Repsol YPF

Polycarbonates are old acquaintances of chemistry. They are thermoplastics, in other words, they can be easily moulded when heated and become extremely rigid at low temperatures. This is due to their composition, based on polymers that bond in functional groups thanks to the carbon, forming a long molecular chain.

Thanks to their malleability, they are present in countless production sectors: they are the raw material used to make CDs and DVDs, to create lenses for glasses, shields used by riot police, bullet-proof glass and, of course, for the creation of architectural elements. In fact, swimming pools are already familiar with some of the variants of polycarbonates, since this material is often used to manufacture swimming pool covers.

By installing a cover we can save between 50% and 70% on the cost of heating the pool. As well as helping to minimise the loss of heat during the night, these devices can also prevent the loss of chemical substances and the evaporation of water.

One step further, heating 

These materials have taken one step further with solar polycarbonate sheets: they increase the temperature of the water when the swimming pool cover is on. They represent the fusion between a floating cover and a solar panel the size of the pool, managing to raise the temperature between 5 and 6 ºC naturally.

At first glance, they look like sheets of transparent plastic with a small black backing layer, but in actual fact this material captures solar energy, which it then transmits to the water in the pool. However, these polycarbonate sheets also act when the sun sets: inside they have an air chamber that, when heated by the sun, maintains the temperature, which guarantees warm water at night as well.

Their malleability and possibilities make them an extremely versatile element in decoration, especially for indoor pools.

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