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Best Solar Pool Covers

I think one of the best inventions that have happened for pools in the last 20 years is definitely the solar pool cover. I mean, most pools already require a pool cover of some type, but now if you’re stuck in a colder climate, you can not only protect your pool from dirt and debris, but warm your water too all with the help of the sun.

Totally Eco-friendy, no extra electricity costs associated with even the best pool water heaters. Simple and something we all already needed, just smartly improved upon.

Blue Wave 16-Feet x 32-Feet Rectangular 12-mil Solar Blanket for In Ground Pools, Blue

Pros

• Durable materials – thermal bubbles hold in heat on cloudy days.
• Warmer pool water allows extension of swimming season.
• Keeps water from evaporation in areas with drought conditions, like California.

Cons

• Some buyers have stated that the material is of poor quality
• The welded seams sometimes begin to separate after only a short time of use.
• The solar bubbles have fallen into the pool for some buyers.

Tips

• You can use this cover for oddly shaped pools, since it can be cut to fit any pool within 16″x32″.
• Stretch the cover carefully, so that you don’t compromise the integrity of the material.
• It’s much easier to install if you have two people.

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Blue Wave 15-Feet Round 8-mil Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pools, Blue

Pros

• This blanket is easy for one person to put on or remove.
• It holds up well, even in strong wind.
• The cost is a good value, compared to other blankets – Warranted for 5 years

Cons

• Some debris and bugs may get in between pool and cover.
• It measures 4 mils thick, not the 8 mils listed.
• One buyer had to trim the blanket to fit the pool.

Tips

• Roll the blanket up tightly for easy removal.
• Blanket heats more effectively if you run your pool pump.
• Keep water off the top of the blanket, or it sinks into the pool water.

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Intex Solar Cover for 18ft Diameter Easy Set and Frame Pools

Pros

• It works quite well for an economical solar blanket.
• The blanket never blows off or sinks into the pool
• It is easy to put on and remove

Cons

• The lack of thickness makes it just like blue bubble wrap.
• When you remove the blanket, debris from the grass sticks on it and then falls into the water when you put it back on.
• It has ripped in less than two years of use for some reviewers.

Tips

• The bubbles in the blanket must make contact, with the water in order to heat it most efficiently.
• Store the blanket away from sunlight when it’s not on the pool or it will lose its heating ability.
• These blankets are oversized, so you may want to order one size smaller than you may think you need. If you have excess, you may tuck the perimeter under the top of the pool air ring.

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Blue Wave 12-Feet x 24-Feet Rectangular Solar Blanket for In-Ground Pools 14-mil, Clear

Pros

• It does not interfere with pool vacuums.
• The blanket raises the pool water temperature by about 10 degrees within a week.
• The blanket is light in weight for ease of putting on and removing.

Cons

• There is an algae increase if you use this clear blanket instead of a blue one.
• It is hard to make the blanket fit right out of the package, since it arrives folded.
• Clear blanket does not appear to be as sturdy as blue blankets

Tips

• Cut the excess blanket off carefully, to ensure a perfect fit.
• Mark around the perimeter of your pool so you know where to cut.
• You can cut the blanket into numerous separate pieces to make them easier to work with.

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12 Mil Pool Solar Cover 18 x 36 ft. Rectangle

Pros

• Can give you a whole extra month of use in Spring and Autumn
• Well made, tough plastic
• Company provides excellent customer service if you have questions or problems.

Cons

• Cover changed the chemistry of the pool water
• Cover is ripping at the seams after only a few months of use.
• It is cumbersome and heavy even after being cut to size.

Tips

• You can use a box cutter to trim cover easily so that it will fit your pool properly.
• Wash the cover well before you store it for the winter, so it will smell OK when you get it out in the spring.
• It’s easier to install and remove with two people.

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