Plastic Solar Blankets VS Liquid Pool Covers: Conclusion

We've looked at many factors that most consumers will consider when faced with a decision on whether to purchase a traditional plastic solar blanket for their pool, or to whether to opt for the less well-known liquid pool cover option. 

To some, the very fact that a plastic blanket is more conventional will make their decision for them. But the more curious, results driven consumers want to know more about the two options before making their final decision. 
  • Which one retains heat better, a plastic solar blanket or a liquid pool cover?
  • Can a liquid cover conserve as much water as a plastic blanket?
  • Will my family be more save with a liquid pool cover or a conventional plastic blanket?
  • Which one will I have an easier time using and applying on a regular basis?
  • How much of a price difference is there between a plastic solar blanket and a liquid pool cover?
If you want answers to these questions, read on to hear our conclusions!
If you haven't had the chance to experience the battle first hand, make sure you read the replay of each round before spoiling the suspense by reading the conclusion first! You don't read the last page of a good book first, do you!? Catch up here:

Conclusion Round 1: Heat Retention

In the first round we found that up to 70% of heat from a swimming pool is lost through evaporation, and by using a pool cover of some variety, you can greatly reduce this loss. It was also shown that both plastic solar blankets AND liquid pool covers have been provide to decrease the rate of heat loss by between 50 - 70%. However, plastic solar blankets will also decrease the amount of solar heat gain that is possible by about 5 - 15%, whereas a liquid pool cover will not do this. For that reason, the ADVANTAGE was awarded to the liquid pool covers.

Conclusion Round 2: Water Conservation

In the second round we found studies that proved both both plastic solar blankets and liquid pool covers will conserve 30 - 50% of water that is normally lost to evaporation. We were about to call a tie, when we realized that a plastic blanket will only conserve water when it is actually covering the pool. During that time, the pool cannot be in use. So, in order to conserve the maximum amount of water possible, a swimming pool would ideally be covered 24 / 7 - even while in use. Liquid pool covers offer this potential, and were awarded the ADVANTAGE.

Conclusion Round 3: Safety

The third round was a hot topic because we looked at safety issues. For any product to be used with confidence, there must be certain questions of safety addressed. We found that conventional solar pool blankets do not offer any safety assistance and may even be considered a risk of entrapment. Liquid pool covers do not offer any safety assistance either, but pose no risks of any kind when used as recommended, so they were once again, given the ADVANTAGE.

Conclusion Round 4: Application

In the fourth round, application, we considered a few important points: fit and usability. In order for any pool cover to perform to its best potential, it much correctly fit the swimming pool in question. The process of actually using it to cover the swimming pool is equally as important. We discovered that traditional plastic blankets will conveniently fit most rectangular, oval or round pools, but uniquely shaped pools will require a custom cover. Liquid pool covers, on the other hand, automatically fit themselves to any size or shape of swimming pool. 1/2 Advantage goes to liquid pool covers...

When applying a plastic solar blanket, it must be physically pulled / spread out across the pool. Without a reel, this is likely a 2-person chore. Uniquely shaped pools or very large swimming pools are going to increase the work load. Then, anytime you want to swim, you have to physically pull or reel it off the pool. Liquid pool covers require no heavy lifting and only minutes each month. The ADVANTAGE here, without doubt, goes to liquid solar covers. 

Conclusion Round 5: Price

Price is often on of the main deciding factors when it comes down to deciding on a new product. We found, with the help of Google and various online retailers, that the average annual cost of a conventional bubble cover would be in the range of $100. An annual cost of Ecosavr - based on an average 6 month swimming season - would be about $60. For Heatsavr, the cost would only be about $45. Again, the advantage goes to the liquid pool covers, either HeatsavrTM or EcosavrTM.

Final Conclusion

After extensive consideration, it seems that the advantage in every single round went to liquid pool covers. For that reason, we have to conclude that, in a battle between Plastic Solar Blankets and Liquid Pool Covers, the reasonable choice would be to start using Ecosavr or Heatsavr. Why don't you start today? >> Where to Buy

11 Comments


PaulP - July 20th, 2014 at 11:42pm

Your blog is very informative.I also confused for best pool cover between Plastic Solar Blankets or Liquid pool covers,Thanks for sharing such informative information.

Tim - November 27th, 2015 at 11:24pm

Ca I use a liquid pool cover with a plastic solar blanket as well? Thanks Tim

Kathe Suddendorf - May 11th, 2016 at 8:45am

Does the air temp determine how well it works? When I put it in the pool, it looks milky and it sort of collects in my skimmer and looks like little white slivers. Any insights? It's been in 40s and 50s at night here and I haven't been able to heat the pool yet.

Tony - May 22nd, 2016 at 9:23am

For every one study in favor you usually can find one against. While this has been the case yet for liquid solar I do have concerns that there hasn't really been any long term health studies. It seems like kids ingesting this product on a daily basis during the summer months has the potential to have adverse affects?? Thinking back folks thought asbestos was OK for the 60 or so years it was in use. We know how that turned out.

jackie - May 24th, 2016 at 7:59am

if your pool is filtering all the time does that make the liquid cover less effective?

APS - November 19th, 2016 at 7:59am

Hello Monique! Thanks for such an informative and helpful post. You have clearly outlined each and every point. Worth going through it. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for Sharing this great points.

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