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Have you ever cannonballed into a swimming pool only to find that it’s about as cold as the Arctic Ocean? Whether it be hot or cold outside, swimming pools are prone to exceedingly low temperatures. This is because about 75% of a pool’s heat loss results from evaporation, and not from the reduction of direct heat. But what can you do to keep your pool heated at all times without driving up your energy bill? The answer is a solar pool cover.
A solar pool cover is placed over the top of a swimming pool, creating a barrier between the water and air, and reducing the amount of heat that is evaporated. With one of these covers, you will never have to worry about your pool water being chilly and uncomfortable.
Compare: The 10 Top Rated Solar Pool Covers of 2018
| Picture | Name | Brand | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Sun2Solar 20'x40' Rectangle Supreme Blue Solar Cover | Sun2Solar | $$$ | 4.9 |
 | Harris 16 ft x 32 ft Rectangle Solar Cove | Harris | $$$ | 4.8 |
 | Sun2Solar 24' Solar Blanket Cover | Sun2Solar | $$$ | 4.8 |
 | Blue Wave 21-Feet Round Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pools | Blue Wave | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 12 Mil Pool Solar Cover 16 x 32 ft. Rectangle | In the Swim | $$ | 4.5 |
 | Intex Solar Cover for 15ft Diameter | Intex | $ | 4.4 |
 | In the Swim 12 Mil Pool Solar Cover | In the Swim | $$$ | 4.4 |
 | Blue Wave Rectangular Solar Blanket for In Ground Pools | Blue Wave | $$$ | 4.3 |
 | Splash Pools Round Solar Pool Cover | Splash Pools | $ | 4.2 |
 | MidWest Canvas SC-BS-000046 Space Age Inground Solar Cover | MidWest Canvas | $$$ | 3.9 |
| Picture | Name | Brand | Price | Rating |
Reviews: Top 3 Best Solar Pool Cover Models
Contents
Splash Pools Round Solar Pool Cover – Best Affordable
For a solar pool cover in its price range, this Splash Pools cover is an outstanding buy. Proven to last over a number of swimming seasons without losing any buoyancy, it is as durable as any cover you’ll find. It’s made to cover round, above-ground, medium-sized pools, and is capable of increasing water temperatures by up to 15 degrees. Simply put, it is the best solar pool cover available at such a low price.
Pros:
- Ridiculously durable
- Excellent heat-saving capabilities
Cons:
- Thinner than some covers
- Tends to measure smaller than advertised
Intex Solar Cover for 15ft Diameter – Great Value for the Money
Made for medium-sized, above-ground, round pools, this Intex solar cover is a reliable buy at a decent price. Capable of reducing heat evaporation by up to 95%, it does a stellar job of keeping water heated consistently. It has been proven to last up to at least 2 swimming seasons under intense and direct sunlight. If you’re looking for a very solid solar pool cover at an affordable price, you should definitely consider this Intex cover.
Pros:
- Does a great job of preventing heat evaporation
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Fairly thin
- Doesn’t attach to the pool; only floats on top of water
Sun2Solar 20’x40′ Rectangle Supreme Blue Solar Cover – Overall Winner
The best solar pool cover currently on the market is this Sun2Solar rectangular cover for large, underground pools. Capable of increasing water temperature by 5 to 10 degrees, it is the most consistent cover you’re going to find. It’s ridiculously durable, coming with a 2-year warranty, and has proven time and time again that it can withstand wear and tear. If you have a large, underground pool, and you’re looking for the best solar pool cover around, this is the one for you.
Pros:
- Increases water temperature rapidly
- Extremely durable
- Large enough to cover most underground pools
Cons:
- Bulky and difficult to store
What is a Solar Pool Cover?
A solar pool cover is a thin, typically transparent device that can be placed on top of your pool in order to reduce the amount of heat loss in the pool’s water. While it separates water from air and keeps heat from evaporating, it also allows the sun to shine directly onto the water, ensuring that it’s always being heated naturally.
The majority of solar pool covers have a series bubble-like shapes lining them, helping to radiate incoming sunlight so that it spreads evenly across the pool. Though these covers come in many different colors, such as black, blue, and clear, they are most effective when they are light-colored.
Related: The Best Above Ground Pool (Guide)
What are the Benefits?
The primary benefit of a solar pool cover is that it will keep your pool heated consistently. By letting natural sunlight in, and not letting existing heat out, it works to save you a great deal of money in artificial heating costs.
Of course, it also serves the same purposes as any other pool cover, keeping bugs, debris, and other objects from submerging themselves in the water. In short, if you’re going to spend money on a pool cover, you might as well put the extra money down to get a solar cover. It will do the same thing as a regular cover, and also keep your pool heated, saving you a lot of money in the process.
See Also: The Best Pool Basketball Hoop (Guide)
Which Products are the Top Contenders?
Sun2Solar 20’x40′ Rectangle Supreme Blue Solar Cover
Made for large, rectangular, underground pools, this Sun2Solar solar pool cover measures in at 20 feet wide and 40 feet long. Designed to prevent up to 95% of heat evaporation, it is capable of increasing your pool’s temperature by 5 to 10 degrees. It’s constructed from a resin material that is highly durable and which will last you quite a few seasons in the sun.
Harris 16 ft x 32 ft Rectangle Solar Cover
Just a bit smaller than the Sun2Solar cover is this Harris cover which measures in at 16 feet wide and 32 feet long. Made for rectangular, underground pools, it is clear, and capable of increasing water temperature by up to 15 degrees. Exceedingly durable, it has a long lifespan and has been proven to increase swimming seasons by up to 2 months
Sun2Solar 24′ Round 12 Mil Supreme Blue Swimming Pool Solar Heater Blanket Cover
Sun2Solar makes our top 3 again with a cover designed for round, above-ground pools. Measuring at 24 feet in circumference, it is great for large pools, and is capable of increasing water temperature by up to a staggering 17 degrees. Carefully constructed with reinforced seams, it will last a number of pool seasons.
Choosing the Right Cover for your Pool
At first glance, all solar pool covers appear the same. Transparent, light-colored, thin, and foldable, they seem as if they should all be capable of doing exactly the same things. However, there are some slight differences in solar pool covers that can make all the difference. In addition to getting one that is large enough for your pool, you must also pay close attention to its ability to transfer heat and its durability. Only then can you choose the right solar pool cover for you.
Size
Solar pool covers come in all different shapes and sizes. Regardless of the shape or size of your own pool, you should be able to find a solar cover of very high quality. Available in circular and rectangular shapes, they can range anywhere from 15 feet in circumference to 30 feet in circumference.
Heat Transfer
The single most important aspect of any solar pool cover is its ability to transfer heat from the sun to water in the pool. A high-quality solar cover is capable of increasing a pool’s natural water temperature by up to 15 degrees. This type of heat increase can lead to a much longer swimming season overall.
Durability
As with any product you purchase, durability is one of the most important aspects to consider in a solar pool cover. While low-quality solar covers may only last one swimming season if you’re lucky, high-quality solar covers can last up to five swimming seasons and beyond. In short, choosing a highly-durably cover can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Cost
There is a lot to pay for in everyday life. From bills to groceries to gasoline and other products, you have to dish out quite a bit of money. So, when choosing a solar pool cover, it’s understandable that you may have to work within a budget. This may prevent you from being able to purchase the best cover available. But if you’re able to purchase the best available, you can almost certainly look forward to lower energy bills and lower costs in the long run.
Size
Sun2Solar 20’x40′ Rectangle Cover
This Sun2Solar solar pool cover measures in at 20 feet in width and 40 feet in length, making it a great choice for large, rectangular, underground pools. However, though it’s made for large pools, there’s no reason that you wouldn’t be able to cut it down to fit a smaller pool.
Harris 16 ft x 32 ft Rectangle Cover
This Harris solar pool cover measures in at 16 feet in width and 32 feet in length. While it isn’t large enough to cover huge pools, it is capable of covering most rectangular, underground pools that you can find. And, of course, like any pool cover, it is capable of being cut down so that it can accommodate the needs of smaller pools.
Sun2Solar 24′ Round Cover
If you’re the owner of a large, round, above-ground pool, you might be interested in this solar cover by Sun2Solar. Measuring in at 24 feet in circumference, it is large enough to cover just about any circular pool around.
Heat Transfer
Sun2Solar 24′ Round Cover
12 millimeters thick, this Sun2Solar solar pool cover transfers heat as well as any cover you’re going to find. With the ability to increase the pool’s temperature by up to 17 degrees, it can stretch a swimming season from 3 months to 5 months.
Harris 16 ft x 32 ft Rectangle Cover
Clear and transparent, this Harris solar cover allows for the natural heat of the sun to shine directly through to the pool’s water. 16 millimeters thick and capable of increasing water temperature by up to 15 degrees, it does a superb job of keeping your pool warm and comfortable through cold nights and overcast days.
Sun2Solar 20’x40′ Rectangle Cover
This Sun2Solar solar cover is 12 millimeters thick and is capable of increasing a pool’s natural temperature by 5 to 10 degrees. Designed with small air bubbles, it captures the sun’s heat and transmits it to the water, ultimately reducing total heat evaporation by up to 95%.
Durability
Sun2Solar 20’x40′ Rectangle Cover
Constructed from a tough resin material, this Sun2Solar solar pool cover is as tough of a solar cover as you’re going to find. Most users report that it lasts nearly 3 full swimming seasons, with some even stating that it has lasted longer. In any case, it comes with a 2-year full warranty and 6-year limited warranty.
Harris 16 ft x 32 ft Rectangle Cover
With a 2-year full warranty and 7-year limited warranty, this Harris solar cover guarantees at least two full swimming seasons. However, most users reported that their Harris covers lasted at least 3 full swimming seasons, with some reporting even longer usage.
Sun2Solar 24′ Round Cover
UV-protected, this Sun2Solar cover is safe under any sun intensity. With a 2-year full warranty and 6-year limited warranty, it is ensured to last at least 2 full swimming seasons. Most users report it lasting 3 years, the some have reported it lasting even longer.
Cost
Harris 16 ft x 32 ft Rectangle Cover
Of our top 3, this Harris solar cover is the cheapest. That, however, doesn’t make it any less effective. In fact, it’s still relatively close in cost to the other two covers. In the end, you should make a purchase based on what you need out of the cover.
Sun2Solar 24′ Round Cover
When compared to the Harris rectangular cover in our top 3, this Sun2Solar cover is around the same price. If you own a circular, above-ground pool, it’s as good of a price as you’re going to get for a solar cover of its caliber.
Sun2Solar 20’x40′ Rectangle Cover
As the old saying goes: you get what you pay for. And if you want the top solar pool cover on the market, you’re going to have to dish out a little more money. However, the difference in cost is not substantial. While this Sun2Solar cover is a little more expensive than the other two covers in our top 3, it’s still fairly reasonably-priced.
Overall
A solar pool cover can work wonders in keeping your pool heated consistently and in helping to reduce your overall energy bill. By retaining the natural heat of the sun, and reducing this heat’s evaporation rate, a solar pool cover forces the sun to work for you.
High quality covers such as the Sun2Solar 20’x40′ Rectangle Supreme Blue Solar Cover keep your pool warmer for longer, and in turn, increase the length of your swimming season. Though solar covers may cost a bit more than regular covers, they will ultimately pay for themselves by way of lower energy bills and a more consistently-heated pool.