Nothing is as exhilarating as diving in a heated swimming pool. A warm pool is relaxing and soothes you to take a dip and do a few flaps early in the morning before you head to work. Unfortunately, like most pool owners, maintaining your pool at warm temperatures is a constant altercation against weather elements.
There are several ways you can use to heat your pool. You can go the usual route – install electric or gas heaters – or you can be creative and save on monthly heating costs by using the natural sun. Of course, we are talking about Liquid solar covers! These covers allow you to tap the sun’s heat and keep your pool warm and friendly throughout.
Liquid solar covers are a popular option for pool owners looking to save energy. They work as a blanket between the water and the pool surface, allowing the sun’s heat to warm the water and minimize evaporation. When the sun’s not shining, it traps the sun’s heat in the water to warm it up. And who said winter couldn’t be a pool season?
Unfortunately, finding the best liquid pool covers for your pool is usually a daunting and time-consuming process. There are so many different products to choose from that it can become overwhelming. In this guide, we’ve researched the top five best liquid solar covers on the market to help you get the best solar blanket for your swimming pool.
5 Best Liquid Solar Cover Options
1. SunHeater Shield, 32 oz. Bottle – Liquid Solar Blanket, Non-Toxic and Safe for Swimmers, Reduces Water Evaporation Chemical and Heat Loss
- LIQUID HEAT SHIELD – Sunheater Liquid Heat Shield helps your pool retain heat by forming an ultra-thin, invisible barrier on top of your pool water that reduces evaporation, the main cause of pool water...
- SAFE FOR SWIMMERS – The non-toxic, odor-free formula is 100% safe for both swimmers and pool equipment.
- EXTENDS SWIMMING SEASON – Sunheater Liquid Heat Shield is better than a solar blanket! There’s no messing around with cumbersome blankets and reels, but it can still extend your pool season by keeping...
SunHeater Shield made the overall best pick. It’s one of the most popular liquid solar cover options. It provides an ultra-thin layer of protection to keep your pool warm, just like a solar cover. And who doesn’t like the feel of warm water? This invisible barrier reduces evaporation and retains heat.
Unlike a solar blanket, SunHeater Shield is easier to use. You don’t need any reels and cumbersome blankets to maintain your pool. In addition, it’s gentle on your skin, odor-free, and 100% safe for you and other pool equipment.
It features an easy-to-read marking on the bottle to help you apply the correct amount. You can use only 4 oz for every 20,000 gallons of water per week and extend your swimming season.
Pros:
- Conserves water by reducing water and chemical evaporation which increases heat retention
- Safe and odorless
- Easy to use
Cons:
- It has to be used often for the best results
2. AquaPill AP72 30,000 Gallon Solar Pill for Swimming Pool Heating, 2-Pack
- Pool Blanket for Up to 30,000 Gallons
- Lasts up to one month
- Easy to use; simply place in skimmer; automatically dispenses
- Reduces heat and chemical loss by preventing water evaporation
- Helps extend your swimming season
Aquapill Solar Pill for Swimming Pool Heating is another remarkable safety cover to keep your pool warmer and prevent evaporation and debris into your swim pool. Unlike a solar cover, the solar pill features a time-releasing dispensing system that slowly releases a blend of four chemicals to preserve your pool and reduce maintenance.
And you don’t have to worry about compatibility with pools. Aquapill is compatible with all filter and pool types and features a clarifier for beautiful, clear water. It’s also packed with natural enzymes to reduce contaminants and leave your pool water clean and healthy.
Simply pierce the pill in the designated area and leave it to float on water. Solar Pill 73 treats up to 30,000 gallons of water and lasts one month to help extend your swimming season.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Compatible with all filter and pool types
- It has an innovative formula that releases chemicals to preserve your pool water and pool equipment
- It lasts for 30 days
Cons:
- Less effective against water evaporation
3. Tropical Fish Liquid Solar Blanket, Liter
- SAVE WATER: Our advanced liquid solar pool covers for Inground and Above Ground pools can reduce water evaporation by up to 50%
- CONSERVE HEAT: Evaporation accounts for 50% of heat loss from a swimming pool. By reducing evaporation, LiquidHeat helps your pool to stay warmer, longer. Heating Costs and allow your pool to remain warm...
- ANY SHAPE ANY SIZE : LiquidHeat automatically spreads out over the surface to cover a pool of any shape and size. Whether you have a 3-foot deep mini pool, or a 10-meter deep pool, This liquid pool solar...
- EASY TO USE : Once per week, pour the required amount of LiquidHeat into the pool. That's it! No mess, and no cumbersome bubble blanket to remove or install. So round up all your friends for a pool party -...
- SWIMMER AND POOL SAFE : No harmful ingredients! LiquidHeat is safe for swimmers, and safe for pets drinking from the pool surface. It will not affect the balance (PH, CL, alkalinity) of the pool. It will...
Evaporation is the main cause of heat loss from your pool, about 90%. Tropical Fish Liquid Solar Cover is a revolutionary cover that conforms to the shape of your pool, providing heat during winter. Due to its high surface tension, the solar blanket cover retains its shape even when the pool is in use. Its application significantly retains the pool water heat and reduces evaporation by 50%.
Tropical Fish Liquid Solar Blanket will not affect your pool’s pH, chlorine, or alkalinity levels making it safe for swimmers and even pets. It comes in a 1-liter bottle. Apply 2 and 6 oz of Natural Chemistry weekly, depending on the size of your pool.
Pros:
- It offers a significant reduction in evaporation and heat loss
- High surface tension that retains its shape even when in use
- Safe for swimmers
Cons:
- May create build-up
4. Aquapill Solar Pill Liquid Solar Blanket 12,000 gallons Pools(Various Pack Sizes) – 4
- Easy to use; simply place in skimmer; automatically dispenses the formula for optimum coverage.
- Forms an ultra-thin invisible barrier on the surface of the water that reduces heat and chemical loss by reducing water evaporation.
- Helps extend your swimming season.
- Lasts up to one month.
Aquapill Solar Pill Liquid Solar Blanket packs all characteristics of a good liquid solar cover. It has a non-toxic formula to keep your skin protected when swimming. In addition, it doesn’t alter the original chemical composition of your swimming pool water.
The best thing about the Aquapill Solar Pill (Various Pack Sizes) is its economical application. It’s a largely shaped pill that you pop out at the designated holes on its surface and place in the pool skimmer. It then releases its content, slowly forming an ultra-thin protective layer on your pool to prevent evaporation. Once the Aquapill is empty, remove it from your skimmer.
Its non-toxic nature makes it an excellent option when your pool is packed with swimmers all the time. Each Aquapill is sufficient for a 12,000-gallon pool and lasts an entire month. It’s easy to use and will not harm any vinyl or pool accessories.
Pros:
- Easy application
- It offers an effective and extended solar blanket
- Economical
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger pools
5. 2 Pack SeaKlear Solar Shield 32oz 90245
SeaKlear Solar Shield is ideal if you are worried about increased power bills due to pool heating. It’s designed to provide maximum protection against evaporation. The SeaKlear liquid solar pool cover features a patented solution formula that offers best-in-class evaporation reduction.
The omnidirectional sideways movement of its molecules makes it the perfect option for swimming pools with irregular shapes. SeaKlear cuts down evaporation 24/7 and can save up to 1,500 gallons of water.
It has a 32-ounce packaging, ideal for all pool sizes. Use this solution weekly or monthly to significantly reduce evaporation, retain heat and extend your swimming period.
Pros:
- Excellent for extensive evaporation conditions
- Perfect for irregularly shaped pools
Cons:
- Low heat conservation value
Why Use a Liquid Solar Cover
Liquid solar covers are a relatively new product on the market, but they offer several benefits for their owners. Unlike traditional pool covers, they are cheap and easy to install, as they do not need to be cut to size and can often be adjusted once installed. Liquid pool covers are poured onto the surface, and they conform to the shape of the pool. Its benefits include:
Reduced Evaporation and Water Heat
Evaporation is the main culprit of heat loss from the swimming pool’s water. A high-quality liquid solar pool cover provides an ultra-thin layer on the water surface which lessens evaporation and keeps the pool warmer even as the air temperature drops. Additionally, lesser evaporation allows you to maintain your swim pool’s water volume without addition.
Efficient Chlorine Usage
Chlorine is the main sanitization chemical for pool water. Unfortunately, direct exposure to UV rays from the sun causes rapid degradation of chlorine in outdoor pools. A liquid cover adds a protective layer that protects the chlorine content, prevents degradation, and keeps your pool sanitized for longer periods.
Reduced Energy Costs
One main concern for pool owners is the high energy consumption due to pool warming. Since a liquid pool cover provides a protective layer that maintains heat, you won’t need to use your pool heater often because it will keep your water warmer. This will significantly reduce gas and electricity costs.
You can Swim with It
Unlike plastic and vinyl pool covers, you don’t have to remove the solar liquid cover to use the pool. Its non-toxic nature and invisible cover make it safe to use. Also, as water moves, the cover separates and rejoins once it settles. This makes it fun since you don’t have to strain to remove the cover.
Keeps Debris and Bugs Out
Bugs and debris like leaves are typical to fall into your swimming pool. When you apply a protective liquid pool cover, the debris will land on top, preventing them from contaminating your pool water. When the wind blows, it removes the debris from the pool. Additionally, you can use a leaf blower to clear the debris from the surface of your pool without affecting the protective layer.
Pros and Cons of Using A Liquid Solar Cover
Liquid solar pool covers have proved to be effective in protecting swimming pools by reducing evaporation rates. Some of its pros and cons include:
Pros:
- Easy to apply into the pool
- Affordable than traditional pool covers
- A single package can last up to two months, which extends your swimming period
- Effective in heat conservation and significantly reduces heating costs
- Prevents evaporation of pool water
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly
- Non-toxic and safe to swim in
- Suitable for irregular pools
- It doesn’t clog the circulation or filter system
- Efficient pool chemicals usage and saves topping up costs
- Keeps the pool water clear, clean and healthy
Cons:
- It doesn’t heat the water; rather, it prevents heat loss through evaporation
- It takes several days to notice an increase in water temperature
- Requires regular addition for better results
- Large pools require more liquid solar cover
- Affected by adverse weather conditions like winds and rainfall
Are Solar Covers Safe to Use?
Adding chemicals to your pool raises concerns, and you might be reluctant to use a solar cover. Are liquid solar covers safe? Luckily, solar covers have a small chemical composition which makes them completely safe to use in your pool. The ingredients are perfectly safe, and you can use your pool after applying a solar cover.
Solar covers are biodegradable, which makes them eco-friendly. Unlike a plastic cover, it’s hard for you to get trapped underneath. A plastic or vinyl liner can create a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. However, a liquid solar cover allows your pool to breathe, increasing air circulation and reducing the risk.
You may experience some eye irritation if you are sensitive to chemicals. Pool chemicals such as chlorine can also cause this. And you don’t have to worry about clogging your circulation system. Solar covers are 100% safe for your pool’s filtration system.
Liquid vs. Traditional Solar Covers
Liquid and traditional solar blankets are two primary methods used to achieve and retain pool warmth. Pool water loses its heat through evaporation; that’s why it’s essential to cover your pool to keep it warm. The barrier created by the cover slows evaporation and significantly preserves heat.
A liquid solar cover provides a microscopic protective layer that floats on top of your pool’s surface. Think of it like oil and water. When you put oil and water in a cup, the oil will float on top because it has a lower density than water. Even if you mix them a lot, the oil will still float. Likewise, a liquid solar cover floats on water and creates a protective barrier that prevents water evaporation and heat loss.
Traditional solar covers are large sheets of plastic or vinyl used to conserve temperature and minimize evaporation. Much like a bubble wrap, a traditional solar cover contains air-filled bubbles that sit on the surface of your pool which creates a barrier, reducing evaporation.
But, while they do a great job of keeping the heat in, they are big and bulky. Unlike a liquid cover, a traditional solar blanket covers vary in price depending on the pool size, color, and thickness. They range between $50-$300.
How to Use Your Liquid Solar Cover
Now that you know about liquid solar covers and their benefits, it’s essential to understand how you can use them to keep your pool warm and reduce water evaporation. There’s no biggy when using liquid solar blankets:
Buy enough liquid solar cover from your local pool supply store to last you at least several months. The amount will depend on the size of your pool and how much you use your pool. Ensure you check the manufacturer’s instructions to get the proper dosage. The average cost of liquid covers is between $15 and $30, with a common bottle size of 32 ounces. Typically, 4 ounces are enough to cover a 20,000-gallon pool.
Put your circulation system on and add the liquid cover to your pool’s skimmer. You can also pour the contents directly into the pool, but you will have to manually circulate the water until the liquid cover spreads properly over the water’s surface.
It’s crucial to formulate a schedule to add the liquid cover. It must be applied regularly to be effective. Liquid solar covers last around a week with minimal pool use. However, heavy pool use will require additional liquid cover to retain its effectiveness.
Liquid Solar Cover FAQ
Having understood how liquid solar covers work, it’s important to look at several questions that owners ask about liquid covers.
How Long Does Liquid Pool Cover Last?
It depends on the size of your pool and how often you use it. To ensure you apply the right amount, always check the manufacturer’s dosage instructions. On average, a single bottle of the liquid blanket will run for two months before you purchase another dosage. This results from the standard 32 oz. bottle, using 4 oz. weekly in a 20,000-gallon pool.
Which Liquid Solar Cover Is Best?
The best liquid solar cover depends on how much you want to spend and which type of pool you own. The best solar pool covers are those designed to withstand high temperatures and frequent heavy winds. They allow sunlight to naturally heat your pool and reflect off the surface of the water. Some of the best options include SunHeater Shield, AquaPill, Natural Chemistry Cover, and SeaKlear.
How Much Liquid Solar Cover Do I Need?
The amount of liquid solar cover you need depends on your pool size and how often you use it. Most brands recommend adding liquid covers of about 4 ounces per 20,000 gallons of water weekly for effectiveness. If you have friends over for a party, you will need additional liquid cover to ensure your pool remains covered and protected.
What Is a Liquid Solar Cover Made Of?
A liquid solar cover is a combination of calcium hydroxide and alcohol. When added to the pool’s surface, it creates an ultra-thin film that you can’t see or feel. Its ingredients are safe, biodegradable, and eco-friendly when used in the right amounts.
Use a Liquid Pool Cover to Protect Your Pool
If you have a gas or electric heater, using a liquid pool cover is effective and will help you save money. Liquid covers ensure your pool remains heated for extended periods, reducing water evaporation and water heating bills.
Unlike a traditional cover, you can use your pool after adding a liquid solar cover. Liquid covers work 24/7 to ensure your pool is effectively protected. Try a liquid pool cover today and see how well it works for you instead of struggling with a traditional cover. Happy swimming.
For over 15 years, Sean Moore has been sharing his love and enthusiasm for swimming pools and hot tubs with everyone he knows. His goal is to help everyday people DIY their maintenance to save money by teaching how to properly take care of your equipment, safely and correctly balance chemicals, and extend the life of your water oasis.
Pricing on this page was last updated on 2024-04-27