Come winter, swimming in the pool becomes uncomfortable. The extremely low and freezing temperature will make the water cold and dipping your toes will be almost impossible; what more your entire body.
The best solution is to invest in the best solar pool cover. It absorbs and traps the energy of the sun. It then uses this energy to circulate heat in the swimming pool’s water. This does not use electricity or gas, so it is cost-efficient.
What is the best solar pool cover? If you are having a hard time deciding, keep on reading and we’ll help you arrive at the right decision.
Why You Should Buy Solar Pool Cover
A lot of you might think that a solar pool cover is an unnecessary expense. However, with the benefits we’ll list below, it will be easy for you to realize that it isn’t a luxury but a necessity.
- Extend Pool Season: In many households, it is common to forget about using the pool during the winter months. With a solar pool heater, on the other hand, the cold won’t bother you, and hence, you can use the swimming pool throughout the year.
- Save Money: In the long run, you will save a lot of money by using solar pool covers. It does not use gas or electricity. Rather, it harnesses energy from a free and renewable resource.
- Do Something Good for the Environment: If you would like to be a champion of sustainability and be part of the going green revolution, using solar pool panels is one of the best things you can do.
- Easy to Install: If you hate the complicated work associated with installation, you will love solar pool covers. They won’t require a lot of time and effort on your end when it comes to installation. You don’t need the help of a pro!
Top 6 Best Solar Pool Cover by Consumer Ratings & Reports for 2023
Now, let’s make it easier for you to choose what solar cover is best for your swimming pool. Below are some of the products that should be on your list, as well as their notable features.
1. Intex Solar Pool Cover 12-foot Diameter
One of the best things about this solar pool cover is that it is made by Intex, a popular brand of above-ground swimming pools. This can give you peace of mind when it comes to quality and performance. Although, despite the company’s reputation, there are also several complaints about how it might be prone to easy disintegration.
This is a 12-foot round cover that is perfect for Intex Easy Set and frame pools. As the manufacturer claims, it reduces evaporation by as much as 95%. It also retains heat effectively to keep the water warm. However, if you have a large swimming pool, consider other alternatives or use several of these covers.
When you purchase this product, it already comes with a carrying case. It also functions as a storage bag, which will help to keep dirt and dust away.
Lastly, the manufacturer is offering a one-year limited warranty for this solar pool cover.
Pros:
- Made by a reliable brand
- Easy to take on and off
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some people find it quite thin
- Can easily disintegrate
2. Sun2Solar Blue 16×32 Feet Rectangle Solar Cover
One of the best things about this solar pool cover is that you can easily cut it to suit the shape and the size of the pool. Trimming the material is easy.
As for the construction, it has bubbles on the surface and a blue film coating. The color is appealing while maximizing the ability of the swimming pool to absorb heat. Based on the instructions from the manufacturer, you should use this pool cover with the bubbles facing down.
Ease of use is another thing that makes this an exceptional product. You don’t have to exert a lot of effort into putting this on or off.
Pros:
- Material is easy to trim
- Effectively prevents evaporation
- Raises water temperature by as much as 10 degrees
Cons:
- Not for a large pool
- Can be blown even by a light wind
3. Blue Wave NS110 8-mil Solar Blanket for Round Above Ground Pools
With the use of this exceptional solar pool cover, you can raise the temperature of the water by as much as 15 degrees. It has insulating thermal cells that efficiently absorb the heat of the sun and transfer it to your pool.
In terms of construction, this is well-loved by many people because it is made using premium polymer. This is a state-of-the-art material that resists external conditions, including UV rays and chemicals. Because of this, you can expect it to remain functional even through the years.
Lastly, for your peace of mind, it is also good to know that the manufacturer is offering a warranty for three years.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable construction
- Has protection from UV rays
Cons:
- Can be prone to sinking
- Small for some pools
4. Blue Wave NS510 14-mil Solar Blanket for Rectangular In-Ground Pool
Like the product mentioned above, this solar pool cover is also from Blue Wave. One of the main differences between the two is how it is bigger. This is designed for in-ground pools, unlike most of the solar covers that can heat only above ground pools.
With the use of this 14-mil solar pool blanket, you can expect that it will raise the temperature of the water by as much as 15 degrees.
Lastly, it is also good to know that the manufacturer is offering a six-year warranty for this solar pool cover.
Pros:
- Has hundreds of bubbles
- Good even for large pools
- Excellent warranty coverage
Cons:
- Expensive
- Difficult to get on and off the pool
5. In The Swim 16×32 Foot Ultra Clear Rectangle Swimming Pool Solar Pool Cover
This is one of the largest pool covers from our recommendations in this guide, making it the perfect option if you are looking for one that is suitable for a large swimming pool.
This 16-mil thick cover comes with an aluminized layer at the bottom. Aside from providing reinforcement to make the cover more durable, this also improves heat transfer. To add, the use of the solar pool cover also reduces water evaporation and prevents chemical imbalance, among other things.
It is also one of the best when it comes to warranty coverage since it is covered by the manufacturer for eight years. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to prevent the warranty from being void.
Pros:
- Thick and durable
- UV-resistant construction
- Excellent warranty coverage
Cons:
- Can easily fade
- Bubbles can fall off and clog filters
6. Vingli Pool Cover Reel Set
Before anything else, take note that this is not a pool cover. Rather, it is a reel set. This is an investment for owners of large in-ground swimming pools who are having a hard time taking their solar pool covers or pool blankets on and off the pool. Once set, all that you have to do it to reel the cover in or out.
The durability of the reel set is one of its best assets. It is made using rust-free materials, which is important considering the set is left outdoors. It also comes with thick and solid stainless steel legs. More so, it has tires with good traction, which will make it effortless to move it from one place to another.
Lastly, for ease of use, it is also notable that it has one-hand smooth crank operation. You can roll and unroll your solar pool cover in an instant!
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Easy to assemble
- One-hand operation
Cons:
- Not a pool cover
- Takes up space in the pool area
Choosing the Best Solar Pool Cover
Chances are, you will be overwhelmed with the long list of choices. However, make no mistake! This does not mean that you can choose just any solar pool cover and expect it to deliver superior functionality. Below are some of the most important considerations.
Compatibility
One of the first things you need to do is to consider the type of swimming pool that you have at home. Whether you have an above ground or in-ground swimming pool will have an impact on the choice of a solar pool cover. Most in-ground pools are big, and hence, you will need an equally large cover that can offer optimal heating efficiency. Otherwise, the water will not get warm or it will take a long time before it heats up.
Thickness
The thickness of the cover is expressed in mils. Often, the thicker the solar pool cover is, the more durable it is. So, opt for thicker material if you want it to last through the years. It won’t be easily prone to external damages, such as tears and holes. However, the problem with a cover that is too thick is that you might end up having a hard time getting it on and off the swimming pool. An easy solution to this is to invest in a reel. It has a crank operation system that allows you to put the cover on and off without a lot of effort.
Color
For the uninitiated, many may think that color is important only for aesthetic value. However, one of the most important characteristics of solar pool covers is its color because it has a direct impact on its efficiency and effectiveness. Blue and clear are two of the most common colors you will find. A lot of people love clear because it has a better absorption rate. The heat also penetrates quickly from the cover to the water.
Materials
Pay attention to the materials that are used in the solar pool cover because it will be indicative of its durability. The material should not be easily prone to external damages. While it is thick, it must keep the weight at the minimum, which will make it effortless to set the cover on and off your swimming pool. The material should be UV-resistant, which means that it won’t be easily damaged by the extreme heat of the sun even with long-term exposure. Polypropylene and polyethylene are two of the most popular materials that are often used in top-rated solar pool covers.
Type
Not all solar pool covers are the same in terms of their design and how they work. With this, it is crucial to be familiar with the different types and how they are different from each other.
The most popular is a bubble cover or a solar blanket. As the name implies, there are tiny bubbles on the surface of the cover. These bubbles are the ones that absorb the heat from the sun and transfer it to the water. They are known for being affordable and effective.
Another type is the solar ring pool cover, which has small spheres that are instrumental in solar energy collection. They are designed in such a way that algae will not grow in between the spheres.
Design
The aesthetic value of the solar pool cover is another thing that you need to consider. Choose one that looks good when it is in your swimming pool. When it is an eyesore, this can destroy the beautiful and relaxing view of your swimming pool and lawn. Look for patterns and shapes that are suitable for your swimming pool. Nonetheless, take note that you should never compromise function in exchange for form.
Warranty
This is important because it will provide you with peace of mind. From the products mentioned in this short guide, the warranty ranges from one to eight years. Choose a product with an extended warranty coverage. This is a testament to how much the company believes in the quality of their products. Make sure to read and follow the terms and conditions. Otherwise, the manufacturer may not honor the warranty.
Conclusion
Especially during the winter months, you have a lot to be thankful for the best solar pool cover, including the products listed above. They provide an economical and eco-friendly way to heat the water in your pool, making it possible to extend the swimming season!