Updated: April 25, 2023
Best Solar Pool Covers Reviews | 2024
Solar pool cover is necessary if you own a pool. A good solar pool cover helps you save energy by heating the pool with solar energy and saving water by protecting it from debris and dirt. It also frees up more time to swim and enjoy your pool while lowering utility and upkeep expenses. In this article, we’ve listed some of the best solar pool covers of 2024 to help you pick a suitable one.
Disclosure: We at Consumera provide unbiased recommendations. We may receive a commission when you use our links to make purchases, but this in no way compromises the authenticity of our reviews.
Disclosure: We at Consumera provide unbiased recommendations. We may receive a commission when you use our links to make purchases, but this in no way compromises the authenticity of our reviews.
5 Best Solar Pool Covers
You need to consider certain factors, such as your location and climatic conditions, as products may vary based on your requirements.
To pick a solar pool cover that meets your needs, you must also be clear about the details, such as your pool dimensions and budget. We’ve listed the 5 best solar pool covers in the market below to help you save time on your research.
MidWest Canvas Rectangular Silver Solar Cover
Silver pool covers help trap the sun’s rays in the pool by preventing them from bouncing back out of your pool. This rectangular pool cover comes in five different sizes and is a fairly thick cover.
Silver pool covers help trap the sun’s rays in the pool by preventing them from bouncing back out of your pool. This rectangular pool cover comes in five different sizes and is a fairly thick cover.
Why We Picked It
This cover made our list because many pool owners have been pleased with the MidWest Silver Solar Cover and find it very effective in trapping heat in the pool overnight and warming the water during the day. Because this cover is thick, it will likely last longer than other thinner options.
| Material | Canvas |
| Thickness | 16 mils |
| Cost | Starts From $146.99 |
| Warranty | 7 years limited |
| Size | 16’ by 32’ |
| Rating | Good |
| Material | Canvas |
| Thickness | 16 mils |
| Cost | $146.99 |
| Warranty | 7 years limited |
| Size | 16’ by 32’ |
| Rating | Good |
Blue Wave NS520 Solar Blanket
Blue Wave models are relatively thick and a good choice for households with a clear solar pool cover. It is ideal for rectangular pools and is easy to cut to the desired size.
Blue Wave models are relatively thick and a good choice for households with a clear solar pool cover. It is ideal for rectangular pools and is easy to cut to the desired size.
Why We Picked It
Blue Wave NS520 Solar Blanket features on this list because it is relatively thick and effective at trapping heat, but isn’t as heavy as some of the 16 mil covers. Therefore, taking on and off the swimming pool is a bit easier.
| Material | Plastic |
| Thickness | 14 mil |
| Cost | Starts From $134.19 |
| Warranty | 6 years limited |
| Size | 16’ by 32’ |
| Rating | Good |
| Material | Plastic |
| Thickness | 14 mil |
| Cost | $134.19 |
| Warranty | 6 years limited |
| Size | 16’ by 32’ |
| Rating | Good |
Doheny's Clear-Tek Micro-Bubble Solar Covers for In-Ground Swimming Pools
This solar pool cover is slightly more affordable than other options but isn’t as thick as other models. Therefore, it isn’t ideal for very cold or windy climates.
This solar pool cover is slightly more affordable than other options but isn’t as thick as other models. Therefore, it isn’t ideal for very cold or windy climates.
Why We Picked It
We picked Doheny’s Clear-Tek Micro-Bubble Solar Covers for our list because it is a bit more affordable than some of the other solar blankets on the market, and it comes in 10 different sizes. Also, many options are available, such as blue and clear covers.
| Material | Polyethylene |
| Thickness | Varies by the series |
| Cost | Starts From $71.09 |
| Warranty | 7 years limited |
| Size | 16’ by 32’ |
| Rating | Good |
| Material | Polyethylene |
| Thickness | Varies by the series |
| Cost | $71.09 |
| Warranty | 7 years limited |
| Size | 16’ by 32’ |
| Rating | Good |
BigXwell Solar Pool Cover for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools
Why We Picked It
We added the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover to our top 5 list because it is known for its high quality. Although it is a bit more pricey than other options, it is known for being a well-made rectangular blue cover.
| Material | Polyethylene |
| Thickness | 16 mil |
| Cost | Starts From $42.99 |
| Warranty | Contact manufacturer |
| Size | 16’ by 24’ |
| Rating | Excellent |
| Material | Polyethylene |
| Thickness | 16 mil |
| Cost | $42.99 |
| Warranty | Contact manufacturer |
| Size | 16’ by 24’ |
| Rating | Excellent |
Sun2Solar Round Solar Cover
Sun2Solar covers are ideal for in-ground and above-ground pools and feature a round shape. The thickness varies by the series, so select the one that is best for your climate.
Sun2Solar covers are ideal for in-ground and above-ground pools and feature a round shape. The thickness varies by the series, so select the one that is best for your climate.
Why We Picked It
We included Sun2Solar in our list because it comes in both blue and clear is available in 12 sizes, starting at 8 feet. Many options make it easier for customers to find the appropriate size. Also, it is a 16 mil pool cover, so it is well suited for colder or windier climates.
| Material | Unknown |
| Thickness | 16 mil |
| Cost | Starts From $52.92 |
| Warranty | Contact manufacturer |
| Size | 15’ |
| Rating | Excellent |
| Material | Unknown |
| Thickness | 16 mil |
| Cost | $52.92 |
| Warranty | Contact manufacturer |
| Size | 15’ |
| Rating | Excellent |
Compare Top Solar Pool Cover Companies
Companies |
Material |
Thickness |
Cost (Starts From) |
Warranty |
Size |
Rating |
Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Canvas | 16 mils | $146.99 | 7 years limited | 16’ by 32’ | Good |
|
|
Plastic | 14 mils | $134.19 | 6 years limited | 16’ by 32’ | Good |
|
|
Polyethylene | Varies by the series | $71.09 | 7 years limited | 16’ by 32’ | Good |
|
|
Polyethylene | 16 mils | $42.99 | Contact manufacturer | 16’ by 24’ | Excellent |
|
|
Unknown | 16 mils | $52.92 | Contact manufacturer | 15’ | Excellent |
|
Note: Here we've mentioned starting cost and it'll be varying according to the size of cover.
How Does A Solar Pool Cover Work?
Solar pool covers, also known as solar blankets, are essential for pool maintenance because they keep debris out of pools while minimizing evaporation and capturing solar energy. They are like giant piece of heavy-duty bubble wrap that traps the sun’s heat and insulates the pool at night.
Solar blankets are made of UV-resistant plastic and vary in thickness depending on the product, from just several mil to 16 or more. Note that mil doesn’t stand for millimeters and is a unit of measurement that is one-thousandth of an inch.
If your pool has a heater, these covers reduce your energy bills, and if your pool is unheated, it allows the pool to be warmer than the air temperature. The air bubbles in the cover allow UV rays to heat the pool via heat transfer naturally. The air bubbles then work as insulation during the night, helping to keep the warmth in the pool when the air temperature dips.
Read More >>
How To Use A Solar Pool Cover ?
You want your solar pool cover to fit correctly, so you may need to cut it with sharp scissors if it isn’t the ideal size and shape. A proper fit is especially challenging for custom-sized or irregularly shaped pools, such as kidney-shaped pools.
The cover should fit snuggly along the water's surface up to the pool's edge. Therefore, the cover must not drape over the sides of the pool.
Place the cover on the water, bubbles side down, so the thermal pool cover is floating on the surface. Most pool owners use the covers whenever they aren’t swimming and especially overnight. Read More >>
When using the pool, remove the cover and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight, which causes the plastic to degrade prematurely. For convenience, some pool owners install a reel to roll up the cover, or else they cut it into large segments to make it easier to move. Another option is to store it in a bag and place it in a garage or shed.
Why Should You Buy A Solar Pool Cover?
Many swimming pool owners with solar blankets are thrilled because they save time and money while conserving resources.
Benefits To Using A Solar Blanket For Outdoor Pools:
- Prevents water from evaporating, reducing water bills
- Helps maintain warmer water temperatures by letting sunlight heat the pool and trapping that heat overnight, lowering your energy bills
- Reduces the use of pool chemicals by helping to maintain ideal levels of additives
- Keeps debris out of the pool, saving time and money due to cleaning
- Helps promote safety by keeping pets and children out of the pool when it shouldn’t be in use
- Minimizes mineral deposits by reducing evaporation
- Helps the environment by conserving water, energy, and pool chemicals
Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Solar Pool Cover
Let’s explore some of the top considerations when purchasing a solar blanket:
UV Resistance: The pool cover material can avoid degradation from ultraviolet radiation from the sun.The plastic in the pool cover breaks down and disintegrates over time due to the chemical bonds in polymers breaking down from sunlight. Note that clear covers tend to have better UV resistance than blue ones.
Material & Thickness: In colder or windier climates, a solar pool cover with a thickness of 14 or 16 mil is ideal. However, a 10 or 12 mil thermal pool cover in warmer climates is sufficient and costs a bit less than a thicker model.
Color: Most pool covers are clear, blue, or silver. Some experts recommend a blue pool cover because it helps prevent the breakdown of pool chemicals and is a bit more effective at trapping the sun’s heat. However, clear pool covers tend to last longer because they have more excellent UV resistance.
Size Of Your Pool: It’s critical for the cover to fit correctly to function well. If the cover is too large, you can cut it down using scissors to the proper size and shape. However, avoid buying a pool cover that is too small because it will not work properly.
Air Bubbles: Solar pool covers are lined with little air bubbles because air helps insulate your pool. When temperatures dip at night, the bubbles help with heat retention.
Cost: Larger and thicker pool covers tend to cost more than thinner and smaller ones. Also, some pool owners buy a solar cover reel system for removing and storing the solar blanket, which increases the total cost.
Warranty: Although some solar pool covers have warranties, they are often prorated over time. Also, some warranties require the customer to pay the shipping costs, which makes the warranty less helpful.
Tips To Maintain Solar Pool Covers
When properly maintained, solar pool covers typically last for two to five seasons. Apply the following tips to help keep your cover in good condition.
- Remove debris regularly, including leaves
- Avoid storing the pool cover in direct sunlight when not in use
- Hose it down periodically to remove dirt
- Once in a while, scrub off stuck dirt gently with a mild soap and allow it to dry completely before storing
- Maintain proper chemical levels in the pool
- Keep a repair kit in your home and if rips form, fix them immediately before they expand
- Don’t use the cover during the winter months when the pool isn’t in use, but replace it with a cover specifically made for colder weather
- When it rains, remove water that pools on top of it
Bottom Line
A solar pool cover is an excellent way to save time and money while helping to maintain a warmer pool. However, don’t be disappointed if the cover only lasts two to three years, especially if you live in a hot, sunny climate. The above list of the top 5 pool covers provides comprehensive details to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.
Our Methodology
When picking solar pool cover companies, we consider various factors and analyze companies’ performance to serve you the best. Here are those measures:
Offered Covers: We check whether the pool covers are reliable, long-lasting, UV resistant, and have proper thickness.
Costs: We compare the charges of various companies and pick the best-priced ones for you.
Warranty: We examine whether the company provides a warranty for the solar pool covers. The length of warranties is something that we take into count too.
Licenses: We verify if the solar pool cover company has the required documentation to provide services across the States.
Sarah Lozanova is an renewable energy journalist and copywriter and is the author of Humane Home: Easy Steps for Sustainable & Green Living. Her renewable energy experience includes residential and commercial solar energy installations and utility-scale wind farms. She also taught green business classes to graduate students at Unity College and holds an MBA in sustainable management from the Presidio Graduate School.
Sarah Lozanova is an renewable energy journalist and copywriter and is the author of Humane Home: Easy Steps for Sustainable & Green Living. Her renewable energy experience includes residential and commercial solar energy installations and utility-scale wind farms. She also taught green business classes to graduate students at Unity College and holds an MBA in sustainable management from the Presidio Graduate School.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the commonly asked questions:
What Solar Cover Is Better, Clear Or Blue?
There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Blue pool covers absorb more light than clear solar pool covers. Therefore blue covers are more effective at transferring the heat to the pool and retaining the heat.
Although both blue and clear covers will help insulate your pool, a clear pool cover will stay cooler and therefore release more heat. Also, blue covers are more effective at preventing the degradation of pool chemicals from UV radiation.
However, clear cover lasts longer because it can stay cooler in the sun. The price of both clear and blue solar pool covers are similar, so there isn’t an advantage or disadvantage related to the cost.
Should I Leave Solar Cover On The Pool During The Day?
The answer to this question depends on your climate, goals, and the cost of water in your area. If you live in a dry or windy climate, keeping the cover on during the day might be helpful to prevent evaporation. However, the evaporation rate decreases in a warm, humid climate, so taking off your pool cover might be worthwhile. If you want to keep your pool warmer overnight, it is essential to keep it on at night to maintain a warmer temperature.
Can I Run My Pool Pump With Solar Cover On?
Yes, you can run your pool pump with the cover because it doesn’t hinder its operation. Keeping the pool cover on reduces the amount that the pool pump needs to run, extending the life of the equipment.
Do Solar Pool Covers Cause Algae?
Pool covers don’t cause algae growth because they prevent debris and rainwater from entering your pool. However, if you do not remove debris once it has entered your pool water, algae can grow in your pool water.
Are Solar Pool Covers Safe?
In general, pool covers are safe for pets and children. Unfortunately, if water collects over a pool cover, this can create a dangerous situation because a child can drown in just an inch or two of water. Sadly, there have been cases of several young children playing in the yard, falling into the water that collected on the pool cover, and drowning.
When it rains, use a pump to remove the water that collects on the cover. Although this will not altogether remove all moisture, it will prevent water from collecting and posing a threat. Another way to make your pool safer is to install a fence around it.
When Should You Use A Solar Pool Cover?
These pool covers are beneficial at preventing the evaporation of water, saving energy, and keeping your pool warm. It is especially critical to use the cover at night when the air temperature drops because it works to insulate the water from cooler temperatures. Often, it is also helpful to use the cover during the day to help heat the water and prevent evaporation.
How Much Warmer Does A Solar Cover Make A Pool?
Pool covers can increase your pool water temperature by 10 to 15°F. Not only do they harness the power of the sun to heat your pool water, but they also insulate the pool at night when the air temperature is cooler.