Which are the best solar pool covers, we hear you ask? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’re looking to serve you up the best range of the finest pool covers all in one place. The site is designed to help you to understand what to look for and avoid unwanted internet research by packing it into one, handy website covering all of your needs. When hunting out or choosing the highest quality solar swimming pool covers, this is the place to be. You will find a comprehensive buying guide, links to consumer reports and heaps of useful information that will help buying your ideal cover easier.

What we’re most excited about is doing the hard work so you really don’t have to. The market for swimming pool covers is vast. There’s no denying that you could be looking for hours and still be completely unsure what you want to get at the end. We know that your pool matters. Having a great cover that keeps your pool warm and protected from the outdoors is important, so you can have a swim whenever suits you, warm weather or cool.

What you are going to find here are the best reviews of the top solar blankets on the market. We search far and wide taking into consideration quality as well as pricing to give you an all-round review. We understand that comparing every swimming pool cover is unrealistic for the consumer and it may be confusing as to what to look for, so allow us to guide you on how to pick the covers that you might want through comparison and unbiased ratings.

We’ve also provided you with some of the more important questions about the market that you might wonder but have never quite known. A lot of the things on here are for the beginner. We know not everyone can know everything, so we want to help show you how to choose a product that has reviewed great in 2023 and compared favorably against other products on the market. This is where our comparison guide will come in really handy.

Here, we compare the great points and the less fantastic qualities of many of the best solar pool covers. We’re completely impartial, too, so what you see on our page and what we write within our review has no basis for favoritism. We’re just focusing on good, old fashioned competition.

Comparison Table Solar Pool Covers

Product Name	Dimensions	Weight	Brand/Manufacturer	Temperature Increase (F)
BlueWave Rectangular 12-Mil Solar Blanket For In Ground Pools Check Price	16x32 Feet	25 Lbs	Blue Heaven / Blue Wave	Up to 15 Degrees
IntexSolar Cover for 15ft Diameter Easy Set and Frame Pools Check Price	10 Feet up to 18 Feet Diamater	6 Lbs +	Intex Solar	Up to 20 Degrees
InTheSwim 12 Mil Pool Solar Cover 16x32ft Check Price	16x32 Feet	49 Lbs	In The Swim	Up to 15 Degrees
SplashPools Round Solar Pool Cover Check Price	12 Feet up to 30 Feet Diamater	6 Lbs +	Splash Pools	Up to 15 Degrees
Sun2Solar 20x40 Rectangle Supreme Blue SolarCover-12Mil Check Price	20x40 Feet	35 Lbs +	Sun2Solar	Average 5-10 Degrees

All of the products we review and discuss are good products. But we know customers don’t merely want good. They want the best solar blanket covering their swimming pools and so do we. Our independence allows us to cut through the features of each product easier than supermarket of company-owned sellers.

Another great feature we’ve provided is our unique buyers guide. Within this part of the website, we have brought together some of the most important hints and tips for buyers, new and old. The aim of this section is to advise you on what to consider when heading into the market, what might be an advantage to you and what you may well need for your pool. Make yourself at home, take a look around because like your pool when you’ve made your decision; we’ve got you covered. Remember, whether you buy second hand or new, you should never just buy because the product is cheap. Do your due diligence and look for items that are sales-priced or have a promotion to get the best value for money. It really is worth it in the long run.

Down Under Black/Blue Solar Cover – 20×40 Rectangle In ground Pool – 120 Grade – Premium Solar Heater Blanket

Introduction

This solar cover, by brand Brands Down Under is a best seller in Australia and one of the most effective types of pool covers online today. Helping keep your pool at a great temperature (boasting of a rise between 10-20 degrees) will encourage you to take a swim during any season, this pool cover is a suitable for any pool, size permitting. Available in black, to keep in the sun’s heat and to avoid dry rot, there’s a multitude of reasons to buy this solar cover, one of the most popular products in this niche.

What’s great?

• The first, most important feature of this cover is the temperature insulation. It is such an excellent cover that will certainly improve the heat of your pool. Favoring very nicely vs other covers within the market, the primary use of this blanket will not let you down.
• The amazing 12 year warranty on this product is eye-watering. It’s great to see that when you buy a product, you have the insurance policy of such a great warranty. Hopefully you won’t need it, but if you do, it’s there.
• The price of this product is really reasonable. Compared to its competitors, it’s around the right price for a product of its type, and it also includes the bonus of free shipping when you shop online. It’s a great little addition to the deal and will help stretch your budget.
• This cover is easy to use and thick, but not heavy. If you’re carting the cover off, then on often in the summer months, you need something that won’t be tough to use and this product isn’t.

What’s Not So Great?

• The size of the pool cover may mean you won’t get the size you’re looking for, which obviously isn’t ideal. If the cover is too small, then it begins to negate its usefulness, but if it’s too large it starts to protrude over the edge of the pool, and once this happens the area can become a trip hazard and not very safe.
• The further away from Australia you are, the longer this product will take to arrive. If you’re in the UK or Canada, for example, the arrival time will obviously increase. If you’re in a hurry, this may not be the best option for you.
• This product doesn’t have many consumer reports. Everyone who has owned this product has been happy, but the opinions on it don’t exactly come from a large pool of choices. The solar cover is probably great, but this is just something to keep an eye on.

Conclusion

This product is a solid product. My view is that it is one of the best value products on the market, considering how well it does when compared to other customers experiences using the Brands Down Under solar pool cover. Sure, like every product there are pros and cons, with the lead time on purchase and the lack of extensive reviews being a slight concern, but the temperature levels of your pool once the product has been used mean that as a main function, this product is great, something I’m sure you will agree on if you eventually go on to buy the item.

I would advise this to almost anyone. If your pool is a size smaller than this cover, there is the option to cut it back in size yourself by customizing it, but it’s understandable if that’s not something you want to do. I’m sure though, that if you go for this product it will probably be the best buy you make for your outdoor area in 2023.

Blue Wave 18-Feet Round 8-mil Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pools, Blue

Introduction

The next product we’re going to review for you in the Blue Wave, 18ft solar blanket for above ground pools. Blue Wave, one of the leading manufacturers in swimming pool accessories within the leisure industry. With 10 years’ experience, they’re a low cost distributor and their product we’ve reviewed is one of the cheapest on the market. A good size and offering an excellent increase in temperature, this Blue Wave blanket is good value if you’re looking to get a reasonably inexpensive, quality product. Take a look below for some of the positive points, negative areas and reasons for buying this item.

What’s Great?

• The brand Blue Wave are a really trustworthy, customer-centric company priding themselves on providing top quality, affordable pool accessories. I think it’s really important to know the company behind the item you’re piece of kit you’re buying. Their website boasts of their dependable customer service and knowledgeable staff, which bodes well for any aftercare enquiries you might have, as well as a central warehouse, so they know their products are always in stock.
• The level of improvement in the temperature of your pool will increase markedly. Seeing your pool heat reach 15 degrees higher than without a cover, you’ll soon realize that this cover is well worth the money.
• As this product is always in the sun – that’s why you’ve bought it! – It’s important for it to be UV protected, and that’s what it is. Such a feature will mean the excessive sunlight will not cause damage to your cover.
• A product that is built to last. It has a durable quality which is also backed by a flawless 3 year warranty which you can use if there happens to be a defect away from the high standard you would expect.
• Heat retention on cloudy, cool days. This is one of the biggest bonuses with solar covers – not only do you get an increased level of heat in your pool, this heat doesn’t escape when the sun goes down. Ideal for using the pool during autumn months.

What’s Not So Great?

• You straight-up won’t find any use for this cover if you don’t have a circular pool. The size of the product is fine if you have a smaller sized pool, but if yours is rectangular then there’s no use for you here. Even with the different sizes that Blue Wave have, the shape may be an issue for some.
• The 3 year warranty is a little less than what other brands offer on their products. With this reasoning, the deterioration of the material post-3 years will only result in you needing to buy another cover, which isn’t exactly ideal. Other products offer larger warranties, which should come into your thinking when making your purchase.
• If you’re buying from a country other than America, the wait might be a little while before it arrives on your doorstep. This may be a great buy, but if you’re looking for something a little more prompt, you might be waiting longer than you would want.

Conclusion

I feel like this really is a good, well priced product that offers an OK warranty and no glaring design flaws. For this reason I probably would say buying this product is worth it. Taking into account how much the product costs, if you’re looking to buy online then this is a decent choice. Again though, geographically this may not work for you, as it is being shipped from the US.

I would advise this cover if you have a circular pool, especially considering the range does come with an array of different sizes. There aren’t really any major flaws in this product, which says it all really. If you’re looking to buy online, check out the Blue Wave website as they are a good brand with a decent level of experience in this industry. I would recommend trying this product out if you’re happy to wait a little while for delivery.

Splash Pools Oval Solar Cover, 24-Feet by 12-Feet

Introduction

Splash Superpools are a company who have been going since the 1970’s, specializing in above ground and in ground pools and accessories and appliances. Their oval cover, which comes in a variety of sizes, is a neat blue color and a highly-rated product.

Some of the great features include great heating technology and retention and an evaporation blocker than means you need to top up your pool less often than usual. Operating within the commercial and residential markets, they have something for everyone, regardless of the size and type of pool.

What’s Great?

• This cover has excellent heat retention. When you’re buying a solar product you know you’re going to need to suns help, but the way this cover retains its heat so well is through the bubble technology, whereby the heat is held in the tiny pockets underneath the cover, heating up the water to a temperature which is approx. 15 degrees higher than you would usually expect.
• Keep your pool debris free. Floating on top of your pool, your new solar cover will prevent you from needing to fish out old leaves, bugs and other unwanted bits. The cover, inadvertently, will also save you money on chemicals because you won’t need to clean your pool as often as you would without a cover.
• Increased evaporation protection. One of the really great features that comes with this cover is the lack of evaporation it allows the pool to release into the open air. With warm temperatures outside, as well as in the water, usual pools will lose a lot of their water. This cover, however, reduces evaporation by 95%. In turn, you’ll find yourself filling your pool up much less than usual, saving you time and money in the process.

What’s Not So Great?

• This cover is a lot heavier than other covers within the niche. Whilst this might be good for smaller pools, if your pool is on the larger size, you may end up noticing a dip in the middle, meaning water will seek through the sides onto the blanket. Also if your area of the world sees a lot of rain water, this may also see your cover sink a little into the water, negating the heat retention slightly.
• Some users have noted that after heavy use and strong sunlight, the cover has begun disintegrating after only one year. This is clearly an issue. Whilst these problems aren’t reported by many users, if you find yourself one of these unhappy customers, especially if your home sees harsh sunlight or heavy weather conditions, you might want to think about looking elsewhere, to a more durable, heavy-duty cover. Yet as I say, these complaints are few and far between.

Conclusion

I really like the company Splash Superpools. They’re really dedicated to giving the best level of product and a high level of customer service with every interaction. The product itself is good quality and highly reviewed by other customers, too.

The retention of heat is to the high industry standard that we get from other products in the niche and you will find the evaporation protection really useful, in both saving your time filling your pool up again, and the water used in doing this. I would be mildly concerned with the issues some customers have with the damage caused early on in the product’s life, and I would personally keep this in mind.

But at the same time, you don’t know the conditions the cover was kept in, and what care was taken by the owner in these situations. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced cover which does the job, then I would go for this. The customer reviews are generally outstanding.

Comprehensive Buyers Guide for Solar Pool Covers and standard pool covering purchases

Along without comparisons and reviews, we’ve put together a handy buying guide, stating some of the key things you’re going to want to look out for when you’re buying your own solar pool cover. Although we’re really keen to help you buy your cover, we also want to help you identify what would be best for yourself, regardless of what your eventual purchase will look like. With than in mind, take a look below for our top tips to buying solar pool covers.

What does your pool cover do for you?

A solar pool cover will heat your pool quickly and keen any debris from the surrounding area out of your pool. Pool covers aren’t a new thing, but previously they’ve been used as a way to close of the pool to users and keep the pool tidy and professional looking. Since solar technology interest has increased across a number of markets, the older products are starting to become obsolete. You can really improve the life of your pool by warming it up and getting people to use it more often, even during chillier winter months.

What kind of pool cover should you buy?

A reasonable question, and one easily answered. You may take a look at various types of pool covers when determining which the best covers to go for are, but I personally would always choose solar. Firstly, they’re the only long-term inexpensive covers that heat your pool, for a start. The others will certainly protect from outdoor debris, but they won’t increase or retain heat at all. Solar covers are also offered at a discount rate considering you won’t need an additional pool heating system. Which is great news.

What is the best material for your pool cover to be crafted from?

Standard materials used within this niche are polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl. These are used because they’re often UV stabilized, so that they can withstand, absorb and contain heat without damage. These are the types of material I would say to look out for when making your purchase. Other materials may work, but these are by far the best.

What are the top rated pool cover brands?

There are a fair few companies worldwide who are using solar technology as a way to improve the way we live. Within the solar blanket niche, that is no different. Solar2Sun are a reputable green technology brand who operate within this market, as are Doheny pool supplies. You should find plenty of great ratings on these companies’ products, but the difference between one and the other may well be your own personal preference.

What dimensions is does your cover need to be?

When buying a good solar pool cover, it’s important to get the right sized cover. You’ll find this to be your best buy. When promoting their products, companies often like to emphasize the features that will be great for you in order to try and make a sale, but when deciding the best cover for you, size is the one variable that matters most. Too big, and it will prove a safety hazard, too small and you will end up losing heat and wasting time and money. Measure up and get the best size for your pool.

The most expensive isn’t always the best choice

Within most markets, price will always determine quality. And whilst it is true that you don’t want to spend too little, the technology used to keep the pool warm through sunlight is commonplace, and you’re likely to be able to choose the cheapest cover within limits. Identify the price bands and once you’ve got a decent average, size withstanding, you can choose a decent price. There may be discounts for larger sizes that need tailoring yourself, so if you’re willing to do the work, this could be worth exploring.

Pool covers can help to increase the temperature of your pool

The types of temperature you can be looking to gain from your own solar blanket can be massive. If you’re in an area that has a lot of sun then you’re obviously going to be able to make the most out of this product more than others, but the general bonuses from these type of blankets are great. In terms of numbers, you can be looking to get a solid 10-20 degree temperature increase from your pool if you choose one of the high-rated brands, whilst the difference between buying a new or used product only varies if you buy something damaged.

Where can you get the most competitive price for your pool cover?

You’ve got a really huge array of options when buying your pool cover. You can buy directly from your chosen manufacturers, where you may get a decent discount, or sometimes in supermarkets and superstores, where you might be able to gain further savings using coupons or loyalty points. A good place to start, however, is via online means such as Amazon or Ebay.

These are some of the most cost effective methods of purchase because suppliers here regularly offer free shipping, which is always handy. You also have a great choice of second hand sellers who offer really reasonable pricing, which makes searching for the best bargain worth your while.

Research before you make your final purchase

This point is a little self-serving, but believe us: do your research. Take a look around this site, read the reviews and make sure you decide upon the most suitable option for you. Color, size and material are the big decisions, but pricing and shipping information are also important. We’ve considered some of the top-range covers on the market and brought together all of the information you will need, it’s just up to you to take it in and make your decisions.

On this website, we’re aiming to help with a lot of the points above. You’ll find us a great resource when buying your cover and as you search for the best value. The above pointers are to help you navigate your way through the decision and to help you understand some of the points we’re making across the reviews. It should also help you take in and contextualize some of the specifications we talk about and whether they’re any good for you.

Difference between a Solar Covers and a Standard Covers

This section has been created to help give you, the viewer, and a great overview of the differences between two types of products in order to help educate yourselves on which style pool cover to buy. We know that we can tell you all of the facts and figures, but we also want you to be able to make up your own mind with as much information as you need. Take a look below for some main differences between solar pool covers and standard pool covers.

• The biggest difference is one of the main differences. Solar pool covers take heat from the sun and use that to heat up your pool. Standard pool covers merely keep external debris from entering your pool. The purpose of a usual cover ends at that one purpose, whilst a solar cover is actually more rounded. For a starter for ten, the solar cover not only heats up your pool when touched by direct sunlight from the sun, but it also helps retain the heat long after the sun goes down. Customers have told of the heat retention lasting for days, allowing them to be able to use the pool at up to 20 degrees higher in heat, whilst knowing the cover will continue to allow them to use a pool that is warm for days after. The bonus in this is that even during days that are a little cooler, or at nighttime, you can still take a paddle without being frozen!
• Another difference is the UV protection. Because the main feature of a solar cover is to heat the pool using sunlight, there needs to be some kind of protection against the rays doing any damage to the material in the long run. Unlike a standard pool cover, the solar covers come with UV protection as a standard, which keeps the damage that can be done to a minimum. Although this comes with some pool covers, it is by no means a normal addition, but these covers are often in the sun the same amount of time as solar covers therefore are less protected, less warm but just as exposed. Which of course isn’t ideal.

The main differences in this niche are indeed fairly obvious. But the addition of the UV protection actually make solar swimming pool covers a much better addition to your pool than a standard cover that you might usually buy.

Frequently asked questions about swimming pool coverings

What is the increase in temperature I can expect for my pool?

This is something that really varies. And as opposed to depending on the brand, it very much depends on where you live and where your pool is. You can buy an expensive cover, with your pool out of shot from the sun, but you’re not going to be making the most of the blanket, because remember; it’s solar powered. Similarly, you could buy a product on sale that would heat your pool brilliantly. With that in mind, with good positioning most covers are advertised to provide between 10-20 degree increases in pool temperature.

What is the most important factor to consider when buying a swimming pool cover?

Obviously, temperature is the reason you’re buying the pool cover but as said above, where your pool is situated in comparison to the sun is a major factor. Making sure the cover has UV protection to a good bonus, because the cover will be in the sun a lot.

Should I buy a brand new or a used swimming pool cover?

Buying a second hand solar cover is always going to be a bit risky. It really depends on how long the seller has had it and why they’re selling it. Sometimes, people buy things by mistake and there’s genuinely no defect or problem with the product. However, the longer someone has had it, the more worn it will be. You also need to be questioning why they’re selling it. I would suggest buying new when purchasing but if there’s no clear fault, buying second hand can be really reasonably priced.

Where should I look to buy my cover?

We have provided the links to the products we advise through Amazon, but there are always other places you can look. The price across other websites may be lower, whilst Ebay may have the best savings for these type of products. Similarly, buying at a physical store could provide great cost savings if you have coupons or have a great high street retailer you know of, with smaller businesses often offering the lowest price. Getting a great promo or sales priced purchase is a good idea; if you can find one.

Top 3 brands manufacturing swimming pool covers for the US market

Blue Wave

Blue Wave, the brand out of the US, were formed over 10 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 provide their products through specialized dealers and through their online web shop on Amazon. A great thing about the dealers is that they have a customer contact within Blue Wave throughout the whole buying process, something that helps maintain the excellent standard Blue Wave hold themselves to. They have a large range of solar products as well as their blankets, including heaters, lighting and more.

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 27 years’ 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.

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