How does a solar blanket work?

Solar blankets absorb energy from the sun and transfer it in the form of heat into your pool water. They act as a barrier by trapping this heat and reducing evaporation, a leading cause of heat loss in swimming pools. They also limit debris and dust that can enter the pool's water.

How much are solar blankets for pools?

The cost of a solar blanket depends on its quality and the size of the swimming pool. Solar blankets start from $30 and can range up to $300 or more. While the cost of a higher quality solar cover may be more expensive, you'll save money in the long run with its life expectancy and effectiveness.

Are clear solar pool covers better?

Clear solar pool covers are more efficient at capturing the heat of the sun and allowing this heat to transfer into the pool. They are constructed with more durable materials, and they last longer. A disadvantage of using a transparent cover is that UV rays burn off the chlorine. To tackle this issue, often these covers are made with UV inhibitors. The addition of pool stabilizers can also help to resolve this issue.

Which solar pool cover color is best?

A clear solar cover is more effective at allowing sunlight to pass into the water, which becomes trapped as heat and raises the temperature of the water. In comparison, blue solar covers absorb more sunlight with most being released back into the air after the sun goes down. Both colors are effective; however, the heating abilities a clear solar cover suggest that it is a better choice.

Why are solar blankets blue?

Blue solar blankets are effective at absorbing sunlight and limiting heat loss by reflecting heat back into the pool. Blue solar blankets also inhibit UV rays that would otherwise burn off chlorine and other pool chemicals.

Learn about Solar Blanket

A solar blanket, or solar cover, is a large plastic sheet that resembles bubble wrap and lays on the top of the water in a pool. They are available in many shapes and sizes and should be specifically sized for the frame of the intended pool. Solar blankets serve several functions such as retaining or controlling water temperature, reducing the amount of salt or chemicals used and for limiting the amount dirt and debris that can find its way into a pool.

It's best to use covers that are designed specifically for swimming pools. These covers are manufactured using polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl. They are heavier, last longer, have UV inhibitors and don't degrade as quickly from exposure to pool chemicals or salt. While the cost of these solar covers may be higher than alternatives you'll save money in the long run with life expectancy.

Pool covers are made with low density polyethylene and can be recycled by a local recycling center or collected with your local curbside recycling programs.

Swimming pool heat loss due to evaporation is estimated at around 75%. Solar covers act as a barrier between the air and the water in your pool and can reduce evaporation by 30%-50% on average. As pool water evaporates, a 80ºF pool loses 1,048 Btu of heat. Yikes!