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Patio Pools

Best Solar Pool Heaters

Updated July 2024

Bottom line

Pros

Cons

Best of the Best

Blue Wave

18-ft Round 8-mil Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pools

Durable but lightweight, this solar cover fits above-ground pools well and does an impressive job heating the surface on sunny days. Damage to its bubbles will reduce its performance, though.

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Bottom Line

Durable but lightweight, this solar cover fits above-ground pools well and does an impressive job heating the surface on sunny days. Damage to its bubbles will reduce its performance, though.

Pros

Can raise a pool’s surface temperature by 10 to 15 degrees on sunny days, and as much as 20 degrees in some climates. Very durable despite its thin construction.

Cons

Doesn’t hold heat at all. Will have trouble fitting certain pool rims, even at the correct size. Bubbles may flatten out with storage, reducing its heating capability.

Best Bang for the Buck

Splash Pools

12' Solar Blanket for Round Pools

Easy to take on and off the pool surface, though its thin construction means its service life is only about one season.

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Bottom Line

Easy to take on and off the pool surface, though its thin construction means its service life is only about one season.

Pros

Light enough for one person to float onto the pool surface without breaking surface tension. Heats the pool surface quickly on sunny and on hazy days. Stays in place even on windy days.

Cons

Deteriorates quickly in high heat. Cover is a little smaller than its listed diameter. Doesn’t heat well in cooler climates.

Intex

Solar Cover for 18ft Diameter Easy Set and Frame Pools

A nicely fitting solar cover for above-ground pools, but it doesn’t hold up to chlorine and UV rays.

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Bottom Line

A nicely fitting solar cover for above-ground pools, but it doesn’t hold up to chlorine and UV rays.

Pros

Fits frame pools and Easy Set above-ground pools very well, with no trimming needed if ordered to size.

Cons

Cover can disintegrate after just a few months, scattering blue dots all over the bottom of the pool.

Blue Wave

15-ft Round 8-mil Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pools

Its thin construction is a trade-off: easy to float on and off the pool surface, but it deteriorates quickly after a couple of swim seasons.

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Bottom Line

Its thin construction is a trade-off: easy to float on and off the pool surface, but it deteriorates quickly after a couple of swim seasons.

Pros

Brings above-ground pools’ temperature up by 8 to 10 degrees on sunny days. An added plus: it catches debris that would otherwise sink in the pool, making fallen leaves and twigs easier to clear away. Lightweight and easy to put on. Can be trimmed to size.

Cons

Cover’s heat-retaining bubbles deteriorate quickly in sunny, hot climates. Cover is very thin and may blow off the pool in high winds.

$Thermo-Tex 12 ft. x 24 ft. In-Ground Solar Pool Blanket$

Thermo-Tex

12 ft. x 24 ft. In-Ground Solar Pool Blanket

A durable solar cover that will last three swim seasons or more with proper care.

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Bottom Line

A durable solar cover that will last three swim seasons or more with proper care.

Pros

Cover can be cut to fit in-ground pools. 6-mil thickness is more durable than other solar covers. Lasts multiple seasons without deteriorating.

Cons

Tends to blow off in higher winds. Doesn’t work well in indirect sunlight, and those in colder climates may be disappointed.

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First Reviewed

November 18, 2021

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