The easiest first step is to cover the pool whenever it is not in use: a well-fitted pool cover helps limit evaporation and heat loss. To actively warm the water, solar thermal systems and heat pumps can maintain a temperature over time when local conditions suit them; a gas heater is better suited to occasional, rapid heating. The right choice depends on your climate, how often you swim, how quickly you want the pool warm, and local energy and installation costs.
Start by keeping heat in
Use a properly fitted swimming pool solar cover whenever the pool is not in use, including overnight. Covering an unused pool can reduce heating costs by 50%–70%, according to ENERGY STAR; this is a potential reduction, not a guaranteed saving for every pool. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says a pool cover used properly can prevent up to 95% of pool-water evaporation and help the water retain heat. Actual results depend on the pool and how consistently the cover is used.
Choose a cover you can realistically put on and take off. ENERGY STAR recommends considering fit, ease of use, storage, durability and safety. A cover that is awkward to handle may not be used often enough to deliver its potential benefit.
Choose a heater for how you use the pool
There is no universally cheapest or best heater. These options serve different purposes, and performance and running costs depend on the site, the pool and local energy prices.
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- NEW UPGRADED DESIGN: Rings inflate faster & lay perfectly flat every time; Heaters trap the sun's energy to heat your pool during the day and keep it insulated at night; ; Use multiple heaters to cover at least 80% of your pool's surface for best results
- SAVE ON HEATING: Includes 3 inflatable heaters; Compliments existing gas and electric heaters to save you time with faster heating
- MINIMALISTIC DESIGN: These heaters lie completely flat, the solid blue color provides a clean, modern look to any backyard pool
- RECOMMENDED AMOUNT: Each one is 5 ft x 5 ft and covers 25 square feet of your pool surface; To roughly calculate the number of rings for 80% coverage, take your pool's sq. ft. surface area and divide by 30
- GREATER COVERAGE: The thick outer perimeter of these heaters minimize potential overlapping and increase pool surface coverage
| Option | Best fit | Main considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Pool cover or solar cover | Most pools where owners can cover the water between uses | Fit, ease of handling, storage, durability and safety |
| Solar thermal | Longer-term warming at a site with suitable sun and climate | Results depend on local climate and sun exposure; installation cost and payback vary |
| Electric heat pump | Maintaining a chosen temperature over time in a suitable climate | Climate affects performance; sizing and local electricity rates matter |
| Gas-fired heater | Occasional rapid heating | Fuel and operating costs vary; check current model efficiency and local requirements |
Solar thermal: use the site’s sunlight
Solar thermal systems use solar energy to warm pool water and are most appropriate when the climate and available sun support the system. ENERGY STAR gives a broad solar-unit cost range of $2,000–$4,000 and a payback of 2–7 years depending on climate. These are indicative figures, not a current quote or a prediction for a particular property. Ask an installer to assess the site and pool before estimating cost or performance.
Heat pumps: maintain warmth over time
A pool heat pump is intended to keep water within a chosen temperature range over a longer period, rather than provide a guaranteed quick warm-up. Like solar thermal, it is climate-sensitive. Ask about system sizing for your pool and compare expected electricity use with your local rates.
Rank #2
- Enjoy Longer Swims: This 32 x 16ft/9.75 x 4.88m rectangle solar pool cover works as a reliable pool cover, using an 16 mil bubble design to help retain heat and keep water warmer. The pool solar cover supports a longer swimming time while offering an easy-to-trim fit for irregular pool shapes
- Dual Heat Retention: With thousands of micro temperature-locking bubbles, this solar cover for pool provides an innovative double air layer that stores more heat and slows heat loss. The dense bubble spacing creates an even thermal barrier, keeping your pool warm while saving energy
- Durable Outdoor Use: Made from quality PE material, this thermal pool cover withstands stretching and tearing, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use. These solar pool covers withstand prolonged sun exposure without cracking or aging. Note: Avoid using in highly acidic or chlorinated environments for longevity
- Fits Inground & Above Ground Pools: Suitable as a solar pool cover for inground pools and above ground pools, compatible with round or rectangular pool layouts. Multiple size and thickness options allow flexible coverage for different pool setups
- Water & Energy Saving Pool Cover: This solar cover effectively reduces water evaporation by up to 95%, meaning less frequent refills and more water conservation. It also helps slow the evaporation of chemicals, reducing the need for constant maintenance. Enjoy a more sustainable pool with less hassle
Gas: heat the pool when you need it
ENERGY STAR identifies gas-fired heaters as a fit for pools that need occasional rapid heating. This can suit owners who do not want to maintain a heated pool continuously, but fuel costs and model efficiency affect the operating expense. ENERGY STAR lists an 82% federal efficiency standard for gas-fired pool heaters and cites 95% for the most efficient gas-fired models; check the current requirements and specifications for the model and location you are considering.
Compare the real cost for your pool
Do not choose on purchase price alone. A cover reduces heat loss but requires regular use; solar thermal depends on site conditions; a heat pump’s performance and cost depend on climate, sizing and electricity rates; and gas costs depend on fuel prices and how often you heat the water. Get a site-specific sizing and installation quote, then compare expected operating costs using your local energy prices. ENERGY STAR’s solar cost and payback figures are broad guidance rather than an individual estimate.
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- HIGHEST PERFORMING DESIGN - SwimEasy solar panels are among the highest performing panels on the market! The perfect option for anyone wanting both high heating performance and long-lasting durability.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - Replaces any solar pool heater panel that attaches with rubber hoses & hose clamps and has a round 2.0” I.D. (inner diameter) header manifold.
- BETTER ABSORBER - SwimEasy's absorber was created for its combination of performance and durability. Its specialized design takes the best of loose-tube and flat plate designs and combines them, while omitting all their flaws. More heat absorption means more heat transferred to your pool.
- SUPERIOR QUALITY - Manufactured in the U.S. with high-grade materials and U.V. stabilizers. SwimEasy is built to withstand your roof's harsh conditions with ease and deliver a long service life. Get the most out of your pool heating experience for longer with SwimEasy!
- FLEXIBLE ZIP-JOINT SYSTEM - Flexible zip-joints located every 6 inches across the absorber surface eliminate stresses caused by natural temperature variances between panel sections by allowing the panels to move along the joint freely - increasing durability.
Heat only as much as you need
Australian Government guidance recommends heating a pool only when needed and avoiding overheating. A cover can help retain warmth between swims, while a temperature target that matches actual use avoids paying to keep the water warmer than necessary. The best schedule depends on how often the pool is used and how quickly you need it ready.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check local requirements before installing
Rules depend on jurisdiction. California Energy Commission guidance addresses requirements for certain outdoor pools and spas in California; those code requirements should not be assumed to apply elsewhere. In the United States, the Department of Energy says amended pool-heater standards require compliance on and after May 30, 2028, and notes that planned regulatory milestones may change. Confirm applicable local rules and current product requirements before purchase or installation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EASY TO USE – Simply lay the Solar Pool Cover flat on top of your INTEX pool and let the air bubbles absorb and transfer sun heat into the pool water
- PROTECTS POOL FROM DEBRIS – Intended for a 18-foot round pool, this pool cover will minimize debris, leaves, and trash from getting into your pool; while also reducing consumption of chemicals
- EFFICIENT – The Solar Pool Cover is the most efficient type of pool cover; the Solar Pool Cover insulates pool water and reduces water evaporation by 95%
- SAFETY, QUALITY and VALUE – Intex designs, builds, and tests all its products to the highest standards with safety the first order of business; our affordable and innovative products are built to last
- CUSTOMER SATISFACTION – Our dedicated customer service team is available via phone, chat, or email to help with any questions you may have on use, installation, or service needs
Rank #4
- Solar heater mat uses solar technology to increase the temperature of the pool water by approximately 5 to 9 degrees depending on the weather
- Features an 11-square-foot surface to absorb the sun's rays to heat up above-ground pools; Dimensions (L x W): 47.25 x 47.25 inches (flat)
- Simple and economical to use, compatible with filter pumps with up to 1/3 HP or a pump flow rate less than 2,000 GPH; Weight: 6.41 pounds
- Includes a 1.25-inch hose attachment point, a bypass valve, 1 adaptor A, and 1 adaptor B for a 1.50-inch hose connection
- Constructed of heavy-duty UV stabilized PVC; Suitable for above-ground pools up to 8000 gallons; Folds for compact winter storage
Sources
- ENERGY STAR, “Pool Pumps”
- Australian Government, “Pool pumps”
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Pool Water Efficiency” (2018 page)
- California Energy Commission, “2025 Single-Family Pools and Spas FAQs”
- U.S. Department of Energy, “Consumer Pool Heaters”
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
