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10 Best Solar Pool Covers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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
10.0
Chosen by1,206
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
920 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
10.0
Chosen by1,206
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
920 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.
#2

VEVOR Solar Pool Cover, 40 x 20 ft Rectangle Solar Cover 16 mil for Pools, Inground Above Ground Swimming Pool Solar Blanket with Bubble, Heat Retaining Solar Covers Blue

Rating
9.1
Material
Size and Shape

Most important from
537 reviews

Material
Sturdy construction ensures the cover keeps the pool warm overnight and holds up well over multiple seasons.
Size and Shape
The cover fits perfectly on standard pools and is easy to set up and handle.

The VEVOR Solar Pool Cover is a solid choice if you're looking to extend your swimming season and reduce pool maintenance. Made from durable 16 mil polyethylene material, this cover is thick enough to resist tears and fading even under strong sun exposure, which means it should last for multiple seasons. Its blue color and rectangular 40 x 20 ft size fit most standard pools, and the cover can be trimmed to match custom shapes, giving flexibility no matter your pool's design.

The bubble design is a smart feature because it traps heat efficiently, helping to raise your pool water temperature by up to 15°C in ideal conditions, while also cutting down evaporation by about 95%. This means you'll spend less on heating and water refills. Additionally, it keeps leaves and debris out, which reduces cleaning time. It is only suitable for pools with chlorine levels under 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2, so if your pool chemistry is outside this range, it might not perform as expected or could degrade faster. Also, it requires hand washing for care, which might be less convenient than machine-washable options.

This cover offers strong UV resistance, good thickness, and a practical size and shape for most pools, making it a reliable option for both above-ground and inground pools seeking a budget-friendly way to retain heat and reduce maintenance.

Rating
9.1
Material
Size and Shape

Most important from
537 reviews

Material
Sturdy construction ensures the cover keeps the pool warm overnight and holds up well over multiple seasons.
Size and Shape
The cover fits perfectly on standard pools and is easy to set up and handle.
#3

VEVOR 32 x 16 ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover - 16 mil Solar Blanket with Bubble, Heat Retaining, Blue

Rating
8.8
Thickness
Size and Shape
UV Protection

Most important from
537 reviews

Thickness
The cover’s thickness provides excellent durability with no tears reported, fitting pools perfectly while protecting liners from fading.
Size and Shape
The cover’s thickness provides excellent durability with no tears reported, fitting pools perfectly while protecting liners from fading.
UV Protection
The cover’s thickness provides excellent durability with no tears reported, fitting pools perfectly while protecting liners from fading.
Material
The solar cover demonstrates good quality and durability, satisfying expectations for long-term use.

The VEVOR 32 x 16 ft solar pool cover is designed to help keep your pool warmer and reduce water loss. Made from durable 16 mil thick polyethylene material, it offers good resistance to tearing and sun damage, which means it should last through strong sunlight without fading or warping. Its blue color is common for solar covers and helps absorb heat efficiently. The large rectangular size fits many pools, and you can trim it to better match your pool’s exact shape.

Thanks to its bubble design, it can increase your pool’s temperature by 8-15°C, extending your swimming season and lowering heating costs. It also cuts down evaporation by up to 95%, saving water and reducing how often you need to add more. The cover floats on the water and keeps leaves and dust out, making pool maintenance easier.

The 16 mil thickness provides good durability but is not the thickest available, so extremely harsh conditions might wear it out faster than heavier covers. Also, because it’s a large sheet, handling and storing it can be a bit bulky. This cover is a solid choice for pool owners looking for an affordable, effective way to keep their pool warm and clean, especially if you want something customizable and easy to use.

Rating
8.8
Thickness
Size and Shape
UV Protection

Most important from
537 reviews

Thickness
The cover’s thickness provides excellent durability with no tears reported, fitting pools perfectly while protecting liners from fading.
Size and Shape
The cover’s thickness provides excellent durability with no tears reported, fitting pools perfectly while protecting liners from fading.
UV Protection
The cover’s thickness provides excellent durability with no tears reported, fitting pools perfectly while protecting liners from fading.
Material
The solar cover demonstrates good quality and durability, satisfying expectations for long-term use.

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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