13 Best Solar Pool Covers of 2020 | Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Having a swimming pool in your home is pretty cool, however, if you live in a region where it’s cold for most of the year, it may not be a very useful amenity. You won’t dive into a pool in the middle of winters, knowing that the water in the swimming pool will be bone-chilling cold, will you?
Many people opt for pool heaters to keep their swimming pools functional throughout the year. Pool heaters are one of the best investments that you can make, but they come with added an expense – increased utility bills!
If you’re looking for cost-effective options that will make your swimming pool usable throughout the year, why don’t you give solar pool covers a look? You may already have a pool safety cover, but that’s not what we’re talking about. Solar pool covers are entirely different things.
Solar pool covers are pool covers that capture the heat from the sun and retain it, thus keeping the water in the pool warm. When a swimming pool is completely uncovered, it absorbs heat from the sun, and the temperature of the water in the pool rises by 0.7°F/hour at noontime. However, evaporation is a continuous process. Through evaporation, the pool water will lose 5°F/¼-inch of water that evaporates. What solar pool covers do is capture the energy from the sunlight and prevent the loss of heat through evaporation, thereby warming the pool water significantly.
Solar pool covers are definitely an option worth considering; they not only enable you to use your swimming pool during winters, but they’re also very cost-effective. Since they aren’t connected to any gas or electrical sources, there is no effect on your energy bills as it is in the case of pool heaters.
If you’re looking for the best solar pool cover on the market, this is the right place to be. We have listed down 13 of the best solar pool covers to help you make a wise, reliable, and cost-effective choice.
Best Solar Pool Covers
1. Intex Solar Cover For Frame Pools
If you own a round swimming pool, the Intex Solar Cover is the first and probably the best option for you. The Intex Solar Cover for Frame Pools is the most economical and the most effective pool cover for your circular swimming pool if it’s 12 feet in diameter.
Intex Solar Covers are highly recognized and well-reputed solar pool covers that are the primary choice of people who wish to keep their swimming pools functional, even in winters.
The unique design of the Intex Solar Covers for Frame Pools is the reason why they are so efficient at keeping your swimming pool water warm even when the temperatures drop. These solar pool covers consist of air bubbles that are responsible for transferring the absorbed heat throughout your swimming pool. Not only does it ensure that the heat is evenly distributed to all parts of the pool, but it also reduces evaporation by an incredible 95%, retaining the raised temperature of the water. This completely eliminates the need for pool heaters to keep your swimming pool comfortably warm. The Intex Solar Cover for Frame Pools also has unique holes that drain any water that may accumulate over its surface.
Another reason why the Intex Solar Cover for Frame Pools is so popular in the market is that it comes with a reusable bag that makes it easy to store the solar pool cover when the weather warms up. With the reusable carry bag, you don’t have to worry about ruining the solar pool cover during the summer months when it is not in use. You can take it out the next winter and find it fully intact and in perfect shape.
- It’s an affordable pool cover
- It comes with a reusable carry bag that allows you to store it safely when not in use
- Reduces evaporation by 95%
- Consists of unique drain holes that prevent the accumulation of water over its surface
- Air bubbles distribute heat evenly throughout the pool
- The cover is very thin and may rupture easily
2. Intex Solar Cover for 18 ft. x 9 ft. Rectangular Pools
Intex ensures that everyone can enjoy their quality solar pool covers, so don’t worry if you have a rectangular pool. The IntexSolar Cover for Rectangular Pools is the ideal choice if you have a rectangular swimming pool that measures 18 feet by 9 feet.
Don’t worry about this solar pool cover’s efficiency; it’s going to keep your pool warm for sure! No matter how cold the weather is, your swimming pool water will remain warm. You don’t even have to worry if the weather gets too windy. The Intex Solar Pool Cover for Rectangular Pools comes with poles that ensure that the pool cover stays put and does not sink.
Just like the Intex Pool Cover for Frame Pools, the Intex Pool Cover for Rectangular Pools also comes with a reusable carry bag that allows you to store it away when the temperatures get warmer, and the solar pool cover is no longer needed.
The great value for money makes this solar pool cover one of the best solar pool covers for your rectangular swimming pool!
If you’re looking for a solar pool cover that looks good and functions well, the Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Cover is the right product for you. It will make your rectangular swimming pool, both above-ground and in-ground, look more graceful.
It is highly efficient at heating the swimming pool water due to the presence of thousands of small bubbles present on the top layer. These bubbles collect the heat from the sun, retain it, and ensure that the water in the pool remains warm at all times during the day. The Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Cover reduces evaporation by as much as 95%, which further goes to show that it’s one of the most reliable solar pool covers for your swimming pool. You’ll be surprised to know that it is capable of keeping the water in the pool warm even when the air outside is fairly cold. What makes the Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Cover stand out is the customizability it offers. You can customize this solar pool cover according to the dimensions of your rectangular swimming pool, all you have to do is use a marker and a simple pair of scissors and cut it to suit your swimming pool. And that’s not all! Cutting the pool cover does not void the manufacturer’s warranty, you can still claim the warranty if the need arises! The Rectangular Pool Solar Cover by In The Swim is perfect for you if you have a massive rectangle swimming pool. No matter how big your swimming pool is, this solar pool cover can be trimmed to fit the length and width of your pool.
Made from UV stabilized resin vinyl, this solar pool cover does not fade, no matter how long it’s left exposed to the sunlight or the chemicals in the pool. This pool cover by In The Swim can raise the temperature of your swimming pool water by as much as 15oF, using nothing but the heat from the sun. It consists of small air pockets that are responsible for absorbing the heat from the sunlight and transferring it to the water in the swimming pool. The 12 mil is a good enough thickness to retain the absorbed heat and maintain the temperature of the swimming pool water at all times of the day. Not only does this solar pool cover retain the heat, but it also reduces the rate of evaporation, which further prevents the loss of heat from the water. When the evaporation is slowed down, the loss of water is also reduced, which helps you a great deal when it comes to saving money on your water bills. The In The Swim 24 Foot Round Basic Pool Solar Blanket Basic Solar Blanket should be your choice if you own a 24 foot round swimming pool. Just like the In The Swim Solar Blanket Cover for Rectangle swimming pools, this one for round-shaped pools is highly efficient and reliable.
The numerous tiny air bubbles present on the surface of the solar pool cover absorb the heat energy from the sun and transfer it to the water beneath the cover, warming it up. The efficiency is further assured by the reinforced flat seams that work together with the air bubbles to deliver the highest warming efficiency. Not only does it capture the heat but it keeps it from escaping too, which ensures that the pool water stays warmer for longer. Other than the prevention of heat loss, the In the Swim 24 Round Basic Pool Solar Blanket also reduces the loss of water and chemicals through evaporation. You can even trim the pool cover to fit your oval or kidney-shaped swimming pool, and the 3-year warranty will stay intact. If you’re looking for a solar pool cover for your round, medium-sized (15 feet in diameter), above-ground swimming pool, look no further than this solar pool cover. The Splash Pools 15 Ft.Round Solar Pool Cover is an excellent product for the price point it is available at, getting all the basics absolutely right.
The presence of thousands of tiny air bubblesis what makes this solar pool cover so efficient. These air bubbles capture the heat energy from the sun rays, retain it, and distribute it throughout the swimming pool to raise the temperature of the water by up to 15oF. This means, no matter how cold it is outside, you can always have a swim in your swimming pool without turning into a Popsicle. The Splash Pools Round Solar Pool Cover not only saves your money on water but also reduces the money you have to spend on pool cleaning and chemicals. It does so by reducing the rate of evaporation by a massive 95% and preventing dirt and debris from getting into the pool. It’s made from a sturdy and durable polymer plastic and has strong welded seams that keep the solar pool blanket in place. Simply put, the Splash Pools Round Solar Pool Cover is the best solar pool cover that you will get at such an affordable price. Not only is it a cost-effective investment, but it will continue to benefit you in the long run. With Blue Wave NS482 12-Mil Solar Blanket for Round Above-Ground Pools 18 Ft., you don’t have to put yourself through the pain of having to close off your swimming pool for the winter. This highly efficient solar pool cover will keep your swimming pool warm throughout the winters. So swim all you want and whenever you want even during the colder months of the year.
The Blue Wave NS482 12-Mil Solar Blanket for Round Above-Ground Pools 18 Ft is the perfect solar pool cover for your round, above-ground swimming pool, having a diameter of 18 feet. This solar pool cover comes equipped with a thermal cell tech that enables the tiny insulated bubbles present on the cover’s surface to absorb a significant amount of heat from the sun and transfer it efficiently to the water beneath. This technology means that this solar pool cover is able to raise the temperature of the pool water by 15oF. The heat retention power of these insulated bubbles is excellent, and it keeps your swimming pool water warm even after the sun has set. Since this solar pool cover is clear and not blue like other solar pool covers, it allows the sunlight to penetrate deep into the pool, ensuring that the water is warmed through and through and not only on the surface. The feature that gives the Blue Wave NS482 12-Mil Solar Blanket for Round Above-Ground Pools 18 Ft an edge over the other solar pool covers is that it is UV resistant. The 12 mil thickness and its capability to withstand UV radiation make this pool cover extremely durable and reliable. The efficiency, durability, and the value for money (even though it’s on the pricey side) make the Blue Wave NS482 12-Mil Solar Blanket for Round Above-Ground Pools 18 Ft one of the best solar pool covers available in the market today. It is believed that a blue-colored solar pool cover only heats water up to 2 feet of depth while the water deep below stays cool. This is where Doheny’s Clear Clear Solar Cover is better than the competition. Not only that, the Doheny’s Clear Clear Solar Cover is the ultimate pool warming cover if you own a fairly large swimming pool!
The bigger a pool is, the more water it will have, and hence, more energy will be needed to warm it up. The Doheny’s Clear Clear Pool Cover allows sunlight to reach to the depths of the pool and heat the water up. Not only this, but the pool cover itself captures the heat from the sun efficiently and raises the temperature of the swimming pool water by as much as 15oF. So, no matter how big your swimming pool is, the water in it will stay warm throughout the winters! The Doheny’s Clear Clear Solar Cover is a perfect barrier for evaporation, preventing the loss of heat and chemicals in the pool. This highly durable pool cover offers excellent value for money. These pool blankets are highly flexible, which prevents them from turning brittle. Hence, they are sure to last a very long time. Above all, the Doheny’s Clear Clear Solar Covers are aesthetically pleasing too. Since they are clear, the blue color of the swimming pool water stays visible, adding a sense of serenity and grace to your swimming pool. In The Swim needs no introduction as it has managed to make a name and reputation for itself with its highly efficient in-ground and above-ground solar pool covers!
The Aqua Splash In-Ground Swimming Pool Solar Cover Reel by In the Swim is a complete system! You read that right. Poolcenter has taken the installation of solar pool covers to an all new level with their reel system. It features a simple, convenient, and an extremely easy one-person operation, which lets you cover or uncover the swimming pool on your own. There is no need to pull and tug and tire yourself out. The Aqua Splash In-Ground Swimming Pool Solar Cover Reel system is the perfect way to keep your in-ground swimming pool functional all year round, with zero hassle. It consists of telescoping tubes with a rib-locking design and corrosion-resistant components that ensure that the reel runs smoothly. The patented Solar Reel by In the Swim is not all that the company has to offer. Its solar pool covers are extraordinary as well. The indented bubbles on the surface of In the Swim solar pool covers are unlike those on any other solar pool cover. They give the best yield and warm the pool water with incredible efficiency. It stops the pool water from evaporating, hence locking the absorbed heat within to ensure that the pool water stays warm throughout. The Thermo-Tex Solar Pool Cover is the solar pool cover for you if you’re looking for a solar pool cover that’s not only efficient but also highly cost-effective.
This amazing solar pool cover captures the heat from the sun, retains it, and warms the water in the swimming pool, just like all the other pool covers on this list. But what sets it apart is the ease with which it can be folded and unfolded. The Thermo-Tex Solar Pool Cover is extremely lightweight and thin, which makes handling it easier than any other solar pool cover that you may have had a chance to use. Thermo-Tex Solar Pool Covers are made of UV-resistant polymers of the highest quality, which is why they can withstand the constant exposure to the UV rays of the sun without losing their flexibility or efficiency. With the Thermo-Tex Solar Pool Cover, you can continue to use your swimming pool even when the temperatures get too cool to use the pool otherwise. Not only does it warm up the swimming pool water, but it also reduces the evaporation rate of the pool water, which helps you save money on your water bills. Its efficiency and convenience make this solar pool cover one of the most popular solar pool covers available in the market today. If you’re on a lookout for a heavy-duty solar pool cover for your oval-shaped swimming pool that measures 12 to 24 foot, the Midwest Canvas Clear Diamond Heating Blanket is what you should get.
The 16 mil thick solar pool cover is highly durable and efficient. It consists of unique diamond-shaped heat retention pockets that are capable of capturing more solar heat. As a result of greater solar heat capture, the swimming pool water will be heated up quicker and will remain warmer for a much longer period. Considering the considerable thickens of this pool cover, the Midwest Canvas Clear Diamond Heating Blanket has excellent heat retention.3. Sun2Solar Rectangular Solar Cover
4. Rectangular Pool Solar Cover by In The Swim
5. In The Swim 24 Foot Round Basic Pool Solar Blanket Cover 8 Mil
6. Splash Pools Round Solar Pool Cover 15 Ft.
7. Blue Wave NS482 12-Mil Solar Blanket for Round Above-Ground Pools 18 Ft.
8. Doheny’s Clear Clear Solar Cover
9. Aqua Splash In Ground Swimming Pool Solar Cover Blanket Reel by In the Swim
10. Thermo-Tex Solar Pool Cover
11. Midwest Canvas Clear Diamond Heating Blanket -Ground Swimming Pools
