The best solar blankets for pools are varied and based on your pool size, weather, frequency of use, and your personal preferences. Here are all of the things that we think make the very best solar blankets for pools of all shapes and sizes!
Read Next
- Best Solar Blankets For Pools
- How do Solar Pool Blankets Work?
- Our Top Picks For The Best Solar Blankets For Pools
- Sun2Solar 1200 Series Clear Heat Retaining Blanket
- Midwest Canvas Ultra 16 Mil Solar Blanket
- In the Swim 1632D Midsol Premium Solar Pool Blanket
- Intex Solar pool blanket
- Doheny’s Clear Tek Micro Solar Pool Blanket
- Benefits Of Using Solar Blankets For Your Pool
- How To Pick The Best Solar Pool Blanket
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
- 💬 Feedback
Best Solar Blankets For Pools
Having a pool means you need to cover it during the night or other times during the day for several purposes. Out of the numerous types of pool blankets, this article covers all about solar blankets for pools.
So, keep reading till the end to find out the best solar blankets for pools you can buy.
How do Solar Pool Blankets Work?
Whether you have an above-ground or an in-ground pool, the solar pool blankets absorb the sun’s heat energy and transfer it to the water. This helps maintain the water temperature and keeps the pool clean and protected as long as it is covered.
Solar Heating Property
The solar blankets consist of two sides: a flat side and an air-bubbles side. The air bubbles side is placed facing down the pool. When the sunlight hit the flat side, the air bubbles warm up and transfer the heat to the water. They act as insulators as well by trapping the heat in the pool.
Evaporating Property
Some water is lost due to evaporation. If we discuss science here, more water is lost when the pool is wider due to an increase in surface area. The blanket acts as another layer to protect against the UV rays, as chlorine along with other chemicals does.
Our Top Picks For The Best Solar Blankets For Pools
Sun2Solar 1200 Series Clear Heat Retaining Blanket
The Sun2Solar Clear 1200 series covers pools with 18’round size and never fails to transfer the thermal energy from the sun to the water. The blanket floats on top of the pool, and it’s enough to keep the entire pool warm.
You’ll be able to prevent 95% of water loss using the Sun2Solar pool blanket but it might not be ideal for chlorine consumption. If the size is too large for your pool, you can always trim it and adjust it according to the pool size. Although there are numerous pool size options ranging from 12’Round to 33’Round.
Pros
- Available in many sizes
- Can be cut off for adjustments
- Prevents the loss of water
- Transfers plenty of sun’s energy
Cons
- Might not help with Chlorine consumption
Midwest Canvas Ultra 16 Mil Solar Blanket
Midwest Canvas solar blanket is the highest-priced blanket, so make sure to check your budget before purchasing it. Because of its design and construction, it stays put even on windy days. Although you might need a poolside roller to put it on and take it off, it’s worth it.
It warms up the pool and retains its heat, which is a plus point. This blanket has high durability to last a good 2 seasons. You can cut the edges with a utility knife to fit your pool size, so it’s best if you go for an oversized option. The size ranges from 16x32 to 20x40.
Pros
- Available in many sizes
- Very durable
- Retains heat
- Great sturdiness
Cons
- It can be heavy
- A bit pricey
In the Swim 1632D Midsol Premium Solar Pool Blanket
If you’re looking for a solar pool cover that retains the warm temperature of the pool, then you should go for Midsol Premium solar pool blanket. It’s a bit heavier because of its 12-mil thickness, but it features an aluminized bottom that boosts the heating process.
Not only can it raise the temperature by 15 degrees, but it can also reduce the debris amount collected in your pool over time. It does the perfect job of keeping the insects and dust out. This solar blanket may be a bit costly, but it’s worth it if you want a great swimming experience.
Pros
- High quality
- Retains heat
- Raises temperature quickly
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Can be expensive
- Not much durable
Intex Solar pool blanket
Intex solar pool blanket is a great option for easy-set and framed aboveground pools. A 10-mil thick blanket can cover a circular pool with 18’Rounds. It moderately heats the pool during the day and prevents evaporation. And acts as a good insulator at night by retaining heat inside.
There are a series of holes in the cover to release the trapped air. The blanket has finished edges that provide a smoother feel. You might not need to trim off the edges, but you can if there’s any need be. The material is overall polyethylene.
Pros
- Light-weight
- Holes for trapped air to escape
- Finished and smooth edges
- Retains heat
- Much durable
Cons
- Might not last long
- Difficult to keep in place
Doheny’s Clear Tek Micro Solar Pool Blanket
Doheny pool solar cover comes in light-blue and clear options. It consists of microbubbles and a polyethylene layer to prevent UV rays from breaking down the chlorine. You can cut off the ends to adjust to your pool size without worrying about the cover tearing down.
There are insulated pockets in the blanket that help retain the heat overnight and the extra bubbles allow the water to heat up faster. It can be a bit too heavy for some people for its 16-mil thickness, but it’s very durable. The installation process is quite simple and easy to understand.
Pros
- Durable
- Prevents UV rays
- Better insulation overnight
Cons
- Might be heavy for some people
Benefits Of Using Solar Blankets For Your Pool
There could be several reasons why you would need a solar pool blanket. All because it’s a great must-have for everyone who owns a pool. Following are the benefits of purchasing a great quality solar blanket for your pool.
Cleanliness
Nobody likes dust, insects, or debris collecting over their pools. If you have these, it means your pool requires a lot of maintenance every time. To get rid of the hustle, a solar blanket for pools keeps all the dust and insects away if you cover your pool correctly.
Saves money
The climate you are living in might already cost you a lot on using heaters, and other electronics. Since solar blankets work on the sun’s energy, they can provide you with about 70% savings.
You can save on energy, as well as chemicals and pool maintenance. The blankets prevent UV radiation so you won’t have to spend a lot on chemicals like Chlorine.
Conserves water
Due to the evaporation property of the solar pool blankets, you can save a lot of water from evaporating over time. If you have a pool that’s right in contact with sunlight, it’s crucial to have a pool blanket.
How To Pick The Best Solar Pool Blanket
How do you know which one’s the best solar blanket for your pool? Check the following tips to pick out the most suitable one for your pool.
- Size: pick the size of your pool or go for a bit oversized one since you can trim most of the solar pool blankets.
- Thickness: don’t pick too thick blankets since they can be torn easily. It’s easier for lightweight blankets to transfer heat. Go for a moderate thickness of about 8, 12, or 16 mils.
- Material: pick vinyl covers if you want the pool blankets to last longer. You can choose polyethylene and polypropylene if you want greater heat retention.
- Climate: if you’re in a much cooler climate then pick a solar blanket that has good heating properties. Pick a blanket with good insulating properties if days are warm but nights are cold.
- Color: light blue or deep blue is the perfect color for a solar pool blanket as blue color absorbs better sunlight and keeps the pool warmer. Clear pools might not result in the same. The blue color is also great for protection against UV radiation.
FAQs
Use it to cover the pool when it’s not being used or cleaned, especially at night.
Solar blankets for pools do not affect the pool pumps or filter functions in any way, so you can run them while the cover is on.
It’s best if you cover the pool every night for the insulating properties to work. if you want to keep your pool clean of debris and dirt, then don’t forget to cover it at night.
Use a garden hose and sprayer to clean off the debris on the blanket. Lightly scrub it with gentle soap and rinse with water. Don’t use any harsh chemicals.
Simply roll it up. Some pools have rollers so that you can easily remove the cover without causing any damage.
It’s a one-time investment of purchasing a solar blanket for your pool. The rest provides a lot of conveniences and saves you a lot of money on maintenance, energy, chemicals, etc.
Final Thoughts
Having your pool covered up the right way can be such a relief. You won’t have to worry about the temperature of the water, or the water evaporating. Even though it’s a one-time investment, you will be much more satisfied when you won’t have to spend thousands of dollars due to excessive energy usage.
With the top-recommended solar blankets for pools mentioned above, select the best one according to your pool and your needs.
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