Alicia Toedter | Source | Senior Manager Content Strategy at Leslie's

Not only do they prevent evaporation to reduce water loss by as much as 95%, but they also trap the sun’s warmth and transfer it to the pool water. Depending on the thickness and color of the solar pool cover, most pool owners can expect a 10-15˚F increase in water temperature, if not more. A physical solar cover is very large, and covers the entire surface of the pool. Many pool owners use a solar cover reel to make it easier to take the cover off the pool and place it back on after swimming. Alternatively, some pool owners opt for solar sun rings, which are basically mini solar covers that are easier to handle. Solar pool covers are one of very few swimming pool accessories that will pay for themselves in water, chemical, and energy savings over the course of one or two swimming seasons.