Harness the Sun: Why Your 13 Ft Round Pool Needs a Solar Cover
Why a 13 Ft Round Solar Pool Cover Is One of the Smartest Pool Upgrades You Can Make
A 13 ft round solar pool cover is a lightweight, bubble-textured blanket that floats on your pool’s surface to trap heat from the sun and dramatically cut water and energy loss. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a pool cover is the single most effective way to reduce heating costs and prevent evaporation.
Quick answers for 13 ft round pool owners:
- Heats your water – raises pool temperature by up to 15°F using free solar energy
- Stops evaporation – reduces water loss by up to 95%
- Cuts chemical costs – saves up to 70% on chemicals by keeping water stable and clean
- Reduces heating costs – can cut energy bills by 50%-70%
- Easy to use – floats bubble-side down, trims with scissors for a custom fit
- Best thickness – 8 mil for above-ground pools; 12 mil for longer life and better heat retention
- Works for – Intex Easy Set, Bestway, and similar 13 ft round above-ground pools
If you own a 13 ft above-ground pool, you already know the frustration. You heat the water, add chemicals, fill it back up after evaporation – and then do it all over again. It adds up fast, in time, money, and effort.
A solar cover changes that equation completely.
It works like a greenhouse. The air bubbles trap solar energy during the day and act as insulation at night, so the heat you build up doesn’t just disappear by morning.
The result? A warmer pool, cleaner water, and a lot less work – without running a gas heater or constantly rebalancing your chemicals.
This guide will help you find the right solar cover for your 13 ft round pool, understand what thickness actually matters, and get the most out of every sunny day.
Choosing and Using Your 13 ft round solar pool cover
Selecting the right 13 ft round solar pool cover involves more than just picking the first blue tarp you see. These covers are technical pieces of equipment designed to interact with UV rays and water chemistry. Most high-quality covers are manufactured using a plastic bubble-on-line extrusion method, which provides the best durability for the harsh environment of a backyard pool.
Understanding Mil Thickness and Material
When shopping for a cover, you will frequently see the term “mil.” This refers to the thickness of the material (one mil is 1/1000th of an inch). For a 13 ft round pool, the choice usually comes down to 8 mil or 12 mil.
- 8 Mil Thickness: Often referred to as “Standard” or “Heavy-Duty,” this is a popular choice for above-ground pools. It is lightweight, making it very easy for one person to take on and off. While it provides excellent heating, it may not last as many seasons as thicker options.
- 12 Mil Thickness: This is the “Supreme” or “Extra Heavy-Duty” tier. These covers are denser and offer superior heat retention because the larger material mass holds onto warmth longer through the night. They are also more resistant to the degrading effects of UV rays and pool chemicals.
| Feature | 8 Mil Solar Cover | 12 Mil Solar Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight / Easy to handle | Heavier / Sturdier |
| Heat Retention | Good | Excellent |
| Durability | 1–3 years | 3–5+ years |
| Best For | Budget-conscious / Easy daily use | Maximum season extension |
Regardless of the thickness you choose, ensuring the cover is made from high-quality resins (like Dow resins) with UV inhibitors is vital. This prevents the plastic from becoming brittle and “flaking” into your pool water over time. To learn more about selecting a cover that stands the test of time, check out this guide on solar pool covers that won’t quit.
Color Matters: Blue vs. Clear
You might notice that 13 ft round solar pool cover options come in different colors, primarily blue and clear.
- Blue Covers: These are the most common. They are excellent at trapping heat and absorbing solar energy to keep the water warm. They also do a great job of blocking light that contributes to algae growth.
- Clear Covers: These allow more UV rays to penetrate deeper into the water. This can result in faster heating during the day, though they generally retain slightly less heat at night compared to darker blue or silver-lined covers.
Using any solar cover is a primary step in how to reduce evaporation and save water, which is a priority for many homeowners in Pennsylvania looking to be more eco-friendly.
Benefits of a 13 ft round solar pool cover
The benefits of adding a solar cover to your 13 ft pool are measurable and immediate. For residents in areas like Scranton or Wilkes-Barre, where the swimming season can feel all too short, a solar cover is the most cost-effective way to get more days in the water.
Natural Heat Production
A 13 ft round solar pool cover can increase your pool’s water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It achieves this through the “greenhouse effect.” Sunlight passes through the translucent material and is trapped by the air bubbles, transferring that thermal energy directly into the top several inches of water. As the water circulates, the entire pool warms up.
Massive Evaporation Reduction
Evaporation is the leading cause of heat loss in swimming pools. When water turns to vapor, it takes heat with it. A solar cover acts as a physical barrier, reducing water evaporation by up to 95%. This doesn’t just keep the water warm; it also means you spend significantly less time dragging the garden hose out to refill the pool. For more ways to keep your water levels stable, see these water conservation tips for pool owners.
Chemical and Energy Savings
Because the cover prevents evaporation, it also prevents your expensive pool chemicals from “gassing off” into the atmosphere. Owners of a 13 ft round solar pool cover often report a 70% reduction in chemical consumption. Furthermore, if you use an electric or gas heater to supplement your pool’s temperature, a solar cover can cut your heating costs by 50% to 70% by ensuring that the heat you pay for stays in the pool instead of escaping into the cool night air.
Proper Installation for a 13 ft round solar pool cover
Installing a solar cover is straightforward, but doing it correctly ensures you get the full 15-degree temperature boost and the longest lifespan for the product.
The “Bubble Side Down” Rule
This is the most important rule of solar covers: the bubbles must face down. The flat side of the cover should face the sky. The bubbles are designed to float the cover and create the insulating air gap that transfers heat to the water. If you flip it over, the cover will not heat effectively and the flat surface will be more susceptible to UV damage.
Trimming for a Custom Fit
Many 13 ft covers are sold with a slight “overhang” or are designed to fit a range of sizes (like 13′ to 15′). If your cover is slightly too large, you can easily trim it with a pair of sharp household scissors.
- Lay the cover on the pool and let it “relax” in the sun for a few hours to get rid of packing wrinkles.
- Use the inside edge of your pool’s top rail or the inflatable ring (for Easy Set models) as a guide.
- Trim the material so it sits flat on the water surface without curling up the sides. A perfect fit prevents wind from getting under the cover and lifting it.
Dealing with Debris and Drainage
Some covers, particularly “deluxe debris” versions, come with built-in drain holes. These are essential for preventing rainwater from pooling on top of the cover, which can weigh it down and make it difficult to remove. If your solar cover does not have these, you must be diligent about removing standing water. For those struggling with falling leaves in wooded areas of Northeastern Pennsylvania, you might find more tips in our guide on how to stop the leaf madness by choosing the right pool cover.
Essential Accessories and Maintenance
To make your 13 ft round solar pool cover last for several seasons, a little bit of maintenance goes a long way.
Handling and Storage
For a 13 ft pool, the cover is small enough to be folded by one or two people. However, using a solar reel designed for above-ground pools can make the process effortless. Reels allow you to roll the cover up in seconds and often pivot out of the way when people are swimming.
When the cover is off the pool, keep it out of direct sunlight. When a solar cover is rolled or folded up, the layers of bubbles can act like magnifying glasses, concentrating heat and melting the plastic. Always store it in a shaded area or use a white protective storage bag.
Water Chemistry and the Cover
High chlorine levels are the “natural enemy” of a solar cover. If you have just “shocked” your pool, leave the solar cover off for at least 24 hours. High chemical concentrations can eat away at the bubbles, causing them to pop and the cover to lose its buoyancy. Maintaining a proper water chemistry balance is the best way to protect your investment.
Winterization
A solar cover is not a winter safety cover. It is not designed to support the weight of snow or ice. When the season ends in Pennsylvania, clean your solar cover with mild soap and water, let it dry completely to prevent mold, and store it in a heavy-duty polypropylene bag in a garage or shed. To understand the differences between these seasonal options, explore the different types of pool covers and how they compare to inground pool solar covers.
Maximizing Your Backyard Oasis with Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas
Creating the perfect backyard environment requires more than just the right equipment; it requires a partner who understands the local climate and the specific needs of Pennsylvania pool owners.
At Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas, we are dedicated to helping you “harness the sun” and make the most of your 13 ft round pool. Whether you are located in Doylestown, Dickson City, Wilkes-Barre, or Bartonsville, our team provides the expertise and high-quality supplies needed to keep your pool warm and inviting all summer long.
We are your one-stop shop for everything from the latest 13 ft round solar pool cover technology to professional maintenance services. If you are ready to upgrade your pool experience, we invite you to visit our swimming pool supplies showroom in Northeastern Pennsylvania to see our products in person.
If you are still in the planning stages of your backyard dream, you can also explore our above ground pools to find the perfect fit for your home. Let Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas help you create a backyard oasis that your family will enjoy for years to come.
Posted by chris@enx2marketing.com in Pools