Unless you’re one of the adventurous swimmers that delight jumping into ice-cold water, you probably prefer a heated pool. But, before you head out and drop the dough on a gas or electric heater, have you given swim pool solar covers some thought?
Unlike other pool covers in the market, solar covers elevate the temperature of your above-ground or in-ground pool. In turn, this helps you cut down on energy costs, pool water refills, and chlorine refills.
With that being said, let’s explore the ins and outs of swim pool solar covers that make them stand out from their regular counterparts. Read on!
Table of Contents
How Do Solar Pool Covers Work?
Unlike regular covers, solar pool covers are designed to be used in warm climate areas. Pool water absorbs a significant amount of sunlight. For instance, a white plaster pool with a depth of approximately 4.5 feet absorbs nearly 60% of solar energy. It then heats the pool by roughly 0.7 degrees Fahrenheit per hour, under the noontime sun.
However, evaporation counteracts this heat gain that’s dependent on air and water temperature coupled with humidity and the wind on the pool’s surface. Therefore, evaporation results in the same pool losing approximately 5 degrees Fahrenheit per quarter-inch of water evaporated. Swim pool solar covers amass the sun’s energy and channel it directly into your pool, thereby keeping it warm.
Solar Pool Cover Bubbles: Do They Make a Difference?
Unlike regular pool covers, the solar counterparts are made up of thousands of tiny bubbles, which make all the difference when it comes to functionality and installation.
During the installation process, ensure that the bubbles face down. This is because the sun heats the air inside the bubbles. The heat is then channeled into your pool. So, the bubbles should face the water. And, they also aid in retaining your pool’s warmth even when the temperatures drop at night.
If the bubbles directly face the sun, then it’ll take longer for your pool to get heated. And, they may get damaged in the process if they lack a medium to which they can channel the amassed heat.
What are the Best Swim Pool Solar Covers in the Market?
Now that you understand how the swim pool solar covers stand out from regular covers, below are some of the top picks.
Sun2Solar Clear Rectangle Solar Cover
It comprises a myriad of bubbles that are excellent heat absorbers during the day and retain your pool’s warmth at night. This can be attributed to the cover’s resin material that’s a good conductor of heat. The Sun2Solar Clear Rectangle Solar Cover prevents evaporation by up to 95%.
So, when you’re not enjoying a swim, it’s advisable to keep your pool covered with this cover. Doing so means less evaporation, which means fewer pool water refills for you. If your pool is unique in size and shape, you can trim this cover accordingly, with a marker and a sharp pair of scissors.
Blue Wave Solar Blanket for Rectangular Inground Pools
It implements solar heating, thereby boosting your pool water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The cover is filled with insulating thermal bubbles that ensure your pool retains heat during the chilly nights and days. Backed by a 6-year warranty, the solar blanket is resistant to deterioration from the sun’s UV rays and pool chemicals like chlorine. It also curbs up to 95% of chemical and pool water evaporation, which saves you money and time.
Splash Pools Round Solar Pool Cover
While keeping out leaves and other unsightly debris out of your pool, this solar cover is a beast in capturing the sun’s rays and increasing the water’s temperature. Made from long-lasting resin, the solar cover diminishes the water evaporation rate by up to 95%. And, it increases your pool water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it energy-efficient. Suitable for in-ground and above-ground pools, the cover should be stored in a cool and dry place when it’s not in use.
Harris Rectangle Solar Cover
Are you looking for an environmentally-friendly way of increasing your pool water temperature without causing a spike in your electricity bill? Then the Harris Rectangle Solar Cover is your saving grace. Designed from reflective, sturdy, thick, and aluminized material, this cover has the uncanny ability to warm your pool by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
It seals in the heat, thereby maintaining optimal comfort even when your pool isn’t in use. It’s no secret that pool owners find the blue color of pool water appealing. So, being clear-colored, this solar cover allows the vibrant blue color to shine through while preventing silt, leaves, dirt, and debris from seeping into your pool.
Backed by an 8-year warranty, the Harris Rectangle Solar Cover maintains its flexibility, which means it doesn’t become brittle with excess UV exposure.
Rectangle Premium Pool Solar Blanket Cover
With roughly 5-7 days of consistent sunlight, this solar cover increases the water temperature of your pool by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Concurrently, it retains the heat in your pool, which means you can delight in longer swimming seasons. Backed by a 7-year warranty, the cover is efficient in filtering out dirt, leaves, and other debris, which results in a cleaner pool.
Blue Wave Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools
If your goal is to reduce water and chemical evaporation, then this cover is your go-to. For the optimization of heat retention, the cover’s blue color permits the maximum amount of sunlight to get to the water directly. In turn, this boosts your pool water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Made from thousands of small bubbles, the cover retains warmth long after sunset, through the chilly nights and cloudy days. The Blue Wave Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools is UV-resistant, which means it retains durability even under constant exposure to the sun’s strong rays. And, it’s backed by a 3-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
Now that you’re armed with the ins and outs of swim pool solar covers, the selection process will be a walk in the park. They’re a worthy investment that’ll reward you with a cleaner pool, energy efficiency, years of service, and more. Order yours today!
