Choosing energy from the sun as a power source is not strange especially in this age where anything seems possible with technology. What many do not know, however, is that it can also be used to power pools. Often, the cost of electricity and gas could throw pool owners into unnecessary spending. In its place, the best solar heating floats for pools provide an effective way to power pools, cut costs, and embrace nature’s gift. That aside, choosing the best solar heating floats could be a daunting task. Not to worry, this article contains the best products that we recommend. 

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Best Solar Heating Floats For Pools to Buy

1. Solar Sun Rings Solar Pool Heater

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Solar sun rings are passive solar heating rings for pools and are designed with two layers of UV resistant vinyl. This heater produces heat when its upper layer directs sun rays to the bottom blue layer which absorbs about 50% of the sunlight. The residual sunlight is afterward filtered through the rings into the pool. The rings can be inflated, but ensure you do not inflate too much air; also, do not use the rings as floatation devices. This product does not have anchors; hence you will have to purchase one from a store if you need it.

2. SSR SSRA-100 Solar Sun Rings Pool Water Heater w/ Anchors

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This product can be inflated to your desired size. The upper layer of the ring directs sun rays into the bottom of the blue later which absorbs 50% of the sunlight, converting it to heat. A larger portion of heat loosed from the pool comes from the water surface at night. Since the solar sun rings do not cover the entire surface of the pool, it allows heat to escape, therefore, we advise that you purchase extra insulation like solar fish or blanket.

3. Thermo-Tex 2831515 15′ Round Solar Blanket

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The thermo-tex solar pool cover can be used to extend your swimming season and lower your heating cost. This pool cover is made from high-quality UV stabilized polymers that resist possible degradation that can be caused by the sun and other pool chemicals. It is light in weight to make it easy to use and remove from the pool. You can easily take it off yourself. You can use the thermo-tex cover in your pool for three summers before it starts to tear.

4. Intex Solar Cover for 12ft Diameter Easy Set and Frame Pools

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The Intex solar pool cover is one of the best solar heating rings for pools. It can reduce evaporation by 95%; it is effective in retaining heat. Water does not accumulate on the cover; water is drained from its holes. The product comes with a reusable carry bag for storage. This product is a solar-heat-retaining cover for 12-foot round pools. The actual size of Intex solar cover is 11ft and 5 inches, however, it is made to be used with above ground pools that are 12ft diameter in size.

5. Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover Heating Blanket

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This pool cover has an elegant look; it floats on the surface of the pool, using the sun to make your pool warmer. The bubbles on this cover are used to create and transfer thermal energy to the water. With a sun2solar pool blanket in your pool, you do not need an additional solar pool heater. It can also preserve up to 95% of the water in the pool from evaporation. You can trim each of the blankets to fit your pool shape. For use, place the flat side up while the bubble side facing the water.

6. Noair Heat Squares NS792-6 Solar Blanket

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This pool heater warms your pool just like a traditional solar blanket but it is lightweight and easier to apply and store. It covers about 50% of the pool for maximum heat retention. It is made with a heavy-duty vinyl closed-cell foam material that provides unsinkable buoyancy. Noair solar blanket is sturdy and does not lift when the wind blows. It works well on in-ground and above ground pools of any shape and size. The squares overlap each other frequently but never burn or become discolored.

7. Solar Pool Flowers

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Solar pool flower cover has a flower-like look that fills the pool even on windy days. It is safe, stylish, convenient, and ideal for any pool size. This solar heating floats for pools has a 22” diameter format which allows to stay in the pool while swimming and allows for easy mobility. The solar pool flower does not take space when it is time to store them. You can order for it in three different colors; blue, black, and multi-colored. The flowers are made from a lightweight, impact-resistant, and recyclable plastic.

8. Sun Ring Water Anchor Plain Circular Solar Cover

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Designed to mimic warming discs, the sun ring water anchor plain circular solar cover does not cover the entire surface of your pool. As a result, it allows trapped heat to escape, however, the manufacturer recommends that you use it together with a solar blanket for additional insulation. The cover comes with 6 magnets that attach the ring. Do note that you cannot use the cover as a flotation device and it should not be inflated.

9. Blue Wave NS525 14-mil Solar Blanket for Rectangular In-Ground Pools

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The blue wave NS525 14-mil solar blanket is designed exclusively for rectangular in-ground pools. The blanket increases pool temperature by up to 150 F and comes with insulating thermal bubbles for heat retention even in the summer. What’s more, there are innovative cells in the blanket that minimizes heat loss even on cool nights. Designed for superior durability, the blanket can withstand deterioration caused by chemicals and UV rays. As a plus, the product comes with a 6-year warranty to take care of a dissatisfied purchase.

10. Splash Pools Round Solar Pool Cover

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The splash pools round solar pool cover, like most pool covers, features an amazing design that allows it to trap energy from the sun and transmit the captured energy to your pool. Not just this, the pool cover makes the pool cleaner by blocking out debris and dirt. As a result, it allows you to save big on chemicals that would otherwise be used to keep the pool clean from debris. The product prevents heat loss and cuts evaporation by up to 95%. It also allows up to a 15% rise in the pool temperature.

Buying Guide For Solar Heating Floats/Covers for Pools

Type/material Quality: Solar floats feature sheets of heavy-duty and rugged vinyl. This is because it allows it to effectively trap energy from the sun, and an insulating layer ensures that the trapped energy is retained even at night. However, overexposure to direct sunlight often leaves the floats broken and chipped. To take care of this, look for products with durable vinyl layers with UV-resistant properties.

Size of your pool: A simple knowledge of arithmetic should get you through selecting the right float size for your pool. As a rule of thumb, purchase many floats if your pool is large and small quantities of floats if you have a small pool. This means that the size of your pool determines how much heating floats that you purchase. 

Thickness of pool cover: For pool covers, ticker always means better heat retention power. This said thick covers retain heat better than light ones. Also, they stay in place during a storm. However, they are most expensive than thin ones and can be difficult to roll up.

Ring Design and Decorations: Like the ocean, the best solar heating floats for pools often come with a blue layer for easy sunlight absorption. This said they come in different sizes. Shapes, and aesthetic designs. Therefore, based on your aesthetic taste, choose a float that meets your preference and style. 

Types of Solar pool covers: For better decision making, there are different types of solar pool covers. This includes bubble pool covers, solar sun rings, and liquid solar covers. The bubble pool covers feature thermal bubbles that are responsible for trapping heat in the pool. They also supply up to 15 0 F to the pool and reduce up to 95% evaporation. The solar sun rings, on the other hand, contain a UV-resistant vinyl layer to reduce evaporation and help heat retention. Lastly, the liquid solar covers reduce up to 40% evaporation. Like most liquid, they are used on the pool surface to form an invisible cover.

Benefits: Solar pool covers increase heat retention by trapping energy from the sun. They also act as a barrier between water and air in your pool. This way, you enjoy seamless energy conversion without any physical input. Since the covers not only retain heat but keep it trapped, it reduces evaporation by up to 95%. Besides, if evaporation is taken care of, it ultimately reduces the amount of chemical needed and less cost of replenishing the chemicals. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do solar rings work to heat pool?

Yes, they do. Solar rings retain energy from the sun and come with magnets that hold the rings together. Not just this, the magnets reduce the hardness of the water, and the disk prism attracts energy from the sun and traps the energy as heat in your pool.

How much will a solar cover heat a pool?

Since the covers prevent evaporation and heat loss by as much as 95%, you can be sure of increasing your pool temperature by up to 150 F.

How fast does a solar cover heat a pool?

The cover absorbs about 60% of the energy from the sun and uses this to heat the pool to 10-150 F under the sun. 

Conclusion

All things considered, choosing the best solar heating floats for pools as a cheap alternative to electricity and gas is an excellent choice. Not only does it saves your money, but it also prevents evaporation, and it is safe for use. The Sun2Solar blue rectangle solar cover heating blanket stands out as our top pick out of the bunch.