What are 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 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:
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Helps heat and maintain pool temps
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Cuts down on evaporation
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“No Lift Lip” keeps it from blowing away
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Easy to store (just fold and stash!)
Noair Heat Square Chart
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Pool Size (feet)
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Minimum Required
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12 x 24 Oval
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8
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14 x 28 Oval
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10
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15 x 30 Oval
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12
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16 x 32 Oval
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14
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18 x 36 Oval
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16
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20 x 40 Oval
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20
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15 Round
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4
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18 Round
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6
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24 Round
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12
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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.
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Solar Sun Ring Chart (Estimate for 70%-80% Coverage)
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Rectangular Pools
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Number of Rings
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Round Pools
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Number of Rings
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Oval Pools
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Number of Rings
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12' x 20'
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8
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12'
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4
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12' x 20'
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6
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12' x 24'
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8
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15'
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5
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12' x 24'
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6
|
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12' x 20'
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8
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12'
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4
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12' x 20'
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6
|
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12' x 24'
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8
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15'
|
5
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12' x 24'
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6
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12' x 20'
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8
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12'
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4
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12' x 20'
|
6
|
|
12' x 24'
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8
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15'
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5
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12' x 24'
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6
|
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12' x 20'
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8
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12'
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4
|
12' x 20'
|
6
|
|
12' x 24'
|
8
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15'
|
5
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12' x 24'
|
6
|
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12' x 20'
|
8
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12'
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4
|
12' x 20'
|
6
|
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16' x 24'
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12
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18'
|
7
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15' x 30'
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12
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16' x 32'
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16
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21'
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12
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16' x 32'
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12
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16' x 36'
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20
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24'
|
14
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18' x 28'
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12
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18' x 36'
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20
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27'
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20
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18' x 33'
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14
|
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18' x 38'
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20
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28'
|
22
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18' x 36'
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16
|
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18' x 40'
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22
|
30'
|
26
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18' x 403'
|
18
|
|
20' x 40'
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30
|
33'
|
30
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20' x 40'
|
20
|
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20' x 45'
|
34
|
|
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21' x 41'
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20
|
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20' x 50'
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38
|
|
|
|
|
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25' x 45'
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44
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|
|
|
|
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30' x 50'
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58
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|
|
|
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30' x 60'
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70
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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. ☀️💦
