Imagine this: you step outside, ready for a refreshing dip in your pool, only to find the water is chilly and covered in leaves. Sound familiar? Keeping your inground pool at the perfect temperature and sparkling clean can feel like a constant battle. Many pool owners want the benefits of a solar cover – like saving money on heating and reducing evaporation – but then they get overwhelmed by all the choices. It’s tough to know which one will work best for your pool and your budget.
That’s where we come in! This guide is designed to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a great inground solar pool cover, what features you should look for, and how to choose the one that’s just right for you. By the end, you’ll feel confident about your decision and ready to enjoy a warmer, cleaner pool with less hassle.
Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to a perfect inground solar pool cover!
Our Top 5 Inground Solar Pool Covers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Inground Solar Pool Covers Detailed Reviews
1. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover
Rating: 9.2/10
The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is designed to make your swimming season longer and your pool warmer. This 12-mil thick cover uses thousands of tiny thermal bubbles to capture the sun’s heat and warm your pool water. It works even on cloudy days or during cooler nights, keeping your pool inviting for a swim.
What We Like:
- Extend Swimming Time: It traps sunlight to warm your pool, letting you swim longer into the cooler parts of the day or season.
- Maximize Heat Retention: The cover keeps your pool warm, so you can jump in and enjoy a nice, toasty swim no matter the weather.
- Trim to Fit: You can easily cut this cover with scissors to perfectly fit any pool shape, whether it’s above-ground or in-ground.
- Minimize Water Evaporation: It drastically reduces water loss by up to 95 percent, meaning you won’t have to refill your pool as often.
- High-quality material: The cover is built to last, even in tough weather, and it’s light and simple to put on and take off.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 16×32 foot size might be too large or too small for some pools, requiring trimming.
- While durable, the PE material might be susceptible to tears if handled roughly.
This solar pool cover is a smart choice for anyone wanting a warmer pool and less water loss. It’s an easy way to extend your swimming fun all season long.
2. In The Swim 16′ x 32′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
Rating: 9.4/10
Want to swim longer and heat your pool for free? The In The Swim 16′ x 32′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover is your answer. This cover is designed to boost your pool’s temperature using the sun’s energy, making your swimming season longer and more enjoyable. It works for both above-ground and in-ground pools.
What We Like:
- It’s a 12 Mil thick cover. This thickness helps raise your pool’s surface water temperature by as much as 15 degrees. You get to enjoy your pool for more weeks each year.
- The light blue color is smart. It balances absorbing sunlight for heat and keeping that warmth in your pool.
- It stops heat from escaping. On cooler nights, the cover acts like a blanket, preventing heat from evaporating away.
- It makes your pool cleaner. The cover keeps out leaves, dirt, and other debris, so you spend less time cleaning and more time swimming.
- A solar cover reel makes life easier. Using a reel makes putting the cover on and taking it off simple. It also helps the cover last longer by preventing damage.
What Could Be Improved:
- Chemical balance is important. You should only use this cover when your pool’s chlorine levels are below 2.5 ppm and its pH is above 7.2. This is to protect the cover from damage caused by strong chemicals.
This solar pool cover is a fantastic way to extend your swimming season and save on heating costs. It’s a simple, effective tool for maximizing your pool enjoyment.
3. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover
Rating: 8.5/10
Dive into a warmer swimming experience with the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover. This blue, 16-mil heavy-duty cover is designed to make your pool more inviting, even when the sun takes a break. Its smart design helps keep your water toasty and reduces the need for constant refilling.
What We Like:
- Harness the Power of Sun: Thousands of thermal bubbles capture sunlight to warm your pool. It heats up on sunny days and holds temperature on cloudy or cool nights.
- Maximize Heat Retention: The cover traps heat, so you can enjoy a warm swim no matter the weather. Your friends will notice how warm your pool stays!
- Minimize Water Evaporation: It cuts down water loss by 95 percent. This means less refilling and water saving. Keep it on when you’re not swimming to prevent evaporation.
- Trim to Fit: You can easily cut the PE material to fit any pool shape, whether it’s in-ground or above-ground.
- High-Quality Material: The cover is built to last, even in tough weather. It’s also light and simple to put on and take off.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for easy trimming, ensuring a perfectly snug fit for very unusually shaped pools might require some patience.
- The “1600 Series” designation is present but doesn’t offer specific functional details beyond the general heavy-duty claim.
The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is a smart investment for anyone wanting a warmer, more enjoyable pool with less hassle. It effectively heats and conserves water, making your swimming season longer and more pleasant.
4. Sun2Solar Blue 16 ft x 32 ft Rectangle Solar Cover
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to enjoy your swimming pool for longer this season with the Sun2Solar Blue 16 ft x 32 ft Rectangle Solar Cover. This innovative cover harnesses the sun’s natural energy to heat your pool water, making those cooler days feel much warmer. It’s designed for both rectangular inground and above-ground pools, providing a simple yet effective way to extend your swimming fun.
What We Like:
- Free Solar Energy: It cleverly uses the sun to warm up your pool water by as much as 15 degrees, saving you money on heating costs.
- Traps Heat: This cover keeps the warmth in even after the sun goes down, so your pool stays cozy for nighttime dips.
- Conserves Water: It cuts down on water evaporation by up to 95%. This also means you use fewer chemicals and need to add less water.
- Debris Prevention: It acts like a shield, stopping leaves and other debris from falling into your pool. This keeps your water clean and reduces cleaning time.
- Easy Installation: Putting it on and taking it off is a breeze. It has extra material for a good fit, and you can easily trim it if needed for around any pool features.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1200 Series is a good mid-range option, but for extremely cold climates, a thicker cover might be considered.
- While durable, like any solar cover, it will need to be handled with care to prevent punctures or tears.
This solar cover is a smart investment for any pool owner looking to maximize their swimming season and save on energy and water costs. Enjoy a warmer, cleaner pool with less effort.
5. VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater 18′ x 36′ Rectangle Solar Blanket-Heavy Duty Solar Pool Cover for Above Ground Pool-Solar Heater for Inground Pool
Rating: 9.1/10
Dive into warmer waters and enjoy your pool longer with the VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater. This heavy-duty solar blanket is designed to heat your above-ground or in-ground pool, extending your swimming season and keeping your water clean and inviting.
What We Like:
- It extends your swimming time by absorbing sunlight and releasing heat into your pool.
- The cover reduces water evaporation, saving you water and keeping your pool level steady.
- It keeps your pool clean by preventing leaves and debris from falling in.
- You can easily cut it to fit any pool shape, making it super versatile.
- The material is high quality and built to last, with strong seams.
- It’s simple to put on and take off.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bubbles might look a little deflated before the sun hits them, which is normal but might look odd at first.
- It’s recommended to use with a VINGLI pool cover reel for the easiest handling, which is an extra purchase.
This solar pool heater is a smart way to get more enjoyment from your pool all season long. It’s a simple yet effective solution for warmer water and a cleaner pool.
Choosing the Best Inground Solar Pool Cover
An inground solar pool cover is a fantastic way to keep your pool warm and clean. It uses the sun’s energy to heat your water. It also helps stop leaves and other debris from falling in. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your pool.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Material Quality
The best covers are made from strong, thick plastic. Look for covers that are at least 12 mil thick. Thicker covers last longer and trap heat better. Some covers have tiny air bubbles. These bubbles act like insulation. They help keep the heat in your pool.
2. Size and Fit
Your cover needs to fit your pool perfectly. Measure your pool carefully. Most covers are round, rectangular, or oval. Make sure the cover you choose matches your pool’s shape. A good fit stops heat from escaping around the edges.
3. Ease of Use
Some covers are heavy and hard to put on and take off. Look for covers that are easy to handle. Many come with special reels. These reels make rolling up and unrolling the cover simple. A cover that’s easy to use means you’ll use it more often.
4. Durability and UV Protection
Your cover will sit in the sun a lot. It needs to be strong. It should resist damage from sunlight. Look for covers that have UV protection. This stops the cover from getting brittle and breaking down. Strong stitching and reinforced edges also add to durability.
Important Materials
Most solar pool covers are made from polyethylene. This is a type of plastic. It’s strong and flexible. Some covers use different thicknesses of polyethylene. The thickness is measured in mils. A higher mil number means a thicker, more durable cover. Some covers might have special coatings. These coatings can improve heat absorption or UV resistance.
What Makes a Cover Great (or Not So Great)?
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Thicker material (12 mil or more).
- Air bubbles for insulation.
- UV protection to prevent sun damage.
- Reinforced edges for extra strength.
- A good fit for your specific pool size and shape.
- Easy-to-use reel system.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Thin material (under 10 mil).
- No UV protection.
- Weak seams or edges that tear easily.
- A cover that is too small or too big for the pool.
- Difficult to handle or roll up.
User Experience and Use Cases
People love solar pool covers because they save money and effort. You’ll spend less on heating your pool. You’ll also spend less time cleaning out leaves. Many users report their pool water is several degrees warmer. This means you can swim longer into the cooler months. It’s great for families with kids who love to swim. It’s also good for anyone who wants a cleaner, warmer pool with less work.
A solar cover is used by laying it directly on top of the water. The blue or clear side usually faces up. This helps it soak up the sun’s rays. At night, it traps the heat inside. When you want to swim, you roll it up. It’s usually best to remove the cover before anyone gets in the pool. This prevents slipping. It also makes sure the cover doesn’t get damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inground Solar Pool Covers
Q: How much warmer can a solar cover make my pool?
A: A solar cover can raise your pool’s temperature by 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit. This depends on the sun and how long the cover stays on.
Q: How do I clean my solar pool cover?
A: You can clean it with mild soap and water. Use a soft brush or cloth. Rinse it well and let it air dry completely before storing.
Q: Can I leave my solar cover on during windy days?
A: It’s best not to. Strong winds can blow the cover off or damage it. Secure it well if you must leave it on.
Q: How long do solar pool covers usually last?
A: With good care, a solar cover can last 3-5 years. Thicker covers often last longer.
Q: Do I need a special reel for my solar cover?
A: While not always required, a reel makes putting on and taking off the cover much easier. It also helps store the cover safely.
Q: Can a solar cover be used with a pool heater?
A: Yes! A solar cover works well with a pool heater. It helps keep the heat in, so your heater doesn’t have to work as hard.
Q: Will a solar cover stop my pool from evaporating?
A: Yes, it significantly reduces water evaporation. This saves you money on water and chemicals.
Q: What is the blue side of the cover supposed to face?
A: The blue side usually faces up. This side is designed to absorb sunlight and transfer heat to the water.
Q: Can I swim with the solar cover on my pool?
A: No, it’s unsafe to swim with the cover on. It can cause someone to slip and get trapped.
Q: Where should I store my solar cover when it’s not in use?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place. Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent damage. A storage bag or container is recommended.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.