What To Look For In A Solar Pool Cover
Size, thickness and color are the most significant factors in choosing a solar pool cover.
Pool covers need to cover the pool exactly from edge to edge. Large, high-quality solar pool covers close to 800 square feet may cost in excess of $200, whereas a smaller cover closer to 100 square feet will be closer to $100 or lower. If your pool cover is slightly larger than your pool, you can usually cut it to size without voiding the covers warranty.
Thicker pool covers should offer better insulation in colder, windier climates, said Gilda Dobrica, founder of ProSwim NYC and creator of the Teach-Your-Child-To-Swim e-course. Thin pool covers around 8 to 10 mils can save you about $100, broadly speaking, and may be sufficient in warmer climates. Solar pool covers with thickness between 10 to 12 mils fall in the medium range.
Blue solar pool covers are best. A UV-protected, translucent blue color offers a better balance between heat retention and pool chemical protection, Dobrica told us. Dobrica said that a clear cover will warm the pool water the most, but it will also allow more UV rays, which can make chlorine less effective as a disinfectant. A chemically imbalanced pool without enough chlorine could lead to algae blooms in your pool.
In The Swim Premium 12 Mil
Specifications
Reasons to buy
The In The Swim Premium 12 Mil Solar Blanket is made of polyethylene and its thick material can raise the temperature of your pool by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This can really help cut heating costs.
Raised air pockets on the surface of this thick blanket prevent your pool water from evaporating and protect it from things like falling tree branches or garbage – not to mention small, unwanted insect visitors. The air bubbles also trap heat and keep your pool warm. The thickness of this solar blanket means itâs pretty durable but the real winner is the impressive seven-year warranty to give you added peace of mind.
This solar pool cover also has UV-stabilized resin to prevent excess damage from the sun. If your pool isnât round, thatâs not an issue either as you can cut this pool cover to size.
While there arenât many reviews for the In The Swim 12 Mil Solar Pool Blanket, it scores an average of 4.5 out of five stars on the companyâs website. Users state that it effectively warms the water.
Buyers Tips For Solar Pool Covers
A pool can be a big investment of both money and time. When you commit to the cost and upkeep involved in a pool, you certainly want to get the most enjoyment out of it as possible. A solar pool cover can really increase the comfort of the pool by raising the water temperature.
More comfort means more enjoyment, so a solar pool cover is definitely a logical purchase that can not only make your pool more enjoyable but can also save you money in the way of heating costs, water, and chemical use.
Consider details like thickness, color, and size before your purchase to ensure you get the pool cover that will best work for your needs. Weather you are shopping for above ground or inground solar pool covers, we believe we have an excellent choice above in our list of recommendations.
If you need more help deciding, Amazon user reviews are an excellent source of information to help you make your purchase.
Amazon also happens to be a great place to make your purchase from with fast shipping, reliable customer service, and hard-to-beat pricing. Feel free to shop around and find the best cover for you at the right price.
Thanks for reading The 5 Best Solar Pool Covers Reviewed. We hope this article has helped you to discover the best thermal pool heating cover for your needs and preferences. Also see our review of the Best Winter & Safety Pool Covers.
And if youre shopping for other gear take a look at these related review articles from Outside Pursuits:
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Suns2solar Rectangular Pool Cover 1200 Series
The Sun2Solar 1200 series is just like the 800 series. The only thing that separates these two products would be the thickness. The thicker the pool cover is, the warmer the pool will be. So if you prefer a warmer pool, then you should Choose the Sun2Solar 1200 series. Otherwise, the 800 series will suit you just fine. The difference in the thickness of the tiny air bubble film allows greater heat absorption. The thicker the film is, the more heat it can store. When the film has more warmth to absorb, the more it can be used to warm your pool.
The thickness of the 1200 series is the same for both color variations. However, the gray variant is more transparent so it allows more of the light and heat to pass through. This means it absorbs more warmth for the pool than the blue variant.
Best Rated Solar Pool Cover 2022
Solar pool covers are a great way to keep your pool area clean and looking great. Not only do they add aesthetic value, but they also help to protect your investment. To find the best solar pool cover for your needs, take some time to explore options available on the market.
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Save Money On Chemicals
We use chlorine in our pools to destroy algae, bacteria and germs. Chlorine is expensive. The sun is an excellent heat source, but also produces UV radiation. UV radiation breaks down chlorine to an unusable state.
In a pool, chlorine is combined with other chemicals to give it some protection from UV rays, but its not a perfect system. Even with chemical protection, chlorine remains somewhat vulnerable. Solar pool covers provide another layer of protection against the loss of chlorine, meaning youll have to replace it less often.
Solar Sun Rings Uv Resistant Above Ground Inground Swimming Pool Hot Tub Spa Heating Accessory
Features:
- WARMING DISCS & #8211, The majority of heat loss from a pool comes from the water surface at night. Solar Sun Rings do not cover the entire surface of your pool, therefore it allows heat to escape. To help keep the warm water in your pool at night we recommend you use additional insulation such as solar fish or a solar blanket.
- WHAT& #8217,S INCLUDED & #8211, Each unit contains 6 magnets that are used to attach the rings together. Do not over inflate. Do not use as a flotation device.
- PLEASE NOTE & #8211, These Solar Sun Rings are NOT a solar cover or a replacement for a solar cover. These are floating disc heating devices.
- SOLAR ACTIVATED & #8211, Use the Solar Sun Rings to provide heat to your swimming pool from the sun. Swim comfortably without wasting energy
- HEAT YOUR POOL & #8211, Solar Sun Rings are passive solar swimming pool heating devices, constructed from two layers of U.V. resistant vinyl. The upper clear layer directs the suns rays onto the bottom blue layer which absorbs about 50% of the sunlight, converting it to heat. The remaining sunlight filters through the ring into your pool water.
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Solar Sun Rings For Inground And Above Ground Swimming Pools
If a solar blanket seems like too much of a hassle to put on, take off, and store during the swimming season, you may prefer solar rings or squares. These can even be decorative because some of them have patterns and images such as palm trees printed on them, while others come in fun shapes such as flowers.
Solar rings are sold individually for around $25 to $35 each, or in sets for around $140 to $160 or more, depending on how many rings come in the set. The number you need to cover your pools surface will depend on the sizes of both your pool and the rings.
Reduces Evaporation By 95%
Just like most of the solar pool covers, the Intex Solar Pool cover works great for heat retention by reducing the rate of evaporation by 95%. It has a better heat retention capacity compared to its counterparts.
Protection From Pests and Debris
The Intex Solar Cover offers protection from pests and debris by floating atop your swimming pool. Comparatively, it might not be the best protection you get from a pool cover. However, because it is not attached to the edges, handling it becomes easy.
Ideal for circular ponds up to 18ft diameter
It is best fitted for this size but can be used for other Intex pools too. Another highlight of the product is that this solar cover comes with a carrying bag. You can wrap it up and carry it around.
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What Can I Do About It
There are some things you can do to slow the rate of deterioration and prolong the lifespan of your solar cover. They dont stop the breakdown from happening, but can delay the process.
- Purchase a pool cover with excellent UV protection built into it.
- When not in use, keep the cover out of the sun by placing it in a shelter or covering it with a protective cover.
- The bubble side of the cover is where the thinnest, most vulnerable material is. If its not possible to avoid sunlight, at least keep the bubble side protected. Either roll up or fold the cover so that the bubbles face inward.
- Keep the chlorine concentration in the pool at recommended levels. Using more chlorine than necessary is not good for your budget or the pool cover.
- Remove the solar pool cover when shocking the pool, or if too much chlorine has been accidentally added. Keep the cover off until chlorine levels fall back to normal.
What Are Todays Most Popular Solar Sun Rings Pool Covers Models
Quality and trustworthy Solar Sun Rings Pool Covers products are readily available to both genders today. The foundational principle shared by all Solar Sun Rings Pool Covers models is as follows. However, they have a wide range of audiences.
No one should be surprised by the fact that niche markets exist for particular goods. Imagine you had access to data showing you which products were purchased the most frequently by shoppers worldwide. You certainly can, and in fact we’ve already compiled the list for you. Browse our selection that seems to have something for people of all ages, both sexes, and all around the world.
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Sun2solar Pool Cover Faq
Now that we have provided you with a great solar cover option for your swimming pool, lets take a minute to answer a few of the questions you may have before making your purchase.
How do I know which size solar cover to get for my swimming pool?
Since they come in several different sizes, it may seem like a challenge to find one that will fit your swimming pool perfectly. When measuring, find the dimensions to the widest and longest points of the swimming pool, and that is where you can lay the solar cover. You can usually trim the cover down as well if needed to fit the unique shape of your pool.
How do I take the solar cover on and off?
One of the bigger disadvantages of a solar cover is the fact that you have to remove it each time you want to use the pool and then place it back when you are done. Simply fold and unfold the cover, and when storing the cover, keep it out of direct sunlight otherwise, the material may degrade.
Do solar pool covers really work as well as they claim?
Yes! They are beneficial for retaining heat while also reducing humidity. When used in your outdoor pool, they can also help warm the water, which can extend your swimming season.
Are thicker solar covers better to use?
Typically, the thickness of a solar cover varies between 8 mils and 16 mils. Thicker covers can retain more heat and stay in place better during stronger winds when compared to the thinner solar covers.
Do solar cover air bubbles go up or down?
What are solar sun rings?
Cuts Evaporation And Prevents Heat Loss
With this Splash Pool Oval Solar Cover, the evaporation rate of your water in the pool is decreased by up to 95%. Lesser evaporation prevents loss of heat and keeps your water warm for long. The manufacturers claim a 15 degrees rise in temperature of the water.
Enhanced durability
The Splash Pool Oval Shape Cover is built with a resin material. It is thick enough and acts as an excellent insulator. It can last up to 1-1.5 years, depending on the weather condition of your area.
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Blue Wave Ns1: The Best Solar Pool Cover For Removal
The Blue Wave NS120 is a solar pool blanket that is made up of small bubbles that insulate your swimming pool and can improve the temperature of your pool by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since this solar pool cover is going to be directly in the sunlight, itâs made to be resistant to the wear and tear from UV radiation, along with the chemicals that you treat your pool water with. The Blue Wave solar pool cover is one of the pricier options in our round up, however, for what you pay, you do get a three-year warranty.
This solar pool cover is round so obviously wonât be suitable for square pools, and it has been designed for above-ground swimming pools. It does, however, claim to prevent up âto 95% of pool water and chemical evaporationâ. This means you wonât have to spend as much money or time replenishing your pool.
The Blue Wave NS120 scores an average of 3.7 out of five stars on Amazon. Users that loved this solar pool cover state it âraised the water temp over 20 degrees in a weekâ. Others suggested it was easy to take off the pool, and it was very durable. Criticisms come in the form of stating this solar pool cover is âthinâ and some users had issues with the bubbles popping and disintegrating.
Without A Solar Pool Cover
If you choose not to use a solar pool cover, heat loss by evaporation will be at 60% and heat loss by radiation will be at 30%. The solar cover acts as a protective barrier to help with the evaporation of the water. It can also lower the amount of pool chemicals you use over time. You will be adding much less water, less pool chemicals, and still have a clean pool that is at the desired water level.
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Additional Solar Pool Cover Information
A solar cover saves you money and extends your swimming season. By absorbing and trapping the energy of the sun, a solar cover can heat your pools water by up to 15 degrees without using a gas heater or propane pool heater, thus saving you on heating costs by 50%-70%. This is the same on in-ground pools and above ground pools.
A solar cover also holds the suns heat in the water when the nights start to get chillier as the summer season wanes. By keeping the pool water warm, for free, youre extending the fun you can have in the pool for the season. It also works in spring, when the days and nights start to get mild, but arent too warm, the solar cover can kick start the heating process and get you in the pool early.
If having a large solar cover that always needs putting on a taking off the pool isnt your thing, In the Swim has a unique set of items called liquid solar covers. These products retain your pools heat without having a physical solar cover you always have to manage and move. Natural Chemistrys COVERfree liquid solar cover is a popular and very effective item that also decreases water evaporation. Put the Solar Fish liquid cover into your pool, two fish for larger pools, and its fin dispenses Heatsavr that is highly effective at reducing heat loss but not detectable by swimmers. The innovative Solar Sun rings holds insulating air to trap heat and use magnets to connect to each other to cover your pool for easy use.
Do Solar Pool Covers Really Work
Yes! Every time you lose water, through splashing or evaporation, you have to replace it. And new water takes energy to heat. Solar pool covers help retain the heat already in the water by reducing water evaporation. And they act as a magnifying glass to amplify the suns warming effect on your pool water.
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In The Swim Ultra 16 Mil Solar Cover
Specifications
Reasons to buy
The In The Swim Ultra 16 Mil Solar Cover is thick and durable, so itâs sure to withstand nature and keep your pool safe, clean, and warm. This solar pool cover is round-shaped and it has been designed to protect your pool and keep the water warm.
The top layer of this blanket is made of polyethylene while the aluminized bottom layer with its tiny air-filled pockets keeps your water insulated. Your pool can be a full 10 to 15 degrees warmer thanks to this thick blanket. The aluminized bottom layer reflects heat back into the water so youâre not going to waste any sunlight.
This solar pool cover is excellent value for money considering its eight-year warranty and thickness of it. There arenât many reviews for this cover, however, one user described it as âheavy-dutyâ.
