Imagine diving into your pool on a warm afternoon, only to be met with water that’s just a little too chilly. It’s a common problem, right? You love your pool, but keeping it at a comfortable swimming temperature can be a real challenge. You’ve probably looked at solar blankets, those magical sheets that promise to harness the sun’s power, but faced a wall of confusing jargon and endless choices. Which one is best? Will it actually work? These are the questions that swirl around when you’re trying to pick the perfect pool cover.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help you cut through the confusion. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a solar blanket. We’ll break down what makes a good one, explain the different features, and guide you toward a choice that will make your pool a warm and inviting oasis all season long. Get ready to say goodbye to cold dips and hello to more swimming fun!
Our Top 5 Solar Blanket For Pool Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Solar Blanket For Pool 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
Dive into warmer waters and extend your swimming season with the VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater. This heavy-duty solar blanket is designed to make your pool more enjoyable, whether you have an above-ground or in-ground pool. Its clever design works with the sun to heat your water and keep it clean.
What We Like:
- Extends Swimming Time: The special material and thousands of tiny bubbles capture sunlight to warm your pool, letting you swim longer.
- Reduces Water Evaporation: Covers your pool when not in use to stop water from disappearing into the air, saving you water.
- Keeps Water Clean: It acts as a barrier against leaves and dirt, so your pool stays cleaner with less work.
- Easy to Cut and Fit: You can easily trim this blanket to perfectly fit any pool shape, even if it’s not a standard rectangle.
- Durable Material: Made from strong, heavy-duty material with tough seams for lasting use.
- Easy Installation: Simply place it on your pool’s surface.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bubble Deflation Note: The bubbles might seem a little deflated before the sun hits them, which is normal due to temperature changes.
- Reel Recommended: While not required, using a pool cover reel (sold separately) makes it even easier to put on and take off.
This VINGLI solar pool heater is a smart way to enjoy your pool more often and keep it in great shape. It’s a simple solution for a warmer, cleaner swimming experience.
2. VEVOR Solar Pool Cover
Rating: 8.5/10
Dive into a longer, more enjoyable swimming season with the VEVOR Solar Pool Cover. This 24 x 12 ft blue solar blanket is designed to keep your pool warm and clean, saving you time and money.
What We Like:
- It efficiently absorbs sunlight to heat your pool water, potentially raising the temperature by 8-15°C. This means you can swim longer into the cooler months.
- The cover significantly reduces water evaporation, preventing up to 95% of water loss. This helps conserve water and lowers your water bills.
- It acts as a barrier against leaves and dust, keeping your pool cleaner and reducing maintenance. You’ll spend less time skimming and more time swimming.
- Made from tough 12mil PE material, it’s built to last and withstand strong sun exposure without fading or tearing.
- You can easily cut the cover to perfectly fit any pool shape, ensuring complete coverage and maximum effectiveness.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the 12mil thickness might not be the absolute thickest on the market for extreme climates.
- The blue color, while attractive, might not be as effective at absorbing heat as darker colored covers in some situations.
This VEVOR solar pool cover is a smart investment for any pool owner. It makes your swimming experience more comfortable and your pool maintenance easier.
3. In The Swim 16′ x 32′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to enjoy your pool longer with the In The Swim 16′ x 32′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover. This cover is designed to harness the sun’s energy to warm your water, making those cooler days more pleasant. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to extend their swimming season and save on heating costs.
What We Like:
- Its 12 Mil thickness is robust and helps raise your pool’s surface water temperature by up to 15 degrees. This means more swimming days for your family!
- The light blue color is a smart design choice. It balances absorbing sunlight for heat with keeping that warmth in, especially during cool evenings.
- It effectively stops evaporation, which is a major cause of heat loss. Your pool water stays warmer overnight.
- Using a solar cover reel makes putting the cover on and taking it off a breeze. It also helps protect your cover from damage, so it lasts longer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cover requires specific pool chemistry to work best. It should only be used when chlorine levels are below 2.5 ppm and pH levels are above 7.2. This is important to remember for proper maintenance.
This solar pool cover is a fantastic investment for extending your swimming season. It offers great value by naturally heating your pool and reducing heat loss.
4. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover
Rating: 9.3/10
This BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is a game-changer for keeping your pool warm and clean. The 16-mil thick cover uses thousands of tiny air bubbles to capture the sun’s heat, making your pool warmer even on cloudy days or cool nights. It’s designed to fit most pools and helps save water too.
What We Like:
- The cover effectively traps solar heat, warming your pool naturally.
- It significantly reduces water evaporation, saving you water and the need to refill.
- The durable PE material is built to last, even in tough weather.
- It’s lightweight and simple to put on and take off.
- You can easily trim it to fit any pool shape, whether it’s in-ground or above-ground.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it heats the pool, the actual temperature increase might vary depending on the intensity of sunlight.
- The blue color might fade over time with constant sun exposure.
This BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is a smart investment for anyone looking to enjoy a warmer pool and conserve water. It’s a practical and effective way to enhance your swimming experience.
5. VEVOR Solar Pool Cover
Rating: 9.0/10
Dive into a warmer swimming experience with the VEVOR Solar Pool Cover. This 28 x 14 ft rectangle solar blanket is designed to keep your pool toasty, clean, and save you money. Its thick, bubbly design works hard to capture the sun’s energy and hold onto that precious heat.
What We Like:
- Extend Swimming Season: This cover helps your pool water get warmer, by as much as 8-15°C! You can swim longer into the cooler months and spend less on heating your pool.
- Reduces Evaporation Loss: The special bubble design stops up to 95% of water from evaporating. This saves water and keeps your pool full.
- Lower Cleaning Costs: It acts as a barrier, keeping leaves and dust out of your pool. This means less time cleaning and more time swimming.
- Withstands Sun Exposure: Made from tough 16mil PE material, this cover is strong. It won’t fade or get damaged by bright sunlight.
- Customizable Fit: You can easily cut this cover to fit any pool shape or size. It offers complete coverage for your pool.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the cover is durable, it can be a bit heavy to manage alone, especially for larger pools. A cover roller would be a helpful addition.
- The blue color, while attractive, might not blend with all backyard aesthetics if that’s a concern for you.
The VEVOR Solar Pool Cover is a smart investment for any pool owner looking to enhance their swimming season and reduce maintenance. It offers excellent value by keeping your pool warm and clean with minimal effort.
Your Pool’s Best Friend: The Solar Blanket Buying Guide
Why a Solar Blanket?
A solar blanket is a simple yet effective way to keep your pool warm and clean. It floats on the water’s surface. It uses the sun’s energy to heat the water. It also helps stop dirt and debris from falling in. This means less cleaning and more swimming!
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Shape
Make sure the blanket fits your pool. Most solar blankets are round or rectangular. Measure your pool’s length and width. Choose a blanket that is slightly larger than your pool. This helps it cover the water well.
2. Thickness and Material
The thickness affects how much heat it traps. Look for blankets that are at least 10-12 mil thick. Thicker blankets last longer and heat better. Most blankets are made of plastic. Some have tiny air bubbles. These bubbles trap heat.
3. UV Protection
Sunlight can make the blanket weak over time. Good blankets have UV protection. This helps them last longer in the sun.
4. Ease of Use
Think about how you will put the blanket on and take it off. Some come with rollers. Rollers make storing the blanket easy. Others are lighter and can be folded.
Important Materials
Most solar blankets use polyethylene. This is a type of plastic. It’s strong and flexible. The tiny bubbles inside are also made of air. High-quality blankets use better grades of polyethylene. They might also have special coatings for UV resistance.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Blanket Better?
- Thicker Material: A thicker blanket traps more heat. It also holds up better to wear and tear.
- UV-Resistant Coating: This stops the sun from breaking down the plastic.
- Reinforced Edges: Strong edges mean the blanket won’t rip easily.
- Good Bubble Design: Evenly spaced, strong bubbles help with heating and durability.
What Makes a Blanket Worse?
- Thin Material: Thin blankets heat poorly. They can tear easily.
- No UV Protection: The blanket will get brittle and break down fast.
- Poor Seams: Weak seams can split apart.
- Cheap Plastic: This can become brittle and crack.
User Experience and Use Cases
People love solar blankets because they save money on heating. They also reduce the need for chemicals. Less evaporation means you don’t have to add as much water. Families with kids enjoy using the blanket. It makes the pool warmer for longer. This means more fun time!
You can use a solar blanket on in-ground pools or above-ground pools. It works best when the sun is shining. On cloudy days, it still helps a little. It’s a great tool for extending your swimming season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much warmer can a solar blanket make my pool?
A: A solar blanket can raise your pool’s temperature by 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit. This depends on how sunny it is.
Q: Do solar blankets really work?
A: Yes, they work well! They trap heat from the sun and stop it from escaping. They also stop heat from evaporating.
Q: How do I clean a solar blanket?
A: You can rinse it with a hose. You can also use a soft brush and mild soap. Make sure to rinse off all the soap.
Q: Can I leave my solar blanket on all the time?
A: It’s best to remove it when you are swimming. Some people leave it on when the pool is not in use. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Will a solar blanket help with evaporation?
A: Yes, it greatly reduces water evaporation. This saves you money on water bills.
Q: What is “mil” when talking about solar blankets?
A: “Mil” is a unit of thickness. 1 mil is equal to one-thousandth of an inch. Thicker blankets (like 12-16 mil) are more durable.
Q: How long do solar blankets usually last?
A: With good care, a solar blanket can last 2-3 years. UV protection and proper storage help it last longer.
Q: Can I use a solar blanket with a pool heater?
A: Yes! A solar blanket works well with other pool heaters. It helps them work better by keeping the heat in.
Q: What happens to solar blankets in the winter?
A: You should store them indoors for the winter. Freezing temperatures can damage the plastic. Clean and dry it before storing.
Q: Are there different colors of solar blankets?
A: Yes, the most common color is blue. Some blankets are clear or have a silver backing. Blue absorbs more heat. Clear blankets let more sunlight through.
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.