The Benefits and Importance of Solar Pool Covers

During the peak of summer, taking a dip in the pool offers a refreshing escape from the heat. However, keeping a pool well-maintained involves regular upkeep to ensure the water remains safe and pleasant for swimming. Solar pool covers are an invaluable tool in this maintenance process. These covers not only help keep debris out of the pool but also play a significant role in regulating water temperature by retaining heat during cooler nights. This can extend your swimming season and reduce utility and chemical costs by minimizing heat and chlorine loss when the pool is not in use.

To help you choose the best solar pool cover, we consulted swimming pool experts to understand how these covers work and what to look for when purchasing one. Based on their insights, we have compiled a list of highly-rated solar pool covers.

Top-Rated Solar Pool Covers of 2024

In The Swim 12-Mil Solar Pool Cover

Price: $210.91 (Amazon), $193.98 (Walmart), $226.99 (In The Swim)

This light-blue polyethylene solar pool cover comes in various shapes and sizes. It can increase water temperature by 8 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit after consistent sunlight exposure for five to seven days. The light blue color offers a balance of heat absorption and retention, along with protection against chemical degradation. It has a 4.2-star rating from over 800 reviews on Amazon and a seven-year manufacturer’s limited warranty.

Sun2Solar Blue Rectangle Pool Cover

Price: $139.99 (Amazon)

With over 9,500 reviews on Amazon, this solar pool cover is praised for its effectiveness in keeping pool water warm. It can be trimmed to fit smaller or oval-shaped pools. Although relatively thin, proper care ensures durability across several seasons.

Midwest Canvas Ultra 16 Mil Solar Blanket

Price: $153.99 (Amazon)

This extra-thick, silver-colored solar cover excels in heat absorption and retention while protecting against chemical imbalances and evaporation. It is available in five sizes and stays in place on windy days due to its 32-pound weight. It features UV protection to minimize sun damage and comes with an eight-year manufacturer’s limited warranty. It has a 4.3-star average rating from over 300 reviews on Amazon.

Blue Wave 8-Mil Solar Blanket

Price: $143.28 (Amazon), $159.99

Ideal for round aboveground pools in warm climates, this 8-mil cover can raise pool temperatures by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Its light-blue color maximizes sunlight penetration while offering UV resistance, reducing water and chemical evaporation by up to 95%. Available in various sizes, it includes a three-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 4.4-star average rating from over 1500 reviews on Amazon.

Doheny's Clear-Tek Micro-Bubble Solar Cover

Price: $140.39 (Amazon, Doheny's Pool Supplies Fast)

This translucent polyethylene cover comes in blue and clear options, providing excellent solar heat absorption. It features twice the bubbles of standard covers, enhancing heat transfer. Available in multiple sizes, it reduces evaporation and heating costs significantly. With an eight-year warranty and a 4.2-star average rating from nearly 700 reviews on Amazon, it’s a reliable choice.

BigXwell Solar Pool Cover

Price: $179.99 (Amazon)

This durable blue cover, available in various sizes and thicknesses, suits both aboveground and inground pools. Its air bubbles absorb UV rays and retain heat, reducing water evaporation by 95% while maintaining chemical balance. It has a 4.5-star average rating from over 200 reviews on Amazon.

How to Choose a High-Quality Solar Pool Cover

Selecting the right solar pool cover involves considering factors such as pool size, local climate, sun exposure, and your specific needs. Here are key points to keep in mind:

- Pool Size: Measure your pool's dimensions to ensure complete coverage. Larger covers can be more expensive, while smaller covers are more affordable.

- Sun Exposure: Pools in direct sunlight benefit most from solar covers, which heat the water quickly. UV protectants can extend the cover's lifespan.

- Local Climate: Wind, temperature, and sun exposure affect the ideal cover thickness and material. Thicker vinyl covers are best for windy climates, while thinner polyethylene covers suit warmer regions.

- Purpose: Decide whether you need to retain heat overnight or increase overall water temperature. Clear covers absorb the most sunlight but may cause faster chemical breakdown, while darker covers retain heat better and maintain chemical balance.

- Thickness: Thicker covers (14-16 mils) offer better insulation for colder climates, while thinner covers (8-10 mils) are suitable for warmer regions.

- Material: Vinyl covers are durable and less prone to tearing, polyethylene covers are lightweight and flexible, and polypropylene covers retain heat well but are thicker and harder to handle.

- Color: The color affects heat transfer and UV blocking. Translucent blue offers a good balance of heat retention and chemical protection, while clear covers provide maximum heat but allow more UV rays, potentially reducing chlorine effectiveness.

Conclusion

Investing in a solar pool cover is a smart choice for maintaining pool temperature, reducing chemical use, and saving on utility costs. By considering factors like pool size, climate, and intended use, you can select a cover that best meets your needs, ensuring a warm and clean pool throughout the swimming season.