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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

Solar Pool Cover, Durable 16 mil 20 x 40 ft Pool Covers for Inground & Above Ground Pools, Solar Pool Heater, Rectangle Solar Blanket with Bubbles, Blue

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,321
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
42 reviews

Material
The cover is made from very thick, heavy-gauge plastic that feels durable and long-lasting.
Thickness
The material is thick yet still easy to trim and customize to fit different pool shapes.
Color
The blue color contributes to absorbing sunlight while keeping the pool looking clean and bright.
Size and Shape
The material is thick yet still easy to trim and customize to fit different pool shapes.
UV Protection
It effectively raises the pool temperature by 2 to 3 degrees and retains heat well overnight.

This Real Relax solar pool cover is designed to help pool owners save on heating costs by capturing and transferring solar heat into the water, thanks to its bubble design with the bubbles meant to face down. Made from durable 16 mil thick polyethylene, it offers good strength and resistance to tearing, promising a longer lifespan. Its blue color helps absorb sunlight while also keeping the pool looking clean and bright. Sized at 20 by 40 feet, it suits most rectangular inground or above-ground pools, and you can easily trim it to fit other shapes if needed. The cover also reduces water evaporation by up to 95%, helping to conserve water and reduce chemical loss. Another plus is its UV resistance, which protects it from sun damage and extends its usability.

On the downside, the cover is quite heavy at 61 pounds, so handling it might be a bit cumbersome during installation or removal. Also, while it fits rectangular pools well, irregular pool shapes will require careful cutting for a proper fit, which could be tricky for some users. This solar blanket represents a solid choice for anyone wanting a reliable, heat-retaining pool cover that also keeps debris out and lowers maintenance needs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,321
Material
Thickness
Color

Most important from
42 reviews

Material
The cover is made from very thick, heavy-gauge plastic that feels durable and long-lasting.
Thickness
The material is thick yet still easy to trim and customize to fit different pool shapes.
Color
The blue color contributes to absorbing sunlight while keeping the pool looking clean and bright.
Size and Shape
The material is thick yet still easy to trim and customize to fit different pool shapes.
UV Protection
It effectively raises the pool temperature by 2 to 3 degrees and retains heat well overnight.
#2

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

Rating
8.2
Thickness
Size and Shape

Most important from
781 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
8.2
Thickness
Size and Shape

Most important from
781 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.
#3

SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket - Heavy Duty Rectangular Thermal Cover with Bubbles - Heat Transfer Solar Pool Heater for In-Ground Swimming Pools - Durable 12 Mil Thick Polyethylene - 14' x 28' Feet

Rating
8.2
Material
Thickness
Size and Shape

Most important from
602 reviews

Material
The thick, durable 12-mil polyethylene material feels solid and not flimsy, providing reliable protection and longevity.
Thickness
The thick, durable 12-mil polyethylene material feels solid and not flimsy, providing reliable protection and longevity.
Size and Shape
The ability to trim the cover adds flexibility to fit various pool shapes beyond just rectangular ones.
UV Protection
Despite Florida’s harsh sun, the blanket holds up well for around two years before noticeable wear, consistent with typical solar cover durability.

The SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket is a strong choice if you have a rectangular in-ground or above-ground swimming pool around 14 by 28 feet. Made from durable 12-mil thick polyethylene, it offers solid protection and heat retention. Its blue color and geometric bubble pattern are designed to maximize heat absorption by trapping the sun’s warmth and transferring it directly to your pool water, which can help raise water temperature naturally. The bubbles face downward on the water, which also reduces evaporation by up to 95%, saving you water and lowering refill frequency.

This cover helps keep debris like leaves and dirt out, cutting down on cleaning time and expenses. The ability to trim the cover means it can be adapted to fit other pool shapes like round or kidney-shaped pools, adding to its flexibility. It is foldable for easier storage despite its large size. The product suits pool owners looking for an effective, easy-to-use solar cover that helps maintain pool heat and cleanliness without complex installation.

Rating
8.2
Material
Thickness
Size and Shape

Most important from
602 reviews

Material
The thick, durable 12-mil polyethylene material feels solid and not flimsy, providing reliable protection and longevity.
Thickness
The thick, durable 12-mil polyethylene material feels solid and not flimsy, providing reliable protection and longevity.
Size and Shape
The ability to trim the cover adds flexibility to fit various pool shapes beyond just rectangular ones.
UV Protection
Despite Florida’s harsh sun, the blanket holds up well for around two years before noticeable wear, consistent with typical solar cover durability.

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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