Welcome to Expert Store!

Home tools Buyer's Guides from tech enthusiast who loves technology and clever solutions for better living.

Check Today Price

Best pool solar cover 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]

Last Updated June 1, 2023

Roger BarnettHi! My name is Roger Barnett. After more than 50 hours of research and testing, which included using 16 different pool solar cover in five cities and interviewing product teams at five major companies, I made a list of the best pool solar cover of 2018

The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. What I would like you to remember as you browse my website is that I don’t work in the industry so the reviews I have are based on good old fashioned honesty.

Best pool solar cover of 2018

There are dozens of choices for an pool solar cover these days. These are composed of modern styling with modern technology to match it. Here are some good examples. Based on customer reviews and my own experience with the cowboy method I’ve found the best 3 pool solar cover on the market. I’ve based my selection methodology on customer feedback, the size, functionality, and budget to meet various demands. If you’re reading this, it is very likely that you’re scouting for the best pool solar cover.

Test Results and Ratings

Rank №1 №2 №3
Product
Total 4.8 4.5 4.3
Style
5 points
4 points
4 points
Materials
5 points
4 points
4 points
Performance
5 points
5 points
5 points
Quality
4 points
5 points
4 points
Awards 1
button button button
banner banner banner

 

 

 

 

How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.

You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the pool solar cover by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.

 

 

№1 – Sun2Solar Crystal Clear 22-Foot-by-44-Foot Rectangle Swimming Pool Solar Heating Cover Blanket – 16 Mil

 
Sun2Solar Crystal Clear 22-Foot-by-44-Foot Rectangle Swimming Pool Solar Heating Cover Blanket - 16 Mil

Pros
SAVE ON HEATING COSTS: Sun2Solar clear solar blankets are made from a film of thousands of tiny bubbles, which work together to collect and retain heat in your pool at night and on those chilly days. The clear color allows the sun’s UV rays to penetrate deeper into your swimming pool for warmer water temperatures. Pay less and swim more.
Cons
Not found yet.
 
Total:
4.8

Why did this pool solar cover win the first place?

I was completely satisfied with the price. Its counterparts in this price range are way worse. I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing! I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product. The product is very strong. Its material is stable and doesn’t crack.

banner2

Style

5

5star

Materials

5

5star

Performance

5

5star

Quality

4

4star

 

 

№2 – Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-28-Foot Rectangle Solar Heating Swimming Pool Cover Blanket 12 Mil

 
Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-28-Foot Rectangle Solar Heating Swimming Pool Cover Blanket 12 Mil

Pros
ATTRACTIVE BLUE DESIGN: Sun2Solar solar blankets are made from a film of thousands of tiny bubbles, which work together to collect and retain heat both at night and on those chilly days. The blue color provides an appealing look while also using the sun’s rays to help warm your swimming pool.
Cons
Has some durability issues.
A bit bulky.
 
Total:
4.5

Why did this pool solar cover come in second place?

I really liked it. It is amazing in every aspect. It did even exceed my expectations for a bit, considering the affordable price. The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made. Seems that the material is good. It has a very beautiful color but I don’t really like the texture.

banner2

Style

4

4star

Materials

4

4star

Performance

5

5star

Quality

5

5star

 

 

№3 – Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Heating Swimming Pool Cover Blanket 12 Mil

 
Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Heating Swimming Pool Cover Blanket 12 Mil

Pros
ATTRACTIVE BLUE DESIGN: Sun2Solar solar blankets are made from a film of thousands of tiny bubbles, which work together to collect and retain heat both at night and on those chilly days. The blue color provides an appealing look while also using the sun’s rays to help warm your swimming pool.
Cons
Require more effort to use.
Length might be an issue with some customers.
 
Total:
4.3

Why did this pool solar cover take third place?

I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new. This price is appropriate since the product is very well built. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment. I hope that the good reputation of the manufacturer will guarantee a long-term work.

banner2

Style

4

4star

Materials

4

4star

Performance

5

5star

Quality

4

4star

 

 

pool solar cover Buyer’s Guide

If you keep the before points in mind, you can easily go out to the market and buy pool solar cover, right? No!

Intex Solar Cover

It also does a great deal of preventing extra the loss of heat. You could make use of this blanket to ensure a happy pool time with friends and family. The warm temperature in the water will help them have lots of fun.

Double your pleasure in the pool! Choose the best from the various sizes available. You could use the pool for a longer duration with all the warm water. The sun rays could heat the light weight blanket in minutes. Sizes available are 1feet, 1feet for metal frame pools and 1by feet for rectangular frame pools.

It is simple to be handled every day. Also, contains a carry bag which might help you store it away after use. The blanket could fit correctly at the edges of the pool and might stay intact by floating.

Blue Wave, the brand out of the US, were formed over years ago initially as a pool chemical specialist, with one simple goal: to “provide consumers with the products they demand at a level of quality that exceeds their expectations.” They’ve done this by continuing to develop themselves in that market through various different product, with pool covers being one.

Blue Wave have a great reputation and are clearly a very professional company with good values. Dealing with them seems easy, straightforward and beneficial to both customer and company.

Dolphin Leisure

Dolphin Leisure are a leisure brand based in UK that have a vast range of solar products and a great level of knowledge towards the field of swimming accessories. A family run business, the company has 2years’ experience within the general swimming pool market within the UK.

For customers in the UK, it would be a great idea to check out their website, as they have a vast array of products within the solar cover niche, from cheaper, smaller items to larger, more expensive goods with a higher quality and more features than a standard solar cover.

There’s no need to look to me to champion the company, all you need to do is take a look at their website to see how highly they are regarded by customers who have used the business in the past. No matter what budget you have for your purchase, their online web shop will cater for you.

Covers4Pools

Covers4Pools are another UK based brand, but unlike the two companies above, Covers4Pools specialize in just that; covers for pools. Self-professed experts within the field, they have a massive range of high-quality products which not only keep the heat of your pool high, but also reduce evaporation to a minimum by only allowing 2% to leave the pool.

A feature that means you will need to fill your pool up much less than usual. Although based within the UK, they also have great export links, shipping across to mainland Europe most weeks and the ability to ship to Asia, USA and UAE. They are by no means purely a Britain-centric business. Unlike a lot of other solar cover providers, Covers4Pools provide custom sized, covers to fit any sized pool, something which is ideal if you have an unusual sized pool or one in a non-standard shape.

Approved Pool Drain Covers

Pool drain covers which are considered safe for use in residential and commercial swimming pools, and spas. They are designed in a way that one cannot be entrapped on the cover.

Automatic Spa Cover

A spa covering with an inbuilt mechanical system which enables you to operate the cover using a key or switch.

Ball Valve

A plumbing equipment with a hollowed out ball which is used to control water flow. The device is open when the ball’s hole is in line with the flow and closed when the hole is povoted 90 degrees by the handle.

A swimming pool built with dark gray or black material floor surface. These could be vinyl, tiles, aggregate, or fiberglass.

A feature installed in the spa to produce fun bubbles which give users a hydrotherapy effect while in the water.

Bromine

A pool construction feature used to cap the top edges of a pool or hot tub wall. Commonly used materials for this construction are precast concrete or brick.

Field-cut Stone Pavers

A type of deck where stones are cut and fitted next to each other. It can be the most expensive deck to install, depending on the tolerances in the grout joints.

Gas Valve

A pool cover that is made from hard glass. It is used to cover pools so that they can be used as normal surfaces during functions.

Abbreviation that stands for Gallons Per Minute

An artificial picturesque cave that are added to pools to give that natural look.

A mixture of sand and cement sprayed dry onto the contours on the surfaces of a pool. Water is applied at the point of application. Plaster is added after the gunite.

An overflow trough built at the edge of a pool to allow oil, debris, and other substances that are lighter than water to flow. Pools that have gutters don’t usually need skimmers.

Hard Covers

A type of cover that rests on the coping or edge of a pool or spa. It prevents entry of debris, insects, and people to the pool while maintaining heat.

A series of metallic tubes with fins that are located inside the heater to transfer heat to the water source.

A device that is mounted on the return line and delivers charged metal ions to the water flowing through it.

Mesh Covers

Type of pool covers that are lighter than solid pool covers and allow precipitation, small organic material and sunlight to pass through.

Highly durable, flexible and waterproof materials that are made to be porous so that they can allow water to sip through.

A company that has been manufacturing pool covers since the 1950s.

Meycolite

A type of pool cover material made by Meyco company that is light in weight and therefore ideal for making large pool covers.

A device that creates a fine spray of water which creates a fog thus helping to cool down pools with uncomfortably high temparature.

Multi Dome Pool Covers

Types of pool covers that are telescopic in nature and they glide over rails. The domes are able to retract into a single bay as the user wants.

A type of valve with many ports that is used in the sand and diatomaceous earth pool filtering systems.

Perimeter Overflow

This is a type of pool design that includes elevated edges or a pool flush that allows water to spill or overflow on all edges into a catch basin underneath before it is recycled again.

Pool Quilt Cover

This is a pool cover that is made up of multiple layers which are woven together using the quilting technique.

This is a resource center for swimming pool equipments and supplies, it also offers maintainance and repair services for swimming pools.

Solar Covers

This is a pool cover that absorbs and traps radiation from the sun and transfers it to the water body beneath it thereby increasing its temparature.

These are similar to solar rings and help to absorb radiation from the sun therefore heating up pool water.

These are alternatives to solar blanckets and help to absorb and trap the sun’s radiation.

This is a tool that helps to take a solar blanket on or off the pool more easily.

Solar Tarp Cover

A UV reflective cover for your solar pool cover the protects the blanket from the sun’s radiation.

This time-tested 

Blue Wave winter cover is made from a hardy and extremely durable woven polyethylene. It can easily handle leaves, dust, rain and snow.

It has also been UV stabilized to prevent any wear from sun exposure.

When you cover your pool with it, the water will remain clear until the next warm season.

In addition to keeping out debris, the cover has a dark underside that blocks light from reaching the pool, which inhibits algae growth.

At the end of the cold season, you will find your pool as good as it was when you covered it. So there is less requirement to add chemicals or filter out debris mid-winter.

Installation is straightforward, and you don’t need a professional to do it.

First, choose the right size. There are 1size options, ranging between 1by 20 feet to 30 by 60 feet.

Each cover size includes a 5-foot overlap, so, a 30 by 60 feet cover is actually 3by 6feet.

The overlap lets you to tie down the cover securely. There are loops and corner grommets to secure the cover against harsh winds.

The Blue Wave winter cover is backed by a 15-year warranty including three years of full warranty.

Swimming pool covers are not cheap.

Blue Wave Oval solar blanket is not the best above ground pool cover, but it is one of the cheapest.

At a 1mil thickness, this cover is noticeably lighter than more expensive pool covers of the same bubble-wrap design.

This makes it a bit sensitive and hard to secure against strong winds, so if your backyard is exposed to rough weather then this may not be the right cover for you.

Despite its lightweight design, you can expect this cover to last for at least 3-years. The 5-year warranty should give you some confidence about the cover’s durability.

This solar cover is clear, unlike the opaque ones that are more common. The advantage of a clear solar blanket is that it allows more heat to reach your pool during the day. It can raise the water’s temperature by up to 1degrees.

At night, the film of solar bubbles on the surface acts as an insulator, preventing evaporation and heat loss.

The main problem with a clear cover like this is the formation of algae. With light getting through to the water below, algae will keep thriving if you leave the cover on for too long.

This is definitely not a winter cover, so don’t leave it on your pool for months or you’ll probably find your water filled with algae.

It’s meant for short-term use at night and whenever else the pool is not in use.

There are eight sizes available, all of them oval. Make sure you select the one that best fits your above ground pool without having to trim.

As with most of the pool covers reviewed on this page, you won’t need a professional’s help to install it.

A mesh pool cover guards against such dangers.

One of the best safety pool covers is this one by Arctic Armor. It is designed for in-ground pools measuring 20 by 40 feet. The cover is 2by 4feet to provide a secure installation.

The mesh material used to construct the cover is both strong and lightweight. It is strong enough to withstand a weight of over 4,000lbs but light enough that you can roll it on and off the pool on your own.

It is held firmly on the pool deck by brass anchors that are drilled into the cement. When the cover is off, the anchors can be recessed into the ground to avoid tripping people and for aesthetics.

Arctic Armor mesh cover is not just for safety; you can also use it as a winter cover. The mesh permits rainwater to pass through but filters out leaves and other debris.

I would, however, recommend you get a dedicate winter cover instead of multi-purposing this one. A winter cover is designed to stop everything, including light and water, from getting into the pool. It ensures your water remains clean and algae-free for months until you are ready to swim again.

For installation, the Arctic Armor safety cover comes with comprehensive instructions, brass anchors, and an installation tool.

We don’t look at how cheap or expensive a pool cover is. Rather, we compare the price with the value provided by the cover.

If it’s a winter cover, it should offer airtight protection from debris, algae, and elements. If it is a safety cover, it should guarantee the safety of your kids and pets when the pool is not in use. If it is a solar cover, it should be able to heat up the pool during the day and retain that heat at night.

Often, companies will tout their 7, and 15-year warranties to lure customers. You’ll even find a cheap solar cover with a 7-year warranty.

But if you look closely, they have probably provided full warranty for two years only. For the remaining years, you get prorated coverage. That means you’ll only get refunded a portion of your purchase costs, sometimes as little as 10%.

The best type of pool cover depends on your particular needs. A winter cover is great if you want to protect the pool during the long cold months. A solar cover is ideal if you want to keep your pool comfortable without spending money on a pool heater. A thermal cover is best if you just want to keep the pool warm at night and on cold days.

Most pool covers come in one of three shapes: rectangular, round and oval. If possible, find one that corresponds to your swimming pool shape.

For some pool covers, however, you can trim the cover to your specific pool shape. This is especially beneficial if you have a free-form swimming pool.

Before buying, check whether the manufacturer recommends trimming and whether the warranty will still be valid afterward.

In addition to shape and size, also check which type of pool the cover is made for. Some covers, especially solar and thermal covers, can be used for both above ground and in-ground pools.

But a majority will have a specific usage recommendation; either above ground or in-ground.

Durability depends mostly on the material used in the cover and the quality of construction. Thin, lightweight solar covers last between and three seasons while thicker ones can last up to seasons.

Winter and safety covers should have a durability of at least seven years. The best ones can easily last more than a decade while still in good shape.

This is not a major factor, and it doesn’t contribute much to our rating of individual pool covers. As long as the pool cover is durable, easy to use and good at its job, the aesthetics take a back seat.

There are two factors we consider when assessing how a specific cover is secured. One, how easy it is to install and remove it. We prefer pool covers where you don’t need a pro to secure it and which you can also remove later without any trouble.

Two, how secure the pool cover is. One common complaint is wind blowing the cover open and allowing dust and debris to get into the water.

For safety covers, we make sure that the securing method is robust enough to provide adequate protection from drowning. Most manufacturers provide brass anchors that you drill into the deck (for in-ground pools).

As I’ve already mentioned, you should be able to install a pool cover and remove it without calling a pro.

The materials most commonly used in pool covers are vinyl, Polypropylene or Polyethylene. All three are strong and durable materials designed to withstand exposure to the elements including UV rays.

Some companies have come up with their proprietary materials to provide added strength and durability.

Pool covers are designed to withstand the damaging effects of UV rays, for a certain period. Depending on the material used and level of UV protection, a pool cover can last anywhere between season and ten seasons.

We welcome any extra feature manufacturers add to pool covers. One of our favorites is insulation.

SOLAR POOL COVERS

Solar swimming pool covers, or bubble covers, are perhaps the least expensive of all the options. During the day, the blanket absorbs the sun’s warmth and helps keep this warmth from escaping during night’s cooler temperatures.  Some blankets reduce evaporation by 99% and cut down on pool heating costs by up to 75%.

Installation is easy and can be done with a pair of household scissors. The bubbles go face down on the water and then is cut to fit the shape of the pool.

AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS

Automatic pool covers can alleviate safety concerns and are extremely easy to use. As implied by their name, auto pool covers automatically open and close at the push of a button.  They are far easier to operate and more secure than the other kinds of covers.

Auto covers are made of interlocking slats that rest on the surface of the water, and can support the full weight of an adult. A reel operates the slats, automatically covering and uncovering the pool at the push of a button.  It can also be locked to prevent young hands from inadvertently opening and closing the cover.

The covers are custom-fit to the measurements of the pool. There are two methods for installation.  The first method anchors the pool cover to the ground using snap-down anchors. The second is installing a track. The two tracks need to run parallel to each other to ensure the auto cover can slide through unimpeded.

Automatic pool covers require a professional to install.  When installed properly, it is impossible for anyone to fall into the water.

THERMAL POOL COVERS

Thermal pool covers are perhaps one of the best kinds of pool blankets. They block the sun’s ray, keeping damaging algae from growing. They also retain heat better than solar covers.

Installation is normally done by a professional. The cover can fit just about any pool shape too.

Hidden Swimming Pool Covers

The blanket and roller housed in a sunken in section at the end of the pool.  A lid, which is normally made from anodized aluminum then hides the roller and cover.

When you want to use the cover, you simply open the lid and unroll the cover.

Tips for Choosing the Right Pool Cover

To make sure you choose the most suitable pool cover, take your time. I always recommend looking at multiple places so that you don’t settle for anything less than what you want. I also recommend taking your time so that you can find the best deal. One pool cover might not be on sale at the first store you look at, but it might be on sale online or in another store, or it might go on sale soon.

Pool Solar Heat Covers

Here are a few tips from our expert staff at The Pool Factory.

Solar covers are not safety covers! Just another reminder to make sure you keep your above ground pool gated and locked or check out our safety pool ladders available for purchase at The Pool Factory.

Direct sunlight on your swimming pool water will warm your above ground pool faster than if you had your solar heat cover on throughout the day. For best results, uncover your swimming pool while in direct sunlight and use the solar cover only at night and when your pool is out of the sun’s reach.

Purchase a solar cover reel! One of the disadvantages to owning a solar heat cover is dealing with its bulky size when putting it on and removing it from your pool. A solar cover reel can make this process much easier and less of a chore to ensure laziness doesn’t set it when the time comes to get your pool solar heat cover on your swimming pool.

Things to Consider

Picking out a good pool cover isn’t too difficult, and there’s not much to worry about. Although your main concerns are going to be the size and material of the pool cover, there are a few other things you might want to think about as well.

Area

Pool covers are not one-size fits all. Perhaps the most critical thing to pay attention to is the size of the cover. Make sure you know the dimensions of your pool before you buy, and try not to buy a cover that is too large for your pool.

Shape

Although there are exceptions, above-ground pools typically come in two shapes – rectangular and round. There might be exceptions to this rule, but they will be exceedingly rare. Naturally, you’ll want a pool cover that is the same shape as your pool.

Oakleigh VIC 3166

Everyone who owns an above ground pool knows that the water temperature is greatly affected by how cold the air is. For those living in the Northeast part of the country like me, you know that it starts to get pretty chilly in September which means closing up the pool earlier than you would like to.

Use The Sun To Heat Your Pool!

A solar pool cover is a smart and easy way to harness the sun’s heat and do it much cheaper than a heat pump or any other external heater.

They Save Water

It makes sense to think that if you cover your pool during those hot days that you will cut back on evaporation and conserve water while you’re at it.  That’s exactly what a solar cover does. It not only heats your pool, but also prevents the sun from sucking up all of that expensive water you filled it with.

They can be heavy

Solar pool covers in general can be heavy, depending on the thickness (or mills) of the material and how large it is. The higher the mills, the thicker it will be and the more cumbersome it will be to remove from your pool.

Some pool owners choose to just yank it off the top of the pool and either drag it onto the deck or off the side in the grass. Doing this can dirty up your cover and then transfer all of that dirt and debris into your pool the next time you put the cover on. It can be a real mess.

This is why we highly recommend purchasing a pool cover reel that rolls up the cover and is easily pushed aside or wheeled away.

Storage

As mentioned above, if you have a pool cover reel, you’ll be fine during the months you’re using the pool.  During the off months, you’ll need to make sure you find a safe dry place to store the solar cover so it doesn’t become damaged. Think of the cover as a thicker better version of bubble wrap (and please, don’t try to substitute bubble wrap for a solar cover – it won’t work) so you’ll need to make sure it stays away from sharp objects when in storage.

Midwest Canvas

We’re big fans of Midwest Canvas in part because they have been around for a while and make a quality solar cover for just about any above ground pool. The main reason we like them, though, is that they source their materials domestically and make their products in Chicago and we love products made by U.S. companies.

Awesome 30 Gallon Long Fish Tanks For Sale Online

In The Swim

The actual amount of savings one can get by using the best solar pool heaters depends on the climate of the region. In areas that receive plenty of sunshine, such as Florida, Colorado, Arizona, California, and Georgia, the savings on water heating bill can range from 70% to 90%.

Example of a glazed solar collector

Water heaters with unglazed solar collectors are less efficient in capturing energy. However, these systems are generally cheaper than the glazed solar collectors since they do not include expensive glass covering. They are made of UV-resistant plastic or rubber construction and are ideal for warm and sunny climate zones. With that said, these collectors may also be suitable for indoor pools in colder regions if the solar heater is fitted with a sensor that drains water back to the pool when not in use.

Installing a Solar Pool Heater

The annual sunshine duration or how much sunshine reaches the site where the pool is installed will determine the size and type of pool heater you should buy. Generally, solar heating systems use two kinds of energy sources.

Both of the above energy sources are utilized to provide heat to the pool water. This means that even if the pool is located in areas with less sunshine such as the southwestern states in the US, it can still heat the water. The only requirement is that the solar panel should be located in an area without a shade.

Your solar system supplier can evaluate the site’s solar resources and recommend the best solar pool heater for you. They make use of computer programs and worksheets to size up the area and determine solar heater collector sizing and system requirements.

Usually the size of the solar collector should be about 50% to 100% of the pool surface area. Larger sized solar heaters are needed for cooler and cloudier areas.

For instance, a solar panel collector with a size equal to 100% of the square footage of the pool is required for colder region with less sunshine. On the contrary, areas that receive lots of sunshine such as Arizona or California, a system with an area of 60% to 70% of the surface area of the pool is sufficient.

You must also determine size of the pump that will be adequate for properly heating the pool. If you want to completely replace your conventional pool heating system with a solar powered one, you should buy a larger pump to transfer the pool’s water through the circulators. You may also consider buying a separate smaller size pump to adequately transfer pool water and keep it at a desired temperature. In addition, you can greatly decrease the required size of the collector by buying a solar pool cover, blanket, or solar rings for your swimming pool. Also, a solar cover reel is recommended to easily put on and off the cover.

When installing a solar water heater on the roof of the house, you should make sure to follow local building regulations and code. There should be enough room on the roof to allow maintenance checks. Consider getting the site inspected by a professional to ensure that the installation is compliant with the code of your local building authority.

Maintenance

The costs of maintaining a solar power heating system is very low. As mentioned previously, a solar water heater usually comes with a warranty of five years and more. After the solar water heater is installed, you won’t incur any additional costs.

Anti-freeze liquid is required in regions where the temperature during the winter dips below freezing point. The liquid prevents the water inside the pumps from freezing at night when the temperature is the lowest. It should be changed after every three to five years by a professional technician.

There are three things that you need to check on an annual basis. You must check the system pressure and make sure that it has not dropped below a specific level. This can simply be done by looking at the pressure gauge of the pool heater.

Another thing that you need to check annually is the controller of the solar panel. Make sure that the controller is working correctly. Ensure that the main system controller shows no error or warning sign.

The third thing that you need to check annually is whether there has been any damage or leaks to the insulation of the pipe that runs to and from the solar panel. You should remember to check the pipes especially after extreme weather to ensure that the pipe of the solar pool heater is in perfect condition.

A solar water heater can be left unused for up to one month without requiring any intervention. You must consult with your supplier to find out what needs to be done if you will be away for extended period of time.

Remember that storing water at 50 to 12degrees Fahrenheit can promote growth of Legionella bacteria. This can pose a health risk to the individuals. You should consult with your supplier on how to heat stored water up to sufficient temperature to kill the bacteria.

Difference between Solar Blankets and Solar Covers

Solar blankets are different from solar covers in many ways. They are generally more expensive than solar pool covers but possess greater heat retention abilities. A high quality solar blanket can retain up to 60 to 75% of the heat, while solar covers have reduced heat retention capabilities. This translates into more cost savings.

Another way solar blankets are different than solar covers is that they require professional installation and fitting. The upside of using solar blanket, however, is that they last for a longer time as compared to the solar covers. A high quality solar blanket can last for up to years and even longer.

How to Install Solar Pool Rings

Solar pool rings can be assembled easily without any problem. The first thing that you need to do after purchasing the rings is to unpack them and lay them under the sun for about half an hour. They are usually packed tightly in boxes. As a result, when you unpack them you may see some lines on the rings.

After you have unpacked the rings, you must then start inflating them. There is no need to fully inflate the rings. You just need to ensure that there is enough air that holds shape of the ring. This can be easily achieved with four or five breaths.

Once the outer rings are inflated, you need to move to the inner rings. The inner rings need to be inflated lightly as compared to the outer rings. About two breaths will be enough to inflate the inner rings.

Examine the rings to ensure that the air is evenly distributed inside the rings. Once you are done inflating the rings, you must scrunch them together tightly. This will result in even distribution of air within the rings. You can let out excess air in the rings through the deflation tube.

Remember that the blue side of the solar ring must face down when you want to heat up the pool. To cool down the pool, you can turn the rings over. The rings will attach to each other while floating around.

The exact number of solar rings that you should buy depends on the size of the pool. Generally, solar rings are about 59’’ in diameter. For best results, you should buy enough solar rings to cover at least 80% of the pool. You can place them on top of one another for additional heat retention benefits.

You should remember to clean the solar rings with mild soap. However, avoid washing them with abrasive materials. Also, do not walk on the rings. With proper care and cleaning, these rings can last for more than year.

Heat Retention

Solar covers work to raise the temperature by the pool up to 1degrees because the tiny air pockets capture heat from the sun and transfer it to the pool water while also acting as insulators to prevent heat from escaping off of the surface of the water. Despite the fact that the surface area of a pool is large, not much sunlight that hits the pool is actually being converted into heat. A staggering 75% of a swimming pool’s heat loss is due to evaporation and the cover acts as a barrier between the water and air to keep it all in. You can reduce your swimming pool heating costs up to 70% using a solar cover because solar radiation is directly converted into usable heat and could potentially heat the water by degrees for each 1hours of coverage.

A pool solar cover is also very effective in indoor pools that can also lose heat through the cooler air. It’s doing most of its work overnight when the air is cooler than the water in the pool and without the aid of a solar blanket, would lose a significant amount during the night hours.

Reduced Chemical Depletion

Coupled with preventing evaporation, less water lost to the heat of the sun means that you will need to replenish your pool’s chemistry much less because a solar blanket can reduce a pool’s chemical consumption by 35%-60%. Being exposed to the sun without a cover means that the chemicals in the pool are broken down much more rapidly and will need to be replenished more often.

The reduction in chemical depletion means you are reducing your costs as a pool owner and can be considered a form of energy conservation. Covers also typically keep out dirt and debris which makes keeping your pool clean and the water chemistry balanced much easier.

Try a liquid solar blanket.

Don’t like the idea of using a solid cover or solar blanket on your pool? There’s an alternative. Although not effective as a genuine pool cover or solar blanket, a liquid solar blanket can provide some help.

Liquid blankets are lighter than water, and they are best described as a microscopic film that sits on the pool surface. They come in several forms, including tablets, bottles, and fish-shaped dispensers. They’re a snap to use. Simply pour or add the product into your pool, and the contents will automatically disperse across the entire pool.

Transforming into a protective molecular barrier, the liquid blanket traps heat and slows down evaporation. It’s biodegradable, invisible, and works 24/to help keep water from escaping your pool.

Used by thousands of pool owners, liquid blankets have increased in popularity over the last decade. Manufacturers point out that the product contents are safe, non-toxic for swimmers, and have zero effect on the water’s pH and chemical balance.

Some versions require you to manually add the product on a daily basis, while others provide automatic dispensers that work on their own for up to a month.

Turn off any water features.

In particular, pay extra attention to features that spray water into the air or that cascade in raindrop-style sheets of water. Because the entire surface of each small water droplets is exposed to air and heat, they are more prone to evaporation. Compared to a trickling rock waterfall, these kinds of features may lead to greater, quicker water loss.

Reduce water temperature.

Lowering the pool thermostat is a simple, effective way to slow evaporation. The reason: Warmer water has faster-moving molecules that more easily vaporize, and float away.

When the mercury drops in the evening, a warm pool becomes especially vulnerable; in the cold night air, water molecules turn into mist that easily evaporates. This process accelerates when the temperature of pool-water is higher than the temperature of the air.

Cooler water is more resistant to dispersing into the atmosphere. So take note: If you will not be using the pool for a while, just go ahead and turn down the heater. Ditto for the spa if you have one; the extra warm spa water is particularly susceptible to evaporation.

Add windbreaks.

Wind can speed up evaporation of pool water. To combat its effects, consider a windbreak—a barrier placed around your pool to curb the wind’s speed and ability to directly hit the water surface.

Not only will a strategically placed windbreak slow evaporation, it may prevent heavy gusts from creating waves and blowing some water out of your pool.

These barriers can take a couple of forms. Landscaping is one. For example, you can add a few rows of shrubs or some thick bushes. They will add beauty to your backyard while buffering some of the blowing wind around your pool.

Another form is a solid or semi-solid wood or metal fence. If you already have one that is not solid—such as a row, chain link, or wrought iron post—you may be able to alter it, creating an obstacle for the wind. To do so, consider placing certain kinds of material over the existing fence structure.

There are plenty of visually appealing options that can cover your fence to create virtual panels, including nets, tarps, screens or vinyl. Some can be custom designed with various colors or patterns to compliment your existing fence.

Another way to fortify your existing fence against the wind is with artificial hedges. These durable screens give the appearance of foliage like fern, ivy, and ficus. They have the added benefit of being affordable and easy to install. Along with hindering the wind’s impact on your pool water, this faux greenery will enhance your backyard privacy.

Rely on the Experts at Zagers

For over 50 years, our friendly experts have guided families through the sea of options to select the perfect pool or spa at the perfect price.

We not only help you make the right choice for your family, but also install and service your pool or spa to ensure your enjoyment for years to come.

What People Are Saying

Since skimmers and returns are not standardized, you need to know the brand or size before you purchase the plug and plate. Above ground pools are easy. Because of the large number of inground equipment sizes, they are more difficult.

 

 

 

 

How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.

You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the pool solar cover by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.

 

 

Final Word

First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.

Most important, have fun and choose your pool solar cover wisely! Good luck!

So, TOP3 of pool solar cover

 

 

Questions? Leave a comment below!

Chatting about pool solar cover is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better!

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Subject

Your Message

RECENTLY REVIEWED
Best arch support of 2018
Best sun hats for men of 2018
Best hydro flask of 2018
Best photo boxes of 2018
Best garden tool set of 2018


AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Some posts may contain affiliate links. expert-store.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
FOLLOW US

       
 
COPYRIGHT © 2017 · expert-store.com · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
DMCA.com Protection Status
Sponsored
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases