How to measure for a solar pool cover

If you're looking to limit heat loss and evaporation, and keep debris out of the pool, there's no better option than a solar cover. Inexpensive and easy to set up on the surface of the water, a solar cover can help you to make significant savings in heating while also making your pool more comfortable to use and easier to maintain.

In order to work out the size of solar cover you require, you need to start by thinking about the features of your pool. Your pool may be square, rectangular or be made up of a range of different forms. Your calculations will depend on the shape of your pool. Here are the most common options:

1. Rectangular or square pools

2. Irregular pool shapes

3. Round or oval pools

Luckily, most pools are rectangular. In this case, you simply have to measure the length and width of your pool. To work out the dimensions of the pool, work in stages. Start on one side of the pool and measure the distance to the other side beneath the coping working metre by metre.

To check the pool is square, measure each of the diagonals and ensure they are the same length. Take note of your measurements as you go.

Pools commonly feature rounded edges, cut-off corners or other more complicated shapes.

In this case, lay two straight edges along the edges of the pool to create a right angle over the irregular shape.

Next, measure the distance between the start of the irregular shape and the intersection between the two straight edges.

To measure the pool diagonals you can square off a corner wherever necessary. Once again, take note of your measurements as you work.

Working out the diameter of a round solar pool cover is easy as you just need to measure the diameter of the pool.

If you need to work out the measurements of an oval pool, you'll need to measure:

• the pool width;

• the total length;

• the length at the point where the pool stars to form a half-circle.

Required skills

You simply need to be able to take accurate measurements. It should be straightforward enough to measure your pool but this depends on its shape. In short, as long as you are careful, the task should be an easy one!

Time required

30 minutes

Number of people required

2 people to simplify the task

Tools and equipment

• A tape measure or surveyor's tape

• Two long or telescopic straight edges

• A sheet of paper and a pen to note the measurements