Bubble Wrap vs. Solar Pool Cover

Here's the next head-to-head battle!
Bubble wrap seems much better than the poly film in retaining heat.
I've been reading about solar pool covers. They basically look like glorified bubble wrap to me.

If you had to choose, would you buy bubble wrap (for about $35) or a pool cover (for about $75)?

How big is your GH? Mine is 17 x 8 and my solar pool cover was $60. I would get the pool cover because it is much thicker than bubble wrap. If you are putting it on the outside this becomes even more important. Also there are factors like UV rays, etc that differ between bubble wrap and solar pool covers. Ask Stressbaby about this, he knows.

MollyD

I wouldn't think you could put it on the outside due to snow/ice. Unless your slope is very steep, you need a slippery surface for the snow to slide off of. As an upstate NY refugee, I'm sure both of you have seen your share of it!

If you put the cover on the outside the bubbles face your glazing so the snow would still slide off. It could be done if you can find a way to keep winter winds from ripping it off.

Molly D

My greenhouse is a 6x8 Harbor Freight
If I were to put it on from the outside, and wrap it like a present, I would need a 16x20' pool cover.
If I could find one of these cheap (under 50$), I would be very happy :-)

I'm not too worried about UV breaking down the bubble wrap because my greenhouse is UV coated.

My intuition tells me that the pool cover would keep it warmer, ecspcially if I used it on the outside, but it could get really hot in there with the lack of availible ventilation.

Those of you that got pool covers - where did you get them.

And Molly, when you finish your greenhouse, can I come visit it? =)

what did you all end up doing?

I have the solar pool cover. It worked well year one but now in year two it's developed leaks that let the water from condensation get through. I will be building a new gh this year and plan to use the solar pool cover for the walls and add something like the bubble wrap for the roof since the pool cover has not stood up to UV rays the way it says it would. If I'm going to have to replace it every two years I'd rather pay less. Live and learn.

MollyD

What kind are you going to build Molly?

I'm getting the Harbor Freight GH (10' x 12'). If I can swing it I'll get two and attach them together. If not I'll get one this year and add the second one next year.

MollyD

That's the one I'm thinking about getting. Hubby already said "Have you ordered it yet" I'm just waiting on a coupon. LOL

There should be a coupon this spring. There usually is.

MollyD

Has anyone tried putting their solar pool cover on the inside of their greenhouse roof and also on their floor?