Having a background pool allows you to relax and entertain.
The best solar pool cover is a versatile addition to your pool as it goes beyond giving it a temperature boost. It helps keep your pool clean and debris-free, which means less time and work cleaning and more time swimming and relaxing. It also protects from UV rays.
In this article, we selected the 5 best solar pool covers and outlined factors to consider when choosing them.
Best Solar Pool Covers
1. SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket
- Soak Up The Sun - Heat your pool the natural way with this blue...
- Keep Refills To A Minimum - Using this above ground pool heater...
- Cut Down Cleaning Time & Costs - Our pool solar cover also helps...
- Customize According To Your Needs - This 18x36 feet solar pool...
- Storage Made Convenient - Despite its large dimensions, this 12...
Our usual pool care has changed significantly since we started using the SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket. Its ability to retain warmth, particularly on sunny days, amazed us. Without the high expenses of conventional heating solutions, it's as though we've added a natural heater to our setup.
Additionally, we saw a notable decrease in water evaporation. We can save time and water by using this blanket to reduce the need for frequent refilling. Finding a device that not only reduces heating costs but also supports environmentally responsible activities is refreshing.
Although the material is easy to work with and feels solid, we were apprehensive about its long-term endurance.
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2. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover
- Harness the Power of Sun: The 16 mil solar pool cover with...
- Maximize Heat Retention: our pool cover traps and maintains the...
- Trim to Fit: Suitable for inground or above-ground pool. PE...
- Minimize Water Evaporation: This solar blanket can helps you...
- High-quality material, promising longevity even under harsh...
It has been a useful improvement for our pool to use the BigXwell solar pool cover. Durability is provided by the 16 mil thickness without sacrificing usability. Even on overcast days, we found that the thermal bubbles effectively capture sunshine and warm the pool. After cutting, the snug fit was simple, and we were certain that it wouldn't move in the wind.
Practically speaking, this cover has significantly decreased our water evaporation. Knowing that we can still enjoy our pool while consuming less water is a pleasant feeling. We've observed temperature increases that make swimming more pleasurable on warmer days.
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3. AURSK Solar Pool Cover
- Extend Swimming Season:AURSK solar pool cover is made from...
- Maintain Water Heat: AURSK pool covers maximize heat retention,...
- Save on Water Cost: Our solar pool blankets combat water loss,...
- Keep Water Clean: If you struggle with the chore of pool...
- Trim to Fit: If your pool has a unique shape, simply place the...
We have had a good experience with the AURSK Solar Pool Cover. The speed at which the polyethylene material began heating the pool water amazed us and demonstrated the material's quality. We can continue to enjoy swimming well into the cooler days because it appears to efficiently collect sunlight because to its approximately one million bubbles.
Because the cover is large, it was simple to trim it to match the shape of our particular pool. Simply set the bubble side down, and we cut it precisely with scissors. After installation, it effectively stops heat loss throughout the night, allowing for enjoyable morning swims without the dreaded cold. Additionally, we saw a notable decrease in water evaporation. By serving as a barrier against leaves and debris, the cover keeps our pool clean.
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4. Blue Wave Solar Blanket
- WARMTH FROM THE SUN - Insulating thermal bubbles use passive...
- SOLAR SAVINGS - Save time and money by using a solar blanket on...
- SWIM MORE, SKIM LESS - Get back to the fun part of owning an...
- CUT TO FIT AND BUILT TO LAST - Created with durable, 12-mil...
- YOUR PEACE OF MIND, COVERED - This solar cover is backed by a...
Our summer pool season has shown the Blue Wave Solar Blanket to be quite successful. Because of its excellent heat-trapping capabilities, we can enjoy warmer water even when the sun isn't out. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the opaque blue color efficiently absorbs sunlight, which significantly improves temperature retention.
This blanket greatly lowers water evaporation, which is a common problem for pool upkeep. We noticed that we were virtually doing away with our weekly water refills, which has helped the environment and our water expenditure. We spend more time swimming and less time skimming because of its capacity to keep debris out.
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5. VINGLI Solar Pool Cover
- EXTEND SWIMMING TIME - The Solar Pool Cover is made of special...
- Reduces Water Evaporation - Placing the cover over the pool when...
- KEEPING THE WATER CLEAN -The Solar Pool Covers are very easy to...
- EASY TO CUT - The solar blanket is suitable for all shapes of...
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL - Heavy-Duty material with strong welded...
The temperature of our pool has significantly improved after a few months of utilizing the VINGLI Solar Pool Cover. The cover's bubbles absorb heat quite well on bright days, allowing us to enjoy warmer swims long into the cooler evenings. One of the best things about the cover is that it really makes swimming more enjoyable by trapping warmth.
Another advantage that we have valued is the reduction of water evaporation. Covering the pool significantly reduces water loss, which is important in locations where conserving water is crucial. We need to make chemical adjustments less frequently thanks to this function, which also helps preserve the chemistry of our pool.
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Factors To Consider When Buying Best Solar Covers
a) Type of Solar Pool Cover
Solar pool covers can be grouped into two types:
Solar Sun Rings
Solar sun rings are discs that float side-by-side to keep the swimming pool warm. They are naturally smaller than most solar pool cover and tend to be convenient to use. All you do is throw them over your pool. They are better suited for smaller pools as they need a smaller surface area to operate. You may need to buy many rings with a larger pool to ensure the heat does not escape.
Bubble Pool Covers
Commonly referred to as a pool solar blanket, they are large sheets that feature anywhere between hundreds to thousands of small bubbles. These solar pool covers are designed to cover the pool entirely and are often considered more efficient. The best solar pool covers are effective are preventing debris and leaves from falling into your pool.
Bubble covers are easier to handle and tend to more affordable. The bubbles absorb the solar heat and transfer it to the water during the day, while at night, the bubbles convert into insulators.
The best solar pool covers are UV-ray resistant, meaning they can withstand direct sun exposure. Some covers are lightweight depending on your needs, allowing you to put them on and take them off with ease. Bubble covers can have polyethylene or polypropylene materials. Their thickness can range from 8- 16 gauge. Thicker covers trap heat and are more durable.
Liquid Solar Covers
This type of solar pool cover is a high-fat alcohol additive for your pool. It creates a molecular barrier on the pool water's surface, trapping heat so that it can’t escape. Compared to a non-liquid solar cover, a liquid cover does draw in heat from the sun.
Rather, it acts as a barrier that prevents heat loss and water evaporation. Due to its molecular chemistry, the liquid solar cover floats to the pool's surface, providing it with an invisible blanket. Hence, when people dive in, the blanket disperses into the water. It reassembles when the pool becomes still again.
b) Size And Shape
When looking for the best solar pool covers, you must first consider the size and shape. This is especially necessary if considering bubble pool covers. A good rule of thumb is to select the same shape cover as that of your pool. It's essential to measure your pool to ensure that you have the right size solar pool cover.
It's advisable to buy a larger size; that way, you can tailor the solar cover to fit your pool if your measurements are slightly off. Additionally, a large solar cover allows you to tuck in the cover to secure it if the wind picks up.
One thing to remember, for a solar cover to be completely effective, it has to cover your entire pool. If there are any gaps, that could lead to loss of heat.
Keep in mind the shape of your pool as you don't want a round cover for a square pool. Most covers come in two shapes, circular and rectangular, which ensures they fit most swimming pools. If you have an irregular-shaped pool, you're looking for a solar pool cover that you can tailor fit. You want one that can reach across the widest and longest points of your pool.
c) Inground Pool vs. Above Ground Pools
Depending on your pool type, there are specific pool covers catered for them. Inground pools can be found in all shapes and sizes. They are ideal for relaxation and aquatic exercise. Above ground swimming pools come in round or oval shapes and can be a permanent or temporary addition to your residence. Thus when deciding on a solar pool cover, the type of pool you have will be a factor.
d) Color
Most bubble solar pool cover colors are available in shades of blue or silver (clear). Darker colors are better at trapping heat than lighter ones. If you live in an area that does not receive a lot of sunlight or plan to use your pool during the night, a darker color solar pool cover would be ideal. However, avoid colors that are too dark as they can keep the pool cooler.
Clear solar covers are best suited for areas with bright sunshine as they prevent the pool's temperature from increasing too much. A light blue solar pool cover would be ideal if looking for the best of both worlds.
e) Type of material
Solar pool covers are made from various materials like vinyl, polyethylene, or polyurethane. Vinyl covers are resilient and durable due to their heavy-duty protection.
f) Thickness
Thicker solar pool covers offer better insulation. They can however be heavy. These types of covers are best suited for pool owners looking for heavy-duty insulation. The best heavy-duty worth considering is a 14 or 16-mil cover. If you prefer lightweight covers, then a 10 or 12-mil cover should suffice.
Generally, the thicker your solar pool cover, the better it is as an insulator. Hence, it will have better heat retention.
Most solar pool covers range from 8mm to 12mm and more, but as you go up the thicknesses scale, the cost increases. You can opt for the middle-ground, which is around the 12mm mark. You don't want to have a cumbersome solar cover that you leave boxed up in your storage most of the time.
g) Manual vs. Automatic
Some solar pool covers can be manual, automatic, and semi-automatic. Automatic solar covers require you to push a button to roll and unroll the cover. Semi-automatic covers have a reel system and use electric power to remove the cover, but you'll have to guide the movement. Manual covers are adjusted using your hands.
h) Solar Pool Cover Reels
Cover reels are a fantastic way to simplify the process of putting on and taking off your pool cover. While some covers even come bundled with one.
A pool cover reel is placed at one end of your pool, and you rotate the handle to unravel your solar cover over or across your swimming pool.
Most conventional solar pool covers will work with a reel, but some thinner and more fragile covers can easily crumple under themselves when extending them across your pool. Keep this in mind when considering the solar pool cover thickness.
i) Solar Cover With Drain Holes
Some solar pool covers are designed with drain holes that allow rainwater to filter through and prevent your cover from sinking underweight. Though most covers aren’t a perfect fit-to-size, the gaps that exist on the edges or near the pool steps and ladders will often be sufficient in leveling out the water regardless of any intentional drain holes or be taken care of by your deck drains. If you find that rain is a problem for your cover, you can always poke a few holes in it yourself.
