There’s much debate in the swimming pool industry regarding the blue vs. clear solar cover match-up. Granted, both types are effective. But, as a pool owner, your goal is to get rid of the doubts that crop up regarding the cover to settle for.
While there is a barrage of pool cover colors in the market, clear and blue are the most sought-after. So Without further ado, let’s dive into the better option between clear vs. blue solar covers and the difference. Read on!
Table of Contents
Why Is A Solar Pool Cover Important?
Made up of an array of bubbles, solar covers serve different purposes.
- Energy absorption: They’re a beast in absorbing solar energy that’s then channeled into your pool by conduction.
- Lower the rate of evaporation: Uncovered pools lose surface heat at a drastically high rate, more so when cool nights and a steady breeze are thrown in the mix. A solar pool cover is effective in reducing this rate. The best solar covers in the market reduce the pool water evaporation rate by up to 95%. And, they’ll absorb the energy without a solar blanket.
- The reduction of chemical deterioration: Solar covers lower chemical degradation that stems from UV radiation exposure. Therefore, smaller doses of chlorine into your pool last longer than they normally would. Courtesy of a solar cover, UV radiation is absorbed, and your pool water is shielded which means less evaporation of chlorine.
Clear vs. Blue Solar Pool Covers: Is the Color Important?
Yes! The color of a solar pool cover makes all the difference.
- Blue: It’s the standard color found in solar covers because they’re well-rounded and offer a plethora of the general features, but at a lower cost. Blue covers are translucent, thereby allowing UV rays to seep into your pool while retaining heat.
- Clear: These types of covers pave the way for the sun’s rays to penetrate deeper into your pool compared to other colors. No additional water circulation methods are needed. But, this circulation may still be necessary for the heat to dig deep and get to the floor of your pool, despite the cover’s color.
Clear covers are an excellent choice during the sweltering summers. However, if you reside in an area that gets less than six hours of direct sunlight per day, then you should opt for a different pool cover color like blue, that’s more heat absorbent in a shorter duration.
The Top Blue Solar Pool Covers to Buy
Thermo-Tex 2831224 Swimming Solar Pool Cover, 12ft. X 24ft. -Blue
It’s designed from topnotch UV-stabilized polymers which have high resistance to degradation from solar energy and pool chemicals. As a bonus, the Thermo-Tex blue solar cover is lightweight, which makes the installation and removal process a breeze. Additionally, it comes with a 3-year warranty.
Mid West Canvas SC-BS-000004 Space Age 21-Feet Round Above Ground Solar Cover-Blue
It’s an 8mm-thick blue cover that sits on top of your pool and harnesses solar energy during the day and retains it at night. Being UV protected, the 21-foot Mid West Canvas is long-lasting and is backed by a 5-year warranty.
Sun2Solar Blue 25-Foot-by-50-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover
What better way to lower the costs of heating your pool during the warm and cold months than with this blue solar pool cover. Given that it doesn’t depend on electricity or fossil fuels as a source of it, this cover is a budget-friendly yet effective solution for pool owners.
Furthermore, it’s a beast in preventing pool water evaporation by as much as 95%. The 2 inch to 4-inch overlap allows you to trim it according to your pool’s dimensions. Its topnotch heat retention ability makes it unbeatable when it comes to preventing your pool’s temperature from dropping during the cold nights.
The Best Clear Solar Pool Covers to Buy
Harris Rectangle Solar Cover – Clear
Are you looking for an affordable and environmental-friendly way of increasing your pool temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit? Then the Harris Solar Pool Cover is your go-to. For those that love the blue color of their pool, this clear solar cover allows this vibrant color to shine through and brighten their day. Packed with an 8-year warranty, the solar pool cover that’s available in different sizes keeps leaves and other debris from your pool.
Midwest Canvas Clear Diamond 15-Foot-by-30-Foot Oval Solar Cover
Ideal for inground and above ground pools, this clear solar cover is proof that diamonds are a pool’s best friend. The diamond-shaped pattern packs more bubbles per square foot compared to other solar pool covers. So, this makes it an ideal option for utilizing the sunny and warm days while curbing up to 95% of water evaporation from your pool.
After calling it a day with wrinkled fingers from having a boatload of fun in your pool, ensure that the solar cover sits back on the water. This prevents all the warmth generated during the day from going to waste after sunset.
Sun2Solar 4ft. X 8ft Rectangle Solar Cover for In-Ground and Above-Ground Swimming Pools
It’s designed from thousands of tiny bubbles that collectively work together to retain your pool’s heat at night and on chilly days. The clear color allows for the sun’s UV rays to penetrate deep into your pool for warmer temperatures. Its uncanny ability to prevent pool water evaporation by up to 95% makes it a top choice for many.
Moreover, if your pool is uniquely shaped, this solar cover quickly melts away your fears of not finding the right fit. You can trim it to suit your pool’s shape by using a pair of scissors and a marker.
Value for Your Money
Now that you understand the difference between clear vs. blue solar pool covers, you can make a purchase based on your preferences. Nonetheless, both types of covers are excellent heat and water retainers. Therefore, they aid in cutting down water replacement costs, utilities, and pool chemicals. This makes them a worthy investment.
