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10 Best Solar Swimming 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
10.0
Chosen by1,157
Thickness
Size and Shape
Ease of Use

Most important from
849 reviews

Thickness
The solar cover is impressively thick and sturdy, offering great value with durability that promises several seasons of use.
Size and Shape
The cover fits well and can be trimmed to perfectly suit different pool sizes, providing flexible and customized coverage.
Ease of Use
The lightweight design allows one person to maneuver the cover easily, making pool maintenance hassle-free.

The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is designed to warm and protect in-ground pools by using its 16-mil thick polyethylene material with thousands of thermal bubbles that capture and retain solar heat efficiently. Its bright blue color and rectangular shape fit pools up to 16 by 32 feet, but it can also be trimmed to better suit other sizes or shapes, which adds flexibility. The cover floats on the water surface, making it simple to put on and remove without hassle.

A key benefit is its ability to reduce water evaporation by about 95%, helping you save water and reduce the need to refill frequently. The material is lightweight yet durable enough to withstand harsh weather, although being polyethylene, it may eventually show wear if exposed to strong sun or rough handling over time. Users appreciate the ease of use and heat retention, but keep in mind it’s best suited for summer use and may not replace a heater in colder climates.

The product provides a practical and cost-effective way to keep your pool temperature stable and reduce maintenance, especially if your pool matches the size range or you don’t mind trimming the cover to fit.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,157
Thickness
Size and Shape
Ease of Use

Most important from
849 reviews

Thickness
The solar cover is impressively thick and sturdy, offering great value with durability that promises several seasons of use.
Size and Shape
The cover fits well and can be trimmed to perfectly suit different pool sizes, providing flexible and customized coverage.
Ease of Use
The lightweight design allows one person to maneuver the cover easily, making pool maintenance hassle-free.
#2

VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater 18' x 36' Rectangle Solar Blanket-Heavy Duty Solar Pool Cover for Above Ground Pool-Solar Heater for Inground Pool, Blue (18' x 36')

Rating
8.5
Material
Thickness
Size and Shape

Most important from
461 reviews

Material
Thick and without holes, the cover effectively keeps debris out and locks in heat, raising pool temperatures significantly compared to previous covers.
Thickness
This 12-mil thickness offers superior quality and insulation compared to thinner alternatives, making it a great value.
Size and Shape
The cover is slightly larger than stated, allowing for trimming or tucking around edges to better prevent debris entry.
Color
The bright blue color looks attractive on the pool and enhances the overall aesthetic.
Ease of Use
Its weight and size make handling a challenge, especially alone, so having two people to spread and install it is highly recommended.

The VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover is a solid choice if you want to extend your swimming season by keeping your pool water warmer. Its blue polyethylene material with a 12-mil thickness offers good durability and heat retention. The bubble design is important here—it absorbs and slowly releases heat to your pool, helping maintain a pleasant temperature. This cover fits both inground and above-ground pools and comes in a large 18 by 36-foot rectangular size, which suits most standard pools. If your pool has an irregular shape, you can easily trim the cover to fit, which is handy.

The installation is straightforward—just place it on the water surface with the bubbles facing down—and using it helps reduce water evaporation and keeps debris out, so your pool stays cleaner for longer. However, the cover can be quite heavy at nearly 20 kilograms, which might make handling a bit tricky without extra help or a reel system. Also, the bubbles may look slightly deflated before warm-up, but this is normal due to temperature changes.

The bright blue color is typical for solar covers but may not blend seamlessly with all pool surroundings. If you want a durable, easy-to-use cover that balances warmth retention and water conservation, this one performs well, though managing its weight could require some care.

Rating
8.5
Material
Thickness
Size and Shape

Most important from
461 reviews

Material
Thick and without holes, the cover effectively keeps debris out and locks in heat, raising pool temperatures significantly compared to previous covers.
Thickness
This 12-mil thickness offers superior quality and insulation compared to thinner alternatives, making it a great value.
Size and Shape
The cover is slightly larger than stated, allowing for trimming or tucking around edges to better prevent debris entry.
Color
The bright blue color looks attractive on the pool and enhances the overall aesthetic.
Ease of Use
Its weight and size make handling a challenge, especially alone, so having two people to spread and install it is highly recommended.
#3

Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Pool Solar Cover | 1600 Series | Heat Retaining Solar Blanket | for Heating Rectangular Inground & Above Ground Swimming Pools | Includes 6 Heavy-Duty Grommets

Rating
8.5
Material
Bubble Design
Ease of Use

Most important from
1106 reviews

Material
The plastic bubbles gradually dissolve over time, limiting the cover’s useful life to about a year, which is typical for solar blankets.
Bubble Design
The plastic bubbles gradually dissolve over time, limiting the cover’s useful life to about a year, which is typical for solar blankets.
Ease of Use
The cover is easy to trim for a custom fit and simple to install and remove due to its lightweight, floating design.

The Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Pool Solar Cover is designed for rectangular inground and above-ground pools. Made from durable resin material with a solid blue color, it offers good heat retention by using solar energy to warm the pool water by up to 15 degrees. Its bubble design traps heat effectively, helping maintain a consistent temperature even after sunset. This cover also reduces water evaporation by up to 95%, which saves water and reduces the need for chemicals.

Sized at 20 by 40 feet, it fits large pools and includes six heavy-duty grommets for secure placement, though trimming might be needed for pools with unusual shapes or features. Installation is straightforward, as it floats on the water and is lightweight, making it easy to put on and remove. One downside is that it requires hand washing to maintain, and as a floating cover, it doesn’t provide a full physical barrier like safety covers might.

While it prevents debris such as leaves from entering the pool, it’s not a substitute for a solid safety cover. It has a solid 4-star rating from users, making it a reliable choice for pool owners looking to extend their swimming season and save on water and heating costs without complicated installation.

Rating
8.5
Material
Bubble Design
Ease of Use

Most important from
1106 reviews

Material
The plastic bubbles gradually dissolve over time, limiting the cover’s useful life to about a year, which is typical for solar blankets.
Bubble Design
The plastic bubbles gradually dissolve over time, limiting the cover’s useful life to about a year, which is typical for solar blankets.
Ease of Use
The cover is easy to trim for a custom fit and simple to install and remove due to its lightweight, floating design.

Buying Guide for the Best Solar Swimming Pool Covers

Choosing the right solar swimming pool cover can make a significant difference in maintaining your pool's temperature, cleanliness, and overall efficiency. Solar pool covers use the sun's energy to heat the water, reduce evaporation, and keep debris out. When selecting a solar pool cover, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
MaterialSolar pool covers are typically made from durable plastic or vinyl materials that can withstand exposure to sunlight and chemicals. The material is important because it affects the cover's durability and effectiveness in heating the pool. Thicker materials generally offer better insulation and longer lifespan, while thinner materials may be less expensive but might not last as long. Choose a material that balances durability and cost based on how often you use your pool and the climate in your area.
ThicknessThe thickness of a solar pool cover is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). Thicker covers (12-16 mils) provide better insulation and are more durable, making them ideal for colder climates or pools that are used frequently. Thinner covers (8-12 mils) are lighter and easier to handle but may not offer as much heat retention or durability. Consider your pool usage and climate when deciding on the thickness; if you need more heat retention and durability, opt for a thicker cover.
Size and ShapeSolar pool covers come in various sizes and shapes to fit different pool dimensions. It's crucial to measure your pool accurately and choose a cover that matches its size and shape. A well-fitting cover ensures maximum efficiency in heating and protecting your pool. If your pool has an irregular shape, you may need to look for customizable or cut-to-fit options. Ensure the cover you choose can cover the entire surface of your pool without leaving gaps.
ColorSolar pool covers are available in different colors, such as blue, clear, and black. The color can affect the cover's ability to absorb and retain heat. Clear covers allow more sunlight to penetrate and can heat the pool more effectively, while blue covers offer a balance between heat absorption and durability. Black covers provide the highest heat retention but may be less aesthetically pleasing. Choose a color based on your preference for heat retention and the look you want for your pool.
Bubble DesignMost solar pool covers feature a bubble design, which helps to trap heat and insulate the pool. The size and pattern of the bubbles can vary, with larger bubbles generally providing better heat retention. Smaller bubbles may be more flexible and easier to handle. Consider the bubble design based on your need for heat retention and ease of use. If you prioritize maximum heat retention, opt for covers with larger bubbles.
Ease of UseEase of use includes how easy it is to put on, take off, and store the solar pool cover. Some covers come with reels or other mechanisms to assist with handling. If you plan to use the cover frequently, look for features that make it easy to manage, such as lightweight materials or built-in handles. Consider your physical ability and how often you'll be using the cover when evaluating ease of use.

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