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10 Best Solar Pool Covers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

In The Swim 20' x 40' Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,271
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
559 reviews

Material
The cover is sturdy and weighs just enough to be durable while remaining manageable to put on the pool surface solo.
Thickness
The material thickness provides reliable heat retention and protection from evaporative loss, supporting longer swimming seasons.
Color
Designed to optimize heat absorption without causing overheating, the light blue color balances warmth and protection.

The In The Swim 20' x 40' Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover is designed to help warm your pool water by up to 15 degrees, thanks to its 12 mil thickness. This thickness strikes a good balance, making it durable enough to retain heat and protect the pool water from evaporative loss during cooler nights. The light blue color is chosen to optimize heat absorption without overheating, which can be a plus for extending your swimming season in both above-ground and inground pools.

The rectangular size covers standard pools well, and its material is made to handle typical pool conditions, but it’s important to maintain proper water chemistry—chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2—to avoid damage to the cover. Using a solar cover reel is recommended to make handling easier and to prolong the cover’s life by reducing wear and tear. Customers rate it positively, reflecting satisfaction with its performance and value.

Weighing nearly 50 pounds, the cover can be a bit heavy, which might make it tricky to handle without assistance. This cover is suitable for pool owners looking for a reliable and effective way to heat their pool and reduce water evaporation, especially if they are mindful of pool chemistry and use accessories like a reel for convenience.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,271
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
559 reviews

Material
The cover is sturdy and weighs just enough to be durable while remaining manageable to put on the pool surface solo.
Thickness
The material thickness provides reliable heat retention and protection from evaporative loss, supporting longer swimming seasons.
Color
Designed to optimize heat absorption without causing overheating, the light blue color balances warmth and protection.
#3

Solar Pool Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools - 20' x 40' Rectangle 12 Mil Solar Blanket for Inground Pool, Blue

Rating
9.9
Material
Color
Size and Shape

Most important from
234 reviews

Material
Durable seams appear secure and built to last through multiple uses and seasons.
Color
The attractive blue color complements the pool aesthetically while aiding heat absorption.
Size and Shape
Trimming the cover to fit irregular pool shapes is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing for a customizable fit.

This Shop Square solar pool cover is made from durable 12 mil thick PVC material and comes in a large 20' x 40' rectangular shape, which suits both inground and above-ground pools. Its attractive blue color helps in effectively absorbing and retaining heat, offering a warmer swimming experience, which is a key benefit for solar covers. The cover is designed to reduce water evaporation by up to 95%, helping you save on water and pool maintenance. It also acts as a barrier against leaves and debris, keeping your pool cleaner and reducing cleaning effort.

One of its practical advantages is its versatility: you can easily trim it to fit pools with irregular shapes by cutting along marked lines, making it customizable. While the cover is manual to install and remove, it’s relatively lightweight for its size and thickness, though handling care is important to avoid damage.

This solar blanket represents a solid choice for pool owners looking for a cost-effective way to retain heat, reduce evaporation, and keep debris out, especially if they want a customizable fit with a classic blue look.

Rating
9.9
Material
Color
Size and Shape

Most important from
234 reviews

Material
Durable seams appear secure and built to last through multiple uses and seasons.
Color
The attractive blue color complements the pool aesthetically while aiding heat absorption.
Size and Shape
Trimming the cover to fit irregular pool shapes is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing for a customizable fit.

Buying Guide for the Best Solar Pool Covers

Choosing the right solar pool cover can make a significant difference in maintaining your pool's temperature, reducing water evaporation, and keeping debris out. Solar pool covers use the sun's energy to heat your pool, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. When selecting a solar pool cover, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and maximize the benefits of your solar pool cover.
MaterialThe material of a solar pool cover is crucial because it affects durability, heat retention, and ease of use. Common materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, and vinyl. Polyethylene is lightweight and affordable, making it a popular choice for many pool owners. Polypropylene is more durable and offers better heat retention, but it can be more expensive. Vinyl is the most durable and provides excellent heat retention, but it is also the heaviest and most costly. Choose a material based on your priorities: if you want something lightweight and budget-friendly, go for polyethylene; if you need durability and better heat retention, consider polypropylene or vinyl.
ThicknessThe thickness of a solar pool cover is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch) and affects its durability and heat retention capabilities. Thicker covers (12-16 mils) are more durable and provide better heat retention, but they can be heavier and more difficult to handle. Thinner covers (8-12 mils) are lighter and easier to manage but may not last as long or retain heat as effectively. If you live in a region with a mild climate and prioritize ease of use, a thinner cover may be sufficient. However, if you experience cooler temperatures and want maximum heat retention, a thicker cover is a better choice.
ColorThe color of a solar pool cover can influence its heat absorption and retention properties. Clear covers allow more sunlight to penetrate the water, which can lead to better heat absorption but may not retain heat as effectively overnight. Blue covers are the most common and offer a good balance between heat absorption and retention. Darker covers, such as black or dark blue, absorb more heat and retain it longer, but they can also cause the water to become too warm in hot climates. Choose a color based on your climate and heating needs: clear or blue for moderate climates, and darker colors for cooler regions where maximum heat retention is desired.
Size and ShapeEnsuring that your solar pool cover fits your pool properly is essential for optimal performance. Solar pool covers come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different pool dimensions. Measure your pool accurately and choose a cover that matches its size and shape. Some covers can be trimmed to fit irregularly shaped pools. A well-fitting cover will provide better heat retention, reduce water evaporation, and keep debris out more effectively. If you have a standard-shaped pool, finding a cover will be straightforward. For custom or irregular shapes, look for covers that can be easily trimmed or customized.
UV ProtectionUV protection is an important feature that extends the lifespan of your solar pool cover by preventing damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Covers with UV protection are more resistant to wear and tear, fading, and degradation. This means they will last longer and maintain their effectiveness over time. When choosing a solar pool cover, look for one that specifically mentions UV protection in its specifications. This is especially important if you live in a region with high sun exposure, as it will ensure your cover remains durable and functional for a longer period.

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