10 Best Solar Pool Covers of 2023

Photo: Sun2Solar

A pool cover is essential to keeping your pool free from dirt and debris. A solar pool cover adds to this function by helping to keep your pool warmer.

This cover is designed to raise the temperatures of the water below by a few degrees, which makes it more comfortable to swim especially in cold weather.

Additionally, it acts as an insulator that prevents heat loss in case you use a pool heater. This helps to reduce the overall running costs. That said, this article looks at the best solar pool covers that you should consider buying.

10 Best Solar Pool Covers – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Intex 29022E (Best Budget)	Affordable Circular shape in 5 different sizes Blue color with drain holes Comes with a reusable carry bag
	2. Blue Wave NS520 (Best Thick Blanket)	14 mils thick with thermal bubbles Stabilized against UV and water chemicals Rectangular shape in different sizes Clear color
	3. Harris H1632RTBB12 (Best Blue Cover)	UV stabilized with a blue-colored finish 12 mils thick in a rectangular shape Raises the pool’s temperature by up to 15°F
	4. Sun2Solar Round (Best for Above-ground Pools)	Blue and clear color options 12 mils thick in a circular shape Available in multiple sizes Trimmable
	5. In the Swim Rectangle (Best Inground Cover)	UV stabilized blue-colored resin construction 12 mils thick Different rectangular size options Trimmable
	6. Sun2Solar Rectangle (Trimmable Size)	Trimmable sizes for perfect fitting Tiny bubbles for capturing the sun’s heat Minimizes evaporation by up to 95% 12 mils thick in a rectangular shape
	7. Intex 29026E (With Carry Bag)	Includes a carry bag 160-micron material construction Relatively affordable
	8. Blue Wave NS110 (Durable for Above-ground Pools)	UV protected polymer construction Suitable for above ground pools Circular shape in an opaque blue color 8 mils thick
	9. Splash Pools SCV 18 (Universal Cover)	Suitable for above and in-ground pools 12 mils thick in different diameter sizes Polymer plastic construction
	10. Thermo-Tex 2831224 (Lightweight Inground Cover)	Lightweight polymer construction UV stabilized Rectangular shape and 12 mils thick Blue color

1. Intex 29022E – Best Budget Solar Pool Cover

Photo: Intex

• Thickness: 8 mil
• Shape: Circular
• Color: Blue

Intex’s Easy Set and Frame Pool cover is the most affordable product in this review, but this does not make it substandard. It has the same small bubble design as the rectangular product above, but it is circular and is meant for above ground circular pools.

In terms of dimensions, this piece measures 11 feet, 5 inches in diameter, making it suitable for 12-foot diameter above ground pools. Apart from this size, a smaller, cheaper size is available for a 10-foot pool. Larger, more costly ones also exist for 15, 16 and 18-foot diameter pools.

On color, although the unit’s blue finish may not be as fast as clear covers when heating, it gives your pool’s surface a very appealing look.

In addition to looks, this cover reduces water loss through evaporation by up to 95% and also retains heat inside for more comfortable swimming.

When not in use, a reusable carry bag (which it comes with) can be used to keep it safely in storage, and also makes it easier to transport the blanket from place to place.

Another important feature is its drain holes, which are designed to prevent water accumulation above the cover, which would otherwise minimize its effectiveness.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Bubble design for heat capturing
• Available in 5 different sizes for differently-sized above ground pools
• Comes with a reusable carry bag for safekeeping and easy transportation
• Drain holes for preventing water accumulation above

Cons:

• Only in blue color
• Not suitable for inground pools

2. Blue Wave NS520 – Best Thick Solar Pool Blanket

Photo: Blue Wave

• Thickness: 14 mil
• Shape: Rectangular
• Color: Clear

Blue Wave’s Solar Cover is a high-energy conserving rectangular pool blanket because it has a thickness of 14 mils, which means that it creates a thicker heat shield above the water to lock in most of the heat.

The blanket also features insulating thermal bubbles, which keep the heat sealed in and trap in the sun’s rays, converting them to heat in the process. This ensures that your pool remains warm through cold nights and overcast days.

Another factor that makes it a better heater is its clear color. This ensures that the maximum amount of light penetrates through for maximum heat absorption, with the capability of raising the temperature by up to 15°F.

On durability, the product is stabilized to handle the deterioration caused by UV rays and water chemicals, giving it a longer service life.

In addition to this, the cover comes with a 6-year warranty and therefore, if it deteriorates or gets damaged due to such causes, you can get a replacement or a refund.

On the downside, this unit is relatively expensive, but it comes in different sizes, ranging from a more affordable 12 × 24-foot size to a larger and more expensive 30 × 50-foot blanket.

Pros:

• 14 mils thick for better heat retention
• Thermal bubbles for trapping heat
• Clear color for maximum light penetration
• Stabilized against UV and chemical degradation
• Comes in different sizes for differently-sized in-ground pools

Cons:

• Relatively expensive
• Does not come with a reusable carry bag

3. Harris H1632RTBB12 – Best Blue Solar Pool Cover

Photo: Harris

• Thickness: 12 mil
• Shape: Rectangular
• Color: Blue

Harris’ rectangle solar pool cover is one of the best blue solar blankets because it is designed to maintain flexibility despite being exposed to UV light from the sun. Unlike other dark ones, which might become brittle after absorbing this light, this makes it very durable.

Apart from this, the 12-mils cover is also designed to give fantastic heat retention by acting as a heat shield, while also utilizing its thermal bubbles to capture the sun’s rays and using them to raise the temperature of the pool by up to 15°F.

Although not as fast as a clear cover in terms of heating, the blue finish gives a very appealing look to your pool.

On size, this one measures 16 × 32 feet, but there are other options, which range from a 12 × 18-foot size to a 20 × 40-foot cover. This gives you plenty of options to use for differently-sized inground pools.    

However, this blanket is relatively heavy and thus, it might be a little difficult to handle, especially if doing the installation alone.

Pros:

• Designed to handle the sun’s UV rays
• Thermal bubbles for heat retention
• Gives an appealing blue finish to your pool
• Available in different sizes

Cons:

• A bit heavy
• No clear-color option

4. Sun2Solar Round – Best Solar Cover for Above-ground Pools

Photo: Sun2Solar

• Thickness: 12 mil
• Shape: Circular
• Color: Blue and Clear

Sun2Solar’s blanket is the top-rated solar pool cover in this review and this is because it is available in blue and clear color options, with the blue option being ideal for creating an aesthetically good-looking pool and the clear one being the best for heating your water.

Regardless of the color, this product is designed to prevent up to 95% of evaporation of the pool water, leading to reduced water wastage and consequently, reduced water bills.

To give you even more options, this unit is available in multiple sizes, which include 12, 15, 16, 18, 21, 24, 27, 28, 30- and 33-inch diameter sizes, for fitting on different round pool sizes.

This size can be customized by simply trimming the sides, for a perfect fit on your pool’s surface.

Pros:

• Available in blue and clear color options
• Prevents up to 95% water loss through evaporation
• Available in multiple sizes
• Can be trimmed to customize the size further

Cons:

• No carry bag for storage
• Not UV protected

5. In the Swim Rectangle – Best Inground Solar Pool Cover

Photo: In the Swim

• Thickness: 12 mil
• Shape: Rectangular
• Color: Blue

In the Swim’s rectangle, solar pool cover is one of the best in-ground pool blankets because it combines a number of very key features.

For starters, the 12-mils blanket is made of a UV stabilized resin, which makes it resist degrading from contact with chemicals and the sun’s UV rays.  

Heating is done using thousands of tiny air bubbles, which capture the heat and UV rays, then transfer all these as heat to the water below.

At the same time, the cover also prevents heat loss, water loss through evaporation and chemical loss, leading to cheaper running costs.

On size, this product comes in a variety of them, ranging from a 12 × 20-foot rectangle to a 30 × 60-foot size for large pools. However, it can be trimmed to customize the shape for irregularly shaped pools such as oval or kidney-shaped ones.

Pros:

• Made from a UV stabilized resin
• Thermal bubbles for heat capturing and retention
• Comes in a variety of sizes
• Can be trimmed to fit irregularly shaped pools

Cons:

• No carrying bag

6. Sun2Solar Rectangle – Trimmable Solar Pool Cover

Photo: Sun2Solar

• Thickness: 12 mil
• Shape: Rectangular
• Color: Blue and Clear

Starting off the list is Sun2Solar’s solar pool cover, which is available in multiple rectangular dimensions, ranging from 4 × 8 inches all the way to 30 × 60 inches. All these pieces are 12 mils and can be easily trimmed using a pair of scissors for perfect fitting.  

Other than that, the blanket features thousands of tiny bubbles that convert the sun’s rays to heat in the water. You only need to place the bubble-side in the water. In addition to this, the film is very effective at minimizing water loss through evaporation, preventing up to 95% loss.

This product comes in an attractive blue finish, which gives your swimming pool a very appealing look. However, there is a clear/ transparent option, which is far more effective at heating water from the sun’s rays.

On the downside, this cover is very expensive, and it might degrade quickly from exposure to the sun because it lacks UV stabilization. However, it can be used in both inground and above ground pools, making it very versatile.

Pros:

• Trimmable for perfect fitting
• Multiple size options for different pool sizes
• Thousands of tiny bubbles for capturing heat
• Prevents up to 95% water loss through evaporation
• Available in an attractive, blue color and a clear color, which is better at heating

Cons:

• Expensive
• Lacks UV stabilization

7. Intex 29026E – Solar Pool Cover with a Carry Bag

Photo: Intex

• Thickness: 6.4 mil
• Shape: Rectangular
• Color: Blue

With its carry bag accessory, Intex’s rectangular solar pool cover is very easy to store and transport, which is very convenient.

Other than that, the piece is available in a blue color option only, which creates a very appealing look on your pool, and you get a reel option for easy rolling and unrolling.

The cover is also quite affordable and although very thin, it has a 160-micron material construction, which makes the entire structure very durable.

More features include thousands of bubbles for trapping heat, 95% less water loss through evaporation and a rectangular shape that measures 17 feet, 8 inches long by 8 feet, 4 inches wide, which is suitable for covering an 18 × 9 feet pool size.

Pros:

• Comes with a carry bag for easy storage and transportation
• Affordable
• Durable 160-micron material construction
• Bubble design for heat trapping
• Reduces evaporation by up to 95%

Cons:

• No clear-color option
• No drain holes for preventing accumulation of water above

8. Blue Wave NS110 – Durable Solar Cover for Above-ground Pools

Photo: Blue Wave

• Thickness: 8 mil
• Shape: Circular
• Color: Blue

Blue Wave’s solar cover is a very durable above ground pool blanket because it is made using a UV protected polymer, which causes it to be unaffected by chemicals and UV radiation from the sun.

For heat retention, the product has thermal bubbles and an opaque blue cover, which also all allows sunlight to penetrate through and warm the water.

This blue color also gives your pool a very appealing color for aesthetic purposes.

On evaporation, the circular cover has the ability to reduce evaporation of pool water by up to 95%, and this helps to reduce water refills and consequently reduces your expenditure on water bills.

Pros:

• Durable construction using a UV protected polymer
• Thermal bubbles for heat retention
• Opaque blue color for light absorption and retention
• Blue color gives your pool a very appealing look
• Reduces evaporation by up to 95%

Cons:

• Only comes in a blue color
• No drain holes to prevent water accumulation above

9. Splash Pools SCV 18 – Universal Solar Pool Cover

Photo: Splash Pools

• Thickness: 12 mil
• Shape: Circular
• Color: Blue

Splash Pools’ round pool cover is a universal product that can be used in both above ground and inground pools and comes in different sizes to fit these different pool sizes.

These include a 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27– and 30-foot diameter size, making it usable on small to medium-sized family pools and large ones as well.

While in use, this cover helps to prevent water loss through evaporation by up to 95%, minimizes on heat loss and has an opaque blue color that helps in trapping the sun’s light and heat to warm the water. The blue color also gives your pool a stunning look.

Construction wise, the blanket is made using a plastic polymer, with sturdy welded seams that help to keep it securely in place once you tie it above your pool.

Pros:

• Usable on both above and inground pools
• Available in different diameter sizes
• Reduces evaporation by up to 95%
• Plastic construction with sturdy welded seams for durability

Cons:

• Does not come with a reusable carry bag
• Might wear off quickly (not UV protected)

10. Thermo-Tex 2831224 – Lightweight Inground Solar Pool Cover

Photo: Thermo-Tex

• Thickness: 12 mil
• Shape: Rectangular
• Color: Blue

Thermo-Tex’s 2831224 has a very lightweight construction, which makes it easier to handle when placing it on or taking it off your pool.

Regardless of this, the cover is actually very durable because it is made using high quality, UV stabilized polymers that do not degrade as a result of long exposure to the sun’s UV rays or the chemicals in the pool water.

On color, the product has a blue finish, which gives rectangular pools a very stunning ocean-blue-like look. The opaque blue color also makes it possible to trap heat inside while at the same time, absorbing more from the sun’s rays.

In terms of use, this cover is meant for in-ground pools, and it results in reduced chemical consumption, reduced pool heating costs and reduced water loss via evaporation.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Durable UV stabilized polymer construction
• Blue color leaves your pool looking good
• Reduces water loss through evaporation

Cons:

• No carry bag for storage
• No drain holes to prevent water accumulation above

How to Buy the Best Solar Pool Cover

Photo: Blue Wave

1. Type of Solar Pool Cover

There are 3 main types of solar pool covers to consider. These are:

Solar Blanket

This is the most common type of solar pool cover, and it is largely made up of thermal bubbles, which capture and retain the heat in your pool’s water. Apart from this, the blanket also reduces evaporation by up to 95% while also heating the pool by about 15°F.

Solar Ring

Solar rings also help to reduce water loss via evaporation but unlike solar blankets, this type features UV resistant vinyl layers in rings, which are responsible for heating your pool.

Liquid Solar Cover

Liquid solar covers are very convenient because they are easy to apply, can be applied to a pool of any size, and you can use the pool while the cover is on. On evaporation, they reduce water loss by up to 40%.

Buying Guide: Each of these types has its benefits. If you want to conserve as much water as possible, then a blanket like Blue Wave’s NS520 is your best option.

Rings are easier to install because of their small size, but liquid covers are the easiest to apply since you only pour it in the water directly and that’s it.

2. Types of Pool

There are two main types of pools: above ground and in-ground pools. For these types, there are solar pool covers that are meant for each one, and this should be considered before buying so that you get a product meant for your pool type.

However, there are universal pool covers, which can be used in either type of pool, and still works as efficiently as the specialized ones. These are highly recommended and the ideal one is Splash Pools’ SCV 18.

3. Size and Shape

This is a no-brainer. Obviously, you will need a size that fits or, in the case of blankets, one that is slightly larger so that you can trim it to fit. Therefore, ensure that you have your pool’s dimensions before ordering a pool cover.

For shape, this also mostly applies to blankets because the other 2 types can be used in all kinds of pools. With blankets, ensure that you buy a cover that matches your pool shape so that it fits.

4. Thickness

Measured in mils, blanket covers usually range from 6 to 16 mils in thickness, with the smaller value being thinner than the larger value.

The thicker the pool cover, the more heat it will retain and the longer it will retain that heat.

Thick covers such as Blue Wave’s NS520 are also less likely to be blown away by strong winds, but they are harder to roll and unroll and are definitely more expensive than thinner models. The choice is yours to make.

5. Material

Considering bubble/ blanket covers, this type is usually made of polymers, which can degrade easily under constant exposure to the sun’s rays and chemicals in the water.

If you are looking for a durable cover, you should look for the one that has a UV stabilized polymer or resin construction like Blue Wave’s NS110.

Such material is made to withstand exposure to the sun and water chemicals in the pool, and this will give you a longer service life.  

Conclusion

For any pool owner, a solar pool cover is an essential tool to have because it results in numerous savings, be it in electrical or water bills, and other general running costs.

That said, we highly recommend Blue Wave’s NS520 stands out as the best solar pool cover due to its thick design and UV stability.