Best Solar Pool Rings

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Finding an affordable and sustainable way to heat your pool is not an easy task. Most heating mechanisms use electricity or gas, which are often expensive and unsafe for most users, especially if you have kids and pets at home.

However, solar pool rings will make a huge difference to your swimming experience without burning a hole in your pocket. On average, solar pool rings last for nearly seven years, making them a worthwhile investment.

Read on for our expert reviews of the best solar pool rings available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!

Our Top Picks

7 Best Solar Pool Rings

1. Solar Sun Rings SSRA-100 Pool Water Heater

The Solar Sun Rings SSRA-100 will heat your pool instantly and effectively. The unit uses a double-layered UV-resistant vinyl material; the first layer directs the sun’s rays onto the underlying blue layer, which transforms these rays into energy and heats the pool.

Features

Effective for Night Heating

These pool rings will absorb sunlight throughout the day and guarantee and warm and serene swimming experience at night. If you choose to use a solar blanket or solar fish for extra insulation, your swimming experience will be even better.

Easy Setup

If you are a beginner with no experience in the field of solar pool rings, the SSRA-100 is the model for you. The package comes with six magnets that are designed to hold the rings together in the pool.

But why should your solar rings be affixed to one another? If you use the magnets, the solar rings will be evenly spread out across the pool, ensuring that the heating process takes place smoothly, without one part of the pool getting overheated.

Easy Removal

The SSRA-100 is also very easy to remove from the pool when you want to take a swim. Just pick up the rings and give them a good shake, and the water will easily pour out of the water weight area.

2. Intex Solar Cover

If you have 15 feet round swimming pool, the Intex Solar Cover is an efficient and cost-effective solar pool heater ring for you. The ring reduces evaporation by nearly 95% and guarantees maximum heating capacity for your pool. The Intext Solar Cover is easy to use for beginners and professionals alike.

Features

Ideal for Round Swimming Pools

Many homes don’t have conventional rectangular swimming pools but instead an above-ground circular pool. If you have difficulty finding the perfect-sized solar pool ring for your round swimming pool, you don’t need to look any further. The Intex Solar Cover is designed specifically for larger, round pools.

Inbuilt Drain Holes

You may have come across other solar pool rings that are difficult to maintain because they get water-logged. You need to take out the unit from the pool and give it a good shake when this happens.

However, this solar pool ring comes with drain holes on the cover that reduce water accumulation and promise a hassle-free experience for the user.

High Floating Capacity

While most solar pool rings need a high floating capacity for maximum efficacy, the Intex Solar Cover is even more powerful and has a higher than average floating capacity. That makes it a strong alternative to traditional pool heating systems.

3. Solar Sun Rings Plain Circular Solar Cover

The Plain Circular Solar Cover by Solar Sun Rings offers practicality in its design at an affordable price. It promises to bring down your electricity bill and will warm the swimming pool within your budget. It comes with an inbuilt thermal blanket that helps to retain the sun’s heat even after dusk.

Features

Simple and Practical Design

The Solar Sun Rings plain circular solar cover comes with a redesigned and refurbished interior grid that contains extra drainage grommets to all the water to permeate through the rings without sinking. It will ensure that the structure remains afloat without accumulating the water while simultaneously heating the pool water.

Budget-Friendly

If you are looking for a solar pool ring within a tight budget without compromising on the quality of the unit, this solar pool ring is your answer. It guarantees all the benefits of a high-end pool ring but at a much lower price.

Easy to Move

When the pool water gets dirty, many users have to remove the entire solar pool ring structure to clean the water effectively. However, this solar pool ring is lightweight and easy to move around even within the pool, so you can easily clean it up without any hassle of taking out the structure.

4. Swimways Thermo Spring Solar Mat

The Swimways Thermo Spring Solar Mat is one of the easiest to store oval-shaped and comes with an advanced heating system. The ring will cover 70-80% of your pool’s surface and raise the temperature consistently without any extra electricity costs.

Features

Twist and Spring Technology

This thermo mat uses a unique twist and spring technology that allows for easy installation and storage. It is also made of durable and reliable materials that guarantee a hassle-free heating option for your pool.

Oval Shaped Unit

The Swimways Thermo Spring Solar Mat is also designed in a unique oval shape to cover the maximum surface area on your pool. Most solar pool rings are circular, and while this is effective, an oval shape can cover approximately 20% more surface area. It will ensure that your pool heats up evenly and faster than the average solar pool ring.

Perfect for All Shapes of Swimming Pools

You will also notice that the Swimways Thermo Spring Solar Mat is ideal for all types of swimming pools, regardless of the shape. The oval design allows you to attach the rings to one another with ease, and this process will ensure higher insulation and less evaporation.

5. Solar Sun Rings SSR1 Swimming Pool Spa Heater

Much like the Swimways Thermo Spring Mat, the SSR1 Swimming Pool Spa Heater by Solar Sun Rings can cover a significant amount of surface area in your swimming pool. If you are looking for a solar pool ring to cover roughly 85% of your pool’s surface, this is the perfect option for you.

Features

Inflatable Solar Pool Ring

The SSR1 Swimming Pool Spa Heater is an inflatable solar pool ring that provides up to an impressive 21,000 BTU per day. That is far higher than the average solar pool ring and will ensure that your pool remains warm for a longer duration.

However, you will need to make sure that the inflation of the ring is done only up to the recommended level in the instruction manual for the best results.

Easy to Clean

Debris collection on the solar pool ring and inside the pool water is a common problem that all pool owners face. However, this pool ring is made of sturdy materials that are easy to clean and prevent debris collection. As long as the device inflates according to the instructions, maintenance will be a breeze.

Covers a Large Surface Area

Most solar pool rings cover approximately 65-70% of the pool’s surface. But the SSR1 Swimming Pool Spa Heater is much larger and can cover up to 85-90% of your pool’s surface area. The more area it covers, the quicker your pool will heat up and the longer it remains heated.

6. Bestway Round Above Ground Solar Pool Heater

The Bestway Solar Pool Heater is the best pool heating option if you own an above-ground pool. It works hard to keep debris out of the pool while simultaneously using the sun’s energy to heat your pool to the ideal temperature.

Features

Good for Oval and Circular Pools

If your pool is oval or circular, above the ground, and approximately 14 to 15 feet in its diameter, look no further than the Bestway Solar Pool Heater. It makes use of lightweight materials that are easy to clean, and you can take care of your oval or circular pool with no hassles at all.

Prevents Debris Accumulation

One of the primary features of this solar pool heater is that it acts as a barrier between the outside debris and pool water. Once the quantity of debris in your pool and on the pool heater reduces, you won’t have to worry about frequent cleaning or taking out the unit from the water to shake the debris out of it.

Fits Around the Frame of the Pool

If your pool’s diameter is under 15 feet, the Bestway Solar Pool Heater can be attached to the pool’s perimeter so that it stays out of the way and will stay in place for a longer duration.

7. Solar Sun Rings SSSA-SB-02 Square Heater Solar Cover

The SSSA-SB-02 Solar Cover is the perfect solar pool ring for square swimming pools. Most solar rings are circular and suitable for oblong swimming pools. Placing these rings in square swimming pools doesn’t allow them to cover the maximum surface area.

However, choosing a square solar ring for a square swimming pool will ensure that the unit catches maximum sun rays for a complete and effective pool heating solution.

Features

Lightweight with Easy Installation

The SSSA-SB-02 solar pool ring is one of the lightest models available in the market right now. At just 4.5 pounds, you can easily set it up in your pool and remove it as per your preferences. It also comes with a simple installation procedure that beginners and professionals can follow with ease.

Easy Break Apart

Another fascinating feature of this solar pool ring is that it facilitates ease to break apart. That is a characteristic that most solar pool ring designs often overlook. Owning a pool ring with an easy break apart will prevent entrapment of the person in the event of an accidental fall.

If you have kids or pets at home and you want to ensure their safety, the SSSA-SB-02 solar pool ring is a wonderful option to consider.

Maximum Coverage

With its square-shaped design, the SSSA-SB-02 solar pool ring will guarantee maximum coverage on the surface of the pool, especially if your pool is square or rectangle-shaped. Maximum coverage will help capture the sun’s heat more efficiently so that your pool will remain heated through the night.

Solar Pool Ring Buying Guide

A team of experts has handpicked each of the seven products that we reviewed above to ensure only the best pool heating solution for you. We hope that you enjoyed those reviews!

While all the products are strong contenders, there are some pointers to consider before deciding and choosing the best solar pool ring for your home. Read through this buying guide to make your way to the best pick!

Key Takeaways

• Solar pool rings are eco-friendly and cost-effective pool heating solutions that sit on the surface of your pool, using sunlight to warm the water and prevent evaporation.
• Benefits of solar pool rings include environmental-friendliness, zero operational costs, easy setup and removal, heat retention, versatility, and reduced electricity costs.
• Before buying a solar pool ring, consider factors such as the ring size and shape, the number of rings needed based on pool size and shape, ring thickness for durability and heat retention, the presence of drain holes and anchors for stability, and the quality and longevity of the materials used.

What is a Solar Pool Ring?

A solar pool ring is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective means to heat your swimming pool that serves as an alternative to traditional electrical heating systems. It is a circular cover that rests on the surface of your swimming pool.

Solar pool rings are generally made of heavy-duty, UV-resistant vinyl material. Most pool rings contain multiple magnets that will allow you to interlock multiple rings on the surface to cover the maximum surface area.

Solar pool rings are inflatable structures that will ensure quick setup and removal. It also prevents the solar pool rings from taking up space since you have to deflate them after you take them out.

How Does a Solar Pool Ring Work?

Solar pool rings sit on the surface of your pool and use the sunlight that hits the top layer of the vinyl structure. 50% of the heat moves through the structure, into the bottom layer, and finally, into the pool.

Not only do they warm up your pool efficiently, but they ensure that the warmth remains locked inside the water by preventing evaporation. Along with heating the pool, they protect the pool water from debris that can upset the water quality and composition.

What are the Benefits of a Solar Pool Ring?

Now that you know what a solar pool ring is and how it works, quickly read through some of the benefits of using a solar pool ring to warm up your pool.

• Environmental-friendly: Since solar pool rings use no conventional electricity and rely on the sun’s energy, they are an eco-friendly alternative.
• Zero operational costs: Pool rings require no additional maintenance, making them one of the cheapest means to keep your pool warm
• Easy setup and removal: Whether you are an amateur or professional, the deployment and storage of solar pool rings is a piece of cake and can be taken up by anyone.
• Helps keeps evaporation in check: Solar pool rings trap heat within the water and prevent essential chemical loss to prolong the time that the pool remains warm.
• Versatile and unique: There is a different design for every type of pool, and these pool rings can be used for above ground and inground swimming pools
• Brings down the home’s electricity costs: Solar pool rings harness the light from the sun and make sure that no additional electric costs will be incurred in the process of heating the pool.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Solar Pool Ring

Solar pool rings are a worthwhile purchase to make, and they are guaranteed to heat your pool efficiently at lower costs. Nonetheless, there are some factors to consider before you buy the perfect solar pool ring for your pool.

Ring Size and Shape

Solar pool rings need to cover the maximum surface area on the pool to ensure efficiency in retaining heat. Most solar pool rings are circular in shape and will leave small gaps between each unit.

You can avert the problem by using square solar pool ring designs. They function the same as circular solar rings but tend to be more space-efficient, particularly if your pool is rectangular.

You could also consider going for a more traditional solar pool cover which will spread out across a larger surface area to capture the maximum sunlight.

How Many Rings Should You Buy?

All pools need a minimum of four solar pool rings and a maximum of 30. However, this depends on your pool size and shape and the rings’ size and shape. Most rings are around 5 feet in diameter and can cover approximately 70-80% of the pool’s surface.

For example, if you have a rectangular pool that measures 12*20 feet, the ideal number of pool rings to buy is 8. If you own a round pool that is 12 feet in diameter, you may purchase 4-5 pool rings. On the other hand, if your pool is oval and measures 12*24 feet, you might need around six pool rings.

In order to ensure that you buy the ideal number of pool rings, you may contact a professional or manufacturer. However, you may also choose to estimate the number of rings you will need by yourself by measuring the pool and each of the rings.

Does Ring Thickness Matter?

Thicker solar rings often have a longer lifespan and increased heat retention. Solar pool rings are measured in terms of mil (one-thousandth of an inch); mil is not the same as millimeters. If you choose a solar pool ring that is less than eight mils, it will have a shorter lifespan and lower levels of heat retention.

The best solar rings usually measure between 12 and 16 mils. These rings last the longest and have better heat retention so that your pool remains heated for a longer duration.

However, if you are looking to buy a spa-specific solar ring, they will be on the thicker side (sometimes more than 16 mils) to ensure that the spa temperature remains locked in for a longer time.

Drain Holes and Anchors

Experts recommend that you go for solar pool rings with drain holes for added rigidity. Drain holes also help eliminate any excess water accumulated on the top of the ring’s structure. Water accumulation can happen if the unit has been improperly installed or due to sudden and severe rainstorms.

If water accumulates over a longer duration, the solar pool ring will sink and prove ineffective.

Another aspect to consider is whether or not the pool ring has anchors. Some pool rings blow away due to strong winds, and many homeowners recommend that you choose solar pool rings that come with anchors.

Anchors will hold the ring down and prevent it from shifting around on the surface of the water or getting blown away due to weather changes.

Quality and Longevity

Solar pool rings are generally made of 2 layers of UV-resistant vinyl material. The double layer of vinyl guarantees durability and prevents wear and tear. Constant inflating and deflating may lead to a shorter lifespan, but buying a high-quality solar pool ring with two layers will push this process further.

Long sun exposure can lead to UV damage, so solar pool rings come with inbuilt UV resistance. That prevents any potential sun damage. Thicker vinyl also guarantees that the heat remains locked into the water for a longer duration.

Buying a solar pool ring made of double-layered vinyl with UV resistance will ensure that the unit lasts for an average of 3 years. However, cheaper solar ring options will not last you for more than a season or two.

That is why most experts recommend that you go for slightly more expensive solar pool rings; you will not have to worry about future maintenance or shorter life spans.

Case Study: Enhancing Pool Comfort with Solar Pool Rings

Background

At Solar Panels Network USA, we strive to provide sustainable and efficient solar solutions for various applications. One of our recent projects involved assisting a family in optimizing their swimming pool’s temperature using solar pool rings. The family wanted an eco-friendly and cost-effective method to keep their pool warm, especially during the cooler months.

Project Overview

The goal was to install solar pool rings in the family’s pool to maintain a comfortable water temperature and reduce evaporation. This would allow them to enjoy their pool year-round without relying on conventional heating systems.

Implementation

Site Assessment and Planning

Our first step was a thorough assessment of the pool and its surrounding environment. Key considerations included:

• Pool Size and Shape: Measuring the pool to determine the number and size of solar pool rings needed.
• Sunlight Exposure: Evaluating the amount of sunlight the pool receives throughout the day to ensure optimal solar energy absorption.
• User Preferences: Understanding the family’s usage patterns and preferences for pool temperature.

Selection of Solar Pool Rings

Based on the assessment, we selected high-quality solar pool rings featuring:

• Durable Materials: UV-resistant vinyl to withstand prolonged sun exposure and prevent wear and tear.
• Optimal Thickness: Rings with a thickness between 12 and 16 mils for superior heat retention.
• Integrated Magnets: To ensure the rings interlocked efficiently, covering the maximum surface area.

Installation Process

The installation involved several steps:

1. Inflating the Rings: Ensuring each solar pool ring was properly inflated for optimal performance.
2. Positioning the Rings: Strategically placing the rings on the pool surface to cover the majority of the area and maximize sunlight absorption.
3. Securing the Rings: Using built-in magnets and anchors to prevent the rings from shifting or blowing away.

Results

Enhanced Pool Temperature

The solar pool rings successfully maintained a comfortable water temperature, allowing the family to enjoy their pool even during cooler weather. The rings effectively trapped heat and minimized heat loss through evaporation.

Cost Savings

By utilizing solar energy, the family significantly reduced their electricity bills associated with pool heating. The initial investment in solar pool rings quickly paid off through savings on energy costs.

Environmental Impact

The project aligned with the family’s goal of reducing their carbon footprint. The solar pool rings provided an eco-friendly alternative to traditional pool heaters, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Summary

Our project with solar pool rings showcased their effectiveness in providing a cost-efficient, environmentally friendly pool heating solution. By carefully selecting and installing the right number of high-quality solar pool rings, we ensured optimal performance and customer satisfaction. Solar Panels Network USA continues to advocate for innovative solar solutions that enhance comfort and sustainability for our clients.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Solar Pool Rings

Solar pool rings are a fantastic, eco-friendly solution for pool heating. They utilize the sun’s energy to keep your pool warm without incurring additional electricity costs.

Senior Solar Energy Consultant

Choosing the right number of solar pool rings is crucial. Ensure you cover a significant portion of the pool’s surface to maximize heating efficiency and reduce water evaporation.

Pool Heating Specialist

Investing in high-quality solar pool rings with UV-resistant vinyl and adequate thickness can ensure durability and optimal heat retention for years.

Solar Product Engineer

Our Expertise in Solar Products

At Solar Panels Network USA, we’re not just installers; we’re enthusiasts, researchers, and users of solar pool rings. Over the years, we’ve been at the forefront of solar technology, understanding the nuances and intricacies of various solar pool rings. Our team has hands-on experience with a wide range of solar pool rings, and we’ve seen the evolution of solar pool rings from their inception to the advanced versions available today.

Why Trust Our Reviews?

• Hands-On Testing: Before penning down any review, our team spends weeks testing products. For this article, we installed and used each of these solar pool rings in various pool settings – from private pools to public facilities, ensuring we understand their performance in real-world scenarios.
• Continuous Learning: We regularly attend solar technology conferences, workshops, and seminars. This continuous learning ensures we’re always updated with the latest solar tech, allowing us to evaluate products against the most recent standards.
• Feedback Loop: Over the years, we’ve built a community of solar enthusiasts. We often reach out to them for feedback on products, ensuring our reviews aren’t just based on our perspective but are a reflection of the broader community’s experiences.
• Transparency: Whenever we receive products for review from manufacturers, we ensure full transparency with our readers. For this article, some products were purchased by our team, while manufacturers sent others. However, our reviews remain unbiased, focusing solely on the product’s performance.
• Decades of Experience: Collectively, our team has over two decades of experience in the solar industry. From understanding the technical aspects of solar energy absorption to the aesthetic design of solar pool rings, our expertise spans wide and deep.

In this article, we’ve combined our personal experiences, technical knowledge, and feedback from our community to provide you with comprehensive reviews of the best solar pool rings for 2024. We believe that our expertise, combined with our commitment to transparency and continuous learning, makes us a reliable source for solar pool ring reviews.

Other Solar Powered Pool Products

• Solar Pool Skimmers: https://us.solarpanelsnetwork.com/blog/best-solar-pool-skimmers/
• Solar Pool Ionizers: https://us.solarpanelsnetwork.com/blog/best-solar-pool-ionizers/
• Solar Pool Lights: https://us.solarpanelsnetwork.com/blog/best-solar-pool-lights/
• Solar Pool Heaters: https://us.solarpanelsnetwork.com/blog/best-solar-pool-heaters/
• Solar Pool Covers: https://us.solarpanelsnetwork.com/blog/best-solar-pool-covers/

Summing Up

Solar pool rings are a surefire way to keep your pool warm in all seasons. Aside from guaranteeing warmth, they also keep debris away and aid in maintenance processes. Their setup and removal are easy to follow and require no professional assistance.

However, choosing the right solar pool ring out of the hundreds of available options can be quite a daunting task that requires some prerequisite knowledge about how the rings function and what kind of ring would work best for your pool’s size and shape.

We hope that these solar pool ring reviews and the attached buying guide helped you choose the perfect ring for your pool that will keep you and your family warm in all seasons!