When it comes to protecting your swimming pool and maintaining the temperature, there are a couple of options available to you. Although an electric or gas pool heater will keep your pool at the desired temperature, they can be expensive to install and will cause your monthly utility bill to rise. A better, more cost-efficient choice would be to utilize a solar pool cover.
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Top Best Solar Pool Covers
Although there are several pool covers on the market, not all of them will give you the results you are looking for. The best solar pool covers are those that maintain pool temperature, keep debris and dirt from polluting your pool and are cost-effective.
Here are a few suggestions to consider before making your final selection.
| Picture | Model | Weigh | Dimensions | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Blue Wave 21-Feet Round Solar Blanket | 16.8 pounds | 53 x 17 x 17 inches | 5/5 |
 | Splash Pools Round | 13 pounds | 216 x 216 x 0.5 inches | 4.0/5 |
 | Blue Wave 16-Feet | 25 pounds | 57 x 17 x 15 inches | 4.3/5 |
| Doheny's In-Ground Pool | 5/5 | ||
| Ecosavr 99999 Solar Fish | 10.4 ounces | 9.5 x 0.5 x 4.5 inches | 3.0/5 |
Blue Wave 21-Foot Round Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pools 12-mil, Clear
This 21-foot, round clear blanket enables heat from the sun to absorb and penetrate the depths of your above ground pool to warm it thoroughly. Air bubbles provide insulation to protect from chilly winds and cold, night air. The clear design contains bubbles of air that form a warming barrier that reaches all areas of the pool. Thick, durable, 12-gauge material is built to last and is protected with a 5-year warranty.
Cons: It is designed for 21’ round pools only and not always durable enough to outlast the 5-year warranty.
Splash Pools Round Solar Pool Cover, 18-Foot
This 18-foot, round solar pool cover is made from Polymer plastic that catches and holds warmth from the sun’s rays to heat up the temperature of an above ground pool or an inground pool. The air bubbles built into the material not only catch and distribute the sun’s heat into the pool; they also prevent heat loss and water evaporation. Welded seams keep the cover from blowing off and prevent dirt and debris from entering.
Cons: The design may not be as durable as desired and there is no solid edge to hold when installing or removing.
Blue Wave, 16-Foot x 32-Foot Rectangular 12-mil Solar Blanket for In Ground Pools
This 16 x 32-foot rectangular solar cover is ideal for in-ground pools. The 12-mil material is packed with thermal bubbles to maintain temperature in the nighttime cool and in cloudy weather. The see-through blue pigment absorbs the sun’s heat and reaches all areas of your pool. Built-in U.V. protection will not degrade and is protected by a 5-year warranty.
Cons: The design may not hold up in areas where there is extreme heat from the sun (like Florida) and may break down in some areas. 5-year warranty may not cover all aspects of product failure.
How to Use a Solar Pool Cover the Right Way
If you are planning to use a solar pool cover for your pool, you should take some time to consider the options available to you before making your purchase. The best solar pool cover is one that will suit your needs and your budget.
When installing a solar pool cover you should:
- Make sure the cover is put in the pool bubble side down
- Make sure the cover doesn’t overlap the sides of the pool or onto the deck
- Make sure the cover is cut to fit if it is larger than your pool
- Install the cover in the evening when the pool is empty and temperatures are cool
- Never use a cover when the pool is running to prevent it from bunching or gathering
What Are Solar Pool Covers?
A solar pool cover is a lightweight cover and is a necessity if you are a pool owner. Also referred to as solar blankets or summer covers, they are one of the many go-to accessories for anyone wanting to maintain the temperature of their pool with little expense. In addition to regulating the temperature of the pool a cover will keep out dirt and debris that may cause damage when the seasons change.
How Do Solar Pool Covers Work?
A solar cover captures and holds the heat of the sun in your pool water, allowing you to benefit from warm water temperatures without the added expense of an electric or gas heater. During daytime hours, the sun naturally warms your pool since it its rays beam directly down onto the water. As the sun goes down in the evening, any warmth gained during daylight hours slowly seeps out, resulting in cooler water temperatures. A solar cover will hold in the warmth and temperatures gained during the day and keep pool water from getting cold.
How and When to Use Your Solar Cover?
Installing a solar pool cover will prevent any heat gained during the day from the sun’s heat from escaping from the pool. They should be put on top of the pool’s surface bubble side down allowing the cover to float on the surface. It is important that the cover does not overlap the sides of the pool and it should not lie on the deck.
The Benefits of a Solar Pool Cover
Using a solar cover is a great way to save the expense of regulating pool temperature. They are usually reasonably priced and can be found online or in a local pool supply store. Solar covers are easy to install and come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be cut to fit an unusual pool shape.
If you have a larger pool and don’t want to have to spend a great deal of time putting on or taking off your solar cover, you may want to purchase a solar reel to save you time and energy. A reel will allow a solar cover’s attachment to reel to easily roll up while the pool is in use and roll out when not in use. A good solar reel like Doheny’s In-Ground Pool Solar Reel is a good choice when selecting a reel.
Doheny’s In-Ground Pool Solar Reel
3 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Solar Cover This Year
- Solar Covers Provide Heat for Your Pool. A solar cover will catch and hold in the sun’s warmth to heat your pool. You can raise pool temperatures 10 to 20 degrees (varies according to how much sun your pool sees).
- Solar Covers Save Energy. Using a solar cover can save you money on your gas or electric bills by sealing the heat from the sun in to keep your pool warm. The insulation of the cover will keep you from having to use your pool’s heater.
- Solar Covers Keep Dirt and Debris Out of Your Pool. Any cover you use on your pool will prevent dirt and debris from infiltrating and contaminating your pool’s water. It will keep heat in and keep dirt and other trash out, reducing the time needed to clean your pool.
What About Liquid Solar Covers?
There are some people that do not want to have to purchase a reel and despise taking the cover on and off. A liquid solar cover is an ideal choice for anyone that falls into this category. You may want to consider purchasing a liquid solar cover like the Ecosavr 99999 Solar Fish Liquid Pool Cover for Swimming Pools. You should be aware that liquid solar covers do not keep dirt and debris out of the pool. A liquid solar cover will only reduce the evaporation of the water in your pool.
Conclusion
A pool can be a source of great entertainment and relaxation for your family. Once you have made the initial investment, there are many ways to save money and get the most out of your pool. Investing in a pool cover can help you save money on utility expenses and before selecting one you should read several solar pool cover reviews to make an informed decision.
I love the Splash Pools Round Solar Pool Cover. Its performance impresses me, after I used it for my in-ground pool. And as a solar pool cover, this means I don’t need to spend much more to keep my pool warm. Plus, it is so easy to install. Highly recommend this pool cover.