Pool solar cover – how to choose and store it
A pool solar cover lies directly on the water and keeps the heat in, mostly at night. The cover almost stops evaporation and protects the water from dirt, and therefore from some of the chemicals as well. Choose it by the shape and diameter of the pool and by the colour of its underside.
In short:
- A solar cover reduces heat loss at night, which is why it is most useful together with a heat pump.
- The GeoBubble and OXO models are 500 µm thick and are cut to the shape and size of the pool.
- The transparent top side of Sol+Guard gives the greatest solar effect, while the dark underside of the other models limits algae.
- The cover is laid with the smooth side up and is removed during shock chlorination.
- In winter the cover is rolled up or folded and is never left in the water.
What does a solar cover do?
A solar cover reduces the pool’s heat loss, mostly at night. As a result, the next day’s heating does not have to make up the whole night-time loss, and looking after the water becomes easier.
The GeoBubble and OXO cover lies on the water and sits level with the pool edge. The manufacturer MTH states that evaporation is reduced by 98 % or more, and the expected service life is over 6 years. A solar cover also limits contamination, so fewer chemicals are needed. It is most beneficial together with a heat pump, which you can read about in the article on choosing the power of a heat pump.
A solar cover does not make the pool safe. Mountfield explicitly states that the thermal cover does not replace a safety cover, a fence or other protection. For the difference between the types of covers there is a separate article on the types of pool covers.
How to choose a solar cover – GeoBubble or OXO?
The choice is made first by the shape and size of the pool, then by colour. At Baseini.NET we offer round, oval and rectangular GeoBubble and OXO solar covers. All are made of polyethylene 500 µm thick and are cut to the shape of the pool.
| Model | Top and underside | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| GeoBubble EnergyGuard | transparent top, midnight blue underside | selective light filtering limits algae and still allows good heating |
| GeoBubble Sol+Guard | transparent top, tinted light-transmitting underside | very high light transmission gives the maximum solar effect |
| OXO sapphire blue | blue on both sides | the best possible heat insulation at night |
| OXO blue-black | blue top, black underside | the black side is completely opaque and strongly limits algae |
The round GeoBubble pool solar cover is available in 14 sizes from Ø 2.50 to Ø 8.00 m. The round OXO cover comes in 14 sizes from Ø 3.00 to Ø 8.00 m. The diameter is chosen according to the pool. For chemicals, the manufacturer states a reduction of up to 70 % with EnergyGuard and up to 40 % with Sol+Guard.
For an inflatable or prefabricated pool of non-standard shape there is also a made-to-order Mountfield solar thermal cover. It is 400 µm, black on one side and blue on the other, on rolls 4, 5, 6 or 7 m wide. The cover can be cut on site to fit exactly, and the price is per 1 m².
How is the solar cover fitted on the pool?
A pool solar cover is laid on the water with the smooth side up. Follow these steps:
- Unfold the cover next to the pool and slide it onto the water with the smooth side up.
- If the size does not fit exactly, trim the cover with sturdy scissors.
- Wait a few days – the creases from the packaging usually smooth out.
- With large sizes, work in pairs and do not drag the cover over the pool edge or over sharp edges.
When you are not using it, do not leave the cover in direct sunlight. The cover is removed during shock chlorination and put back only after the chlorine returns to its normal level.
How do we reel the cover?
The solar cover is rolled onto a shaft rather than folded by hand. This keeps the cover tidy and makes uncovering and covering the pool more convenient.
The mobile reeling device PROFI Deluxe for solar covers is for pools 1.20–4.20 m wide. The telescopic aluminium shaft adjusts to the pool, and the wheels on one side make it easier to move around the edge. The device is best suited to elongated pools with straight long sides, including oval ones. It is not for winter, safety or other heavy covers.
For in-ground, built-in and partially built-in pools there is a mobile stand for reeling a solar cover. A telescopic roller pole is bought separately for it – 2.7–4.4 m, 3.7–5.4 m or 5.4–7.1 m, depending on the pool. More accessories can be found in the category pool cover accessories.
What should we do with the solar cover in winter?
In winter the solar cover is rolled up or folded and must never be left in the water. Mountfield states the same for its thermal cover: it is not winter-proof and must be stored away.
A separate winter cover is used to protect the pool during the cold months. How to choose and fit it is described in the article on winter pool covers. You can see new solar covers and heat pumps for the next season in the categories summer thermal pool covers and pool heat pumps.
Frequently asked questions
Can the solar cover be left in the water in winter?
No. The manufacturer of the GeoBubble and OXO models explicitly states that in winter the cover is rolled up or folded and must never be left in the water. A separate winter cover is used for winter.
When is the solar cover removed from the pool?
The cover is removed during shock chlorination. It is put back on the water once the chlorine returns to its normal level.
What is the difference between EnergyGuard and Sol+Guard?
EnergyGuard has a transparent top and a midnight blue underside and limits algae while still allowing good heating. Sol+Guard has a tinted light-transmitting underside and gives the maximum solar effect.
Is a solar cover suitable for an oval pool?
Yes. GeoBubble and OXO covers are also available for oval and figure-eight pools. They are cut to the shape and size of the pool.
Can a solar cover replace a safety cover?
No. A solar cover does not make the pool safe and does not replace a safety cover, a fence or other protection.
