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10 Best Solar Pool Covers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, Blue 16-mil 16 x 32 Foot Rectangle for In-Ground Pools, 1600 Series Heavy-Duty Insulating Pool Heater Covers.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,197
Material
Thickness

Most important from
866 reviews

Material
The sturdy material holds up well over multiple seasons, providing reliable performance in sunny climates.
Thickness
Effectively retains heat overnight, helping maintain warmer pool temperatures even during cooler nights.

The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is a 16-mil thick polyethylene cover designed for in-ground pools, measuring 16 by 32 feet in a rectangular shape. Its blue color helps it absorb and trap solar heat effectively, which warms your pool on sunny days and helps maintain temperature when it's cloudy or cool. This makes it a great choice if you want to swim in warmer water without extra heating costs. The cover features thousands of small thermal bubbles that boost heat retention and reduce water evaporation by up to 95%, saving you from frequent refills and water waste.

It’s lightweight and easy to handle, and can be trimmed with scissors to fit pools of various shapes, adding versatility. The material is durable enough to withstand harsh weather, but since it's polyethylene, it requires gentle care like hand washing and air drying to maintain longevity. One downside is that it floats on the water and doesn’t have a rigid locking system, so it may shift during windy conditions. Also, while the cover offers good insulation and UV protection, it’s primarily suited for use during the warmer months and may not be as effective in extreme cold.

If you have a rectangular in-ground pool and want a cost-effective way to keep your water warm and reduce evaporation, this cover offers a combination of durability and practical features that make it a solid choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,197
Material
Thickness

Most important from
866 reviews

Material
The sturdy material holds up well over multiple seasons, providing reliable performance in sunny climates.
Thickness
Effectively retains heat overnight, helping maintain warmer pool temperatures even during cooler nights.
#2

BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, Blue 16-mil 18x36 Foot Rectangle Pool Heaters for In-Ground Pools, 1600 Series Heavy-Duty Insulating Pool Heater Cover for Swimmer

Rating
8.8
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
866 reviews

Material
The cover’s heavy-duty construction and 16-mil thickness deliver impressive durability while maintaining flexibility for easier handling.
Thickness
The cover’s heavy-duty construction and 16-mil thickness deliver impressive durability while maintaining flexibility for easier handling.
Color
The solid blue color not only looks attractive but also enhances heat retention by absorbing sunlight efficiently.
Size and Shape
Customizing the cover to fit different pool sizes is hassle-free, as it can be easily trimmed without tearing or fraying.

The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is designed to help heat in-ground pools naturally by harnessing sunlight, which can save you money on electric or gas heaters. Made from durable polyethylene with a solid blue color, it’s a heavy-duty option that resists wear from weather and pool chemicals. At 16 mil thickness, it strikes a good balance between toughness and flexibility, making it relatively easy to handle despite weighing over 50 pounds.

Sized at 18 by 36 feet with a rectangular shape, it fits larger pools well. This cover floats on the water’s surface to trap heat and reduce water and chemical evaporation, which also helps keep your pool cleaner by blocking debris like leaves and dust. While the product doesn’t explicitly mention UV protection, the material’s thickness and quality imply decent resistance to sun damage, contributing to its longevity.

The cover is straightforward to install and remove with a pull-on closure style, though its size and weight might require some effort or assistance. One limitation is that it’s specifically sized, so if your pool shape or size varies significantly, it might not provide a perfect fit. Also, as a floating cover, it offers less protection than solid safety covers against accidental pool entry. This solar pool cover suits pool owners looking for an affordable, energy-saving way to maintain warmer water while reducing maintenance, especially for medium to large rectangular pools.

Rating
8.8
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
866 reviews

Material
The cover’s heavy-duty construction and 16-mil thickness deliver impressive durability while maintaining flexibility for easier handling.
Thickness
The cover’s heavy-duty construction and 16-mil thickness deliver impressive durability while maintaining flexibility for easier handling.
Color
The solid blue color not only looks attractive but also enhances heat retention by absorbing sunlight efficiently.
Size and Shape
Customizing the cover to fit different pool sizes is hassle-free, as it can be easily trimmed without tearing or fraying.
#3

BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, Blue 16-mil 12 x 24 Foot Rectangle Solar Blanket for In-Ground Pools, 1600 Series Heavy-Duty Insulating Pool Heater Covers for Swimmer

Rating
8.2
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
866 reviews

Material
The cover’s heavy-duty, thick material effectively traps heat overnight, keeping the pool water warm and comfortable.
Thickness
Its durable 16-mil thickness balances sturdiness with excellent sunlight absorption, enhancing natural pool heating.
Color
The blue color not only looks appealing but also plays a key role in capturing solar energy to raise water temperature.
Size and Shape
Cutting the cover to fit custom pool dimensions is hassle-free, with no tearing or fraying, allowing a snug and perfect fit.

The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is a solid choice for in-ground pools measuring around 12 by 24 feet. Made from durable polyethylene and featuring a 16-mil thickness, it is thick enough to provide effective insulation and heat retention. The blue color helps absorb sunlight while being visually appealing. Its rectangular shape fits standard pool dimensions well, and the floating installation makes it easy to use without complicated setups.

This cover traps solar heat through thousands of thermal bubbles, helping to naturally warm your pool water and maintain temperature even on cloudy or cooler days, which can reduce the need for electric heating and lower energy costs. Additionally, it helps cut down on water and chemical evaporation by up to 95%, meaning less frequent refilling and chemical balancing—good for both your wallet and pool maintenance. The cover also protects against debris like leaves and dirt, keeping your pool cleaner for longer.

While the polyethylene material is sturdy and weather-resistant, it may eventually show wear from prolonged sun exposure, so storing it when not in use is recommended to extend its life. This model does not specify UV protection coatings, which some other covers include for extra durability. BigXwell’s solar blanket provides a practical balance of heat retention, protection, and ease of use, making it a helpful accessory for pool owners looking to save on heating costs and maintenance effort.

Rating
8.2
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
866 reviews

Material
The cover’s heavy-duty, thick material effectively traps heat overnight, keeping the pool water warm and comfortable.
Thickness
Its durable 16-mil thickness balances sturdiness with excellent sunlight absorption, enhancing natural pool heating.
Color
The blue color not only looks appealing but also plays a key role in capturing solar energy to raise water temperature.
Size and Shape
Cutting the cover to fit custom pool dimensions is hassle-free, with no tearing or fraying, allowing a snug and perfect 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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