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They keep debris like leaves out,help water retain heat, and prevent evaporation.

Pool Covers

The Spruce

Pool safety covers are also designed to minimize the risk of accidents.

“Additionally, pool covers can contribute to energy efficiency by keeping the pool warmer year-round.”

The first thing to consider when buying a pool cover is size.

A pool covered with the SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket

The cover was easy to install with two people working together, and we were able to roll it up with just one person.PHOTO: The Spruce / Clarissa Cruz

Generally, the sheet should be at least a foot longer and wider than your pool.

Weight matters, too.

Though the materials are relatively lightweight, a pool cover can be very heavy due to its sheer size.

A close-up of a pool covered with a SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket

PHOTO: The Spruce

The cover is made of polyethylene that absorbs heat and energy from the sun’s natural rays.

It essentially usessolar power to keep your pool water warmwhile helping you cut down on your electricity bill.

Even on cooler days, the water ranged from a comfortable 71 to 73 degrees.

A pool the long way covered with the SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket

Suitable for both inground andabove-ground pools, the giant sheet comes in over 10 sizes.

The larger sizes can be hard to position.

Come spring, it’s possible for you to likely still use the water after treating it accordingly.

The SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket wrinkled on a pool

Additionally, covering your pool when it’s not in use will help prevent water evaporation.

Considering the affordable price and 8-year warranty, you really can’t go wrong.

That said, this circular cover is designed for round pools.

A close-up of a pool covered with a SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket

The cover weighs roughly 19 pounds, so it’s fairly easy to install.

The company suggests usingvinyl water tubessold separately to ensure that the pools are fully covered.

It comes with all the anchors, springs, and tools needed to secure it onto a concretepool surround.

A pool the long way covered with the SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket

It’s not meant for daily use.

Load-bearing pool covers designed for everyday use are sometimes custom-made and often cost thousands of dollars.

We suggest the Pool Boy I Electric Solar Reel System.

The SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket wrinkled on a pool

It’s made of powder-coated aluminum, a weather-ready material that resists corrosion and rust.

The hub plugs into any standard electrical outlet, though you may need an extension cord.

We like theSunHeater Pool Solar Blanket(our best overall), which ismade of polyethylene.

Round Above-Ground Winter Pool Cover

Courtesy of Amazon.

Load-bearing winterization covers are sometimes made of laminated polyethylene scrim, a high-strength woven version of the material.

Both scrim and resin are notably strong and help with heat retention and evaporation reduction.

Install With Ease

Before buying a swimming pool cover, look over the installation requirements.

Robelle Pool Cover

PHOTO: Amazon

Load-bearing, locking pool covers for daily use may need to be professionally installed.

A safety cover might be a semi-permanent fixture used during the off-season or a daily cover.

It’s important to note that not all pool covers are designed to prevent accidents and drowning.

Navy blue Intex cover over an inflatable pool

PHOTO: Amazon

Covering your pool can reduce water evaporation by 40 percent or more.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Michelle Lauis an editor at The Spruce, specializing in appliances, cleaning, organization, and home tech.

Vevor Rectangle Inground Pool Safety Cover

PHOTO: Amazon

For this story, she researched various pool covers and reviewed product manuals.

She considered dozens of the best pool covers before narrowing it down to the final selections.

Our Experts:

Wang J, et al.

I Electric Solar Reel System

Courtesy of amazon.

(2021).A sustainable, ultratough, and ready-to-use adhesive heating patch driven by solar/electric dual energy.

(2013).Plastic Greenhouse Film Update.

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.

Mirabedini M, et al.

(2003).Characterization and corrosion performance of powder coated aluminium alloy.Iranian Polymer Journal(English Edition).