Solar Pool Covers: What Are They And How Do You Buy One? (2024)

The best part of owning a swimming pool? Getting to use that swimming pool, and one great way to extend the season is with a solar pool cover.

Whether you have an inground pool or another type, a solar pool cover is designed to help naturally heat your swimming pool through solar rays and can keep the water temperature at a comfortable level throughout cooler months of the year.

Beyond moderating the water temperature of a swimming pool, solar pool covers also have other advantages for pool owners. By serving as a pool cover when the water isn’t in use, you can cut back on maintenance time and reduce water loss to evaporation.

There are numerous solar pool covers available to suit swimming pools of all shapes and sizes. The price point is also much more budget-friendly than traditional swimming pool heaters, which makes solar pool covers a very attractive option for any pool owner.

Pros and Cons of Solar Pool Covers

Solar pool covers serve two basic purposes: Protect the pool and help naturally raise the water temperature. Long considered essential for pool owners, pool covers prevent debris from getting into the water, minimizes evaporation and can help with security when the pool isn’t in use. By harnessing the heating powers of the sun, solar pool covers offer the added benefit of raising pool water temperatures by an average of 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

All of that translates to solar pool covers ultimately saving pool owners both time and money. Solar pool covers save money by eliminating energy costs that it would take to use a pool heater, retaining pool water and cutting back on chemical loss that also occurs due to evaporation. Solar pool covers save time by making pool maintenance much easier.

Although there are few downsides to solar pool covers, they are worth keeping in mind. The most significant disadvantage to a prefabricated pool cover is that it will not offer the same security as a custom pool cover. Families with young children or pool owners who live in areas that require secure pool covers will need to consider custom solar pool covers that also have security features.

Another potential disadvantage of solar pool covers is that although they are relatively inexpensive, they are not as durable as other pool cover options. For example, the warranty for higher-end solar pool covers in the $1,000 range is three to seven years. In contrast, a mesh security cover costs an average of $1,200 with a 10- to 15-year lifespan.

What are the Different Solar Pool Covers?

There is a wide variety of solar pool covers available on the market—from premade, inexpensive solar covers available through online retailers, to custom solar pool covers that can be sourced through local swimming pool companies. Understanding the types of solar pool covers available will help you determine which is best for your needs.

Solar Blankets: Also known as bubble solar covers, solar blankets are made with small thermal bubbles that help capture heat and retain pool moisture. Available in different thicknesses, solar blankets can increase the pool water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the amount and intensity of sunlight. To fit a solar blanket to your pool shape, get a blanket larger than the surface area. After unfolding and placing the blanket over the water, you can trim the edges to conform the solar blanket to your pool shape.

Solar Rings: Like a floating disc with a solar bubble lining, solar rings are less bulky than full solar blankets. However, they may leave some water space exposed—which doesn’t make them as great at filtering debris from the pool. With different shapes and sizes available, you can mix and match solar rings to cover your pool for a relatively inexpensive cost.

Liquid Solar Pool Cover: More of an invisible shield than a traditional cover, liquid solar pool covers can help increase the water temperature by up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit. Using it is also incredibly easy; simply pour the recommended amount of liquid solar pool cover into the water and the biodegradable liquid cover will go to work. You will just need to replenish every month or so. However, if you are looking for defense against debris or security, this is not the option for you.

Custom Solar Pool Cover: Designed to fit the shape of your pool, this is a premium option for homeowners who have unique pool designs. Upgrade possibilities include a reel that will make it easier to retract the cover or a system that allows the solar pool cover to double as a security cover.

How Much Does a Pool Solar Cover Cost?

There is a spectrum to the costs for solar pool covers. On the low end, liquid solar cover costs less than $40 per bottle, which may last a few months. In the mid-range, solar blankets can last a few years for an average of $200 if you do the installation yourself and do not use a pool cover reel. On the high end, custom solar pool covers can cost upward of $1,000 with a pool reel installed.

It costs an average of $4,500 to install a traditional pool heater, which will also increase energy costs and will likely require an additional pool cover. A solar pool cover will not offer as much control over the water temperature. However, If you are looking to extend the season for your swimming pool on a budget, a solar pool cover may be the way to go.