Are Solar Covers or Heat Pumps Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide for Pool Owners

Owning a swimming pool is a luxury, but keeping the water at a comfortable temperature can come with added costs. Whether you're trying to extend your swimming season, reduce evaporation, or save on energy bills, you’ve probably asked: Are solar covers or heat pumps worth the investment?

The answer depends on your climate, pool usage habits, and financial goals. In this longform article, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and cost-benefit analysis of both solar covers and heat pumps to help you make the right decision for your pool.

Understanding Pool Heat Loss

Before evaluating solar covers or heat pumps, it’s important to understand why pools lose heat in the first place:

• Evaporation accounts for about 70% of heat loss.
  

• Radiation and convection losses from the pool surface to the cooler air—account for much of the rest.
  

• Conduction occurs through the pool structure, but it's usually minor unless the pool is uninsulated.
  

The key to efficient pool heating is either reducing that loss or replacing the lost heat cost-effectively.

Option 1: Solar Covers (Solar Blankets)

What Is a Solar Cover?

A solar cover is a large, bubble-wrap-like sheet made of UV-resistant plastic that floats on the surface of your pool. It traps heat from the sun and reduces evaporation when the pool is not in use.

Benefits of Solar Covers

1. Reduces Evaporation

• • By covering your pool, you significantly reduce water loss due to evaporation—up to 95%.
    

  • This also minimizes the need to constantly refill the pool, which can reduce chemical use.
    

2. Retains Heat

• • Solar covers trap the sun’s heat and help retain it overnight, increasing water temperature by 5–10°F on average.
    

  • In sunny climates, they can sometimes maintain swim-friendly temperatures without additional heating.
    

3. Lowers Energy Costs

• • If you already use a heater, a solar cover can reduce heating costs by 50–70%.
    

  • They help maintain the temperature longer, reducing the frequency and intensity of heater use.
    

4. Affordable

• • Compared to mechanical heaters, solar covers are relatively inexpensive—typically $75 to $300, depending on pool size.
    

Drawbacks of Solar Covers

• Manual Handling: They can be awkward to roll and unroll unless you have a reel system.
  

• Limited Use While Swimming: The cover must be removed while the pool is in use.
  

• Durability: They last around 3–5 years, with exposure to sun and chemicals causing gradual wear and tear.
  

• No Active Heating: They retain heat but do not generate it, meaning they’re ineffective during long cloudy periods.
  

Option 2: Heat Pumps

What Is a Pool Heat Pump?

A heat pump pulls heat from the air and transfers it to the pool water. It works similarly to an air conditioner in reverse. Because it uses ambient air temperature, it’s more energy-efficient than gas heaters, especially in mild to warm climates.

Benefits of Heat Pumps

1. Consistent Heating

• • Delivers a reliable, steady temperature regardless of sunlight.
    

  • Can extend your swimming season significantly—sometimes year-round in warmer areas.
    

2. Energy Efficiency

• • Uses electricity, not gas, and operates at a high COP (Coefficient of Performance)—typically between 5.0 and 6.0. That means for every unit of electricity, it provides 5–6 units of heat.
    

  • Ideal for climates where air temperature is above 50°F most of the time.
    

3. Lower Operating Costs (Than Gas Heaters)

• • Monthly operating costs range from $50–$150, depending on pool size and desired temperature.
    

4. Long Lifespan

• • Typically lasts 10–15 years with regular maintenance.
    

Drawbacks of Heat Pumps

• Higher Upfront Cost
  

• Expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000, plus $500–$1,500 for installation.
  

• Slow Heating Time
  

• Takes longer to heat the pool compared to gas heaters—often 24–72 hours depending on conditions.
  

• Temperature Sensitivity
  

• Loses efficiency in cooler air; not ideal for areas with frequent temps below 50°F.
  

• Requires Electricity
  

• If your electricity rates are high, the cost savings may be less compelling.
  

Solar Cover vs. Heat Pump: Which One Is Worth It?

The Best of Both Worlds: Using Both Together

Many pool owners get the best results by combining a solar cover with a heat pump. Here’s why:

• The solar cover prevents overnight heat loss and daytime evaporation.
  

• The heat pump supplements warmth during cooler periods or cloudy days.
  

• Together, they significantly reduce heating costs and make pool ownership more energy efficient.
  

This combination is especially valuable in transitional climates, where summer sun is strong, but spring and fall are cooler.

Real-World Cost-Benefit Analysis

Let’s consider a medium-sized in-ground pool (15’x30’) in a temperate climate:

Scenario 1: No Cover, Only Heat Pump

• Operating cost (April–October): ~$800–$1,200
  

• Water evaporation: ~20,000 gallons annually
  

• Higher chemical usage
  

Scenario 2: Solar Cover Only

• Cost: ~$200 cover + $100 reel = $300
  

• Heat retention: +5–8°F, but not always warm enough for early/late season
  

• Minimal energy cost
  

Scenario 3: Heat Pump + Solar Cover

• Heat pump: ~$4,000 installed
  

• Solar cover: $300
  

• Energy cost reduced by 50–70% (~$400–$600 annual savings)
  

• Payback time: ~7–10 years (faster with high energy prices)
  

Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?

Solar Cover – Yes, for virtually every pool owner. It's inexpensive, easy to install, and offers immediate benefits in reducing evaporation, conserving heat, and cutting down chemical use.

Heat Pump – Worth it if you want a longer swim season, live in a climate where temperatures stay above 50°F, and can afford the upfront investment. It's a long-term commitment that pays off with consistent water temperatures and energy efficiency.

Best Value – Use both. A solar cover enhances the efficiency of your heat pump dramatically and offers the quickest return on investment when combined.

Conclusion

Whether you’re trying to save money, reduce energy use, or just enjoy a longer swim season, solar covers and heat pumps offer valuable solutions—especially when used together. Evaluate your local climate, pool size, and usage habits to determine the best approach, but for most pool owners, at least one (if not both) is well worth the investment.

If comfort, convenience, and cost savings matter to you, then yes—solar covers and heat pumps are absolutely worth it.