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What are Solar Pool Rings?



Cute sun cartoon with sunglasses floating in a pool ring, symbolizing solar pool rings

A Solar Cover Alternative That’s Actually Kinda Cool

Let’s say you want to warm up your pool without messing around with a giant solar cover. Enter: solar rings for your pool — smaller, flexible discs that float on the surface and soak up the sun’s rays like little heat-absorbing lily pads.

These things aren’t just quirky-looking pool toys. They help heat your water, reduce evaporation, and minimize chemical loss — all while being super easy to store when you’re done.

So… Do Solar Rings Work to Heat a Pool?

Yep, they do. Solar rings capture the sun’s energy during the day and help trap it in overnight. Are they as powerful as a full solar cover? Not quite. But they’re a great, more manageable alternative — especially if you hate folding big sheets of plastic.

The key? Coverage. The more rings you’ve got floating, the better your heat retention will be.

How Many Solar Rings Do I Need?

Great question — and the answer depends on your pool’s size, shape, and the brand of solar rings you’re using. Here’s a good rule of thumb: aim to cover 70–80% of your pool’s surface area for decent results.

But let’s get specific. Here’s how many we recommend for two of our most popular options:

🌞Noair® Heat Squares

noair heat square

Noair Heat Squares are 20-inch floating solar heating pads that work with all types of pools (and even spas). They don’t require anchors, inflating, or any of the usual fuss — just drop ’em in and let the sun do the work.

Quick Benefits:

  • Helps heat and maintain pool temps

  • Cuts down on evaporation

  • “No Lift Lip” keeps it from blowing away

  • Easy to store (just fold and stash!)

Noair Heat Square Chart

Pool Size

Minimum Required

12 x 24

8

14 x 28

10

15 x 30

12

16 x 32

14

18 x 36

16

20 x 40

20

15 Rd

4

18 Rd

6

24 Rd

12

Solar Sun Rings™

solar sun rings

These guys are a bit different — made of two layers of UV-resistant vinyl. The top layer directs sunlight into the blue bottom layer, where it’s absorbed and turned into heat. Around 50% of the sunlight gets converted, and the rest continues into your pool water. It’s like a tanning bed for your pool.

If you’re using Solar Sun Rings™, just know that they don’t always cover 100% of your surface. So if you want to hold onto heat overnight, pair them with a solar blanket.

Solar Sun Ring Chart (Estimated for 70–80% Coverage)

Rect. Pools

# Of Rings

Round Pools

# Of Rings

Oval Pools

# Of Rings

12'x20'

8

12'

4

12'x20'

6

12'x24'

8

15'

5

12'x24'

6

16'x24'

12

18'

7

15'x30'

12

16'x32'

16

21'

12

16'x32'

12

16'x36'

20

24'

14

18'x28'

12

18'x36'

20

27'

20

18'x33'

14

18'x38'

20

28'

22

18'x36'

16

18'x40'

22

30'

26

18'x40'

18

20'x40'

30

33'

30

20'x40'

20

20'x45'

34

 

 

21'x41'

20

20'x50'

38

 

 

 

 

25'x45'

44

 

 

 

 

30'x50'

58

 

 

 

 

30'x60'

70

 

 

 

 

 

FAQs About Solar Pool Rings

Q: How many solar rings do I need for my pool?
A: It depends on your pool’s size and the brand of rings. We’ve got full charts above, but aim to cover at least 70–80% of your surface.

Q: Do solar rings work to heat a pool?
A: Yes! They help retain and boost heat during the day, especially if you get good coverage.

Q: Can I use solar rings instead of a solar cover?
A: You can. They’re more convenient and easier to handle, but won’t hold quite as much heat overnight as a full solar blanket.

Q: Will solar rings stay in place?
A: Most do, especially models with anti-wind features like Noair’s "No Lift Lip." Still, a pool with high wind exposure might need extras like a blanket or anchors.

Q: Are solar rings safe for all pools?
A: Yes! Most are compatible with above ground and inground pools — even spas.

Q: Do solar rings need inflation?
A: Not all. Some, like the Noair Heat Squares, don’t require any inflation at all.


Want to give solar rings a try?
Shop Noair® Heat Squares or Browse Solar Sun Rings™ on PoolSupplies.com and find the perfect fit for your pool.

Stay warm out there. ☀️💦

 



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