
Swimming pool solar heating covers are a game-changer for pool owners who want to harness the power of the sun to warm their water.
These covers can increase the temperature of your pool by up to 10°F (5.6°C) on a sunny day. They work by trapping the sun's rays and preventing heat from escaping, allowing your pool to warm up faster and stay warmer for longer.
Pool owners can expect to save up to $300 per year on their energy bills by using a solar heating cover. This is because the cover reduces the need for traditional heating methods like gas or electric heaters.
A well-insulated solar heating cover can also help to reduce heat loss at night, keeping your pool warm even when the sun isn't shining.
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Benefits of Solar Pool Heating Covers
A solar pool heating cover is a must-have for any pool owner who wants to save money and extend their swimming season. By absorbing and trapping the energy of the sun, a solar cover can heat your pool's water by up to 15 degrees without using a gas heater or propane pool heater, thus saving you on heating costs by 50%-70%.
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You can shop for solar pool covers in various shapes and sizes to fit your pool, including rectangle, oval, and round covers.
A solar cover reel makes it easy to take on and off the solar cover, saving you time and effort. With a good solar reel, you can protect your solar cover for years of use. There are several choices to pick from for both in-ground and above-ground pools.
A solar pool cover can conserve water by reducing evaporation, lower heating costs by 50-70 percent, reduce chemical consumption, keep debris out of the pool, and retain pool heat. Here are some benefits of using a solar pool cover:
- Conserve water by reducing evaporation
- Lower heating costs by 50-70 percent
- Reduce chemical consumption
- Keep debris out of pool; Cutting back cleaning time
- Retain pool heat: Significantly reduce pool heat loss
A solar blanket can raise the temperature of your pool significantly, especially if you have a pool in a sunny region. By using a solar blanket with your pool heater, you can save money on heating costs.
You can prevent up to 95 percent of evaporation by using a solar blanket, which also helps to keep the water in your pool. This can save you money on water replacement costs and reduce the need for frequent water refills.
Installing a solar pool blanket is simple and effortless. You can cut out the shape of your pool on top of the blanket and place it over the water. Solar pool blankets are also flexible and can be swung over your pool to provide additional coverage and comfort.
A solar pool cover allows you to enjoy your pool for a longer period of time. With a warmer pool, you can swim longer into the fall and winter months, and even enjoy the warm water all year round.
How to Choose and Install
To choose the right solar pool cover, consider the thickness, color, storability, and warranty. Thicker covers (14 mils to 16 mils) are best for colder, windier climates, while thinner covers (8 mils to 10 mils) are sufficient for warmer climates.
The color of your solar pool cover is also crucial, as it determines how effectively it transfers heat and blocks UV rays. Clear colors are best for heat gain, while dark colors are better for heat retention. Light blue is a popular option, balancing heat gain and retention.
A good warranty is essential, as solar pool covers should withstand the elements and sun exposure. Look for a cover with a good warranty, and make sure it comes with a storage bag for easy storage.
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How to Install
To install a solar pool cover, make sure it's evenly overlapping the pool water surface for best results.
First, read our blog article, Solar Pool Cover Installation, Use and Care, for tips on sizing and installing your solar pool cover.
To ensure even overlap, measure your pool's surface area and choose a solar cover that's the right size for your needs.
For best results, consider installing a solar cover that's specifically designed for your pool's shape and size.
Even overlap is crucial for maximum heat retention and energy efficiency.
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Shopping for High-Quality Products

If you're looking for a solar pool cover that will withstand the elements, look for one with a good warranty. Our experts recommend choosing a cover with a warranty that covers at least 5 years.
When considering the thickness of your solar pool cover, think about your local climate. Thicker covers (14 mils to 16 mils) are best for colder, windier climates, while thinner covers (8 mils to 10 mils) are sufficient for warmer climates.
A good solar pool cover should also be easy to store. If you live in an area where you can't use your pool year-round, make sure the cover comes with a storage bag to keep it clean and dry.
Here are some key features to look for in a high-quality solar pool cover:
In addition to these features, consider the brand reputation and customer reviews when making your decision. For example, the Intex Round Above Ground Swimming Pool Solar Cover has a 4.2-star average rating from over 33,110 reviews on Amazon.
What is a Solar Pool Heating Cover
A solar pool heating cover, also known as a solar blanket, is a must-have accessory for pool owners. It's a bubble-wrap-like cover that absorbs the sun's UV rays to heat your water to a comfortable temperature.
These covers are available in various sizes, ranging from 12 feet by 20 feet to 20 feet by 40 feet, making them suitable for most pools. They're also 12 mils thick, making them ideal for moderate climates.
A solar blanket can save you money on heating costs by reducing the amount of heat lost while heating your pool, resulting in greater efficiency and lower heating costs.
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What is a Blanket
A solar blanket is essentially a bubble-wrap-like cover that absorbs the sun's UV rays to heat your pool water to a comfortable temperature. It's also known as a bubble solar cover.
A solar blanket's appearance is quite unique, with tiny thermal bubbles that trap heat and prevent water evaporation. This is more effective than a regular cover.
The bubbles in a solar blanket are responsible for absorbing the sun's UV rays, which then heat up the pool water. This process occurs during the day when the sun is out.
A solar blanket is not just a protective cover, but also a heating solution that raises the pool water temperature organically. This is a big plus for pool owners who want to save on heating costs.
Sun Heater Blanket
The SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket is a top-notch option for pool owners. It's available in sizes ranging from 12 feet by 20 feet up to 20 feet by 40 feet.
This solar pool cover transfers the sun's heat to the water when placed with the bubbles down. It's 12 mils thick, making it ideal for moderate climates.
The SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket has a 4.3-star average rating from nearly 400 reviews on Amazon. It folds down compactly, making it easy to store.
A solar blanket like the SunHeater can save you money on heating costs by using less energy. It's a must-have accessory if you're using a pool heater.
By using a solar cover with your pool heater, you can reduce the amount of heat lost while heating your pool, resulting in greater efficiency and lower heating costs.
Tontain Quadruple Bubble
The Tontain Quadruple Bubble Solar Pool Cover is a great example of a high-quality solar pool heating cover. It has a patented quadruple bubble design that allows the sun to transfer heat to the water more easily.
This design difference can make a big impact on the efficiency of your solar pool heater.
The cover is also extra thick, providing more durability and longer lifespan. This is especially important if you have a large pool or plan to use the cover frequently.
The extra thickness also helps to prevent the cover from tearing or fraying, especially around the edges. The sides of the Tontain Quadruple Bubble Solar Pool Cover are edged with PVC to prevent this from happening.
Advantages and Cost Savings
Installing a solar pool blanket is a smart investment for your swimming pool. It's a cost-effective solution that can save you money in the long run.
A solar blanket can reduce your power bills by minimizing the need for electricity to heat your pool. This can lead to significant savings over time.
In the long run, it's cheaper for you to install a solar pool blanket. You'll end up spending less on electricity, water, chemicals, and maintenance.
Top Picks and Reviews
If you're looking for a reliable solar pool heating cover, you've got several top-notch options to consider. Our top picks include the In The Swim 12-Mil Solar Pool Cover, priced at $184.99 on Amazon.
For those seeking a durable option, the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is a great choice, available for $199.99 on Amazon. Its robust construction makes it perfect for withstanding harsh weather conditions.
The Blue Wave 8-Mil Solar Blanket is another excellent option, priced at $139.00 on Amazon. It's a great choice for aboveground pools, offering a cost-effective solution for solar heating.
Here are our top picks summarized:
Top Picks

If you're in the market for a new solar pool cover, you've come to the right place. We've got the top picks for you to consider.
Our top pick for a middle option is the In The Swim 12-Mil Solar Pool Cover, available on Amazon for $184.99.
The most durable option on the market is the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, priced at $199.99 on Amazon.
For aboveground pools, the Blue Wave 8-Mil Solar Blanket is a great choice, priced at $139.00 on Amazon.
Here are our top picks in a convenient list:
- In The Swim 12-Mil Solar Pool Cover ($184.99)
- BigXwell Solar Pool Cover ($199.99)
- Blue Wave 8-Mil Solar Blanket ($139.00)
Sun2 Blue Oval
The Sun2 Blue Oval Pool Cover is a great option for oval-shaped pools. It can be trimmed to fit your pool, making it a flexible choice.
This cover is lightweight and easy to place over your pool, a definite plus. The brand claims it can raise the temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit and prevent water evaporation.
You can find this cover on Amazon, where it has a 4.2-star average rating from over 1,250 reviews. That's a lot of happy customers!
Big Xwell

Big Xwell offers a heavy-duty solar pool cover that's a top pick among pool owners. This cover is available in six sizes and two thicknesses, making it suitable for both aboveground and inground pools.
The Big Xwell solar pool cover is made up of thousands of air bubbles that absorb UV rays and lock in the temperature. This helps to reduce water evaporation by 95% while maintaining the pool's chemical composition.
One of the standout features of the Big Xwell solar pool cover is its durability. It has a 4.5-star average rating from over 610 reviews on Amazon, indicating that it's a reliable and effective option for pool owners.
The Big Xwell solar pool cover is also designed to be easy to use and store. It folds down compactly, making it simple to put away after use.
Here's a comparison of the Big Xwell solar pool cover with other top picks:
Note that the Big Xwell solar pool cover is a more durable option than the In The Swim 12-Mil Solar Pool Cover, but it's also more expensive. The Blue Wave 8-Mil Solar Blanket is a thinner option that's suitable for warm climates and aboveground pools.
Warming Water Methods
A solar cover can extend your swim season by a couple of months on each end of the summer, allowing you to swim from mid-April until mid-October in the Midwest.
Using a solar cover can increase the water temperature by 5 degrees F for each 12 hours of coverage in an in-ground pool.
You can get a solar cover for around $0.30 a square foot, so covering an average size pool costs about $130.
A cover absorbs sunlight and then transfers that heat to the water, making it an effective way to warm your pool.
Some covers are black, but the most widely used are made of inexpensive clear plastic that looks like bubble wrap.
Here are some benefits of using a solar cover:
- Prevent heat from escaping your pool
- Directly convert solar radiation into usable heat
- Limit evaporation
- Reduce chemical depletion
Manual systems for removing and replacing the cover can cost around $300, but you still have to pull it back out over the pool, which may mean you have to get into the water first.
Is It Worth It?
Solar pool blankets are a game-changer for pool owners. They're a cost-effective and efficient heating solution that can be used in both dry and windy environments.
You can install solar pool blankets yourself, making them a DIY-friendly option. They're so easy to install that anyone can do it.
The benefits of solar pool blankets are numerous, and their popularity is a testament to their effectiveness. There would be no popular use for solar pool blankets if they didn't work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a solar cover heat up a pool?
A solar cover can heat up a pool by 10-15 degrees on average, provided there are three consecutive sunny days. This temperature boost is ideal for warm and sunny climates, but can vary depending on weather conditions.
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