Clear or Blue Solar Cover – Which Is Best For Your Pool?

Most pool owners know that using a solar cover is an easy way to warm up the water in the pool. When it comes to picking one out, though, things aren’t so simple. Which should you go with: a blue solar cover, or a clear one? Our post will outline the differences between the two and help you decide which one is best for you.

Blue Solar Covers

Blue solar covers are considered the standard type of pool cover. They’ve been around longer and are generally less expensive than clear covers.

Most blue solar covers are a deep shade of cerulean that easily absorbs heat from the sun. They transfer some of this heat to the pool water beneath them, but some of it is retained in the cover itself. When the sun goes down and temperatures start to drop, they release this heat into the pool. This provides a more consistent level of heat, even during nighttime swims or quick dips on a cloudy day.

If you use a pool heater to supplement your solar cover, you’ll also find that you don’t need to run the heater as much with a blue cover. This will reduce your energy bills and could save you a lot of money.

Clear Solar Covers

Clear solar covers are slightly newer than blue ones. They’re made of clear flexible plastic and dotted with tiny air bubbles that help them better trap and redirect heat.

Clear covers allow sunlight to pass right through them, so they’re great for heating pools during the warm daylight hours when the sun is at its strongest. They’ll help your pool lock in the heat during this time and create an optimal swimming experience.

Many people feel that clear solar covers look better than blue ones, which is important for something that you’ll probably see every day. However, they’re also more expensive than standard blue covers.

Which Should You Choose?

Blue and clear solar covers each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Neither is necessarily better than the other – choose the one that offers the benefits you’re most interested in.

No matter which you decide to go with, make sure it’s large enough to cover your entire pool while firmly anchored in place. Any gaps will cause heat loss and force your pool heater to work overtime to make up the difference.

You can find both clear and blue solar covers online at Our Pool Store. Shop our selection today and find the cover that will keep you swimming comfortably even when temperatures start to dip.