Every pool owner knows that along with the enjoyment of the pool comes the tiring upkeep and maintenance. That’s why an increasing number of people are investing in solar pool covers. These reduce heating costs and prevent water evaporation.
It also prevent leaves and debris from entering the pool. As a result, they save you both time and money and are an eco-friendly way of maintaining pool temperature.
The 3 Best Solar Pool Covers
Read on to see our top picks for the best solar pool covers that you spend less time on maintenance and more time swimming.
1. Sunheater Liquid Heat Shield
Solar blankets are excellent products, but they can be extremely bulky. Depending on the brand, they can also be quite expensive. Liquid solar covers like Sunheater Liquid Heat Shield are excellent alternatives to solar blankets because they eliminate bulkiness and help you affordably maintain pool temperatures.
Additionally, Sunheater Liquid Heat Shield cuts down the amount of pool chemicals needed and is simple to use. It’s free of any smells and is completely non-toxic, so there’s never any need to worry about your health or that of your pool equipment.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Retains heat
- Prevents water evaporation
- Odor-free formula
- Non-toxic, safe for swimmers
- Reduces chemical loss
- Easy to use
Cons:
- It can only be used in chlorine-free pools
2. Solar Sun Rings
These are some of the easiest solar pool covers to use since all they require is throwing the rings into the pool. They keep pools warm and reduce water and chemical evaporation while unaffected by salt and chlorine systems. Furthermore, they’re compatible with automatic pool cleaners. Flimsier covers may not be stable during windy or stormy weather, but Solar Sun Rings come equipped with anchors and weights, making them compatible with rough weather.
Because these are so easy to deploy and remove, they’re also easy to store. However, it should be noted that storing them in direct sunlight may result in burning items below it. Larger pools also require multiple rings, which can add up quickly.
Pros:
- Affordable
- UV-resistant
- Suitable for windy and stormy weather
- Unaffected by salt and chlorine
- Easy to store
- Easily cleaned
Cons:
- Multiple rings needed for larger pools
3. Blue Wave 14-Mil Solar Blanket
Products like the Blue Wave solar blankets show why traditional bubble solar covers still reign supreme over liquid versions and solar rings – they’re the most effective and versatile option. The Blue Wave solar blanket reduces pool water and chemical evaporation by up to 95% and does this in an eco-friendly way. Its 14-mil thickness ensures maximum insulation and can increase the pool water temperature by up to 15ºF. In addition to being chemical-resistant and UV-protected, it also comes with a 6-year limited warranty, making it an excellent long-term solution to your pool heating problems.
Pros:
- UV-protected
- Temperature increase by up to 15ºF
- Chemical-resistant
- 6-year limited warranty
- 14-mil thickness for maximum insulation
- Available in different sizes
- Reduces up to 95% of water and chemical evaporation
Cons:
- Larger up-front investment
Features to Consider when Buying a Polar Cool Cover
The best solar pool covers are those that fit your requirements and meet your needs. In order to make an informed decision when purchasing a solar blanket, keep the following features in mind.
Type of Solar Pool Cover
While the traditional bubble cover is the one that comes to mind when thinking of solar pool covers, it’s far from the only type of cover on the market today. Other options include solar rings and liquid solar covers.
Bubble Solar Pool Covers
These are the most common solar pool covers used and look like large sheets covered with bubbles. They’re more efficient than solar rings because they cover pools entirely. They also keep pools safe from leaves and debris.
Solar Sun Rings
These are disks that float in pools to keep them warm. Because these are smaller than traditional covers, they’re easy and convenient to use. That being said, they leave open spaces between them. You often need multiple rings to fill larger pools.
Liquid Solar Covers
Liquid solar covers are additives that create a film on the surface and use a chemical reaction to heat pools and prevent water evaporation. However, it should be noted that they break down over time, need to be re-added, and don’t provide any protection against debris falling into the pool. Additionally, they can only be used in chlorine-free pools.
Color
Most solar pool covers are clear, black, and blue. Because darker colors are known for trapping more heat than lighter colors, it’s best to choose darker shades for use at night or if you’re live in an area with little sunlight. Clear covers are excellent for areas with plenty of sunshine and ensure that the water doesn’t get too hot. Opting for a light blue color is common since this is seen as the best of both worlds.
Thickness
The thicker the solar pool cover, the better the insulation. That being said, thicker covers are also heavier and may not be as convenient to use. Thickness is measured in mil, with covers available in 8-, 10-, 12-, 14, and 16-mils. For maximum insulation, opt for 14-mil or 16-mil covers. If you prefer something more lightweight, 10-mil and 12-mil covers are excellent options.
Shape and Size
The solar pool cover you select has to fit the shape and size of your pool so it covers the entire area without difficulty. When in doubt, select a larger size since it’s easier to tailor the fit than to return the cover and order a new one.
Our Final Thoughts
Solar pool covers are a great way to save time and money when it comes to pool maintenance. They may seem complicated at first, but we hope that our detailed reviews and buyer’s guide on the best solar pool covers have helped you better understand the different options available.
Our favorite has to be the Blue Wave 14-Mil Solar Blanket because of its versatility in terms of shape and size. It’s also a great long-term option because of its durability and 6-year limited warranty. That being said, all of our picks have been thoroughly tested, and we’re sure you’ll be happy with whichever one you end up choosing.
