to specify bare end tubing, as it is also available with 'connector' ends.It's not the cheapest, but depending on where you live, it may be available used.
Gary
garyoutwest,Something that works very well is aluminum irrigation pipe. I've made dozens of rollers from it. It's thin wall, (.050-065), very light, and available in continuous lengths to 40ft.
I ususally use 4" for up to 30', and 6" for 40', but it's available in 2" and up. This will have much less sag than iron pipe and is easy to work with (once you figure out how to get it home
It's not the cheapest, but depending on where you live, it may be available used.
Gary
I was wondering if there was a way to connect pieces together because I need 33' and have no way to get a piece that long home.....since you have made several, do you have any ideas?
tHANKS
4
Solar Cover Reel
After pricing these out I decided to experiment with my own build. My material of choice was treated lumber since it will be on my deck. It works great, simple to build, and no crazy bearings or special materials needed. I used 1 1/4" black pipe coupled together for a span of 18'. 1 1/2" pipe may be a better option for spans greater that 20'.
Materials:
One 2x8x7 treated plank
One 4x6x7 treated post
Four 90 degree angle brackets
Two ten foot sections of 1 1/4" black pipe
One 1 1/4" coupler
Two 1 1/4" 90 degree elbows
Box of 1 1/2" galvanized screws
Two 8" angle brackets
One 1 1/4" threaded end cap
I only needed 18 feet of black pipe to cross the span of my pool and had the left over 2 feet cut down into one 4" union and one 6" piece (only threaded on one side) for a handle. The entire cost was about $70 from my local Home Depot.
Step 1. Cut 2x8 plank down into two 30" pieces.
Step 2. Cut 4x6 post sections down into two 15" pieces.
Step 3. Bore 1 1/2" holes through one end of the 4x6 posts, centered 3" from end.
Step 4. Center 4x6 posts 12" from the end of one of the 30" planks.
Step 5. Attach angle brackets to posts and secure post to plank (I predrilled these to prevent splitting on the ends).
Step 6. Add end brackets (I used framing brackets for these, they hang down about an inch below the plank and hook on the edge of my deck).
Step 7. Bring pedestals to pool area and assemble the black pipe between the bored holes.
Step 8. Assemble 1 1/4" elbows, 4" coupler, and 6" threaded pipe into a handle and attach to one end of the black pipe. Put 1 1/4" end cap on other side.
Step 9. Attaching cover to black pipe. I used a single bead of silicone adhesive and wrapped the cover around the pipe. Then tie wrapped every foot along the pipe.
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After pricing these out I decided to experiment with my own build. My material of choice was treated lumber since it will be on my deck. It works great, simple to build, and no crazy bearings or special materials needed. I used 1 1/4" black pipe coupled together for a span of 18'. 1 1/2" pipe may be a better option for spans greater that 20'.
Materials:
One 2x8x7 treated plank
One 4x6x7 treated post
Four 90 degree angle brackets
Two ten foot sections of 1 1/4" black pipe
One 1 1/4" coupler
Two 1 1/4" 90 degree elbows
Box of 1 1/2" galvanized screws
Two 8" angle brackets
One 1 1/4" threaded end cap
I only needed 18 feet of black pipe to cross the span of my pool and had the left over 2 feet cut down into one 4" union and one 6" piece (only threaded on one side) for a handle. The entire cost was about $70 from my local Home Depot.
Step 1. Cut 2x8 plank down into two 30" pieces.
Step 2. Cut 4x6 post sections down into two 15" pieces.
Step 3. Bore 1 1/2" holes through one end of the 4x6 posts, centered 3" from end.
Step 4. Center 4x6 posts 12" from the end of one of the 30" planks.
Step 5. Attach angle brackets to posts and secure post to plank (I predrilled these to prevent splitting on the ends).
Step 6. Add end brackets (I used framing brackets for these, they hang down about an inch below the plank and hook on the edge of my deck).
Step 7. Bring pedestals to pool area and assemble the black pipe between the bored holes.
Step 8. Assemble 1 1/4" elbows, 4" coupler, and 6" threaded pipe into a handle and attach to one end of the black pipe. Put 1 1/4" end cap on other side.
Step 9. Attaching cover to black pipe. I used a single bead of silicone adhesive and wrapped the cover around the pipe. Then tie wrapped every foot along the pipe.
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
