10 Best Solar Pool Covers In 2023

How to Choose The Best Solar Pool Cover – Buying Guide

Types of Solar Covers

Even though most of us think of bubble covers when solar covers are mentioned, there are actually three different types of solar pool covers that use the sun’s energy to heat the water. These include a bubble cover (solar blanket), solar rings, and liquid pool covers.

Solar blankets: This is the type that looks like a large sheet of bubble wrap. Those air bubbles serve a dual purpose – they help the cover float on the surface and prevent heat loss and evaporation from the water.

These covers for pools come with a varying degree of thickness and in plenty of different sizes so you can find a model that fits your pool. A thicker cover will be more durable and retain heat better, but the tradeoff is that it’s more difficult to handle (set up and remove).

As for the size, solar blankets pools come in all the standard pool dimensions, regardless if you have a round or rectangular pool. If you can’t find your size or your pool has an unusual shape, an advantage is that you can trim them so they fit properly.

Solar rings: The way these rings work is exactly the same as solar blankets, but the design is a bit different. Basically, solar rings are cut out circles of the blanket material that you throw on the water surface.

They are limited in size (don’t cover the whole pool), so their performance will be limited too. However, they can stay in the pool the whole time, and you can put them in and remove them more easily.

Liquid solar cover: Compared to a physical cover, a liquid cover is much more convenient to use. You pour it over the water and it forms a thin film on the surface.

This film works as a barrier that helps pool water warm up and prevents evaporation, but you can still take a dip when you want. As a downside, these solar pool covers offer no debris protection and you’ll have to add the solution often for it to work (usually lasts a month).

Pool Size

Pool size is one of the most important considerations if you want the cover to be as efficient as possible. As you probably know, it should cover the whole water surface, neither too big nor too small.

A cover that is too big is going to be very difficult to handle. It will also be much easier for the wind to pick it up and move it. On the other hand, a cover that is too small won’t be as efficient. Obviously, it won’t heat the water well, and the uncovered areas will lose heat and evaporate.

For this reason, you must know the pool dimensions before buying a cover. This way you’ll be able to get the exact size or a model that is just slightly larger so you can easily trim it afterward.

Pool Shape

Solar pool covers are mainly sold in one of three shapes: rectangular, round, or oval. Above ground pools are generally round in shape (due to their construction), so round covers are usually made with this type of pool in mind. On the other hand, most in-ground pools are rectangular and have solar pool covers in a matching shape.

But what if you have a non-standard pool? In this scenario, you’ll have two options. You can get several smaller covers for the pool – this is less expensive but also less efficient. As an alternative, you can get a larger pool cover and then cut it. This is pretty easy to do, but it might be costly because you’ll throw away a lot of material.

Thickness

Thickness plays a big role in how effective your solar cover is going to be. However, getting the thickest cover won’t always be the best solution.

Of course, it’s true that a thicker solar cover is more effective at keeping that heat locked in. It magnifies the sunlight better before it reaches the water, adding more heat.

Also, a thicker cover will insulate the pool water better – there is more material to block the heat from escaping. Another benefit is that a thicker material also means more weight, so the pool blankets will be more secure and stable in stronger winds (won’t get blown away).

On the other hand, there are some downsides to the extra thickness too. The product will be more difficult to roll up and store due to its weight. Also, they are generally more expensive than thinner models. While it’s usually better to go for a thick solar cover, keep all this in mind before making your choice.

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Color: Clear vs Blue Solar Pool Cover

While for most other products color is a matter of aesthetic choice, a solar cover color can actually make a vital difference to how it performs. Most solar blankets for pools are either clear or blue, but you can also find dark models or various combinations.

Clear pool cover: It allows almost all light through, magnifying it in the process. It doesn’t absorb much heat, so the water temperature will rise quicker. On the other hand, it’s not as efficient at retaining heat, and the unfiltered UV rays damage the chemicals in the pools.

Blue pool cover: This type is somewhere in the middle between heating water and keeping it warm. It lets a substantial amount of sunlight through, but it can also block much of the heat loss and maintain temperature. It also absorbs a portion of UV rays so they don’t degrade the chemicals.

Dark pool cover: Darker colors are best for heat retention (dark blue, grey, silver, black). If the water is warm, this cover will be the most efficient to prevent heat loss. Unfortunately, they absorb most of the sunlight so the water underneath them won’t get warmed up easily.

Warranty Coverage

With so many terms and conditions, the world of warranties can be a difficult one to understand. These apply to various aspects and tell you when the warranty is valid and when it isn’t. Unfortunately, most swimming pool solar covers come with this type of limited warranty that covers you only in certain scenarios.

For this reason, you must check the provided warranty for each product. Even if a model offers 7 or 8 years of coverage, this won’t mean much if it only covers material defects in perfect conditions.

On the other hand, some models offer full coverage for the first few years. This means that even if you have a tear or some other damage, they will replace the product. This is a big plus as it gives a sense of security, especially if you need a larger solar blanket pool cover. Also, checking the product reviews can give you an idea and show you what you can expect in the long run.

FAQs

Globo Surf Overview

Solar bubble pool covers are a great solution for keeping your pool water warm without spending a fortune on heaters. A pool solar blanket requires only sunlight to work, and just a few sunny days are enough to raise the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

On top of this, both inground pool covers and above ground pool covers prevent water evaporation too, so you get a double benefit. Hopefully, our buying guide helped you find the best solar pool cover that will keep your pool warm for many seasons to come.

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