How to Use a Pool Solar Cover to Melt Ice
- 1). Select a location to place the solar cover. Choose an icy location that is in direct sunlight and away from any water runoff from rooftops or storm drains. Try to select an area that is mostly level, if possible.
- 2). Unfold your solar pool cover so that the bubbly or darkest silver side is facing up. Sweep the cover with a straw broom to remove any leaves or debris that might interfere with the absorption of sunlight.
- 3). Carry the cover to the area where you would like to melt the ice. Place the cover over the spot so that the patch of ice is mostly in the center of the panel. Do this when temperatures have reached at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit and it is no longer snowing.
- 4). Fill the four sandbags with playground sand using a small hand shovel. Leave 1 to 2 inches of space at the top of the sandbag. Tie the bags shut with the pieces of string or twine.
- 5). Place one sandbag on each corner of the swimming pool cover to hold it in place. Fill additional sandbags and place along the sides of the solar cover if it is covering a very large area or if high winds threaten to lift it off the ground.
- 6). Place a safety cone at each corner of the outstretched pool cover. Write "Danger, Ice" in permanent waterproof marker on a piece of poster board. Tape this sign to one of the orange cones with a piece of duct tape.
- 7). Leave the solar cover in place for at least three to four hours. Check to see if the ice has melted by lifting a corner of the cover and checking underneath. Leave in place a little while longer if the ice has not yet melted; you may leave the swimming pool cover in place overnight if necessary.
- 8). Remove the sign from the orange cones. Stack cones on top of one another and remove the sandbags. Shake the solar cover gently to remove any excess ice or water, fold and place it inside its zippered storage bag.
- 9). Add a little bit of playground sand to the water left behind by the melted ice so that it will not create a hazard for those walking by. Wait for it to be absorbed, and then scoop it up with a hand shovel. Sweep sidewalks and stairs with a straw broom to remove the excess sand.