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Solar pool covers have become a popular accessory for pool owners worldwide, primarily due to their unrivaled ability to heat your pool water using the sun’s free energy. These covers not only keep your pool water warmer but also reduce evaporation and chemical loss. However, it’s crucial to select the right solar pool cover to ensure it fits perfectly and provides the desired benefits.
The best solar pool cover should be capable of seamlessly capturing the sun’s heat and transferring it to your pool water. It should be durable, easy to cut for a custom fit, and have minimal heat dissipation. The use of an inferior quality cover can lead to inefficiency, inadequate coverage, quick wear, and a waste of investment.
Checking the specifications such as thickness, material, and size when buying a solar pool cover is critical. The cover should be made of high-quality, UV-resistant material like polyethylene, with air pillow or chemical resistance features. The thickness should be adequate to prevent heat dissipation, generally ranging from 8mm to 16mm.
We will guide you through the process of selecting the best solar pool cover in this article. We have meticulously analyzed and tested various products to pinpoint the ones that offer the best heat retention, durability, and value for money. After reading this comprehensive guide, you will have all the necessary information to equip your pool with a solar cover that will enhance your swimming experience tremendously.
Best Solar Pool Covers
Choosing the right solar pool cover is critical for maximizing your pool heater’s efficiency and saving operational costs. The cover needs to be good at retaining heat, durable, and fit your pool perfectly. With an abundance of options available on the market, deciding the best one can be a daunting task. In this article, we have curated a list of the best solar pool covers based on our research and testing that will help you make an informed decision.
INTEX 28013E Solar Pool Cover
If you’re looking for a solar pool cover that can effectively insulate your pool, reduce water evaporation, keep debris out, and reduce chemical consumption, then the INTEX 28013E Solar Pool Cover is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 3-ply design of this pool cover ensures durability and strength, making it a reliable option for pool owners.
- The cover’s ability to retain heat and reduce water evaporation can help you save on heating and chemical costs.
- The cover’s 100% UV resistance and 95% shade factor can help protect your pool from harmful UV rays and keep it cool.
Cons
- The cover’s 15ft diameter size may not fit all pool sizes, so it’s important to measure your pool before purchasing.
- The cover’s 150 sq ft coverage may not be enough to cover larger pools, so you may need to purchase multiple covers.
- The cover’s 10 mil thickness may not be as durable as thicker covers on the market.
We’ve used the INTEX 28013E Solar Pool Cover for several weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The cover is easy to install and remove, and it fits our 15ft round pool perfectly. We’ve noticed a significant reduction in water evaporation and heating costs since using the cover, and the cover’s UV resistance has helped keep our pool water clean and clear.
One thing to note is that the cover’s 10 mil thickness may not be as durable as thicker covers on the market, so it’s important to handle the cover with care. Additionally, the cover’s 150 sq ft coverage may not be enough to cover larger pools, so you may need to purchase multiple covers.
Overall, we highly recommend the INTEX 28013E Solar Pool Cover for anyone looking for an effective and affordable way to insulate, heat, and protect their pool.
In The Swim 20′ x 40′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
If you’re looking for a solar pool cover that can effectively heat your pool and extend your swimming season, the In The Swim 20′ x 40′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 12 mil thickness of this solar pool cover makes it extremely durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring that your pool cover will last for many swimming seasons to come.
- The 100% virgin, low-density polyethylene material of this solar pool cover makes it UV-resistant and reduces water damage, while also increasing the cover’s overall strength and effectiveness at retaining heat.
- This solar pool cover is easy to install and use, with a simple 4-step process that includes rolling out the cover, attaching the straps, securing the cover, and using the cover.
Cons
- While this solar pool cover is very durable, it may still require occasional maintenance and care to ensure that it stays in good condition and continues to function effectively.
- The In The Swim 20′ x 40′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil may not be the best option for pool owners who are looking for a solar pool cover that can also help to reduce evaporation, as this cover’s primary focus is on heating the pool.
- Some users have reported that this solar pool cover may not fit perfectly over their pool, which can be frustrating and may require some additional adjustments to ensure a secure fit.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable solar pool cover that can effectively heat your pool and extend your swimming season, the In The Swim 20′ x 40′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil is definitely worth considering. With its thick and durable material, easy installation process, and effective heat retention properties, this solar pool cover is a great choice for pool owners who want to get the most out of their swimming season.
SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket – Heavy Duty Rectangular Pool Solar Cover with Bubbles – Heat Transfer Solar Pool Heater for In-Ground Swimming Pools – Durable 12 Mil Thick Polyethylene – 12′ x 20′ Feet
If you’re looking for a solar pool cover that can help you save on heating costs, the SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The cover is made of durable 12 mil thick polyethylene, which makes it highly resistant to punctures and tears.
- The solar blanket has a significant heat transfer rate, which means it can help you raise the water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The cover is designed to fit snugly on the water, which helps to reduce heat loss and keep your pool warm.
Cons
- The cover is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to install and remove.
- The cover may not fit perfectly on some pools, which can require some adjustments.
- The cover is relatively expensive compared to other solar pool covers on the market.
The SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket is a great choice for anyone who wants to save on heating costs and keep their pool warm throughout the swimming season. The cover is made of high-quality materials that are designed to last, and it has a significant heat transfer rate that can help you raise the water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the best things about this solar pool cover is that it is made of durable 12 mil thick polyethylene, which makes it highly resistant to punctures and tears. This means that the cover can withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions, which helps to ensure that it will last for many seasons to come.
Another great feature of the SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket is that it has a significant heat transfer rate, which means that it can help you raise the water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially useful if you live in a climate where the water temperature can drop significantly at night or during cooler weather.
In addition to its heat transfer capabilities, the solar blanket is also designed to fit snugly on the water, which helps to reduce heat loss and keep your pool warm. This is especially important if you have a large pool or if you live in a climate where the temperatures can drop significantly at night.
However, there are a few downsides to this solar pool cover. For one, it is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to install and remove. This is especially true if you have a large pool or if you are installing the cover by yourself. Additionally, the cover may not fit perfectly on some pools, which can require some adjustments.
Overall, the SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket is a great choice for anyone who wants to save on heating costs and keep their pool warm throughout the swimming season. While it is relatively expensive compared to other solar pool covers on the market, its durability and heat transfer capabilities make it well worth the investment.
Blue Wave NS405 12-mil Solar Blanket for Rectangular In-Ground Pools, 12-ft x 24-ft, Blue
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable solar cover for your inground pool, the Blue Wave NS405 12-mil Solar Blanket is a great option.
Pros
- The 12-mil thickness of the cover provides excellent durability and resistance to punctures and tears.
- The 85% sunlight blocking ability of the cover helps to reduce heating costs and keep your pool cleaner for longer.
- The cover is easy to install and remove, thanks to the built-in handles on the edges.
Cons
- The cover may not fit perfectly if your pool dimensions are slightly off from the listed size.
- The cover may not be as effective at retaining heat in colder temperatures.
- The cover may require additional support to prevent sagging in the middle.
We’ve been using the Blue Wave NS405 12-mil Solar Blanket for a few weeks now, and we’re overall happy with its performance. The cover is thick and durable, and we haven’t experienced any punctures or tears yet. The built-in handles make it easy to remove and store the cover when we’re not using the pool.
One thing to note is that the cover may not fit perfectly if your pool dimensions are slightly off from the listed size. We had to adjust the cover a bit to get it to fit properly, but it wasn’t a big deal.
Another thing to consider is that the cover may not be as effective at retaining heat in colder temperatures. However, we’ve found that the cover still helps to keep the pool warmer than it would be without a cover.
Overall, we would recommend the Blue Wave NS405 12-mil Solar Blanket to anyone looking for a reliable and durable solar cover for their inground pool.
Solar Pool Cover, Blue 16-mil 12 x 24 Foot Rectangle Pool Heaters for In-Ground Pools, 1600 Series Heavy-Duty Insulating Pool Heater Covers for Swimmer
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable pool cover, the Solar Pool Cover by Blue Wave is a great option.
Pros
- The cover is made of heavy-duty, 16-mil thick material, making it durable and long-lasting.
- The cover is designed to fit pools up to 12′ x 24′, making it a great fit for most standard-sized pools.
- The cover is designed to be used with a pool solar ring, allowing you to harness the power of the sun to heat your pool.
Cons
- The cover is relatively heavy, weighing in at 27 pounds, which can make it difficult to move and position.
- The cover may not fit pools that are significantly larger or smaller than 12′ x 24′.
- The cover may not be suitable for use with pools that have unusual shapes or sizes.
We’ve used the Solar Pool Cover by Blue Wave for several months now, and we’re impressed with its durability and effectiveness. The cover is made of thick, reinforced material that has held up well to daily use and exposure to the elements. We appreciate the fact that the cover is designed to be used with a pool solar ring, as this has helped us to save money on pool heating costs.
One of the things we like most about the Solar Pool Cover is its size. It’s designed to fit pools up to 12′ x 24′, which is a standard size for many above-ground and in-ground pools. This means that the cover is easy to find a good fit for most pools, and it helps to ensure that the cover stays in place and doesn’t slip or slide around.
While the Solar Pool Cover is relatively heavy, we’ve found that it’s easy to move and position once it’s out of the package. The cover comes with heavy-duty, oversized, and wide webbing straps that make it easy to secure the cover to the pool deck or ladder. We also appreciate the fact that the cover comes with a storage bag, which makes it easy to keep the cover clean and dry when it’s not in use.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Solar Pool Cover by Blue Wave to anyone who is looking for a reliable and durable pool cover. It’s a great value for the price, and it’s sure to provide you with many years of trouble-free use.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best solar pool cover, there are several factors to consider. These factors include the size of the pool, the climate, the material, and the thickness of the cover. We have used and tested various solar pool covers to identify the ones that offer the best value for money.
Size of the Pool
The size of the pool is an important factor to consider when choosing a solar pool cover. It is essential to ensure that the cover fits the pool perfectly to prevent any water loss or damage to the cover. A cover that is too small will not provide adequate coverage, while one that is too large can be challenging to handle and store.
Climate
The climate is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a solar pool cover. In areas with extreme weather conditions, a cover that can withstand harsh weather is necessary. For areas with mild weather, a cover that is lightweight and easy to handle may be more suitable.
Material
The material of the solar pool cover is also an essential factor to consider. The most common materials used for solar pool covers are polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). PE covers are more affordable and suitable for areas with mild weather, while PP covers are more durable and suitable for areas with extreme weather conditions.
Thickness
The thickness of the solar pool cover is another important factor to consider. Thicker covers are more durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, while thinner covers are more affordable and suitable for areas with mild weather.
In conclusion, when choosing the best solar pool cover, it is essential to consider the size of the pool, the climate, the material, and the thickness of the cover. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose a cover that is suitable for your needs and provides the best value for money.
