Imagine dipping your toes into a pool that feels perfectly warm, even on a cool evening. It’s a dream for many pool owners, but keeping that water temperature just right can be a challenge. The sun is a powerful heater, but sometimes, it feels like all that warmth just floats away into the air.
Choosing the right pool solar cover can feel like navigating a maze. You want to save energy and money, keep your pool cleaner, and extend your swimming season, but the sheer variety of covers and their features can be confusing. What makes one cover better than another? How do you know which one will actually work for your pool?
This post is here to clear the water! We’ll break down what makes a pool solar cover a game-changer and guide you through the important things to consider. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the perfect cover to keep your pool warm, clean, and ready for fun, all while saving you money. Let’s dive in and discover how to harness the sun’s power for your swimming enjoyment.
Our Top 5 Pool Solar Covers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pool Solar Covers Detailed Reviews
1. VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater 16x32FT Rectangle Solar Blanket-Heavy Duty Solar Pool Cover for Above Ground Pool-Solar Heater for Inground Pool
Rating: 8.6/10
The VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater is a heavy-duty solar blanket designed to keep your pool warm and clean. Its special material absorbs sunlight and transfers heat to your water, letting you swim longer. It also helps reduce water loss and keeps leaves and debris out.
What We Like:
- Extends swimming season by warming the pool water.
- Significantly reduces water evaporation, saving you water.
- Keeps your pool cleaner by preventing leaves and dirt from falling in.
- Easy to cut and fit any pool shape, even irregular ones.
- Made with high-quality, durable material for long-lasting use.
- The transparent blue design helps it absorb maximum heat.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bubbles may appear slightly deflated before sun exposure due to temperature changes.
- Using it with a VINGLI pool cover reel is recommended for easier handling, but it’s an additional purchase.
This solar pool heater is a smart investment for any pool owner. It makes your swimming experience more enjoyable and helps maintain your pool with less effort.
2. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover
Rating: 8.5/10
The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is a heavy-duty, blue 16-mil cover designed to make your swimming pool warmer and cleaner. Its large 16 x 32 foot size is perfect for rectangle in-ground pools. This 1600 Series cover acts like a blanket for your pool, using the sun’s power to keep your water at a comfortable temperature.
What We Like:
- Harness the Power of Sun: Thousands of tiny bubbles trap heat from the sun, warming your pool on sunny days. It also helps keep the warmth in on cloudy days or cool nights.
- Maximize Heat Retention: This cover locks in the heat. You can enjoy a warm swim no matter the weather. Your friends will know BIGXWELL keeps your pool cozy!
- Trim to Fit: The cover is made of PE material that’s strong but easy to cut with scissors. This means it fits any pool shape, whether it’s in the ground or above ground.
- Minimize Water Evaporation: It cuts down water loss by 95 percent. You won’t have to add water as often, saving water and money. Keep your pool covered when not in use to prevent evaporation.
- High-Quality Material: The cover is built to last, even in tough weather. It’s also lightweight, making it simple to put on and take off.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the cover is designed for a specific size, some users might find trimming it to fit perfectly a bit tricky for oddly shaped pools.
- The “heavy-duty” aspect is great for durability, but it does add some weight, which might make handling it a bit more challenging for some individuals.
Overall, the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is a smart investment for anyone wanting a warmer, more enjoyable pool experience while also saving water.
3. VEVOR Solar Pool Cover
Rating: 8.7/10
Ready to extend your swimming season and save money? The VEVOR Solar Pool Cover, a 28 x 14 ft rectangle solar cover made from 16 mil thick material, promises to do just that for both inground and above-ground pools. This blue solar blanket uses tiny bubbles to capture the sun’s heat, keeping your pool warm and reducing the need for costly heating systems.
What We Like:
- It significantly warms your pool water, potentially by 8-15°C, letting you swim longer into cooler months.
- The cover prevents up to 95% of water evaporation, saving you water and reducing the need for refills.
- It acts as a barrier against leaves and dust, meaning less cleaning and more swimming fun.
- The durable 16mil PE material is tough and resists fading and warping from the sun.
- You can easily cut the cover to fit any pool shape or size for complete protection.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for easy cutting, some users might prefer pre-cut options for specific pool sizes.
- The large size, while beneficial for coverage, might require two people for easy handling and storage.
This VEVOR solar pool cover is a smart investment for any pool owner. It offers a cost-effective way to enjoy your pool more often while saving on water and cleaning supplies.
4. VEVOR Solar Pool Cover
Rating: 8.8/10
Dive into extended swimming fun with the VEVOR Solar Pool Cover, a 24 x 12 ft rectangle solar cover designed to keep your pool warm and clean. This 12 mil thick blue solar blanket is packed with features to enhance your swimming experience, whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool.
What We Like:
- It significantly extends your swimming season by absorbing heat during the day and preventing it from escaping at night. You can expect your pool water to get 8-15°C warmer, saving you money on heating costs.
- This cover drastically reduces water evaporation, preventing up to 95% of water loss thanks to its bubble design and thick PE material. This means you’ll use less water and save money.
- Keep your pool cleaner with less effort! The cover acts as a barrier against leaves and dust, so you spend more time swimming and less time cleaning.
- Made from tough 12mil PE material, this cover is built to last. It resists stretching and tearing, and it won’t fade or warp even when exposed to strong sunlight.
- You can easily cut this solar blanket to perfectly fit any pool shape or size, ensuring complete coverage for your home pool or even a commercial spa.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for easy cutting, some users might find the initial measuring and cutting process a bit time-consuming for oddly shaped pools.
- The blue color, while attractive, can make it slightly harder to see the cover in low light conditions, which might be a minor concern for some when handling it.
This VEVOR solar pool cover is a fantastic investment for any pool owner looking to save money, conserve water, and enjoy their pool for longer. It’s a practical solution that delivers on its promises of warmth and cleanliness.
5. In The Swim 16′ x 32′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
Rating: 8.9/10
Ready to make your pool time last longer and your water warmer? The In The Swim 16′ x 32′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover is your answer. This cover is designed to harness the sun’s power to heat your pool, giving you more days of fun in the water. It’s a smart way to enjoy your pool without constantly running your heater. This cover works for both above-ground and in-ground pools.
What We Like:
- It’s 12 Mil thick, which means it can raise your pool’s surface water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps you enjoy your pool longer into the cooler months.
- The light blue color is a smart choice. It lets enough sunlight through to heat the water but also helps keep that warmth in.
- It stops heat from escaping your pool, especially on chilly nights. This means less heat loss and a warmer pool in the morning.
- Using a solar cover reel makes putting the cover on and taking it off super easy. It also helps the cover last longer by preventing damage.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to make sure your pool’s chlorine levels are below 2.5 ppm and the pH is above 7.2 before using this cover. This is important for the cover’s longevity.
This solar cover is a fantastic investment for any pool owner looking to maximize their swimming season. You’ll love the warmer water and the savings on heating costs.
The Smart Way to Heat Your Pool: A Solar Cover Buying Guide
A pool solar cover is a fantastic way to keep your pool warm and clean. It sits right on top of your pool water. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Bubble Design
Most solar covers have little bubbles. These bubbles trap air. The trapped air acts like insulation. It keeps your pool water warm. Look for covers with evenly spaced bubbles. This means better heat retention.
Thickness
Solar covers come in different thicknesses. Thicker covers usually last longer. They also offer more insulation. A good thickness is around 12-16 mil. Mil is a unit of measurement for thickness. Thicker covers might cost a bit more upfront. But they can save you money in the long run. They reduce heat loss better.
UV Protection
Sunlight can make the cover brittle over time. Look for covers with UV protection. This will help your cover last longer. It keeps the material strong against the sun’s rays.
Color
The color of your solar cover matters. Darker colors, like blue or black, absorb more heat. This can help warm your pool water faster. Clear or lighter colors let more sunlight pass through. This might be good if you want to see your pool’s bottom. But for heating, dark is usually better.
2. Important Materials
Solar covers are usually made from polyethylene. This plastic is strong and flexible. It can withstand pool chemicals. It also holds up to the sun.
Polyethylene Bubbles
The bubbles are the most important part. They are made of the same polyethylene. The way they are sealed is also important. Good seals prevent air from escaping. This keeps the insulation working.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good Quality
Evenly spaced bubbles are a sign of good quality. Strong seals around the bubbles also mean better quality. UV protection in the material is another quality booster. A thicker cover generally means better quality and durability.
Reduced Quality
Uneven bubbles can reduce how well the cover works. Poorly sealed bubbles leak air. This makes the cover less effective at heating. If the material is thin and has no UV protection, it will break down faster. This reduces its lifespan.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Easy to Use
Solar covers are generally easy to use. You just lay them on the water. Many people use a reel to roll them up. This makes putting them on and taking them off simple. A good reel makes the job much easier.
Saving Money
One of the biggest benefits is saving money. Solar covers reduce how much heat your pool loses. This means you use less energy to heat your pool. You might even use less electricity or gas. This saves you money on your energy bills.
Keeping Water Clean
Solar covers also keep debris out of your pool. Leaves, bugs, and dirt stay on top of the cover. This means less cleaning for you. Your pool water stays cleaner longer. It also means you use fewer chemicals. Chemicals are needed to keep pool water clean. So, this saves you money on chemicals too.
Extending Swim Season
With a solar cover, your pool can be warmer. This lets you swim for more months of the year. You can enjoy your pool earlier in the spring and later in the fall. It makes your pool more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does a pool solar cover typically cost?
A: The cost can vary a lot. It depends on the size of your pool and the quality of the cover. You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $300 or more.
Q: How long do pool solar covers usually last?
A: With good care, a solar cover can last for 3 to 5 years. Factors like how often you use it and how well you store it affect its lifespan.
Q: Do solar covers really heat the pool?
A: Yes, they do! The bubbles trap heat from the sun. They also stop heat from escaping. This can raise your pool’s temperature by several degrees.
Q: Can I use a solar cover with a pool heater?
A: Absolutely! Using a solar cover with a pool heater is a great idea. It helps the heater work less. This saves energy and money.
Q: How do I clean a solar cover?
A: You can clean it with mild soap and water. Use a soft brush. Rinse it well. Make sure it’s dry before storing it.
Q: What size solar cover do I need?
A: You need a cover that is the same shape and size as your pool. It should be large enough to cover the entire water surface.
Q: Can a solar cover be cut to fit my pool?
A: Yes, most solar covers can be trimmed with scissors or a utility knife. Measure carefully before you cut.
Q: Will a solar cover keep my pool warm at night?
A: A solar cover helps keep the heat in overnight. However, it won’t add heat during the night. It works best when the sun is out.
Q: Are there different types of solar covers?
A: Yes, there are. The most common type has bubbles. Some are thicker than others. Some have special coatings for better UV protection.
Q: How do I store my solar cover when not in use?
A: It’s best to store it rolled up on a reel. Keep it in a dry, shaded place. This protects it from damage and the sun.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.