OXO Thermal Solar Blanket

OXO thermal pool blankets are solar covers that help retain water heat and naturally raise the temperature. The bubbles forming the thermal insulation reinforcement of the covers have an interlinked shape that increases air storage capacity and provides better heat transfer results. The uniform design and shape of the OXO bubbles ensure a longer lifespan for the thermal blanket compared to other types of tarpaulins. It boasts greater resistance to damage caused by sun exposure and the effects produced by direct contact with chemicals present in the water. It is ideal as an additional accessory for heating products, as by helping to preserve the water temperature, it maximises the efficiency of the pump or heater. OXO thermal blankets are undoubtedly a practical purchase to enjoy pleasant and warm swims.

500-micron thickness blankets

Patented OXO bubble technology

Available in three different models

Preserve temperature and add heat to the water

Optimise water treatment processes

Equipped with edging for roller attachment

OXO Thermal Blanket for Pools

OXO thermal blankets are the ultimate solution to enjoy pleasant swims in your home pool. An essential pool accessory to optimise the resources for maintaining your pool water. It not only guarantees the preservation of the water's warmth but also protects the pool interior and prevents water evaporation.

International Cover Pool, a company dedicated to manufacturing pool covers, has developed the best thermal blanket design technology to offer an effective and superior solution. OXO covers adapt to each customer's needs, offering a choice of 3 tarpaulin options. They are manufactured according to the shape and measurements of each pool to optimise their function and maximise results. Quality and warmth are the values that define OXO thermal blanket technology.

What is a thermal blanket?

Thermal blankets are floating plastic sheets placed on the pool surface to retain the water's heat. Made from plastic, a highly durable material resistant to chemicals and with thermal properties. Utilising its insulating function, the tarpaulin prevents heat from escaping the water, acting as an excellent thermal barrier.

They are made with one smooth side and the other reinforced with thousands of air chambers or bubbles. The bubbles are the true secret of thermal blankets and their high effectiveness. They store the heat from the sun's rays and transfer that warmth to the pool water.

Additionally, they act as a barrier between the external environment and the pool interior, preventing debris carried by the wind from entering the water. This protective action is advantageous for water maintenance, reducing the need for disinfectants and resources for care and cleaning. Consequently, it results in economic savings on pool disinfection materials and less time spent on cleaning tasks.

Another feature that makes thermal covers environmentally friendly is their function of preserving the pool's water volume. Their thick body prevents solar rays from reaching the water surface and causing evaporation. Therefore, this natural resource is conserved, maintaining the pool's full water volume. Also, by preventing evaporation, the pool temperature is maintained, as evaporating water would dissipate up to 75% of the heat.

Advantages of OXO thermal covers

OXO boasts a bubble design technology that more effectively meets pool needs. Typically, conventional thermal blankets have an irregular bubble reinforcement pattern, with air chambers of varying thicknesses and sizes. This discontinuity presents weaknesses in functionality and cover durability.

OXO solar covers are designed exclusively for pools, with a design aimed at offering the best possible experience and maximum results.

OXO thermal blanket bubbles are characterised by thick walls, a distinctive star shape, and uniform sizes. A tarpaulin that shows no irregularities in appearance but a homogeneous and uniform aesthetic. Each OXO bubble has the same air capacity, amplifying heat transmission power. The same heat energy is concentrated in each air chamber, so the water surface receives an equal warmth impact.

OXO thermal blanket bubbles increase water temperature more efficiently.

Temperature increase with OXO thermal blanket

Thickness of OXO thermal blankets models Blue and Heat

The thickness of the plastic walls of the bubbles, significantly thicker than conventional bubbles, provides firmness and durability to the cover. In other thermal blankets, bubbles undergo expansion caused by ambient temperature differences. This expansion resembles a breathing effect where bubbles inflate and deflate successively due to climatic variations, causing material wear.

The interlaced shape of OXO bubbles protects them from such expansion, as the absorbed heat energy is evenly distributed throughout the air chamber volume.

The shape and thickness of OXO bubbles give the thermal cover a longer and higher quality lifespan.

The size of OXO bubbles gives the blanket greater buoyancy, resulting in better water heat retention. It forms a solid and firm thermal barrier.

Buoyancy is an important factor in pool covers, as their main function is to isolate the water from external debris. A protective layer that traps wind-carried debris (flowers, pine needles, insects, dust particles…) and keeps the water clean. Greater buoyancy means higher weight resistance and more effective results.

OXO's buoyancy improves the thermal insulation effect of the cover and prevents dirt from falling into the water.

Differences between classic thermal covers and OXO solar tarpaulins


OXO Bubble	Classic Bubble
Thick and homogeneous bubbles, with equal spacing to ensure uniformity of thermal blankets. Greater cover durability.	Bubbles of various sizes and thicknesses, with different spacing margins. Shorter cover lifespan.
Large air chambers with thick walls to ensure maximum bubble firmness and high air storage capacity. Better results in increasing pool water temperature.	Bubbles more prone to wear due to thinner, more fragile walls. Lower air storage capacity combined with bubble size heterogeneity results in heat energy loss.
“X” shape facilitates uniform heat energy absorption to avoid the bubble breathing effect.	Rounded shape undergoes expansion and contraction, called Breathing Effect, caused by temperature changes. This reduces the solar blanket's lifespan.
Longer lifespan due to bubble wall thickness and uniform plastic thickness forming the thermal cover.	Bubble texture irregularities reduce cover durability. Constant UVA exposure and direct contact with pool chemicals degrade bubble quality and cause premature deterioration.
Greater buoyancy of OXO thermal blankets due to bubble dimensions. Better heat retention and more consistency in holding debris on the sheet.	Good buoyancy results. Excessive weight may cause slight cover sinking.
Water temperature increase up to 10ºC (OXO Optical Heat thermal blanket model) under ideal climatic conditions (pool must be sun-exposed).	Water temperature increase up to 8ºC under ideal climatic conditions (pool must be sun-exposed).

Recommendations for using the OXO thermal blanket

Placement and safety

To ensure optimal results and correct functioning of thermal blankets, the bubble reinforcement must always be in contact with the water. This ensures that the heat stored inside the air chambers of the bubbles transfers to the water surface.

The thermal blanket should always be placed when the pool is not in use. Although direct sun exposure on the water significantly raises its temperature, it also causes evaporation and consequent water volume loss. The thermal blanket prevents not only water evaporation but also evaporation of added chemicals. At night, it helps preserve the heat gained during the day.

The thermal blanket must never be placed when swimmers are in the pool. Swimming under the blanket or walking or jumping on it is prohibited. Despite its high resistance, the blanket may not withstand the weight of a person or animal.

Illustration of OXO thermal blanket placement

Illustration of OXO thermal blanket roller

Care and storage

When removing the thermal blanket from the pool, it should be stored in a shaded area. If using a roller, a protective cover must be placed to prevent direct sun exposure. Avoid applying excessive pressure when rolling up the cover to reduce the risk of bubble damage.

The rolled blanket should be kept out of reach of children and animals. Improper storage could cause bubble tearing and loss of effectiveness.

The thermal blanket is for exclusive summer use and is not a winter cover. Although it serves as a protective cover, it was not designed for that purpose.

Before storing the blanket until the next season, wash the cover with clean water to remove any chemical residues that may have adhered to the tarpaulin. Store the cover in a dry, sheltered place.

Usage maintenance

Poor water condition maintenance can cause rapid deterioration of the thermal blanket. Chemical imbalances in the water can cause irreparable damage to your solar cover, so strict water care is essential.

Usually, after a long period of pool disuse, the accumulated dirt level is very high, so a superchlorination treatment is often performed. Superchlorination involves dosing an excessive amount of chlorine, so it is not recommended to place the thermal blanket immediately after this process. An acidic pH level can also cause bubble breakage. The pH should always be between 7.2 and 7.6.

Using rollers is highly recommended to preserve the thermal blanket's good condition. The roller helps fold the cover carefully without pinching the bubbles and provides a safe storage place. Whether stored on a roller or folded, the cover must be protected from the sun. The material can degrade due to UVA rays.

Illustration of pool water maintenance products

Types of OXO thermal covers


	OXO Optimal Blue	OXO Optimal Heat	OXO Optimal Care
Material	Polyethylene	Polyethylene	Polyethylene
Main Feature	Heats and preserves water qualities	The OXO model that provides the most heat to the water	Optimises chemical treatments and prevents algae formation
Additives	UV stabilising agent / UV protection	UV stabilising agent / UV protection	UV stabilising agent / UV protection
Colour	Blue	Light blue / Translucent	Dark grey
Colour code	1010	1414	1434
Weight per (g/m²)	458 ± 8%	458 ± 8%	458 ± 8%
Calculated thickness	500µ ± 8%	500µ ± 8%	500µ ± 8%
Bubble diameter	16 mm	16 mm	16 mm
Bubble diagonal	26 mm	26 mm	26 mm
Space between bubbles	2.5 - 3.5 mm	2.5 - 3.5 mm	2.5 - 3.5 mm
Bubble height	5 mm	5 mm	5 mm
Vicat softening temperature	96.2 ºC	96.2 ºC	96.2 ºC
Cold break temperature	-74.7 ºC	-74.7 ºC	-74.7 ºC
Bubble surface	72%	72%	72%
Air volume per 1 m²	380 cl	380 cl	380 cl
Roll length	From 50 to 80 ml ± 1 ml	From 50 to 80 ml ± 1 ml	From 50 to 80 ml ± 1 ml
Welded edges	From 0 to 40 mm	From 0 to 40 mm	From 0 to 40 mm
Roll diameter	60 cm (50 m roll)	60 cm (50 m roll)	60 cm (50 m roll)
Core diameter	Internal 76 mm	Internal 76 mm	Internal 76 mm
Identification	Individual label with article designation	Individual label with article designation	Individual label with article designation
Warranty	5 years	5 years	5 years