Contributed by a Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

A solar cover for your pool can help you combat the largest source of energy loss for swimming pool owners.

Evaporation is the biggest cause of energy loss and heating costs for swimming pools.

Purchasing a solar pool cover has the potential to be the best investment you can make when it comes to swimming pool efficiency. In-ground pools and above ground pools, as well as hot tubs, can benefit from the use of a solar cover.

Here are the top ten tips for buying a solar pool cover.

10. Measure 2x

Measure your pool to make sure you are buying the correct size solar cover. These covers come in round, oval and rectangle shapes with multiple dimension choices. The last thing you want to do is purchase a solar cover that doesn’t fit your pool.

9. Read the description

Be sure to check the description of the solar cover you are interested in to see if it’s made for above ground or inground pools.

8. Demand polyethylene

Look for a heavy-duty solar pool cover that’s made with a polyethylene material. This material is one of the best for working with the sun to catch the heat and retain it. Polyethylene materials in your solar cover raise water temperatures by absorbing sunlight during the day and retaining heat at night. This will keep pool water warm longer and extend your swimming season.

7. Get a warranty

Check for solar pool cover brands that offer a warranty. Many manufacturers will offer a three-year warranty or higher. Warranties show you that the company you decide to purchase from is confident in its products. In general, solar pool covers with higher warranties are more expensive because the covers are made to last longer. Invest in the solar cover with the longest warranty you can afford.

6. UV resistance

Check to see if it’s noted that the solar cover material is Ultraviolet ray resistant. This is important because UV Rays will quickly deteriorate your pool cover.

5. Aluminum lining

If you want an extra-durable pool cover, look for solar covers that feature an aluminum lining. The aluminum in a solar cover reflects off the sun and absorbs the heat into the swimming pool water more efficiently. This cover will also help cut down on pool chemical loss from evaporation.

4. Investigate alternatives

Check into Solar Sun Rings as an alternative to the classic solar blanket. The Solar Sun Ring has been proven to provide 21,000 BTU per day. Each ring is a heating device made from two sheets of heavyweight UV-resistant vinyl. The upper layer is clear and holds insulating air that focuses sunlight onto the blue layer below it. The blue layer absorbs around 50% of the sun’s rays and converts it to heat. Solar Sun Rings are 60″ in diameter and your pool size determines how many you should purchase.

3. Storage

When purchasing your solar cover you should consider a solar reel. These reels keep your cover neatly stored and protected. Reels extend the life of your cover and typically come with warranties.

2. Opt for convenience

If you really want to make using your solar pool cover easy, look for an automatic solar cover reel. Automatic reels will remove your solar cover with the flip of a switch. This quickly and conveniently stores away your cover and leaves more time for swimming pool enjoyment.

1. Use a tarp

Solar cover tarps are a good investment. These tarps wrap around the reel of your pool cover to protect it from sun damage, wind and harsh weather to extend the life of your solar cover. They typically are easily fastened with velcro.

These 10 tips should put you ahead of the game when it comes to purchasing your solar pool cover. Solar covers are eco-friendly, reduce pool heating and swimming pool maintenance costs, and are an overall great investment in your swimming pool and lifestyle.