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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

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
9.7
Chosen by1,369
Material
Thickness

Most important from
803 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
9.7
Chosen by1,369
Material
Thickness

Most important from
803 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

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

Rating
9.4
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
693 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
9.4
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
693 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

Sun2Solar Clear 24 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1600 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Swimming Pools | Harness The Sun's Energy to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

Rating
9.2
Thickness
Size and Shape
UV Protection

Most important from
2025 reviews

Thickness
The cover is thick and durable, providing a solid feel and long-lasting use.
Size and Shape
Installation and removal are straightforward, making it easy to handle despite its size.
UV Protection
The pool temperature noticeably rises after using the cover, making the water comfortably warm rather than super cold.

The Sun2Solar Clear 24 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is designed to help pool owners heat their water naturally by harnessing the sun’s energy. Made from durable resin material, it features a clear color that allows sunlight to pass through efficiently, which helps increase water temperature by up to 15 degrees. Its round 24-foot size is suitable for many above ground and inground pools, with a floating design that’s easy to install and remove.

The cover works well to retain heat after sunset, thanks to its thermal insulation properties, and reduces water evaporation by up to 95%, which means fewer chemicals and less refilling. UV resistance is built in, so the cover holds up under sun exposure without deteriorating quickly. Additionally, it helps keep leaves and debris out of the pool, cutting down on cleaning time. It’s a solid clear design, so while effective for heating, it won’t offer shading or privacy.

This solar blanket is a practical choice for pool owners looking to save on heating costs and water evaporation, especially if your pool matches the 24-foot round shape. The cover requires hand washing for care, which might be less convenient than machine-washable options.

Rating
9.2
Thickness
Size and Shape
UV Protection

Most important from
2025 reviews

Thickness
The cover is thick and durable, providing a solid feel and long-lasting use.
Size and Shape
Installation and removal are straightforward, making it easy to handle despite its size.
UV Protection
The pool temperature noticeably rises after using the cover, making the water comfortably warm rather than super cold.

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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