Which Solar Cover Is The Best For Pool

What Is The Best Color For A Solar Pool Cover

Solar pool covers are available in several thicknesses. Theyre measured in mil, which is the standard United States unit of measure for one-thousandth of an inch.

• Blue solar covers can measure 4 mil and 8 mil .
• Clear solar covers can measure 12 mil and 16 mil .

Clear solar covers heat the pool better than blue solar covers because they allow more of the suns heat to penetrate more efficiently. Dark blue solar covers are great for heat retention. And even a lightweight cover can last if you take care of it properly.

What Is The Best Color To Choose When It Comes To A Solar Cover For Your Inground Pool

As covered above, Solar pool covers are available in several degrees of thickness. In general blue solar covers are lighter and less think than clear or non-colored solar pool covers, this makes them more durable and usually better at heating your inground swimming pool.

Blue solar covers often measure 4 mils and 8 mils . Clear solar covers can measure 12 mils and 16 mils .

Thicker pool covers can be more on the pricey end compared to their thinner blue counterparts. We recommend picking one of our top 3 options we tested and reviewed in detail above based on your budget and how long you want your solar pool cover to last.

Shape And Size Of Your Pool

This is the most important criteria! If anything is going to work well for your pool, you need to understand the characteristics of your pool. You need to know the shape and the size of your pool.

Most pool configurations are rectangular, round, square, oval or kidney-shaped. An idea about this will help you know where you should begin the search from.

Of course, the shape will be obvious, you might need to measure the size of your pool. Rectangular solar pool covers are more popular and easy to install. Other shapes may require you to cut out from rectangular ones. Notwithstanding, there are many brands that sell shaped pool covers.

To determine the size of your pool, simply get a measuring tape. For rectangular and square ones, you simply measure the length and breadth. For the round ones, you measure the diameter i.e. the length through the center of the pool.

For the kidney-shaped pools, you measure the length of the large end and the smaller end separately and then the longest length of the entire pool.

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Mil Vs 12 Mil Solar Cover: What Is The Difference

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Solar covers or solar blankets serve an important purpose. The main one is preventing heat loss or retaining heat in a pool. They also help to increase the water temperature to a certain amount, of course not to 90 degrees.

But these cover are often different when it comes to their thickness, meaning that their ability to perform a certain purpose is usually limited depending on the cover. This is why we want to look at the 8 mil vs 12 mil solar cover and see which one is the best.

Blue Bubble Wrap Pool Cover

The blue solar foil is the classic among the tarpaulins for pools. The color is optically matched to that of the water light blue and dark blue variants are available here. Depending on the color, the blue solar film is a good compromise between translucent and opaque tarpaulins in black. The more intense the color, the more effective the blue solar tarpaulin is in protecting against algae and, at the same time, in generating heat.

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Compatibility With Pool Cover Reels

If you own a pool that has a large area, it might be difficult to use a solar pool cover. Trying to install it or remove it can be pretty strenuous. Hence, you might want to invest in a pool cover reels.

Pool cover reels relieve you from the stress of laying and removing solar pool covers. Therefore, if you will be buying a solar pool cover, you should ensure that it is compatible with a pool cover reel or and existing one.

Splash Pools Oval Solar Cover

If you own an oval pool, then you should consider the Splash Pools oval solar cover. The cover, which is available only in blue color, has a small thickness of 8 mils.

Notwithstanding, it does well in maintaining water temperature, keeping debris out and preventing evaporation of pool water. It is lightweight, hence, it is easy to install and even use without a cover reel.

Made from durable resin, it should last effectively more than two seasons or more, withstanding daily use and sunlight. It is sold in two bigger sizes 30 feet by 15 feet and 45 feet by 18 feet.

It is ideal for above-ground pools, easy to use and very stable in water. On the flip side, it may sink if water accumulates on it.

Key Features:

Williams Take:

Having any confusion about installing cover for an oval-shaped pool, see this tutorial video!

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Best Overall Option Sun2solar 1200 Series

Sun2Solars 1200 Series Solar Pool Cover is ideal for humid temperatures. Its blue color works to improve heat retention, giving you a warmer pool throughout the swimming season. We like this solar cover, as it helps to keep your pool water comfy, even after the season has ended.

While this isnt the best solar option around, its perfect for those on a budget who cant afford a thicker, more expensive solar pool cover. The 12 mil thickness does a fine job of limiting evaporation and taking advantage of high humidity levels.

In fact, you can look forward to up to 95% less evaporation, ensuring that your chemicals last longer and are more effective. With lots of humidity in the air, youre likely not experiencing too much water loss. Sun2Solars 1200 Series Solar Pool Cover will prevent this even further, reducing your need to add water to your pool throughout the season.

Pros

Cons

• Limited This is the only real downside to the 12 mil material in humid temperatures. It wont be able to keep your pool warm as long as a thicker solar pool cover.

How To Properly Store Your Solar Cover

At the end of pool season, itll be time to break out the safety cover, and store the solar blanket. But before you do that, you must make sure the solar blanket is clean and completely dry so you dont get a nasty, moldy surprise when you open it up next season.

To clean your solar blanket, remove it from the pool, and lay it on a soft surface like grass. Concrete can damage the bubbles, making the blanket less able to float and do its job.

Once you have it spread out flat, use a soft push broom or soft scrub brush and clean water to scrub away dirt, algae or buildup, then rinse. Dry the blanket well by hand, using a leaf blower, or hanging it up to dry.

Tip: Dont ever leave your solar cover out to dry on your lawn. It can burn your grass.

After you wash and dry your solar blanket, reel it up. Some pool cover reels come with a weather- and UV-resistant storage cover so you can store it outside if you dont have any indoor space for it. If your reel didnt come with a cover, you can always pick one up.

If youre folding your blanket up, place it in a container with a sturdy lid to keep pests out. Then store the container somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight to prevent the cover from shrinking, and the plastic container from deteriorating.

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Blue Wave Ns110 8 Mil Pool Solar Blanket Cover

Our list of top solar blanket brands cannot be complete without this model. With its superior quality and variety of solar covers or blankets to choose from, this brand retains its popularity.

This amazing blanket covers the pool within its 8 Mil blue color technology. It can raise your pools temperature up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

It will prevent up to 95% of pool water and chemical evaporation with the use of a solar pool cover that reduces heat loss more than usual.

Its UV-protected polymer protects your solar cover from deterioration caused by chemical and UV radiation allowing it to be used for a long time.

The solar cover is designed with opaque technology so that your pool gets the full effect of the sunlight and can warm the pool water.

You will get a 3-year manufacturer warranty from this brand to give you confidence that you are buying an excellent quality solar cover.

Highlighted features:

• Raises the pools temperature up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit
• Made of UV-protected polymer
• Reduces heat loss in your pool up to 95%
• Manufacturer warranty for 3 years

What Types Of Pool Covers Are There

There are two primary styles of pool covers that use solar energy to heat the water. Bubble pool covers that are the larger ones that look like theyre made of bubble wrap and the smaller solar rings.

The is a third option thats a bit less well-known at this stage. This is the liquid solar cover. These require a little bit of tracking for, but otherwise, are easy to use. Theyre deemed safe to swim in by the various powers that be but may cause eye or skin irritations for some folks with more sensitivities.

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Sun2solar Rectangular Solar Cover

With its attractive blue design, this cover from Sun2Solar will add a touch of grace to your rectangular pool. It works great for both in-ground and above-ground pools. With thousands of tiny bubbles on its top layer, it works efficiently to collect and retain heat.

The use of this cover will also help minimize evaporation. It reduces evaporation by up to 95% and conserves water. With the use of this solar cover, you can keep your water warm enough to swim even when the air is cold outside.

You can customize the cover to make it suitable for your rectangular or uniquely shaped pool. A marker and your regular pair of household scissors will do the trick here. Interestingly, cutting the cover will not affect the manufacturers warranty.

Best Solar Pool Cover Brands Of 2021 According To Experts

Select is editorially independent. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.

As the end of summer approaches, people do all they can to enjoy the outdoors and weve seen increased interest in solar pool covers. Theyre designed to help regulate water temperature, keeping it warm as temperatures drop and keeping the pool waters chemistry in check. In addition to extending your swim season, solar pool covers might save you money on your utility bills and chlorine since they reduce the amount of heat and chlorine lost when youre not using your pool. We spoke with swimming pool experts and a materials scientist about how solar pool covers work and how to pick the right one. We rounded up highly rated options based on their brand recommendations, including some of their specific product recs.

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Q: What Type Of Solar Pool Cover Is Best

A: The best type of solar cover is the light blue ones made from thick durable material. The thicker and more robust the material is the longer your solar cover is likely to last. The durable thick material will also be able to withstand rough weather conditions keeping your pool water warm and safe from debris. The best materials also help prolong the negative effects of pool chemicals wear and tear.

Are Solar Pool Covers Safe

Solar pool covers are safe to use and can be helpful in keeping your pool at a nice temperature, as well as keeping out debris. However, theyre not the only safeguarding measure you should take as part of your pool maintenance when its not in use. They need to be used together with other precautions, such as a pool net or fence, to prevent dangerous accidents from occurring. Thats especially important if you have young children or pets near the pool when its not in use.

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The Best Solar Pool Covers In 2021

Unless youre one of those adventurous polar bear people who like jumping into ice-cold water, you probably want to keep your swimming pool heated. But before you run out and drop the dough on a traditional electric or gas heater, have you considered a solar pool cover?

A solar cover can raise and hold the water temperature of your inground, above ground, or Intex pool. Itll also reduce your energy costs, minimize water loss, increase heat retention, and in some cases, even decrease chemical needs.

In The Swim 2040d Rectangle Pool Solar Blanket

Using this solar cover certainly helps us save more time and money. It is a good value for the money considering it is supported by a 7-year manufacturers limited warranty offer.

We chose this cover because it can immensely decrease heat loss and reduce the amount of debris that gets in the pool water. Whats more, it lessens chemical loss and water evaporation. Interestingly, this cover has been proven to increase the water temperature up to 8 to 10 degrees in about a week of consistent sunlight.

Ever since we set up this solar cover, we endlessly enjoy longer bonding and swimming moments with family and friends. Even when its cold at night or somewhat chilly we can swim more comfortably and enjoyably because the pool gives us a spa-like experience.

As mentioned, since this solar blanket offers an additional shield against unwanted elements, so our pool remains pristine clear and free of any unsightly filth and debris. Maintaining the pool is no longer as time-consuming and exhausting as in the past.

• Comes with a 7-year warranty offer
• Lessens chemical loss and water evaporation
• Can increase up to 8-10 degrees in about a week of consistent sunlight
• Provides the pool water with a warmer and a more comfortable temperature

• Prone to deteriorating if exposed to extreme sunlight all year long

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How Do Solar Pool Covers Work

The first way that solar pool covers work is nice and obvious. They protect your pool from the elements, such as rain, leaves, and other debris, and save you from more frequent cleaning sessions.

The part that you may be wondering about, which involves solar power, involves capturing energy from the sun within the cover in order to maintain the pools temperature underneath. Solar pool covers can look like large sheets of bubble wrap, with those bubbles keeping the heat in their structures and enabling you to save money on heating up your pool for as long. Colors pay a part too, with many covers opting for clear upsides in order to attract heat, and black undersides in order to prevent it from escaping.

Harris 12 Mil Solar Pool Cover

Having a well-sized, good pool cover is essential if you want to enjoy your pool at any time of the day. This Harris solar pool cover is 12 mils thick and offers better heat retention at a budget-friendly price.

It is able to raise your pool temperature by 15 degrees whilst preventing the water evaporation and dissipation of pool chemicals.

It is made of UV-treated polymers that make it resistant to sunlight and keep its flexibility intact. Depending on your choice, it is available in many sizes and includes dimensions such as 20 feet by 40 feet.

It is easy to use and can be installed with a pool cover reel. The product also features a two-year warranty.

Key Features:

Williams Take:

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Solar Covers Or Blankets Uses The Suns Energy To Keep Your Pool Warmer

A Solar Pool Cover is the least expensive way to keep your pool water warm extend the length of your swimming season. . They are also called blankets. They resemble giant sheets of bubble wrap. The bubbles trap heat from the sun and keeps the heat in the pool, keeping the water temperature warm and inviting.

Solar covers float freely on top of a pool without tie-downs or anchors to hold them in place. Removing a solar cover is easy, just pull it off and store it. This job can be a bit sloppy – imagine folding a giant wet blanket by yourself . Recruiting a helper to roll or fold it up or the aid of a solar cover reel makes the task much easier. Solar covers are usually folded and stored or rolled-up on a large reel and wheeled out of the way.

Heat in the water is lost primarily by evaporation. 30% is lost due to radiation to cooler air. Their main purpose is to trap the heat of the water under the cover and prevent heat from escaping into the cool night air and prevent water evaporation.. They work equally as well on both Above Ground and In Ground Swimming Pools. Extend the swimming season and save money on chemicals and water replacement due to evaporation.

Why Trust The Spruce

Erica Puisis has been covering the best products for outdoor and indoor living at The Spruce since 2017. Her research and areas of expertise have included pool heaters, cleaners, and water testing equipment. To find the best options for this essential pool accessory, she considered the thickness of each solar cover, its ability to retain heat, block UV rays, or provide passive heating for pool water, and the length of any warranty periods.

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