Taking a swim or two around the pool is something I am always game for!
But I wouldn't deny that maintaining a pool in the right way can seem challenging. It requires keeping the pool water comfortable and preventing all the debris from getting into the pool.
However, let me tell you that the easiest and cheapest solution in this regard is to install an efficient solar pool cover. It will warm up the pool water to make it perfect for swimming whenever you like while providing all-round protection.
Having used several pool covers in all these years, I’ve no doubts about that, though I’ve had my share of disappointments. After all, not all products out there are equally suitable. And that’s why I’ve prepared this guide to help you out.
Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, and today I’ll be reviewing the five best solar pool covers. So, let’s dive in!
Best Solar Pool Cover
1. Sun2Solar Solar Pool Cover
This superior-grade pool cover from Sun2Solar works like a pro to keep your pool water comfortable throughout the winter season. Having used it for my in-ground pool for two years, I feel it’s among the best products I’ve come across till now.
Product Highlights
Firstly, I was thoroughly impressed by the design of this pool cover. Consisting of a high-quality film with innumerable bubbles, it collects and retains the warmth in a pool most efficiently. This ensured a warm and comfortable swim during any time of the day.
In addition, its clear color lets the UV rays penetrate deeper into the pool to make the water much warmer than other covers on the market.
Another advantage is that no matter what the shape of your pool may be, you can fit this cover onto it very easily. All you need is a pair of scissors and a marker; just trace a line to mark the additional material and cut it accordingly.
The cover is also quite thin, so I didn’t face any difficulty in cutting it. Rest assured that the cut won’t affect the warranty offered for the product in any way.
What's There To Like About It?
Pool water evaporation is an issue that most ordinary pool covers can’t solve effectively. I know this very well since I’ve used many such covers in the past.
But I must say that this one outperforms most of them as it prevents 95% of evaporation, which lessens the water loss to a great extent. Also, this reduces the need to fill up the pool frequently, which can be quite a hassle.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only disadvantage of going for this solar pool cover is that it’s much costlier than the rest of the options available on the market. So, for someone faced with a budget constraint, this may not be an ideal choice. But this price is, of course, justified to some extent, considering the range of high-quality features it offers.
Pros and Cons of Sun2Solar Solar Pool Cover
Pros
Cons
- Free Solar Energy: This solar pool cover uses the sun’s power to raise water temperature by up to 15 Degrees
- Traps Heat: Our pool solar cover retains warmth long after the sun sets, helping to maintain consistent water temperature overnight
- Conserves Water: By reducing evaporation up to 95%, this swimming pool cover helps cut back on chemical use and the need for additional water.
2. Intex 29024E
Produced by the well-known brand Intex, this cover will also be an excellent choice for enhancing the comfort factor of any pool. I had even suggested this one to some of my friends, and they were equally pleased with its performance.
Product Highlights
You can use this solar pool cover on pools with a diameter of up to 16 feet, which implies it can comfortably fit most small or medium-sized pools. It’s also suitable for both framed and non-framed pools, so I could fit it on my framed pool quite easily.
Furthermore, I found its lightweight design to be very convenient as it facilitates effortless covering and removal.
Speaking of the heating efficiency, its tiny air bubbles help absorb and transfer the sun’s heat to the pool water effectively. Plus, it comes with a convenient carry bag for compact and space-saving storage.
Even the evaporation of the pool water reduced considerably after I started using this cover. And the best part is that it comes at a much cheaper rate than many other high-performing pool covers, including my previous pick.
What's There To Like About It?
What I really liked about this pool cover was the presence of a few drainage holes to prevent the pooling of rainwater. My region experiences fairly heavy rainfall quite a few times during the year. And this feature made sure I never had to deal with accumulated water on the cover while removing it.
Furthermore, these holes helped remove air underneath the cover, so it always lays flat on my pool.
What's There Not To Like About It?
A drawback of this pool cover is that it won’t be suitable for covering larger pools. Hence, it’s better to go for other products such as my previous pick if you’ve got a big pool to maintain. But I have no complaints as such regarding its performance.
Pros and Cons of Intex 29024E
Pros
Cons
- EASY TO USE – Simply lay the Solar Pool Cover flat on top of your above ground INTEX pool and let the air bubbles absorb and transfer sun heat into the pool water
- PROTECTS POOL FROM DEBRIS – Intended for a 16-foot round pool, this pool cover will minimize debris, leaves, and trash from getting into your pool; while also reducing consumption of chemicals
- EFFICIENT – The Solar Pool Cover is the most efficient type of pool cover; the Solar Pool Cover insulates pool water and reduces water evaporation by 95%
3. Blue Wave NS420
Next, I’ve picked this solar pool cover from Blue Wave that’s ideal for homeowners who have to take care of medium to large-sized pools. It will surely help extend your pool season by many more months after summer.
Product Highlights
To begin with, this pool cover is designed with super-efficient thermal cells which trap the heat of the sun to transfer it to your pool water. This lets you swim in your pool comfortably, even for a couple of hours on cooler, cloudy days.
Speaking of the dimensions, it measures 32 feet long and 16 feet wide, and hence, it is enough to cover medium and large-sized pools effectively.
Plus, its 12mm thickness further aids the heat retention process by raising the pool temperature by 15°F in a couple of days. And I can assure you that this warmth will be enough to charge you up for the day!
You will also be glad to know that it minimizes pool water loss due to evaporation by 95%, just like the pool cover from Sun2Solar. What’s more, the brand offers a 5-year warranty which ensures you can always reach out to them for a refund or replacement within this period.
What's There To Like About It?
Not all pool covers you’ll find out there would offer you the longevity that this product does. It is made from a solid UV-protected polymer that offers excellent resistance to UV radiation and chemicals. This helps in maintaining its performance over the years.
In fact, I’ve been using it for quite a few years now, and it has worked consistently in warming up my pool right from the start.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Sometimes I noticed a thin film of dust on the cover after a few months of continuous use. So, cleaning it up every few months was a bit of a hassle that some homeowners might be wary about. But as far as its performance is concerned, I was more than satisfied with this one!
Pros and Cons of Blue Wave NS420
Pros
Cons
- EXTEND YOUR SWIMMING SEASON – Harness the sun’s energy to naturally heat your in-ground pool by up to 15°F. The 12-mil solar blanket for pool traps and retains warmth, keeping your water at a comfortable temperature for longer.
- REDUCES EVAPORATION AND HEAT LOSS – Prevents up to 95% of water evaporation, minimizing refills and maintenance costs. Keep your pool water warm overnight and on cooler days with energy-efficient solar pool covers by Blue Wave.
- KEEPS YOUR POOL CLEANER – Enjoy a sparkling, clear pool with less effort because this solar blanket for inground pools also acts as a protective barrier against leaves, bugs, and debris, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
4. Bestway Solar Pool Cover
The Bestway solar pool cover is another solution you can count on to protect your above-ground pool and enhance its usability. From my experience, I can say it offers just the performance that any homeowner expects from a standard pool cover.
Product Highlights
This circular pool cover comes in two variants with diameters of 14 and 15 feet; as such, it can fit large-sized above-ground pools comfortably. And even if your pool has a steel frame, you don’t need to worry as this product will fit equally well inside it and stay in place throughout.
Moving on to its heating power, that’s also commendable as the makeshift pool in my yard stayed warm for several hours after being covered overnight.
Its high-quality blue plastic material did the trick by trapping the heat more efficiently than many ordinary pool covers. Even the rate of evaporation was largely reduced after I started using this one.
Long story short, you can bid adieu to the ill-fitting and inefficient pool covers once and for all by bringing home this product, just as I did.
What's There To Like About It?
The best thing about this pool cover is that it prevents debris such as leaves, branches, and stones from getting into your pool. I had been facing this issue with my makeshift pool for a long time.
In fact, most of the covers I used earlier got torn or damaged, which resulted in the debris making its way into the pool easily. But then I decided to go for this one with crossed fingers, and thankfully, its thicker material did away with the problem altogether!
What's There Not To Like About It?
I was a bit disappointed to find that the warranty period for this pool cover was just 90 days. As such, some owners might choose another option over this one. But at the same time, the material used for this cover is tough and chemical-resistant, which reduces the likelihood of any major issues.
Pros and Cons of Bestway Solar Pool Cover
Pros
Cons
- KEEP YOUR POOL WARMER: PE material prevents heat from escaping and keeps the water warmer
- COMPATIBILITY: Fits 15 foot Fast Set, 14' Power Steel Pools and other comparable sizes
- KEEP YOUR POOL CLEAN: Cover helps to minimize pool debris
5. In The Swim 12MIL 24RND
Towards the end, I’ve picked this popular solar pool cover from In The Swim, which performs considerably well in enhancing your swimming experience. So, let’s move on and have a closer look at all its features.
Product Highlights
First of all, the polyethylene material of this pool cover is tough and durable enough to ensure that it lasts for years to come. But it’s very lightweight at the same time so that users would never have any difficulty in using it.
This cover provided my pool with sufficient protection and minimized the quantity of debris getting into the water.
As for the installation, this item is pretty simple since you can fit it over pools of any shape by just cutting it as per your needs. In fact, I could use this cover right away without cutting it since it fit my pool perfectly. And the dimensions of 38 x 18 inches make it suitable for most medium and large-sized pools.
Finally, the brand offers an attractive limited warranty for seven years, which is why this pool cover ranks higher than many other products in terms of reliability.
What's There To Like About It?
I found the heating ability of this pool cover to be quite appreciable as it can raise the water temperature by 8-10 degrees. You just have to make sure it gets consistent sunlight for 5-7 days, and you’re good to go.
This way, my pool water remained consistently warm throughout the week, even if the weather was relatively cooler. Ultimately, I got a couple of months extra from the regular pool season, so I was delighted!
What's There Not To Like About It?
I only wished the packaging of this cover was better, as the material used for the purpose was substandard, which caused it to be torn in a few places. This made me worried about possible damages to the product, but luckily, it arrived in perfect condition.
Pros and Cons of In The Swim 12MIL 24RND
Pros
Cons
- Reduces water evaporation by covering the pool when not in use
- Solar covers are used to extend the pool season by helping to make sure the pool stays warmer without having to run the heater
- Round 24 foot pool solar cover helps extend pool season
Buyers Guide
Choosing the right solar pool cover would seem much easier if you take into account a couple of factors that would determine its efficiency. And you shouldn’t make the mistake of zeroing in on a product hastily without considering such factors, as it can lead you to a wrong choice.
On that note, let me take you through the key points which you must consider while buying a solar pool cover.
1. Thickness
Though many homeowners don’t pay attention to the thickness of a pool cover, it plays a vital role in determining the product’s quality. Going for a thicker material can actually provide better insulation, which implies that the heat can be retained in the pool water for a longer time. However, such covers will require more time to absorb the heat and transfer it to the pool water.
That’s why it will be best to go for a thick pool cover only if the weather in your place is warm and sunny most of the time. Otherwise, you should choose one with a standard thickness, i.e., 12-14mm.
2. Color
Contrary to popular belief, the color of a solar pool cover does much more than changing its look. It actually affects the efficiency of the product considerably. Notably, darker colors absorb more heat than lighter ones, which implies a lot of heat is trapped in the cover instead of being transferred to the pool water.
This is why you should go for covers in lighter colors such as silver, light blue, or clear covers to ensure they transfer maximum heat energy to the water.
3. Size And Shape
Make sure you carefully check the size and shape of the pool cover you’re considering. After all, it should fit your pool properly to ensure uniform heating. Since pools are generally round or rectangular in shape, the covers are available in both these shapes.
But if your pool has an irregular shape, you can cut the cover to ensure a proper fit. Keep in mind that not all pool covers are equally easy to cut. So, make sure you go through the customer reviews to get a clear idea about how well the product fits in pools of varying shapes.
As for the ideal size, it will depend on the dimensions of your pool. This makes it essential to ascertain whether the model is compatible with the size of your pool.
4. Type
You can find two kinds of solar pool covers on the market, viz. bubble covers and those with sun rings. The primary difference between the two lies in their design. While sun rings are individual rings that you just have to put in the pool water, the bubble covers consist of blankets of tiny bubbles.
Naturally, the former leaves a great deal of space uncovered, which increases the chances of evaporation from that part. But the latter guards the whole pool to ensure there’s no or little evaporation.
5. Warranty
Considering the warranty is equally important while choosing a suitable pool cover. Ideally, you must be able to approach the manufacturer if you face any issue with the product. It also ensures that you can get a free replacement if the issue is reported within the warranty period.
Most pool covers come with a warranty of one year, but it’s better to go for one which offers a longer warranty period. So, remember to check the product information to ascertain the warranty period applicable for a particular model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, a pool cover should be added whenever the pool is not in use. This implies you can keep it on in the morning till you decide to step into the pool, as that would help prevent water evaporation and heat the pool properly.
In regions that experience strong winds frequently, pool covers might be blown off when the wind force is too strong. As a result, it becomes quite a hassle to put it back each time. But such an issue can be dealt with by laying PVC pipes across the pool cover.
On a side note, you can fill the pipes with sand or stones to increase the weight if you want, and it’s a must to keep the ends of the pipes capped. These should be laid in various spots across the entire cover. With such a system in place, you can rest assured the pool cover won’t blow off by any means.
Yes, you can run a pool pump without any worries while the pool has a solar cover on it. I'd suggest running the pump for 5-12 hours per day based on the weather. This way, you will be able to conserve heat when the water is circulating.
On average, a solar cover raises the temperature of the pool water by 5°F every 12 hours. But it may vary based on the efficiency of a particular product. As such, checking the customer reviews is a great way to form a clear idea of the heating time.
My Final Recommendation
So, are you ready to prepare your pool for the cooler days? Go ahead and choose the best solar pool cover today. Remember to keep in mind your needs and preferences while making a choice.Â
But before I wrap up my guide, here’s a quick recap of my favorites from the list. If you need to warm up a small pool and are looking for a budget-friendly and reliable solution, the Intex 29024E solar pool cover will be an ideal pick.Â
On the other hand, the Blue Wave NS420 will be highly suitable for heating larger pools of any shape. Though it’s relatively more expensive, the brand offers an attractive warranty period and prompt customer support.Â
Let me know your picks in the comment section below. I’ll be back with more guides soon, so stay tuned.
Until then, happy swimming!