10 Best Solar Pool Covers in 2021 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Nobody likes diving in a heart-wrenchingly cold pool. A lot of people avoid heating solutions for their pool. That’s mainly because pool heaters are expensive. But, there’s a solution to that.
Solar power covers are the best sustainable solution for heating your swimming pool water. It is cheap, eco-friendly, and easy to use. Do not confuse it with regular pool covers. Solar pool covers actually raise the water temperature and also offer protection as regular covers do.
Finding a perfect solar pool cover, however, can be a daunting task. Mainly because there are so many pool covers to choose from. In this article, we have reviewed the 10 best solar pool covers of 2021. The article also offers a buying guide suggesting things you need to look for in a solar pool cover.
Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Pool Cover

We recommend you to get the Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Pool Cover. It is a high-performing affordable solution that keeps your pool warm. Besides, it is durable and adjustable per your needs.
Highlights
- Saves heating cost
- Minimizes evaporation
- Better heat retention
- Customizable size
- Long-lasting material
Quick Summary of the Best Solar Pool Cover of 2021
Image | Solar Pool Cover Name | |
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Best Solar Pool Cover
Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Pool Cover
It is a durable and adjustable high-performing affordable solution that keeps your pool warm. |
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Best Heat Retaining Solar Pool Cover
Intex Solar Cover for 15-18ft Diameter Easy Set and Frame Pools
Here’s a Candian PMRA registered product offering high heat retention. It is a multi-purpose solar pool cover that also protects your pool from dirt and debris. |
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Best Thick Solar Pool Cover
Doheny Rectangular Solar Cover - 16 Mil
If you are looking for a thick pool cover that lasts longer and performs better, no doubt, this is the product that will meet your needs. |
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Best Sunlight Absorbing Heat
Blue Wave Round Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pools - 12 Mil
This product stands out among others with its magni-clear feature, which allows for more sunlight absorption and less heat loss. |
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Best Durable Solar Pool Cover
Splash Pool's Round Solar Cover
The polymer plastic body of this solar cover makes it one of the most durable products among all solar pool covers. In addition to that, it is easy to use and lightweight. |
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Best Popular Solar Cover
In the Swim's Rectangular Pool Solar Cover - 12 Mil
Coming from a well-reputed brand In the Swim, this product offers outstanding warranty claims. It is thick and is lightweight too. |
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Best Oval Shaped Solar Pool Cover
Splash Pool's Oval Solar Cover
For oval-shaped swimming pools, this solar pool cover is simply the best. It protects heat as well as chemical lost from your pool water due to exposure from the sun. |
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Best Transparent Solar Pool Cover
In The Swim Ultra Clear Rectangular Pool Cover -16 Mil
This pool cover is an upgrade to the previous 12mil thick version of In the Swim Rectangular Pool cover with additions like clear transparent body and increased thickness of 16mil for better performance. |
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Best Build in a Solar Pool Cover
Thermo-Tex 2831224 Swimming Solar Pool Cover
This brilliant product extends your swimming season along with its high-quality UV stabilized polymers. It reduces heat loss and evaporation. |
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Highly Efficient Solar Pool Cover
Blue Wave Rectangular Solar Blanket - 12 Mil
This product has a transparent body for effective as well as efficient performance. Its magni-clear body, which is UV protected for better heating of your pool. |
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Best Solar Pool Covers - Reviewed
Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Pool Cover
Features Highlights
- Saves heating cost
- Minimizes evaporation
- Better heat retention
- Customizable size
- Long-lasting material
Product Specification
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Dimensions:
52 x 16 x 16 inches
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Weight:
32 pounds
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Size:
18' x 36' Rectangle
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Rate:
4
Saves Heating Cost
The Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Pool cover has thousands of tiny bubbles. These bubbles help in the collection and retention of heat at night or during chilly days. The transparent body allows the sun’s UV rays to penetrate deeper into your swimming pool, giving you warmer water.
Minimizes evaporation
Using the Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Pool Cover gives better heat prevention with up to 95% protection rate. Whenever the pool is not in use, keep your pool covered and ensure less amount of water is lost. Now, you do not need to fill up your swimming pool frequently like before.
Customizable and Durable
It is hard finding the perfectly shaped pool cover for your pool. With the Sun2Solar rectangular pool cover, you can easily adjust the size as your requirement.
Place the solar cover with bubbles facing down to the water and trace a line on it before cutting off the additional material. Also, the material used for making this pool cover is a durable resin material.
Pros
- A high degree of heat retention
- Perfect for in-ground pools
- Can be adjusted to fit better
Cons
- People claim about the bubbles falling off after a while
Our Verdict
With the best heat retention service among all other solar pool covers, the Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Pool cover ranks at the top of our list. It is easy to handle and lasts for a long time. Do not doubt the performance and material-quality of this one.
Intex Solar Cover for 15-18ft Diameter Easy Set and Frame Pools
Features Highlights
- Ideal for 15ft circular pools
- Reduces evaporation by 95 %
- Heat retention
- Canadian PMRA registered
- Includes a carry bag
Product Specification
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Dimensions:
180 x 180 x 18.9 inches
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Weight:
5.8 pounds
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Size:
15 ft diameter
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Rate:
3.9
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.
Pros
- Light and durable
- Reduces evaporation
- Protects from dirt and debris
- Higher heat retention
Cons
- Might not work well in harsh weather
Our Verdict
If you have a round pool, the Intex Solar Pool cover is the best option you can find. Though not the best, it is among the most efficient, affordable, and gets the job done with minimum investment.
Doheny Rectangular Solar Cover - 16 Mil
Features Highlights
- Raises temperature upto 15 degrees Fahrenheit
- Prevents heat and chemical loss
- Easy to install
- The transparent body helps maintain blue-color and allows sunlight through
- 16 mil thickness
Product Specification
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Weight:
60-70 pounds
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Size:
15 ft x 30 ft
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Temp Rise:
15 degrees
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Rate:
3.8
Highest possible temperature
The Doheny Rectangular Solar Cover offers you the highest possible heat by raising your water temperature up to 15 degrees. It does so with its transparent body that allows sunlight to pass through easily. It prevents heat loss as well as chemical dissipation.
16Mil thickness
Its thickness is what enables the Doheny Rectangular Solar Cover to maintain high temperatures by losing less heat. Thickness also ensures heat retention during the night. However, because it is so thick, it might also be cumbersome for most.
Excellent warranty claim
This product guarantees higher durability with its extended warranty claim of 3 years. Though the warranty claim might not be the best when compared with others, manufacturers of the Doheny Rectangular Solar Cover claim that it can last up to 8 years.
Pros
- Best heating experience
- Excellent durability up to eight years
- The thick cover protects from impurities too.
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Might be a bit too warm for some
Our Verdict
If you like having hot water in your swimming pool, this is a great heavy-duty solar cover. However, if you have to take it on and off too often, you might not prefer this cover as it is heavier compared to other options in the market.
Blue Wave Round Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pools - 12 Mil
Features Highlights
- Reduced heating costs
- Efficient and effective
- Can withstand UV radiation
- High-quality, durable product
- 5-year warranty
Product Specification
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Dimensions:
54 x 20 x 20 inches
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Weight:
22 pounds
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Size:
24ft round
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Temp Rise:
15 degrees
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Rate:
3.8
Efficient and Effective
The magni-clear solar blanket allows more sunlight to reach depths of your pool better than its competitors in the market. That’s why it can raise the temperature upto 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
UV protection
The body of the Blue Wave Round Solar Blanket can withstand UV radiation. Thus, it can hold up under intense sunlight for a long time. Just like most solar covers, it prevents 95% of pool water and chemical evaporation, which can save you time and money in the long run.
Warranty
This product comes with an astounding 5-year warranty. While most of the other covers get affected by the intense sunlight exposure over a long period, that’s not the case with the Blue Wave Round Solar Blanket. It can last 2-3 years, even in such harsh weather conditions.
Pros
- Can withstand intense sunlight
- Excellent warming capability
- 12 mil thickness
Cons
- The warranty claim is a bit misleading.
Our Verdict
Coming from a manufacturer well-known for quality pool products, this Blue Wave Round Solar Blanket is a great buy for all. If you live in an area where there’s a lot of sunlight, we suggest you buy this product. It is priced decently and comes with a 5year warranty claim.
Splash Pool's Round Solar Cover
Features Highlights
- Lightweight and Durable
- Prevents from dirt and debris
- Reduces evaporation by up to 95%
- Prevents heat loss
- Extended product life
Product Specification
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Dimensions:
252 x 252 x 0.5 inches
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Weight:
15.55 pounds
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Size:
21-Feet
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Temp Rise:
15 degrees
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Rate:
3.7
Better Performance
Round pools, in general, do not lose as much heat as compared to oval-shaped pools. Adding a Splash Pool Round Solar Cover helps you enhance this capacity by losing minimum heat and absorbing more sunlight resulting up to 15 degrees temperature rise.
Polymer Plastic Body
The body of the Splash Pool Round Solar Cover is made up of polymer plastic making it durable and robust. It also features sturdy welded seams that keep the cover securely in place. It has thousands of tiny air bubbles designed to capture and transmit solar heat.
Lasts longer
You can expect the Splash Pool Round Solar Cover to last at least 1.5 to 2 years. This cover does not cave into the pool, which is why it can last longer compared to similar products. Also, the round shape of this cover ensures that the product has a long life.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Good product life
- Durable build for consistent performance
Cons
- Poor heat retention compared to others.
Our Verdict
The Splash Pool Round Solar Cover product comes with a decent price tag. You can expect proper long-lasting service from this cover. The downside is that this product is only compatible with round swimming pools.
In the Swim's Rectangular Pool Solar Cover - 12 Mil
Features Highlights
- Raises water temperature up 8-10 degrees
- Reduces evaporation and chemical loss
- Protects from dust and debris entering your pool
- Reduces heat loss
- Durable with a limited 7-year warranty
Product Specification
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Dimensions:
30.4 x 21.3 x 17.7 inches
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Weight:
30.7 pounds
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Size:
16 x 32 ft. Rectangle
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Temp Rise:
8-10 degrees
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Rate:
3.5
Efficient and Effective
‘In the Swim’ Rectangular Pool Solar Cover is known to be a useful product, which provides excellent heating and water retention. It offers up to 80% thermal efficiency and retains heat better than its market competitors.
Adjustable and Durable
Products from In the Swim brand have a good reputation when it comes to quality. This solar pool cover is no different. It can be adjusted and cut according to the size of your pool. It is a lightweight polyethylene material making it durable and easy to handle at the same time.
Comes with a warranty
Unlike other products, the In the Swim Rectangular Pool Cover comes with an extended warranty claim from its manufacturers. It has a 7-year warranty (and that’s at least 7-years), which also reflects its high-quality. If you use your cover carefully, it can last for decades.
Pros
- Easy to cut and use
- 7-year warranty
- 8-10 degrees rise in water temperature
Cons
- A bit heavy
Our Verdict
As far as thick and durable solar pool covers go, this product is a long-lasting, reliable option available in the market. There are many options for thickness and size among the products from In the Swim solar pool covers. So, be careful while choosing the right one for your pool.
Splash Pool's Oval Solar Cover
Features Highlights
- Captures and transmits solar heat better
- Reduces water evaporation up to 95%
- Prevents loss of heat
- Raises water temperature 15 degrees
- Protection from dirt and debris
Product Specification
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Dimensions:
288 x 144 x 0.5 inches
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Weight:
11 pounds
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Size:
24-Feet by 12-Feet
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Temp Rise:
15 degrees
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Rate:
3.5
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.
Pros
- A noticeable rise in temperature
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- Thin and flimsy
- Comparatively lower heat retention
Our Verdict
This solar pool cover gets the job done for you. It is priced decently and is easy to use. But, because oval-shaped pools lose comparatively more heat, we suggest you get a better option.
In The Swim Ultra Clear Rectangular Pool Cover -16 Mil
Features Highlights
- Increases water temperature up to 8-10 degrees
- Reduces water evaporation and chemical loss
- Extended swimming season
- Protects from dust and debris
- 8-year warranty
Product Specification
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Dimensions:
50 x 18 x 18 inches
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Weight:
65 pounds
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Size:
16 x 32 ft. Rectangle
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Temp Rise:
8-10 degrees
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Rate:
3.4
16Mil Thickness
In the Swim, Ultra Clear Rectangular Pool cover is thicker than the rest of its competitors. With an increased thickness, it has extended heat storage capacity. Also, a thick cover lasts for a longer time.
Extend the Swimming Season
This solar pool cover lasts longer than many other pool covers. Because it serves you long, you get an extra month or two even after the end of a typical swim season. The thermal efficiency of this solar cover is up to 80%.
Reduces chemical loss
In the Swim, Ultra Clear Rectangular Pool Cover ensures that there is no loss of chemicals used for treating pool water. For best results, wait at least 24 hours after before you put the cover back on the pool after chemical treatment.
Pros
- Serves better than a pool heater
- Increases temperature up to 8-10 degrees
- Extended lifespan
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor customer service
Our Verdict
If you can compromise on the weight of the cover for high-quality performance, this is the best choice for you. It has an extended life-span and can be used for kidney-shaped or any other odd-shaped pools since the material is easy to cut as you want.
Thermo-Tex 2831224 Swimming Solar Pool Cover
Features Highlights
- It saves you money and time.
- High-quality UV stabilized polymers
- Lightweight
- Reduces chemical, heating costs and water evaporation
- 3-years warranty
Product Specification
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Dimensions:
24 x 12 x 1 inches
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Weight:
9 pounds
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Size:
12' x 24'
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Rate:
3.4
Saves time and money
This solar pool cover saves you a significant amount of time and money. It is cheap but does not compromise on the quality whatsoever.
Lightweight and Durable
The Thermo-Tex 2831224 Swimming Solar Pool Cover is extremely thin, making it easy to work with. The standard quality UV stabilized polymers can resist all the potential damages caused by sun and chemical exposure.
Proved standard performance
According to the US department of energy, this solar cover can reduce chemical consumption, reduce pool heating costs, and reduce water evaporation. That’s just what you expect from a solar pool cover.
Pros
- Reduce operation cost
- Extended swimming season
- Lightweight and durable
Cons
- As it’s too light, it blows off during the windy seasons.
Our Verdict
If a lightweight, high performing solar pool cover is what you’re looking for, the Thermo-Tex 2831224 Swimming Solar Pool cover is an ideal choice.
Blue Wave Rectangular Solar Blanket - 12 Mil
Features Highlights
- Reduced heating costs
- Efficient and Effective
- UV-protected
- Reduced Evaporation
- 5-year warranty
Product Specification
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Dimensions:
384 x 192 x 0.5 inches
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Weight:
24.2 pounds
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Size:
16' W x 32' L x 0.5" H
Reduced Evaporation
Using the Blue Wave Rectangular Solar Blanket, you can prevent up to 95% of pool water and chemical evaporation. This cover is not only environmentally friendly but helps you save time and money as well.
UV Protected
This 12mil thick Blue Wave Rectangular Solar Blanket is ideal for above-ground swimming pools as the material used to build this product is UV protected. It can withstand exposure to UV radiation for a long time and still be unaffected.
Efficient Performance
The performance is noticeably better in the Blue Wave Rectangular Solar Blanket when comparing with other similar products. Its magni-clear body allows more sunlight to pass through and also traps it with the help of thousands of tightly packed air bubbles.
Pros
- Better heating
- Easy to take on and off
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- The product might not last as long as claimed by the manufacturers.
Our Verdict
The Blue Wave Rectangular Solar Blanket is a great product but not the best. The durability of this product, especially, is not the best. You can find better options at a similar price. Choose wisely.
Comparison Chart for Best Solar Pool Cover
S.N. | Solar Pool Cover Name | Dimension (inches) | Weight (pounds) | Size | Temp rise (degrees) | Rating |
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1 | Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Pool Cover | 52 x 16 x 16 | 32 | 18' x 36' Rectangle | _ | 4 |
2 | Intex Solar Cover for 15-18ft Diameter Easy Set and Frame Pools | 180 x 180 x 18.9 | 5.8 | 15 ft diameter | _ | 3.9 |
3 | Doheny Rectangular Solar Cover - 16 Mil | _ | 60-70 | 15 ft x 30 ft | 15 | 3.8 |
4 | Blue Wave Round Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pools - 12 Mil | 54 x 20 x 20 | 22 | 24ft round | 15 | 3.8 |
5 | Splash Pool's Round Solar Cover | 252 x 252 x 0.5 | 15.55 | 21ft | 15 | 3.7 |
6 | Splash Pool's Oval Solar Cover | 288 x 144 x 0.5 | 11 | 24ft x 12ft | 15 | 3.5 |
7 | In the Swim's Rectangular Pool Solar Cover - 12 Mil | 30.4 x 21.3 x 17.7 | 30.7 | 16 x 32 ft. Rectangle | 10-Aug | 3.5 |
8 | In The Swim Ultra Clear Rectangular Pool Cover -16 Mil | 50 x 18 x 18 | 65 | 16 x 32 ft. Rectangle | 10-Aug | 3.4 |
9 | Thermo-Tex 2831224 Swimming Solar Pool Cover | 24 x 12 x 1 | 9 | 12' x 24' | _ | 3.4 |
10 | Blue Wave Rectangular Solar Blanket - 12 Mil | 384 x 192 x 0.5 | 24.2 | 16' W x 32' L x 0.5" H | 15 | 3 |
Things to consider before buying a solar pool cover
Unlike other expensive heating solutions, solar pool covers can give you what you expect from expensive heating solutions and that too at a comparatively low price. However, not every pool cover is of the same quality. Here’s a list of things you should look for in your solar pool cover before buying one.
Quality
The quality of the material used to make the cover has vital importance. A solar cover with good quality material allows for a better ability to retain heat and, in turn, enhances the life span of your pool cover. It can be made of resin materials or polymers or something else too. Check the material used before buying the cover.
Color
The color of your pool cover can determine the amount of heat trapped and lost. Generally, darker colors are believed to trap more heat. But, in the case of solar pool covers, it can have an opposite effect if the color is too dark. So, it’s better to choose a transparent color or a semi-transparent one. A transparent color will ensure there’s more incoming light and also prevent the loss of the heat generated from sunlight.
Thickness
Thicker solar pool covers do the job better and also last longer. A thick cover prevents loss of heat and is highly durable, sometimes lasting for a decade too. But, there’s a downside too. A thick cover is bulky in size and is hard to work with. You might need to carry your cover while taking it on or off from your pool, and thick heavy covers are one thing you would want to avoid at such times.
Design
Design is an essential factor in a solar pool cover too. People spend a lot of money on swimming pools as it is something people love to show off in a property. Having a fancy looking pool and covering it with a cheap ugly-looking cover does not make sense at all.
Some of the common designs include bubble wrap designs, diamonds, and hexagons. Although the sizes are different, and the designs vary, there is no significant difference when it comes to shapes. You can also decorate your pool with amazing solar pond lights to add more colors.
FAQs
Solar power covers do heat your swimming pool. Not just that, it can also protect your pool from chemical loss. It works, allowing the sunlight to enter the pool, while the air bubbles trap heat and reduce heat loss.
The thickness of a solar pool cover ranges from 8mil-16mil (mil = thousands of an inch). It depends on your personal choice on how thick you would want it to be. Thick covers aren’t easily blown off during windy seasons and are better at retaining heat. However, it might be hard to carry around while taking it on and off the pool.
Solar covers trap heat and reduce heat loss for heating your pool. In general, solar pool covers can heat your pool from 5 degrees to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Words
Solar pool covers are the sustainable option that you can use for heating your pool that, too, in an eco-friendly way. Not only do they trap solar light, but they are also great for keeping dirt and debris out of your pool as well.
Solar pool covers are economical products that are extremely easy to use, saving you both time and money. Once installed, you do not need to spend a dime for any maintenance costs. All of this is what makes the solar pool covers the best solution for heating your pool water.
Pools are luxury which can be harmful due to the use of large amounts of chemicals in order to make them clean. So we also recommend you to use solar pool ionizers that help to eliminate germs with little to no chemicals."
