Solar pool covers – Top 10 Best solar pool covers reviews, Buying Guide & FAQ

A solar pool cover can benefit you in multiple ways. It can reduce evaporation of water, heat loss, and also chemical use in your pool. As a result, it will work to increase the pool water temperature as well. The problem is that not all solar pool covers are highly efficient. That is why; you have to be quite careful when you’re picking one.

You have to look at the different specifications of the solar pool covers before making your decision. Only once you look at the various specifications, it becomes easy to choose the right one. I will today help you out by not only sharing with you the top 10 Best solar pool covers on offer but also a buying guide which will help you understand the things which you should check. Let me now start with the top 10 solar pool covers on offer so that you can pick the right one.

1. Harris by Sun Solar 24 ft Round Solar Cover

 

The option on top of my list is a round solar cover. The diameter is 24 feet. It is available in 6 different sizes. As a result, picking the right one is not a problem. It can help you retain the heat in the pool, which means that you will save significantly on pool heating costs. On average, it can increase the pool temperature by 15° by trapping the rays of the sun.

At the same time, since it acts as a barrier between the water and atmosphere outside, it can easily prevent evaporation. As a result, chemical dissipation is also reduced.

It allows the sun’s rays to reach the water. However, since it is solid in architecture, it will not allow evaporation. It means that when you step into the pool after removing the cover, you will be able to get comfortable, warm water. With the help of aluminized coating, you can be sure that the durability is on the higher side as well. The combination of these features is the reason why this pool solar cover is on my list.

Pros

  • Can increase water temperature by up to 15°F
  • Reduces chemical dissipation
  • Reduces water evaporation
  • Easy to install
  • Highly durable

Cons

  • Requires more effort to clean

2. SMOPS Blue 10ft Round Solar Cover

 

The next option on my list is again a round solar cover. The diameter of this one is 10 feet. It is also available in 3 different sizes, which mean choosing the size according to your pool is quite easy. It is compatible with the Intex frame pools as well. It consists of thousands of tiny bubbles, which means that it can collect and retain the heat efficiently. The color is such that it is visually appealing as well.

When you look at the resistance to evaporation, it can reduce water evaporation up to 95%. As a result, you will not have to worry about refilling your pool again and again. Since the evaporation reduces, chemical dissipation reduces as well. Whenever you step into your pool, it will be warm due to the heat retainment by thousands of bubbles. Also, you can trim it to fit your pool. It means that if you’re not able to get the right size, you can cut it according to your advantage. It will ensure that you can fit it into your pool quite perfectly.

The cover consists of durable resin material. Due to this very reason, it can last for a long time. It can protect your pool from dirt and debris, which is another advantage. It consists of an overlap up to 2 to 11 inches and will help install it easily. The ease of installation and durable construction makes it a good option.

Pros

  • Resin construction
  • Reduces evaporation up to 95%
  • Consists of overlap
  • Protects your pool from the debris

Cons

  • Wind resistance could have been higher

3. Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Solar Cover

 

The options which I have spoken above are round in shape. However, this one measures 16’ x 32’. It means that if you have a rectangle pool, this solar pool cover is a good option for you. It is suitable for in-ground and aboveground pools, which is a definite advantage. Moreover, different sizes are available as well. Also, two different color options are available.

When you look at the construction, it consists of many tiny bubbles. The bubbles work together cumulatively to retain the heat. It can reduce water evaporation by up to 95%. As a result, you need not worry about refilling the water. The heat from the bubbles is transmitted into the pool water. As a result, the more the time for which you mount the pool cover, the warmer will be the pool. So when you step into the pool, it will be at a comfortable temperature.

You can easily trim the size you want. It will allow you to customize the size of the pool, quite easily. You will require scissors to do so. The cover is such that it can prevent dirt and debris from getting into your pool as well. It means that it can help you in reducing the maintenance of the pool. At the same time, since water evaporation is reduced, the chemical dissipation will also decrease. All in all, it can help you not only keep the water warm but also reduce the consistent maintenance of your swimming pool.

Pros

  • Can reduce evaporation by 95%
  • Highly versatile
  • Keeps debris and dirt away
  • Easy to trim

Cons

  • Prone to wear and tear over a longer time

4. Thermo-Tex 2831632 Solar Pool Cover

 

The dimensions of the solar pool cover are 16’ x 32’. The blue color is as per the industry standards. The aim of this pool cover is that it can increase the water temperature and also reduce the operating costs. The dual-purpose advantage means that it is one of the best solar pool covers on offer.

Also, heat retainment is such that it can reduce your heating costs. With the help of UV stabilized polymers, the durability is on the higher side. Also, it reduces not only the evaporation of water but also the wastage of chemicals. Thus, you will not only save money on heating costs but also the chemical consumption of your pool.

With the help of lightweight design, installing it is not a problem. You can single-handedly install it and remove it as per your convenience. You can easily use it for the in-ground swimming pool. The UV stabilized structure makes it a good option.

Pros

  • Highly durable
  • High heating capacity
  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for in-ground pool covers

Cons

  • Not completely smooth

5. Thermo-Tex 2831224 Swimming Solar Pool Cover

 

With the dimensions of 12’ x 24’, you can be sure that with this swimming solar pool cover can certainly cover a pretty large pool. It will help you in reducing the pool maintenance cost. The more you cover the pool, the higher will be the water temperature. The heating capacity of this pool cover is excellent.

With the help of universal blue color, it has great aesthetics as well. Also, UV stabilized polymers means that durability is not a problem. It can resist degradation, which means that wear and tear is not a problem. It can handle not only the sun but also the pool chemicals.

Since it reduces the evaporation, you can save a lot of water as well. The consumption of pool chemicals will also decrease. It is easy to install, as well. Thousands of tiny bubbles retain the heat consistently. As a result, the design is quite efficient. You can use it for any in-ground pool. These features make it a worthy choice.

Pros

  • Suitable for in-ground pools
  • UV stabilized polymer construction
  • Reduces pool maintenance cost
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Limited after-sales support

6. Blue Wave NS520 14-mil Solar Blanket

 

With the dimensions of 16’ x 32’, you can use it for any rectangle in-ground pool. Also, the color is a bit different than the others. That is why, if you do not want to go for the bland blue color, you can consider this option.

If you can mount it on a large pool, it can heat the pool up to 15°F. It means that you can heat pool water quite efficiently. With the help of innovative design, you can be sure that it will be able to keep your pool warm during the cloudy days and the night. It is suitable for any in-ground swimming pool, which is a definite advantage.

Another USP of this blanket is that it can handle Ultra violet rays and pool chemicals. It means that the wear and tear is not a problem at all. Once you buy it, you can continue to use it for a long duration. The clear plastic design increases the percentage of sun rays that reach the water. As a result, the heating capacity of this pool is higher as compared to the other blue covers. The higher heating capacity makes it a winner.

Pros

  • Suitable for in-ground pools
  • Heats water up to 50°F
  • Innovative transparent cell design
  • Highly durable

Cons

  • Thickness could have been higher

7. Crystal Blue 15S-8SBD Solar Pool Cover

 

The USP of this solar pool cover is that it is available in a variety of sizes. It is available in 2 variants as well. The one which I’m speaking about now is suitable for aboveground pools and is round in shape. The cover is 15 feet. As a result, it can cover a fairly large pool easily.

It can increase the water temperature by up to 10°F, which means that you can use the pool after the summer season as well. It can cut down on the evaporation by 90%. A unique feature of this pool cover is that it consists of an aluminum underside. The aluminum underside is efficient in trapping the heat. Due to this very reason, it can not only increase the temperature in a single go but keep increasing it as well.

Also, the construction is such that it can grab the sun’s rays quite easily. The aluminum underside also makes it highly durable, which means that once you buy it; you can use it for a long time with ease. If you’re looking for pool covers with these features, then you should consider this option.

Pros

  • Available in a variety of sizes
  • Consist of the aluminum underside
  • Can increase the temperature by 10°F
  • Highly durable

Cons

  • The packaging is not up to the mark

8. Splash Pools Round Solar Pool Cover

 

The next option on my list is again a round-shaped pool cover. The diameter is 18 feet. It is available in 7 different sizes. With a variety of pool sizes, you can find one quite easily.

It is highly durable, which means that you will not have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. It can block the dirt and debris as well. Also, since it can cut back on the evaporation up to 95%, you can be sure that the chemical use of your pool will also go down. At the same time, it can prevent heat loss as well. The bubble structure captures the heat of the sun and transmits it to the pool.

The pool cover is suitable for not just aboveground pools but also in-ground pools. The polymer plastic construction means the durability is not an issue. With the help of welded seams, you can be sure that it can handle the wear and tear quickly. The durability and the versatility of this pool cover make it an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Suitable for in-ground and aboveground pools
  • Polymer plastic construction
  • Welded seams
  • Available in various sizes

Cons

  • After-sales support is limited

9. Robelle 21S-8 Box Heavy-Duty Solar Cover

 

With 21 feet diameter, this cover can easily fit a large pool. It is available in different sizes including the oval shape and for the in-ground pool as well. That is why; you can get the exact variant which you want.

The working principle of this pool cover involves collecting solar energy with the help of the bubbles in the cover. Thereafter, the heat is transferred into the pool. The heat-retaining capacity of the cover is on the higher side. As a result, it can increase the water temperature significantly.

Also, since the water evaporation takes place without a pool cover, it will act as an obstacle between the water and the atmosphere, the chemical consumption and evaporation also goes down. It means that your pool operating cost will reduce significantly. At the same time, the pool using season will increase. It is also resistant to UV rays, which mean that durability is not a problem at all. It can last for a long time. In terms of efficiency and heavy-duty polyethylene construction, it is an option worth buying.

Pros

  • Polyethylene construction
  • Excellent efficiency
  • Resistant to UV rays
  • Available in a wide variety of sizes

Cons

  • [/i2pros][i2cons]
  • Installing and removing is not that easy

10. In The Swim 12 Mil 18 x 36 ft. Rectangle Swimming Pool Solar Cover

 

With the dimensions of 18 feet with 36 feet, this cover is reasonably large. The rectangle shape makes it perfect for inground pools. If you’re looking for the size variant, it is available as well. If you’re looking for any other size variant for your in-ground pool, there are plenty available. It means that you can pick the exact option which you prefer.

The construction includes UV stabilized resin. It means that wear and tear is not a problem. Due to the thousands of tiny bubbles, the heat transfers in the pool. That is why; it will become easy for you to heat your pool. Since it minimizes evaporation, it also reduces the loss of chemicals. As a result, it can keep the pool water in perfect condition.

You can easily cut it out to ensure that it is suitable for any in ground pool shape. The 12 il thick cover is highly durable. The energy-saving design means that you can consistently pool during the daytime. The heavy-duty construction and high thickness make it the right choice.

Pros

  • Available in various color options
  • UV stabilized resin construction
  • Efficient transfer of heat
  • Helps you reduce chemical consumption

Cons

  • Susceptible to wear and tear after three years

In my opinion, if you’re looking for solar pool covers which can heat your pool; these are the ten options to go with. Once you choose between these ten options, it is easy to cover your pool, keep the debris out, and even increase the water temperature. Before you go ahead and make that buying decision, you can go through my buying guide below to better understand the factors to consider.

Solar pool covers Buying Guide:

The buying guide will help you understand the parameters on which you should compare the swim pool solar covers. When you compare them on these factors, it becomes easy to pick the right one.

Things to consider while buying solar pool covers:

The criteria which you should keep in mind for choosing the right pool solar cover include:

• Dimensions:

The 1st factor which you need to look is the dimensions. That will help you understand whether it will cover your pool or not. Instead of going with the exact dimensions, it is always a good idea to choose a bigger one. The overlap will ensure that you can secure the pool cover.

• Construction:

Next, you have to look at the construction of the pool cover. If it is weather resistant and can withstand wear and tear easily, it can last for a long period. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to use it for multiple seasons.

• Trimmable:

A pool cover might not fit the pool entirely. That is why; at times, you might have to cut the pool cover. You have to buy one which is Trimmable. When that is the case, you can be sure that you can to match it up with the pool shape.

• Evaporation loss:

One of the main reasons why you are buying a solar pool cover is to reduce water evaporation. In addition to raising the water temperature, it should reduce the evaporation as well. When that is the case, it will be easy for you to reduce chemical consumption as well. You have to keep this factor in mind and then only choose the swim pool solar covers.

Now that you know the factors to consider while buying one, I will go into the FAQs so that you can get more information about these covers.

FAQ

Do solar pool covers work?

Yes, if you choose the right pool solar cover, they work. They entrap the heat from the sun’s rays and transfer it to the pool. The thousands of bubbles facilitate the entrapment in the pool cover.

How do solar pool covers work?

The solar pool covers entrap the heat from the sun’s rays. Since on the other side, they are in close vicinity with water; they transmit the heat to water. Also, they act as an obstacle in the evaporation process of water and therefore, can reduce that as well. The solar pool covers consist of thousands of bubbles which help in the entrapment of heat.

How to install solar pool covers?

The best way to install a solar pool cover is to buy one which overlaps the pool. Then you can use a fastening rope if you plan to mount on in-ground pools, you can use water bags to weigh them down. It ensures that the pool solar covers remain in their place.

Solar pool covers which side up?

The bubbles should face downwards. It is the area of the bubbles which traps the heat. That is why; the bubbles should face downwards so that they can transmit the heat to the water quite easily.

What is the best solar cover for pool?

The Harris by Sun Solar 24 ft Round Solar Cover is the best solar cover for pool. It can increase the water temperature by 15°F and is also highly durable.

Are solar pool covers dangerous?

Solar pool covers are not suitable for use while the pool is in use. That is why; you have to follow the instructions while using them. When you do so, these are not dangerous.

Do solar covers warm pool water?

Yes, solar covers warm the pool. They retain their energy from the sun’s rays and transmit the same to the water. That is why they can heat the water by up to 15°F.

How many degrees will a solar cover heat a pool?

The quantum of temperature increase will be dependent on the time for which you are covering the pool. Generally speaking in 8 to 10 hours, a good solar pool cover can increase the temperature by 10°F.

What color solar pool cover is best?

Blue covers can absorb the heat the best. On the other hand, the silver coating on the bottom side ensures that heat loss is reflected in the pool. That is why; this is the color combination which you should go with.

How thick should a solar pool cover be?

The thickness of pool solar covers is measured in mil. It should be between 8 to 16 mil. The thicker the pool cover, the better will be the heating capacity of the pool cover.

Can you use a solar cover as a winter cover?

The solar cover will last only for a limited time if you’re using it as a winter cover. It is ideal not to do so.

What do solar covers do for a pool?

Solar covers entrap the heat from the sun’s rays and transmit the same into the water. They also reduce the evaporation process of water by acting as a barrier between the atmosphere and water.

Why are solar pool covers not black?

Blue covers have maximum heat retention capability. Due to this very reason, solar covers are generally blue in color rather than black unlike other covers.

So, if you’re looking for the best solar pool covers, it is essential to take these ten options into account. In my opinion, the above ten options are simply the best choices you have. Once you choose between these ten options, it is easy for you to pick the right pool solar cover. It will help you keep your pool in perfect condition and also the water at the right temperature. These will certainly help you keep your pool at a comfortable temperature.

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