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10 Best Solar Swimming Pool Covers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

In The Swim 15' Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,157
Thickness
Size and Shape
Ease of Use

Most important from
580 reviews

Thickness
The cover boasts a great quality and thickness that ensures durability and long-lasting use.
Size and Shape
It delivers a perfect fit for round pools, making installation straightforward and secure.
Ease of Use
While easy to remove, putting the cover back on can require two people for larger pools, highlighting its substantial build.

The In The Swim 15' Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover is made from an 8 mil thick material designed to help warm your pool water by up to 10 degrees, which can extend your swimming season. Its light blue color strikes a nice balance by absorbing and holding heat without getting too hot. The cover’s bubble design helps trap heat and reduces water evaporation, especially during cooler nights.

This cover fits round pools well, both above ground and inground, and weighs about 10 pounds, making it manageable to handle. It is recommended to use it only when your pool’s chlorine is below 2.5 ppm and pH is above 7.2 to avoid damage. While it doesn’t come with a reel, using one can make putting the cover on and taking it off easier, and also helps it last longer.

This cover is a good choice for pool owners looking to save energy on heating and reduce water loss, but it requires proper chemical balance and some care to maintain. Its popularity and positive ratings suggest many find it effective and reliable.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,157
Thickness
Size and Shape
Ease of Use

Most important from
580 reviews

Thickness
The cover boasts a great quality and thickness that ensures durability and long-lasting use.
Size and Shape
It delivers a perfect fit for round pools, making installation straightforward and secure.
Ease of Use
While easy to remove, putting the cover back on can require two people for larger pools, highlighting its substantial build.
#3

Sun2Solar Blue 18-Foot Round Solar Cover | 1200 Series Style | Heat Retaining Blanket for In-Ground and Above-Ground Round Swimming Pools | Use Sun to Heat Pool Water | Bubble-Side Facing Down in Pool

Rating
9.7
Material
Thickness
Size and Shape

Most important from
4007 reviews

Material
Superior quality cover that prevents breakdown and avoids costly repairs from plastic pieces entering the pool and filters.
Thickness
Perfect dimensions with no need for trimming; the thickness ensures it will last many seasons, even in high UV areas.
Size and Shape
A perfect fit for a 30' round pool, staying in place even in windy conditions.
Color
The clear cover heats water at a deeper level, providing an overall warmer pool compared to the traditional blue cover.
Ease of Use
Lightweight and easy to remove and put back on, enhancing usability.

The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is designed to harness solar energy to heat your pool, making it suitable for both inground and above-ground pools. Made from resin, this cover is durable and lightweight, weighing only 4.24 pounds, which makes it easy to install and remove. The cover is round in shape and has an 18-foot diameter, ensuring it fits a variety of pool sizes.

Its blue color is aesthetically pleasing and helps with heat retention, raising the pool temperature by up to 15 degrees. The bubble design maximizes heat retention and helps keep the water warm overnight, while also preventing up to 95% of water evaporation, which conserves water and reduces chemical consumption. Additionally, it stops debris from entering the pool, reducing maintenance efforts.

However, the cover's lightweight nature, while making it easy to handle, might not offer the same level of durability and thermal insulation as heavier options. Users should also consider that while installation is straightforward, ensuring the cover fits perfectly around protrusions might take some time and adjustment. The hand wash-only care instructions could be seen as a minor inconvenience for some users. This product demonstrates a solid performance in maintaining pool temperature and cleanliness, making it a good choice for pool owners looking to reduce maintenance and heating costs.

Rating
9.7
Material
Thickness
Size and Shape

Most important from
4007 reviews

Material
Superior quality cover that prevents breakdown and avoids costly repairs from plastic pieces entering the pool and filters.
Thickness
Perfect dimensions with no need for trimming; the thickness ensures it will last many seasons, even in high UV areas.
Size and Shape
A perfect fit for a 30' round pool, staying in place even in windy conditions.
Color
The clear cover heats water at a deeper level, providing an overall warmer pool compared to the traditional blue cover.
Ease of Use
Lightweight and easy to remove and put back on, enhancing usability.

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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