Best 10 Solar Pool Covers

Summer is here, and we are ready to jump into the water and enjoy the gorgeous heat again. Do you have an above ground swimming pool or an in-ground pool? Whatever pool size you may have, there’s some maintenance that you have to take care of for cleanliness. There are many accessories such as pool cleaners to help you maintain the surface and interior spick and span. 

What do you do when the water starts cooling, and you want to stay inside a little longer? Sure, you could go for a pool heater, but those are costly as they run on electricity plus they occupy too much space. An essential and money-saving accessory to go for instead is a pool cover. The best solar pool covers help keep your water in exactly your comfort all day long. That way, you can enjoy your inflatable float for hours on end! 

Do you want to know more about pool solar covers? Our buying guide goes in-depth to give you the best options for any shape, rectangular pools, above-ground pools, ground pool covers; you name it! Stay with us as we show you the top features to consider so you can pick a product that matches your needs.

What are solar pool covers? 

The standard solar pool covers, also known as solar blankets, are plastic covers that pool owners place on the surface to maintain the water temperature and lower the chances of water evaporating. They come with bubble covers that look like bubble wrap and create a blocking barrier from the sun's harmful UV rays. There are many different sizes and shapes available, depending on your pool’s shape. The most common ones are square or round solar covers. They come in black, blue or as clear solar covers. 

How do they work? 

The main idea is that these covers draw heat from the sun's energy to keep the water warm for longer periods. They also prevent evaporating, which can save you money on refilling the pool. Many people prefer these over tarps as they can up the Celsius degrees in a natural way. The bubbles at the bottom of the cover trap heat inside and help you keep even the same water overnight.

Why should you buy a swimming pool solar cover? 

There are many advantages to owning a solar cover for your pool. Many people opt for these instead of tarps as they have various benefits. Let's have a look at the most obvious ones below.

1. They prevent water from evaporating. 

Evaporating water removes the pure water from your pool and causes an imbalance in chemicals and chlorine. As a result, you will have to refill the water more frequently. When the water evaporates, the temperature drops, so it’s nice to have the solar cover to maintain the warmness. 

2. They maintain the water temperature for longer.

Solar covers work by trapping the sun ray’s heat and distributing warm temperatures in the water. They have bubbles at the bottom that bring higher temperatures to the pool surface. That way, when you put the cover on top of the pool, you can maintain the temperature even overnight so that when you wake up the next morning and dip in the water, it will still be comfortable enough to swim in without having to replace it. 

3. They keep the pool surface clean from debris & leaves. 

Another benefit to using solar covers is that they work well and keep pestering insects, bugs, dust and debris out of plain sight. Like any other cover type, it's handy to know that there are no chances of falling leaves landing in the water when you put it on top of the pool. 

What features should a solar pool cover have? 

Do you want to learn a bit more about the top features to consider before purchasing a pool cover? Read below as we've added up a list of the most critical things to look for. 

1. Shape & Size

The size of the solar cover matters so that it fits nicely in your pool. There are various shapes including round, rectangular ones, specific for in-ground or above ground pools. Also, the dimensions can start from just 1.83m to 5.84m long. The thickness is also important; a solid average range between 12mm and 16mm will offer better heat retention and block the harmful sun rays more efficiently. 

2. Colour 

When picking the colour, you can go for a dark, blue or clear one. In general, darker colours at the underside and clear at the top retain the heat more efficiently, trapping the sun's energy for longer periods. Budget-wise, you can find affordable options in any colour, but your choice depends on the heat output that you want.

3. Air Bubbles 

You must find a cover with air bubbles on the bottom to add an extra layer between the water and the cover. By doing so, the sun can penetrate deeper and effectively increase the temperature. 

4. UV Protection

For a long-lasting product, pick one that has ultraviolet protection against the sun’s rays. These may cost a little bit more than the inexpensive ones, but their longevity will be improved, and they will stay fade-proof for longer.thanks to robust polymer and other high-quality materials 

Are pool covers safe? 

Yes, pool solar covers are safe and give you a breathable and comfortable temperature while you're swimming. One thing to keep in mind is that you should tie it when you're not using the pool to prevent it from flipping over and landing on the ground. If you have kids, this may lead to accidents, but you can avoid it as long as you tighten it securely. 

How much do pool solar covers cost? 

These neat accessories are suitable for any tight budget. You can find affordable and high-end options that will match any pool size and in multiple shapes. Take some time and review what’s in the market and pick the one that fits your pocket. 

Affordable

The most inexpensive models start from as little as £12 up to £30. They can be solar sun rings that have small pool coverage areas. Their colour can either be clear or blue. Usually, the low-cost options will range from 1.83m up to 3.66m. 

High-End

Most premium models have high-quality and durable materials such as polyethylene, polymer and stainless steel ropes or hooks to attach to the pool. They can cost £30 and reach over £600 and may even come with a warranty. Their surface area can be wider, and they have advanced technologies on the bubble side that traps the heat for longer periods. Their size can be from 4.57m to 5.48m. 

Closure

Spend your whole day in the swim and enjoy splashing in your pool. The best solar pool covers have excellent heat retention and work to maintain your pool water’s temperature comfortable for hours on end. 

We are optimistic that our buying guide has helped you understand them better and give you enough knowledge to make the best choice for you. Are you ready to dip your toes into warm water?