Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you’ve ever stepped into your pool and wished the water was just a little warmer, you’re not alone. Solar covers for pool can be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.
Not only does a swimming pool solar cover trap the sun’s warmth, but it also cuts down on evaporation and saves you money on heating costs. It’s like giving your pool a cozy blanket that works all day for free.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the 7 best solar covers for pool that will help keep your water warm all season. Whether you want to extend your swim time, reduce maintenance, or simply enjoy a more comfortable dip, you’ll find the perfect option here.
Quick Comparisons of the 7 Best Solar Covers for Pool
Brand | Key Features | Best for | Price |
1. BigXwell |
| Best Overall. Suitable for In-Ground Pools | |
2. SunHeater |
| Best for In-Ground Pools | |
3. Blue Wave |
| Budget Option. Best for In-Ground Pools | |
4. TONTAIN |
| Best for In/Above Ground Pools | |
5. In The Swim |
| Best for In/Above Ground Pools | |
6. AURSK |
| Best for In-Ground Pools | |
7. VINGLI |
| Best for In/Above Ground Pools |
How to Choose the Best Solar Cover for Your Pool
When picking the right solar covers for pool, the first thing to nail down is your pool’s size and shape. Whether it’s round, rectangular, oval, or custom, the cover needs to fit snugly to lock in heat and block debris. Some covers can be trimmed, so you don’t have to stress if your pool has a unique layout.
Material and thickness matter just as much. UV-resistant covers last longer under the sun, while thickness ranges from 8–16 mil offer different benefits—thinner covers heat water faster, thicker ones hold heat longer. Your choice depends on whether you want quick warmth or all-night heat retention.
Also, think about your pool type. Above-ground and in-ground pools have different fitting and installation needs, so choosing the right style ensures your solar covers for pool works effectively without hassle. The right match can save you energy, water, and time all season.
Detailed Review of the 7 Best Solar Covers for pool
1. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover
The BigXwell 16-mil blue cover stands out among solar covers for pool because it’s designed to harness every bit of sunshine. Thousands of thermal bubbles capture solar heat during the day, warming your water naturally, and locking in that heat even on cloudy days or cool nights. It’s like having a free solar heater that works around the clock.
Made from durable PE material, this swimming pool solar cover is built to last yet easy to trim for a perfect fit on any pool shape. It helps reduce water evaporation by up to 95%, saving water and keeping your pool ready for a dip whenever you want.
Beyond heating, it acts as a shield—keeping out leaves, dust, and debris, so your water stays clean and maintenance stays low. With the BigXwell, you enjoy a warmer pool, lower costs, and more swim time in every season.
🔑 Key Features
- Material: Durable 16-mil PE
- Size: 16 x 32 ft rectangle
- Design: Thousands of thermal bubbles
- Type: In-ground and above-ground compatible
- Evaporation Reduction: Up to 95%
- Color: Blue
- Cut to Fit: Yes
- Weight: Lightweight for easy handling
✅ Pros
- Excellent heat retention
- Reduces evaporation by 95%
- Fits multiple pool shapes
⚠️ Cons
- Bulky for solo handling
- Color may fade over time
2. SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket
The SunHeater solar blanket is a standout among solar covers for pool, turning free sunlight into a reliable heat source. Its thousands of thermal bubbles trap solar energy and transfer it to your water, raising temperatures by up to 10 degrees in just a week. It’s like having a natural heater without the electric bill.
Beyond warmth, this solar pool blanket helps minimize evaporation by up to 95%, saving you thousands of gallons of water yearly. Pair it with tools like a solar pool skimmer or solar pool ionizers for a cleaner, more eco-friendly swim experience.
This durable 12-mil polyethylene cover also keeps out leaves, dirt, and debris, cutting cleaning time and costs. Easy to trim and store, it fits in-ground or above-ground pools, making it a smart choice for anyone wanting a warm, clean pool all season.
🔑 Key Features
- Material: 12-mil Polyethylene
- Size: 14 x 28 ft rectangle
- Design: Thousands of thermal bubbles
- Evaporation Reduction: Up to 95%
- Heating Increase: 8–10°F in 5–7 days
- Pool Type: In-ground & above-ground
- Cut to Fit: Yes
- Color: Blue
✅ Pros
- Heats water up to 10°F
- Reduces water loss significantly
- Keeps debris out
⚠️ Cons
- Large size may be heavy to handle
- Requires trimming for non-rectangular pools
3. Blue Wave NS405 12-mil Solar Blanket
The Blue Wave NS405 is a top contender in solar covers for pool, boosting water temperatures by up to 15°F using only the sun’s energy. Its 12-mil design traps heat efficiently, extending your swimming season without adding to your energy bills.
This solar pool blanket also works hard to reduce evaporation by up to 95%, saving both water and pool chemicals. It keeps the warmth in overnight and on cooler days, so you can enjoy a consistently comfortable swim.
Built from heavy-duty, fade-resistant polymer, it’s designed to withstand harsh sun and pool chemicals season after season. Plus, it blocks leaves, bugs, and debris, keeping your pool cleaner and maintenance easier. With a 5-year limited warranty, the Blue Wave is a smart, long-lasting choice for warmer, cleaner water.
🔑 Key Features
- Material: 12-mil polymer
- Size: 12 x 24 ft rectangle
- Heating Increase: Up to 15°F
- Evaporation Reduction: Up to 95%
- Fade Resistant: Yes
- Cut to Fit: Yes
- Warranty: 5-year limited
- Color: Blue
✅ Pros
- Heats water Up to 15°F
- Reduces evaporation and chemical loss
- Durable and fade-resistant
⚠️ Cons
- Bulky to handle when wet
- Requires trimming for non-rectangular pools
4. TONTAIN Rectangle Blue Quadruple Bubble Solar Pool Cover
The TONTAIN 16mil Quadruple Bubble design takes solar covers for pool to the next level, capturing more sunlight and transferring heat faster to your water. With its 400μm thickness and patented bubble pattern, it holds warmth longer, so your pool stays inviting even on cooler days.
This solar pool blanket prevents up to 95% of evaporation, saving water, chemicals, and heating costs. Its durable LDPE material resists damage from sun and water, making it a reliable choice season after season. Plus, it’s easy to trim for any pool shape.
With quadruple bubble chambers storing more solar energy than standard single-bubble covers, it maximizes heat retention like few others can. Strong PVC edges, aluminum buckles, and wind-resistant design make it both tough and practical for daily use.
🔑 Key Features
- Size: 12x24FT Rectangle
- Thickness: 16mil / 400μm
- Material: LDPE with PVC edges
- Bubble Type: Quadruple 320mm diameter, 5mm height
- Evaporation Reduction: Up to 95%
- Fit: In-ground & above-ground pools, trim-to-fit
- Edge Design: Both sides PVC with aluminum buckle
- Heat Transfer: Enhanced patented bubble pattern
- Durability: UV and waterproof construction
- Attachment: Pre-punched holes for roller connection
✅ Pros
- Superior heat retention
- Reduces evaporation by 95%
- Fits multiple pool shapes
⚠️ Cons
- Heavier than standard covers
- Requires roller for easy handling
5. In The Swim 16′ x 32′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover
If you want to extend your swim season without skyrocketing energy bills, solar covers for pool like the In The Swim Premium Blue Rectangle are a game changer. Its 12-mil thickness harnesses the sun’s energy, boosting your pool’s temperature by up to 15°F for cozy, comfortable swims.
This lightweight yet durable polyethylene solar blanket not only warms the water but also cuts down evaporation and chemical loss. That means less topping up and more time enjoying your pool. It even keeps debris at bay, so cleaning becomes a breeze.
With its light blue design for optimal heat absorption and retention, this cover balances performance and style. Among solar covers for pool, it’s a perfect blend of efficiency, durability, and ease—especially if paired with a solar cover reel for hassle-free use.
🔑 Key Features
- Size: 16′ x 32′ Rectangle
- Thickness: 12 Mil
- Material: Polyethylene
- Temperature Increase: Up to 15°F
- Evaporation Reduction: High efficiency
- Color: Light Blue
- Pool Type: Above-ground & In-ground
- Cut-to-Fit: Yes
✅ Pros
- Raises water temperature quickly
- Reduces evaporation and chemical loss
- Fits both above-ground and in-ground pools
⚠️ Cons
- Requires reel for easier handling
- Can degrade if chlorine levels are too high
6. AURSK Solar Pool Cover
The AURSK 12MIL solar pool cover is a game-changer for anyone who wants warm, inviting water without sky-high heating bills. Made with nearly a million tiny bubbles, it soaks up the sun’s energy and transfers it to your pool, extending your swimming season well beyond summer.
Unlike ordinary covers, these solar covers for pool lock in heat overnight, so you can dive right in the next morning without waiting for the water to warm up. Plus, it slashes evaporation by up to 95%, saving both water and money.
This solar pool blanket also doubles as a shield, keeping out leaves, dust, and debris so you spend less time cleaning and more time swimming. And with its easy trim-to-fit design, it’s perfect for pools of any shape, whether you have a sleek rectangle or a quirky custom build.
🔑 Key Features
- Size: 12×24 FT
- Material: Polyethylene (PE)
- Thickness: 12MIL
- Bubble Count: ~1 million
- Evaporation Reduction: Up to 95%
- Heat Retention: Overnight warmth
- Custom Fit: Trim-to-fit design
- Color: Blue
✅ Pros
- Excellent heat retention
- Reduces water loss by 95%
- Keeps pool cleaner
⚠️ Cons
- Requires trimming for odd shapes
- Can be bulky to store
7. VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover
The VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover is designed to make every swim warmer and more enjoyable. Using thousands of heat-trapping bubbles, these solar covers for pool absorb sunlight during the day and release it into the water, keeping your pool warm for longer and extending your swimming season.
With its 12Mil thickness, this cover helps reduce water evaporation by up to 95%, conserving both water and chemicals. Plus, it shields your pool from leaves, dirt, and debris, meaning less cleaning and more time enjoying the water.
Perfect for rectangular or irregular-shaped pools, this solar blanket can be easily trimmed for a precise fit. Made from heavy-duty polyethylene with strong welded seams, it’s built for durability—so you can keep the heat in and the cold out season after season.
🔑 Key Features
- Size: 16′ x 32′ Rectangular
- Thickness: 12Mil
- Material: Polyethylene (PE)
- Color: Transparent Blue
- Heat Gain: Up to 15°F
- Evaporation Reduction: Up to 95%
- Cut-to-Fit: Yes, for all pool shapes
- Debris Protection: Yes
- Durability: Heavy-duty with welded seams
✅ Pros
- Heats water up to 15°F
- Reduces water loss by 95%
- Fits any pool shape
⚠️ Cons
- Requires reel for easier handling
- Not ideal for high-chlorine levels
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Solar Cover
If you want to get the best results from your solar covers for pool, make them easy to handle by using a reel. This way, you’ll be more likely to cover the pool whenever it’s not in use—even during the day—to trap the sun’s warmth and cut evaporation. Clean your cover regularly to prevent algae growth and keep it working efficiently.
To maximize heat retention, always store your solar covers for pool properly when not in use. Roll it up dry and keep it out of direct sunlight to extend its lifespan. With the right care, your solar blanket will keep your pool warmer, cleaner, and ready for a swim any time.
Final Words
We’ve handpicked the 7 best solar covers for pool to make your swimming experience warmer, cleaner, and more energy-efficient. For the best overall choice, BigXwell delivers exceptional performance, while Blue Wave is the go-to budget option. If you own an in-ground pool, AURSK and SunHeater stand out for their heating efficiency and durability.
For versatility, In The Swim, TONTAIN, and VINGLI work beautifully for both in-ground and above-ground pools. No matter your pool type or budget, these solar covers for pool will help extend your swimming season while saving you money on water and heating costs.
FAQs: Solar Covers for Pool
1. How do solar covers for pool work?
Solar covers trap the sun’s heat using air bubbles, transferring warmth into the water while reducing evaporation and heat loss.
2. What thickness is best for solar covers for pool?
Most solar covers for pool range from 8–16 mil. Thicker covers (14–16 mil) retain heat longer, while thinner covers heat water faster.
3. Can I use solar covers for pool on both in-ground and above-ground pools?
Yes, most solar covers can be used on either type, but you should choose the correct size and shape for the best fit.
4. How long does a solar pool cover last?
With proper care, a quality solar cover can last 3–5 years. Store it properly and avoid leaving it in high chlorine water for long periods.
5. Do I need a reel for my solar cover?
A reel makes it easier to apply and remove the cover, prevents damage, and extends the cover’s lifespan.