Why should one use the Solar Pool Cover? Or what are the benefits of Using Solar Cover? Is Solar Over Cost Efficient? If you have these questions on your mind, you are in the right place and you will surely get the answers to all these questions which will change your views and opinions about the Solar Pool Covers.
If you are a pool owner you are most likely using a safety pool cover. So why would you need Solar Pool cover when you are already using one? Because the solar pool cover doesn’t just keep debris out of your pool—it actually heats the water.
Most solar covers came with the bubbles on them to help absorb the sun heat and return it back into the pool water. A solar pool cover can keep your pool water warm at your desired temperature, curtails your energy costs, reduces water loss, and decrease chemical needs. Surely, that’s worth a look.
There are many types of covers available for pools like thermal covers and automated covers but solar Pool covers are the most common.
If you have a pool then you should definitely think about investing in solar cover.
Reviews of the Best Rated Solar Pool Covers
**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Top 10 Best Rated Solar Pool Cover Reviews
Below please find more detailed reviews of these products, and you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
1. In The Swim Rectangle Swimming Pool Solar Blanket Cover – 18 x 36 Feet
Swimming Pool Solar Blanket Covers are must for every pool. These covers enable one to save time, energy and money. The pool covers are an economical and environmentally friendly way to heat your pool. So, extend your swimming hours and pool season through these covers. The Solar Blanket Cover can be easily cut or trimmed to fit kidney, oval or irregularly shaped pools.
Product Features & Specs
Let’s have a look that the thing you are purchasing is worthy enough or not … So, This 12-mil thick solar blanket is constructed of UV-stabilized resin with thousands of tiny air bubbles that work to transfer solar heat into your pool water. This incredible energy-saving accessory transfers heat from the sun into your pool water and protects that sun heat from evaporating. This solar cover is also backed by a 7-Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty.
- 12-mil thick solar blanket constructed from UV-stabilized resin
- Thousands of tiny air bubbles work to transfer solar heat into your pool
- Reduces chemical loss through evaporation, saving time and money on chemicals and rebalancing.
- Can be easily cut or trimmed to fit kidney, oval or irregularly shaped pools
- Backed by a 7-Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty
Read More: Best Solar Pool Ring Reviews
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Perfect for big pools.
- Effective in all kind of weather.
Con
- Not so attractive.
2. Sun2Solar 20×40 Ft Rectangle Blue Solar Cover Heating Blanket for In-Ground and Above-Ground Swimming Pools
Sun2Solar solar covers decrease the expenditure of heating your pool during the summer season and beyond. These covers don’t rely on fossil fuels or electricity, providing a valuable and affordable heating solution during the season. Usually, these solar pools covers may come with 2″ – 4″ of overlap to allow trimming to fit your pool.
Product Features & Specs
Sun2Solar solar blankets are made from a film of thousands of tiny bubbles, which work together to collect and preserve heat both at night and on those chilly days. When not enjoying a swim, keeping your pool sheltered lessens the huge amount of water lost into the atmosphere. Fill up your swimming pool less and enjoy it more!
- ATTRACTIVE BLUE DESIGN
- MINIMIZE WATER EVAPORATION
- HEAT RETENTION
- TRIM TO FIT
Pros:
- Generous sizing that gives you a little extra buffer in the sizes
- A wide variety of options to find the perfect size, colour, and thickness
- Heavier models that won’t blow away on windy days
Cons:
- Limited warranty
3. Blue Wave NS520 Solar Blanket Cover- 16×32 Ft Rectangle
Warm your pool fast with a Magni-Clear solar blanket for Rectangular In-Ground Pools. This innovative pool cover is filled with air bubbles that generate an insulating layer, protecting your swimming pool from chilly winds and nighttime cooling. Outdoor blankets are UV-protected and chemical resistant in order to endure years of direct sunlight.
Product Features & Specs
This pool cover keeps the water warm even on cloudy days and cool nights. The clear plastic design attracts more sunlight, so the warmth reaches deeper for natural heating that surpasses comparable Intex spa covers. This 14-mil blanket covers your swimming pool and employs solar heating to increase the water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
- CONSERVES ENERGY
- MINIMIZES HEAT LOSS
- SUPERIOR DURABILITY
- 6-YEAR WARRANTY
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
· Efficient
Cons:
- Cumbersome, can’t be used as a safety cover
- Sinks due to the weight of the product, and sometimes leakage
4. Splash Pools Round Solar Pool Cover – 30 Ft
This solar pool cover not only keeps out unwanted debris, but it also captures the sun’s heat and increases the temperature of the water in an efficient manner. It is specially designed to capture and transmit solar heat to your pool. Cuts water evaporation by up to 95%. Keep your pool water cleaner by blocking out dirt and debris which will save on chemicals.
Product Features & Specs
This 27′ round solar cover is made of durable resin and has thousands of tiny air bubbles designed to capture and pass solar heat to your swimming pool. A solar cover will keep your pool water cleaner by blocking out dirt and debris which will save on chemicals. Using a solar cover cuts water evaporation by up to 95% and prevents heat loss.
- Special Design which transmits solar heat to your pool
- Cuts water evaporation
- Prevents heat loss
- 15° temperature rise
Pros:
- No drainage holes to prevent dirt and debris being funnelled into the pool
- One of the best performing solar pool covers
Cons:
- Requires care to open to avoid damaging the product
5. Sun2Solar Clear Round Solar Cover Heating Blanket for Above-Ground Swimming Pools – 28 Ft
Sun2Solar solar blankets are made from a film of thousands of tiny bubbles, which work together to collect and preserve heat both at day and night. Equipped with a wide variety of style, colours, and sizes, so you can be sure we have you covered with the perfect solution.
Product Features & Specs
A solar cover is a great way to capture the sun’s heat and take full advantage of this natural resource to heat your above ground or in the ground swimming pool. The benefits of owning a solar cover are plentiful and serve a multitude of purposes.
- SAVE ON HEATING COSTS
- MINIMIZE WATER EVAPORATION
- HEAT RETENTION
- TRIM TO FIT
Pros
- Blue and clear colour options to maximize either temperature or aesthetics. Grab a blue colour option to protect the pool in the winter and keep a nice coloured layer over the top.
- One of the cheaper options if you have a smaller pool, though the biggest sizes will actually run you more money than the rectangular versions. Most round pools are smaller than rectangular ones, however.
Cons
- Circular bubble design and farther bubble spacing mean you get the least air pockets on this model as compared to the other ones.
- No UV protection against sun damage.
6. Sun2Solar Blue Rectangle Solar Cover Heating Blanket for In-Ground and Above-Ground Rectangular Swimming Pools – 20×40 Ft
The Sun2Solar range offers a wide variety of different sizes so you can select the pool cover according to your needs. In addition to the two different thicknesses (they offer an 800 and 1200 series), you’ve also got blue-tinted and transparent options.
If you are the selective type of person who wants more natural tones, then this is perfect for you. When the sunlight hit’s the blue cover, the heat is absorbed and is used to warm the pool. The tiny bubbles inside the air films will do just the trick. These bubbles will lock the air inside your pool, not allowing the heat to disperse.
Product Features & Specs
What’s good about the Sun2Solar solar pool covers are they are usually a couple of inches oversize and you can cut them to a perfect fit without affecting the warranty.
The Sun2Solar pool cover proves that it is a product that does not need to burn fuel to heat the pool. It only requires the film of bubbles to keep the pool warm and have you swimming in cozy, warm waters. It is also much easy to place and remove the cover as it is made of lightweight and durable materials.
- SAVE ON HEATING COSTS
- MINIMIZE WATER EVAPORATION
- HEAT RETENTION
- TRIM TO FIT
Pros:
- Generous sizing that gives you a little extra buffer in the sizes
- A wide variety of options to find the perfect size, colour, and thickness
- Heavier models that won’t blow away on windy days
Cons:
- Limited warranty.
7. Harris Rectangle Solar Heating Blanket Cover – 16×32 Ft
Harris’ 16 ft x 32 ft Rectangle Solar Covers are the environmentally friendly way to maintain your pool temperature, without increasing your heating bills. Harris’ Blue Solar Covers allow the sunlight to go through and warm the pool. Harris’ Solar Covers last longer because they keep their flexibility and don’t become brittle like dark coloured, opaque blankets.
The cover helps seal in the heat to maintain the best possible pool comfort when the pool is not in use. Pool owners love the blue colour of their pool water, and Harris Solar Covers let the blue shine through.
Product Features & Specs
Just a bit smaller as compared to Sun2Solar cover is this Harris cover which measures in at 16 feet wide and 32 feet long. Made for rectangular, underground pools, it is clear, and is capable of rising water temperature by up to 15 degrees. Exceedingly long-lasting, and has the ability to increase the swimming seasons by up to 2 months.
- Fantastic heat retention for a minimal cost
- Increases pool temperature by an amazing 15 degrees!
- Prevents pool chemicals from dissipation
- Easy hassle-free installation!
- Allows the sunshine to penetrate the surface in order to warm the water fast!
Pros:
- Fast heating rate
- High Heat retention rate
- Affordable
Cons:
- It is non-resistant to ultra-violet rays from the sun.
- Usually Quality of the material might not come as described.
8. Thermo-Tex Swimming Solar Pool Blanket Cover – 12×24 Ft
Thermo-Tex has been designed to lower your costs as it comes from quality materials. The model is a lightweight design hence makes this cover stress-free when putting and taking off the pool. The product is also backed by a warranty. Thermo-Tex 12’x24′, 3-Year, Rectangle, Cali Blue, In-Ground Solar Swimming Pool Cover will extend your Swimming Season by up to 2 months helping to preserve the water temperature on cool nights and cloudy days. Thermo-Tex pool covers are made from high quality, UV stabilized polymers that defy degradation caused by the sun and chemicals.
Product Features & Specs
Thermo-Tex 2831224 Swimming Solar Pool Cover will make your swimming season last longer and will minimize your heating costs. It also reduces your chemical cost since it prevents excessive evaporation of water.
The cover is made of a high-quality, UV-resistance polymer that lasts for decades. Its lightweight design makes it easy to install. Don’t be distracted from its thin nature as one person points out, it’s better to buy a pool cover you’ll actually use than a heavy, bulky version that will end up sidelined all season.
- Extend your swimming season and lower your operating costs.
- Maintains the water temperature on cool nights and cloudy days
- Lighter weight
- 3 Year manufacturer’s limited Warranty.
Pros:
- Polymers allow this product to keep its quality after a long while
- The 3-year warranty for this material makes it more reliable
- The protective feature of this solar pool cover helps to reduce pool maintenance cost
Cons:
- The size of this product makes it limited to just one pool size. So, you cannot use this pool cover if your pool does not match the size
- Available for just rectangular pools
9. MidWest Canvas Space Age Round Solar Cover Heating Blanket for Above-Ground Swimming Pool – 18 Ft
A solar cover is a great way to capture the sun’s heat and take full advantage of this natural resource to heat your swimming pool This pool cover is blue and silver in colour. The blue part will soak up the heat from the sun to heat up the water. The silver part, in turn, will reflect the heat off the pool surface back into it to ensure that the pool stays warm at night. In this way, gradually over a period of days, this will raise the temperature of your pool.
The Space Age Solar Cover will help your pool become the envy of the locality. The combination of attractive colouring and heat-generating bubbles makes this a great asset.
Product Features & Specs
The MidWest Canvas Space Age Solar Cover has a unique colour helps the solar cover pull in a good deal of heat during the day, and it helps it hold onto that heat at night also. This rectangular cover is 18 x 40 ft., and it appears that you can cut it easily enough.
The material used in this solar cover is UV protected. By being so, it can allow the Space Age cover to hold up against heat without taking in the damages.
Pros:
- Does well at fighting evaporation
- Easy to handle
Cons:
- Feels thin
- May develop small holes
10. Thermo-Tex Round Swimming Pool Solar Cover – 18 Ft
The Thermo- Tex Cover is another fantastic cover, it’s not as good (my opinion) as the Sun2Solar, but it’s certainly a great way to cut heating costs while extending your swimming season.
In following areas this cover really shines, it’s lightweight, making it really easy to move on and off the pool, it has a 3-year warranty, which is really good as these covers can sometimes come under some wear and tear, it’s also UV stabilized.
Product Features & Specs
Due to its lightweight design, it becomes easy to either put it on or out of the pool. Given the fact that the pool will be exposed to sun, the chemicals are used to protect the pool but this cover is made of the special material which reduces this maintenance cost and The polymers are UV-stabilized hence resists degradation.
- It measures 18 inches by 18 inches
- Its colour is blue
- It is ideal for round swimming pools
- The weight is 8 lbs only
- It comes with a 3-year warranty
- It is manufactured in both USA and Canada.
Pros:
- It comes with a 3-year warranty
- It’s lightweight making it easy to get on and off the pool.
- It’s made with great material and its UV stabilized making it safe at stopping chemicals leaking into your pool.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come in as many sizes.
- Low amount of reviews.
How to Choose the Best Solar Pool Cover – The Ultimate Buying Guide
A Solar Pool Cover is the most common way to keep your pool water warm. They are also known as Pool blankets. They look like gigantic sheets of bubble wrap. The bubbles trap heat from the sun and keep the heat in the pool, keeping the water warm and inviting.
Solar pool covers are very easy to use. You don’t need to continually add chemicals or top up your pool as it evaporates. Installation is also very simple as unboxing your new cover and spreading it out over your pool.
Furthermore, it keeps your water warm, without any extra heating costs. If you’re looking for the best value for your money heating product that will work on any pool type, you need a solar pool cover. No other choice even comes close.
Solar pool covers come in a variety of forms, each with their own unique features, build quality and vastly different price-points to boot.
Before we explore different types of solar pool covers, let’s quickly take a look at why solar pool covers are the best.
The Solar Pool Covers are perfect for use in a sunny environment because the more heat they can collect, the longer they can extend the season. Solar covers can maintain the water temperature, 10-15 degrees when used. It is essential to remember that, although any cover will reduce some of the debris that enters a pool, solar pool covers are not designed specifically for cleanliness, nor are they considered safety covers. These covers should be completely removed from the pool before swimmers enter the water.
Types of Solar Pool Cover
There 3 types of Solar Pool Cover and it is important to know how these works. So, let’s have a look:
1. Liquid Solar Covers
Works by using a chemical reaction, liquid solar covers are an additive you can transfer into your pool to create a blockade for evaporation and heat gain.
It creates a microscopic film on the surface of your pool, which acts as both an insulator, and will heat swimming pool water approximately 6 degrees Fahrenheit.
This solution usually works for a month before needing to be replaced. This is a modern solution but because it’s not a physical cover it is unable to stop any debris from getting into your pool water, so, therefore, this would only work efficiently if you have a pool in an area that has a very small amount of dirt/debris.
Liquid Solar Cover is completely safe for swimmers but it cannot be used in chlorine-based pools (the chemicals won’t work). It also breaks down over time so you will need to continue adding the liquid concentrate on a regular basis to refill the protecting cover.
2. Solar Sun Rings
A smaller alternative to the bigger solar cover, sun rings are small rings you can use to guard and keep your pool warm, which looks a little like a series of lily pads.
Solar Sun Rings don’t cover the entire surface of the pool, so they are not quite as efficient as the others, but they are much easier to take out if you want to vacuum or skim your pool. They aren’t quite as effective as the solar blanket option but they still have a high level of effectiveness.
3. Bubble Pool Covers
When referring to a solar pool cover, the “bubble” cover is typically what they’re talking about. Also advertised as the solar blankets. This is the type of solar cover which looks like a large sheet of bubble wrap.
Bubble Pool Covers are the most cost efficient way to maintain the desired temperature of your swimming pool, and it is the one that is very easy to fix and use, this is the product for you.
The air bubbles in the pool cover magnify the sunlight during the day time and act as an insulator once it is night. These covers are designed to survive the hot sun heat all summer while remaining light and easy to handle.
Place this cover bubble side down and let it work. They come in various shapes and sizes so you will easily find the right fit for your swimming pool. These types of covers can also be easily trim into shape if they are too large and will sit just inside your pool so that they make that protective barrier.
But Which Type Is Better?
So, Now the question arises which one is better or which solar pool cover one should purchase for the pools:
Ultimately, it’s the bubble pool covers which are the finest. It keeps your water warm, without any additional heating costs. If you’re looking for the best value for money heating product which will work on any pool, you need a Bubble Pool Cover. No other choice comes close.
What Should You Look for in a Solar Pool Cover?
Let’s discuss some of the main points you should keep in mind when looking for the perfect solar pool cover.
Size and Shape
The size of the pool is one of the most major considerations when it comes to selecting the best pool cover. If you get one that is too big then it would be a lot trickier to handle and if you get one too small then all of your pool wouldn’t be covered and the open area would lead to evaporation.
You don’t want a round cover for a square pool, and vice versa. Circular and rectangular-shaped Solar Pool Covers are the most common ones. This ensures they fit the majority of pools. Therefore it’s vital that you measure your pool properly to make sure that you are getting the right size of cover for your pool.
But if you’ve some other shaped pool, that’s also good. Just find a cover that can attain the widest and longest points of your pool, draw the lines, and use a pair of sharp scissors to cut it down according to the shape and size of your swimming pool.
Size is obviously an important element when it comes to your pool cover so it’s advised to measure the pool size twice to ensure that your measurements are accurate.
Thickness
The thicker your pool cover is the better insulator it will be. Most solar covers come in a range from 8 to 12mm and more. Furthermore, thicker covers are heavier and more cumbersome to move around.
It is true though that the thicker a solar cover is then the more effective it is going to be at keeping that heat locked in. It has more material to travel through and more light that can be magnified onto your pool.
Usually, people opt for the middle ground, choosing a cover around the 12mm mark. The last thing you want is a solar cover that’s so complicated to use you leave it folded up in your garage all season.
They are also expensive as compared to thinner models. While it’s generally for the best to go for a thicker solar cover, you do have to keep those minus points in mind before making the final decision.
Colour
The solar pool covers will generally be a blue, silver or clear colour as makers try and strike the balance between their product looking catchy and it is performing to the best of its capability.
When using the pool cover for heat gain the clear ones are the best, and For heat retention dark blue covers are finest. And the light blue solar covers are the perfect balance between heat absorption and heat retention. It’s also the most popular colour.
If you only use the cover at night, go with a dark pool cover and if you only use it during the day, go with a clear one, or for the best of both worlds, go with typical light blue – the original.
Warranty
The pool covers come with various types of warranties which is always useful to add into your reasoning when selecting a product and it can be a difference between one product over another. It’s also important though to check the reviews about the product as sometimes you don’t mind taking less of a warranty if the product is highly rated.
The warranty gives you peace of mind that you would be able to solve any trouble with your solar cover if anything goes wrong. It also gives you the assurance that a manufacturer is providing a high-quality product as it comes with a long warranty.
FAQS
Q: What Is A Solar Pool Cover?
A: A Solar Pool Cover is the most common way to keep your pool water warm. They are also known as Pool blankets. They look like gigantic sheets of bubble wrap. The bubbles trap heat from the sun and keep the heat in the pool, keeping the water warm and inviting.
The Solar Pool Covers are perfect for use in a sunny environment because the more heat they can collect, the longer they can extend the season. Solar covers can maintain the water temperature, 10-15 degrees when used. It is essential to remember that, although any cover will reduce some of the debris that enters a pool, solar pool covers are not designed specifically for cleanliness, nor are they considered safety covers. These covers should be completely removed from the pool before swimmers enter the water.
Q: What Are The Main Benefits Of Using A Solar Pool Cover?
A: Using a solar pool cover makes sense for a lot of reasons. A solar cover not only stops the evaporation but it is also designed to preserve the heat that is in the pool while letting sunlight though to let it keep getting warmer.
In other words, you don’t have to spend extra money to heat your pool as much as you would and you also don’t have to spend money replacing chemicals that are lost due to evaporation. A pool cover will surely save your money in the log term.
The pool cover also helps is keeping debris out of the pool. Solar pool covers are a simple solution that gives you great results.
Q: Are Solar Pool Covers Safe?
A: For this, you would need to get a safety cover which could stop this from happening as a solar pool cover is not going to hold your weight once you get in the water so therefore doesn’t work as a safety cover. If you’re looking for the ultimate in safety then you should think about an alternative solution.
Q: How long does a solar cover last?
A: If not left out in the sun and cared properly when not in use, most pool lasts up to three years of use. This is not a bad run considering how inexpensive a solar blanket is.
When looking for a cover, keep in mind that the UV-resistant vinyl covers are most resilient and many makers offer up to a 3-year warranty.
Q: Why does my solar cover break down?
A: The most common cause of cover delamination is the Pool Chemistry and loss of bubble surface. The cover material will break down quickly when too much chlorine is used while exposed to the sun heat, make sure that the cover is removed when you are adding chemicals to your pool, and leave the cover off while the chemicals are being isolated in your pool water.
Conclusion the Right Choice to be Made
So, are you still thinking about why to put a solar blanket on your pool or you still have doubts about whether to purchase the one or not?
If these questions are present in your mind then throw them out of your mind stay positive and make a right which is obviously to cover your pool with the solar pool cover. Overthinking is the art of creating problems that weren’t even there. There is nothing in this world that can trouble you as much as your own thoughts.
The Solar Pool cover is highly recommended for the pool. It is one of the important accessories to be equipped with. Comfort and enjoyment of swimming get almost doubled after the use of Solar Pool Covers. Furthermore, the benefits like reducing water loss reduced heating expenses, Low chemical cost can also be obtained by the use of Solar Pool Covers making it the perfect choice.
At last, let’s hear from you what’s your takes on Solar pool Covers? Are you already using them or planning to purchase one, please share your experiences with us in the comment sections below.
Please let us know did this review helped you in buying the product. Will you recommend this review to your friends, your feedback is always important to us.
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Thank you for writing this detailed buying guide and reviews covering the best solar pool covers. I just went with your #2 recommendation and ordered Sun2Solar Cover for our swimming pool.