If your pool is always cold and filled with bugs and other creepy-crawlies, you need a solar pool cover.
A solar pool cover (sometimes called a “solar blanket”) is a large sheet of insulated plastic that extends the entire length of your pool. Solar pool covers serve two primary purposes: they keep insects, animals, and children out of your pool, and they use the warmth of the sun to heat your pool. This article will review the best solar pool covers on the market today.
HappyBuy Rectangular Solar Cover
We believe the HappyBuy solar cover is the best solar pool cover on the market in 2021. This cover is manufactured with tight mesh, thick polypropylene, and stainless steel. To install it, you screw bolts into the ground around your pool and attach the pool cover. This system is extremely safe, as the cover can support the weight of a small animal or child. The pool is also snow-proof and suitable for cold and warm climates. This cover is available in sizes from 14 x 26ft to 20 x 40ft.
Pros:
- Available in multiple sizes
- Can withstand weight from pets and small children
- Uses less plastic than other options
- Snowproof
Cons:
- Installation requires drilling holes around your pool
- Cannot be trimmed to size
Ultra Clear Rectangular Solar Cover
The Ultra Clear solar cover is an affordable yet durable choice. This UV-resistant pool cover is 16 mils thick and is made with thick resin. The bottom layer of the pool cover is aluminized, which helps the cover transfer heat more effectively. To install this pool cover, you simply measure it, cut it to size, and attach it to your pool cover reel. This pool cover is perfect for pool owners in tropical or non-snowy climates who want to protect their pools from debris.
Pros:
- 16 mil thick
- Aluminized bottom layer
- Can be trimmed to size
- Protects pool from debris
Cons:
- Requires a pool cover reel (sold separately)
- Not snow-resistant
Blue Wave Rectangular Solar Cover
The Blue Wave solar cover is a great budget buy. This 12 mil blanket is made with thick plastic and is UV resistant. It uses thick air bubbles to retain heat, which gives it the ability to increase your pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. This cover also reduces evaporation by up to 95% while keeping rainwater out of your pool. The Blue Wave cover comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty and is available in various sizes from 12 x 20 ft to 24 x 40 ft. This cover is a great choice for buyers who need an affordable option that will last several years.
Pros:
- Available in a range of sizes
- Reduces evaporation
- 5-year warranty
- You can trim it to size
Cons:
- Cannot hold the weight of pets and small children
- Requires a pool cover reel (sold separately)
Pool Mate Round Solar Cover
The Pool Mate solar cover is the best solar pool cover for round pools. The cover has two layers: an outer plastic layer and an inner aluminized layer for heat retention and transfer. According to the manufacturer, this pool cover provides 14.6% greater heat retention than non-aluminized alternatives. It’s also UV resistant and won’t degrade quickly. This cover has a 5-year warranty and is available in sizes from 15 ft to 24 ft.
Pros:
- 5-year warranty
- Aluminized layer
- Available in a range of sizes
- UV resistant
- Can be trimmed to size
Cons:
- Won’t hold weight from pets and small children
- Not snow-resistant
INTEX Deluxe Round Pool Cover
The INTEX deluxe cover is a good budget buy for round pools. This pool cover is UV-resistant, easy to install, and attaches to your pool with quick-release clamps. Unlike other options, this cover has drainage holes for rainwater and is suitable for above-ground pools. As this cover is quite thin, it is suited to warm, windy climates without regular snowfall. To get the most out of this product, make sure you regularly sweep water and debris from the cover at least once a week.
Pros:
- UV-resistant
- Easy to install
- Includes drainage holes for water
- Very resistant against wind
Cons:
- Not snow resistant
- Won’t hold weight from pets and children
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best solar pool cover?
The best solar pool cover for rectangular pools is the HappyBuy cover because it is extremely durable. If you have a round pool, the best cover for you is the Pool Mate round cover.
Are solar pool covers worth it?
Solar pool covers are definitely worth it. A thick solar pool cover can warm your pool up 3 – 10 degrees using sunlight. This will reduce the cost of pool heating long-term and reduce the time it takes to warm your pool to a suitable temperature for swimming.
Is a thicker solar pool cover better?
While thicker solar pool covers can be more expensive, they are a great investment. Thicker pool covers absorb more heat than thinner covers, meaning they heat your water better. Thicker covers also last longer, as they are hard to pierce, durable against degrading pool chemicals, and resistant to UV rays.
How do you keep a solar pool cover from blowing off?
If your pool cover keeps blowing off, you have two options. First, you can invest in a thicker (and heavier) pool cover. Second, you can lay heavy objects like PVC pipes or pool cover weights across your cover to hold it down.
Takeaway
The best pool cover for you will depend on your climate, pool, and budget. If you are looking for the best buy, we recommend the HappyBuy cover for a rectangle pool and the Pool Mate cover for a round pool. We recommend the Blue Wave cover and the INTEX cover as budget buys if those are out of your price range.
