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10 Best Swimming Pool Solar 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

In The Swim 20' x 40' Ultra Silver Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 16 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,343
Thickness
Size and Shape

Most important from
581 reviews

Thickness
Impressive quality and thickness of the cover; effectively keeps the pool warmer, reducing the need for the heat pump during cooler months.
Size and Shape
Requires trimming to fit smaller pools, but overall satisfaction with its performance.

The In The Swim 20' x 40' Ultra Silver Rectangle Solar Pool Cover is designed for effective solar heating of both above-ground and in-ground pools. With a substantial 16 Mil thickness, this cover can increase water temperature by up to 18 degrees, making it ideal for extending your swimming season. The silver color enhances light penetration, which helps in rapid temperature increase. It also effectively prevents evaporative heat loss during cooler nights, thus maintaining the warmth of the pool water.

However, it requires careful monitoring of chlorine and pH levels to ensure longevity and performance. Chlorine levels should be below 2.5 ppm, and pH levels above 7.2 when using this cover. Utilizing a solar cover reel can improve convenience and reduce wear and tear, but it may add to the initial setup cost. The cover is well-rated, holding a 4.4 out of 5 stars from 414 customer reviews, indicating general satisfaction among users.

Given its size, shape, and UV protection, this cover is suitable for large rectangular pools, and its bubble design aids in effective heat retention. However, its weight (58 pounds) might make handling challenging without a reel. This solar cover is a good investment for pool owners looking to maintain a warm pool temperature with minimal heat loss.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,343
Thickness
Size and Shape

Most important from
581 reviews

Thickness
Impressive quality and thickness of the cover; effectively keeps the pool warmer, reducing the need for the heat pump during cooler months.
Size and Shape
Requires trimming to fit smaller pools, but overall satisfaction with its performance.
#2

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
9.8
Material
UV Protection

Most important from
714 reviews

Material
The material is sturdy and effectively raises and maintains the pool temperature overnight.
UV Protection
Even after two years of use in South Florida, the cover shows no signs of deterioration.

The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is a durable and effective option for maintaining your pool's temperature. Made from high-quality polyethylene (PE) material, this cover is designed for longevity and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Its 16-mil thickness and blue color help maximize heat retention by trapping solar energy using thousands of thermal bubbles. This design not only heats your pool during sunny days but also retains the warmth during cloudy days or chilly nights, ensuring a comfortable swim regardless of the weather.

The cover also significantly reduces water evaporation by up to 95%, which is beneficial for water conservation and reducing the need for frequent refills. Measuring 16 x 32 feet, it fits rectangular in-ground pools but can be trimmed to suit pools of various shapes and sizes, making it versatile. However, at 50.9 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users to install or remove without assistance.

Its floating installation type is simple, although it requires regular manual care, such as hand washing with mild detergent and air drying.

Rating
9.8
Material
UV Protection

Most important from
714 reviews

Material
The material is sturdy and effectively raises and maintains the pool temperature overnight.
UV Protection
Even after two years of use in South Florida, the cover shows no signs of deterioration.
#3

In The Swim 18' x 36' Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

Rating
9.6
Material
Size and Shape

Most important from
581 reviews

Material
Durable enough to last around three years in strong sun exposure, balancing longevity and performance.
Size and Shape
A whole, uncut cover adheres better to the water surface and prevents pieces from blowing away or losing effectiveness.

The In The Swim 18' x 36' Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover is designed to help heat your pool efficiently and extend your swimming season. Made from durable polyethylene with a solid 12-mil thickness, it offers good insulation to raise your pool's surface temperature by up to 15 degrees. Its light blue color strikes a nice balance by absorbing and retaining heat without overheating the water. The rectangular shape and size fit standard pools well, whether above ground or inground. This cover floats on the water surface and helps prevent heat loss during cool nights, which is very useful for maintaining comfortable water temperatures.

It works best when pool chlorine and pH levels are within recommended ranges, so regular pool maintenance is necessary to keep the cover in good shape. While it does not explicitly mention UV protection or a bubble design, the thickness and material type generally provide some resistance to sun damage and help trap heat through tiny air pockets. Handling the cover can be easier if you use a solar cover reel, which helps reduce wear and tear and makes putting it on or taking it off less cumbersome. At just over 50 pounds, it’s manageable but might require some effort to move.

This cover is a solid choice for pool owners wanting an affordable and effective way to conserve heat and reduce evaporation. It’s especially good if you want to comfortably extend your swimming season without complicated installation. If you’re looking for extra UV protection or specialized bubble designs, you might want to explore other options. This product fits well for everyday pool heating needs and basic heat insulation.

Rating
9.6
Material
Size and Shape

Most important from
581 reviews

Material
Durable enough to last around three years in strong sun exposure, balancing longevity and performance.
Size and Shape
A whole, uncut cover adheres better to the water surface and prevents pieces from blowing away or losing effectiveness.

Buying Guide for the Best Swimming Pool Solar Covers

Choosing the right swimming pool solar cover can significantly enhance your swimming experience by maintaining water temperature, reducing evaporation, and keeping debris out of the pool. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a swimming pool solar cover.
MaterialThe material of a solar cover is crucial as it affects durability, heat retention, and overall performance. 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, while vinyl is the most durable and provides excellent heat retention but can be heavier and more expensive. Choose a material based on your priorities: if you need a budget-friendly option, go for polyethylene; if you want something long-lasting and efficient, consider polypropylene or vinyl.
ThicknessThickness of a solar cover is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch) and it impacts the cover's durability and heat retention capabilities. Thinner covers (8-12 mils) are lighter and easier to handle but may not last as long or retain as much heat. Medium thickness covers (12-16 mils) offer a good balance between durability and heat retention. Thicker covers (16-20 mils) provide the best heat retention and durability but can be heavier and more difficult to manage. If you prioritize ease of use, a thinner cover might be suitable, but for maximum heat retention and longevity, opt for a thicker cover.
ColorThe color of a solar cover affects its heat absorption and retention properties. Clear covers allow the most sunlight to pass through, heating the water directly 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 colors like black or dark blue absorb more heat and retain it better but can also cause the water to become too warm in hot climates. Choose a color based on your climate and desired water temperature: clear for cooler climates, blue for moderate climates, and darker colors for warmer climates.
Size and ShapeSolar covers come in various sizes and shapes to fit different pool dimensions. It's important to measure your pool accurately to ensure a proper fit. Some covers can be trimmed to fit irregular shapes, while others are designed for specific pool types like rectangular, oval, or round. A well-fitted cover will be more effective in retaining heat and preventing debris from entering the pool. Make sure to choose a cover that matches your pool's dimensions or can be easily adjusted to fit.
UV ProtectionUV protection is an important feature that extends the lifespan of a solar 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 is especially important if your pool is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Look for covers that specifically mention UV protection to ensure you get a product that will last longer and maintain its effectiveness over time.
Bubble DesignThe bubble design on a solar cover plays a key role in heat retention and durability. Bubbles trap heat and transfer it to the water, while also providing insulation. Different covers have varying bubble sizes and patterns. Larger bubbles tend to retain more heat but may be less durable, while smaller bubbles offer better durability but might not retain as much heat. Consider your priorities: if heat retention is your main concern, opt for larger bubbles; if durability is more important, choose a cover with smaller bubbles.

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