10 Best Solar Pool Covers For 2024 [Top Reviews]

With energy costs skyrocketing, it is almost impossible to maintain sufficient heating in a pool since the gas and electricity used for it can be quite expensive. Thankfully, there are alternative means of heating up a pool which is cost-effective and simple.

Solar pool covers are one such invention, which is like a solar blanket for a swimming pool. It is lightweight and is like a thin sheet made up of special UV-resistant plastic. The plastic is double-sided, where one of the sides is smooth and the other is similar to a bubble wrap.

Apart from keeping pool water warm through solar energy, it also helps protect the water from unwanted debris and reduce evaporation, which eventually keeps the quantity of water in the pool constant.

Reviews of the Best Solar Powered Pool Covers

**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Top 10 Best Solar Powered Pool Cover Reviews

There are many solar pool covers available, which can raise the temperature of your swimming pool while protecting it from debris and evaporation. We have narrowed down the options to the top ten ones which we recommend.

1. Sun2Solar Clear 16’ x 32’ Rectangle Solar Cover for In-Ground and Above-Ground Swimming Pools

Sun2Solar products are well known for their quality when it comes to solar pool products. This cover is made of thousands of tiny bubbles which work together to retain the heat and keep your pool nice and warm. It is a great product to buy at an affordable price which can be sued on both in-ground and above-ground pools.

• Minimizes Water Evaporation

This solar cover works great for a pool as it helps prevent about 95% of the water from evaporating. As a result, you don’t need to fill up the pool constantly.

• Easy to Use

This solar pool cover is very easy to use. Simply slide it on top of the pool when you are done for the day and slide it off when you want to use it.

• Trim

You can easily and fearlessly trim down the edges of this solar pool cover to match the size of your pool without worrying about the warranty. It would still remain valid.

Specifications

• 8-year warranty
• Color: Clear
• Size: 16′ x 32′
• Durable resin material
• Shape: Rectangle
• Easy to cut and trim
• Heating Blanket for In-Ground and Above-Ground Swimming Pools

2. Blue Wave NS430 12-Mil Solar Blanket 18’ x 36’ for Rectangular In-Ground Pools

If you have an in-ground pool, this is one of the best choices for a solar pool cover. The best part about it is that it is able to maintain heat in the pool during the night, even when the weather is cloudy and cool.

• Durable

This brand is known for being reliable, and this cover is made with a high-quality resin that will last for years.

• Temperature

This solar cover has the right amount of thickness to retain maximum heat quite easily. Due to this thickness, it is also able to tolerate UV radiation even in intense sunlight.

• Works Fast

It works very quickly and is able to raise the temperature of the pool by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Specifications

• 5-year warranty
• Color: Blue
• Weight: 31.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 57 x 24 x 24 inches

Read More: Best Solar Powered Pool Heater Reviews

3. In The Swim 12-Mil 16’ x 32’ Rectangle Swimming Pool Solar Blanket Cover

This is an excellent solar pool heater that can effectively raise the temperature of your pool by over 15 degrees and keep it warm for a long time due to a large number of air pockets in it. It has great features and is available at an affordable price.

• Size

This solar pool cover is ideal for most pools since it has a big size that can easily cover most large pools.

• Easy to Use

This cover is quite simple to use where you can simply roll it over the pool when you are done and roll it off when you want to use the pool.

• Air Pockets

The cover is equipped with air pockets which easily absorb heat from sunlight and is able to retain it for a long time to keep the pool warm.

Specifications

• 7-year warranty
• Dimensions: 38 x 18 x 18 inches
• Size: 16 x 32 ft.
• Shape: Rectangle
• Weight: 49 pounds

4. Blue Wave NS525 14-Mil Solar Blanket for Rectangular In-Ground Pools

The Blue Wave solar pool cover is a great choice if you have an in-ground rectangle pool. With the different sizes available for this product, you can definitely find the size that fits your pool the best.

• Blue Color

This solar pool cover is available in a transparent blue colour, which is able to retain maximum heat from the sun during the day.

• UV-Resistant

This pool cover is UV and chemical resistant, which means it is able to last longer in the sun and proves to be more durable.

• Retains Heat

The solar pool cover is loaded with thermal bubbles which are able to retain heat easily and the cover is able to raise the temperature of the pool by 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Specifications

• Available in different sizes
• Colour: Clear blue
• 6-year warranty
• Dimensions: 55 x 20 x 20 inches
• Weight: 38 pounds

5. In The Swim 16-Mil 12’ x 20’ Clear Rectangle Swimming Pool Solar Cover

If you are looking for the thickest solar pool cover, this is the perfect product for you. This solar cover has a thickness of 16 mil, which is much thicker than the standard 12 mils.

• Heat Retention

It is able to retain maximum heat which it accumulates during the day so that you can have a great swim in the evening.

• Trimmed

It is possible to easily trim edges to make the solar pool cover a perfect fit for your pool. This way, it can fit most shapes and sizes of pools.

• UV Resistant

The cover is made with high-quality resin, which is able to protect it from damage caused by direct sunlight.

Specifications

• 8-year warranty
• Can fit all pool shapes
• Available in different sizes
• Dimensions: 38 x 15 x 15 inches
• Weight: 34 pounds

6. Sun2Solar 4’ x 8’ 16-Mil Rectangle Solar Cover for In-Ground and Above-Ground Swimming Pools

Sun2Solar is a well-known brand name that is famous for its quality products and providing sufficient and long-lasting heating to pools. If you are looking for a solar pool cover that is reliable and durable as well, this product is the best choice.

• Suitable for Both Types of Pools

This solar pool cover is suitable for both in-ground and above-ground pools. Thus, regardless of the type of pool you have, you will be able to use this solar cover to get the results you want.

• High Quality

This solar pool cover is made of high-quality material that is able to accumulate maximum heat and retain it.

• Trimming

The edges or corners of the solar pool cover can be easily trimmed to fit almost all types of pools.

Specifications

• Available in clear/blue colors
• Shape: Rectangle
• Size: 18′ x 36′

7. In The Swim 14 x 28 Foot Rectangle Swimming Pool Solar Blanket Cover

Harris solar pool covers are known for their quality and design. If you are looking for a durable solar cover that is able to retain heat for the longest time and are on a budget, this is the ideal choice for you.

• Available in a Variety of Sizes

This solar pool cover is available in different sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your pool the best.

• Ease of Use

Using this solar pool cover is quite simple and easy, and the installation is also hassle-free. All you need to do is spread it over the pool during the day and roll it up to use in the evenings.

• Heat Retention

It is made up of high-quality materials and is able to retain maximum heat in the water as it allows sunshine to penetrate into the water quickly.

Specifications

• Color: Clear
• Size: 20 ft x 40 ft
• 7-year warranty

8. Sun2Solar Midwest Canvas 12’ x 20’ 12-Mil Solar Cover for In-Ground and Above-Ground Swimming Pools and Spas

This is a great investment in a solar pool cover that looks great in your pool and, with its heat generating bubbles, is able to accumulate and retain heat for a long time.

• Quality Material

This solar pool cover is made up of high-quality and durable resin, which is able to capture maximum heat from sunlight and transfer it to the water. It does this with a diamond-patterned design that has more bubbles per square foot than any other type of solar pool cover. These bubbles help absorb more heat.

• Complete Covering

This solar pool cover is able to cover your swimming pool completely from all sides and prevents any evaporation of water. Furthermore, it prevents debris and dirt from getting into the pool.

• Easy to Use

It is quite easy and simple to use and store due to being lightweight. It can also be trimmed to fit any pool size.

Specifications

• Available in different sizes
• Cover style: Space Age
• Warranty: 10 years
• Shape: Rectangle
• Mil: 12

9. Labworkauto Solar Pool Blanket Cover

This is one of the best choices for a solar pool cover that is able to retain maximum heat from sunlight. If you are looking for a solar cover that is able to raise the temperature of your pool by at least 15 degrees Fahrenheit and would be durable and long-lasting, this is the best choice for you.

• Complete Cover

It is able to completely cover almost all shapes and sizes of swimming pools. You can easily trim the edges or corners of the pool in order to cover it completely.

• Protection

It provides protection through the solar pool cover and prevents any dirt or debris from entering the swimming pool to keep it clean. It also prevents evaporation of water from the pool and maintains the pool temperature throughout the night.

• Durable

This solar pool cover is quite durable and long lasting and with its light-colored cover, it does not deteriorate like dark-colored covers.

Specifications

• Size: 12 Mil
• Color: Clear
• Easy installation
• 1 year warranty

10. Intex Solar Pool Blanket Cover

If you are looking for a solar pool cover that is easily within budget and will fit around the pool, this is the ideal choice for you.

• Easy to Use

This solar pool cover is very easy and simple to use. It is lightweight and can be easily rolled onto the pool.

• Easy Storage

You do not have to worry about storage space as it is equipped with a reusable storage bag. Thus, you can store the cover in the bag in the summers or whenever it is not in use.

• Retains Heat

It is able to retain heat and keep the water warm while protecting it from evaporation.

Specifications

• Available in different sizes
• Suitable for 10’ diameter pool
• Suitable for round pools
• Weight : 1.8 lbs.

Ultimate Buying Guide – Solar Pool Covers

How Do Solar Pool Covers Work?

The solar pool cover is used for covering the top of the pool. It works in a similar way to a lid used to trap heat inside a pot and protect it against evaporation. A solar pool cover is able to capture the sun’s energy and transfer it into the swimming pool to make it warm.

The way it works is quite simple. On the sunniest days, water in swimming pools is incredibly hot due to the collection of the hot rays of the sun. The sun rays, however, cannot keep the water warm for a long time due to evaporation. Thus, a lid on top is necessary to maintain and lock that heat inside. As such, a solar pool cover works as a lid on the pool by locking the heat inside which would have otherwise been lost due to evaporation.

Things to Consider When Buying Solar Pool Covers 

There are many factors which you should consider when buying a solar pool cover for your swimming pool.

How to choose the right one depends on your requirements. The solar pool cover generally needs to be pulled off if it is manual, so you can either pay some extra amount and get an automatic one or stick to the manual pool cover that would even fit a tight budget. You must also consider how much space you have to keep the pool cover rolled up while the pool is in use and most importantly, whether you get enough sunlight where you live to actually heat the pool. If there is lack of sunlight, a conventional heater might be a better choice.

Once you are aware of the many factors, such as the ones listed below, you can decide which factors apply to you and choose your solar pool cover accordingly.

• Price and Brand

Your budget for a solar pool cover is obviously the main deciding factor which would narrow down your search. You should keep a realistic budget for the solar pool cover, which is not too cheap neither too expensive.

Pool covers are available from about $35 to $1,000. It is best to go for a brand that lies somewhere in the middle of this range if it fits your budget. The price depends upon the brand, quality and size of the pool cover. Try to choose a reliable brand if you want value for your money.

• Size of the Pool

This is another important factor which you must consider when you are looking for the best solar pool cover. You must be aware of the size of your pool so that you can get the best one that will fit your pool in order to keep it nice and warm.

• Thickness

The thickness of the solar pool cover is also important to consider, as the thicker the pool cover, the better it will retain heat. Moreover, thicker solar pool covers do not get blown away during windy days due to their weight.

However, the weight can be an issue when you have to roll it up every time you have to use the pool. Furthermore, thicker pool covers are usually more expensive than thin ones. Thus, keep these aspects in mind when deciding the thickness that will suit you.

• Design

If you look very closely, you may see different designs such as varying patterns and shapes on the solar pool cover. The most basic designs are bubbles, diamonds and hexagons. The manufacturers may claim that these designs may have some difference in quality and may try to charge more for the “premium” quality, but there is absolutely no truth in that as the design does not influence the heating power of the cover. You may, however, want to pay extra if you do like the design.

• Colour

Surprisingly, colour is also an indicator of the heat-trapping ability of a pool cover. Generally, dark-coloured ones are able to trap heat more effectively, but if the cover is too dark, it may have the opposite effect and lose heat at night. Therefore, the best colour to get is a semi-transparent one that will allow sunlight to pass through it to the water easily and retain heat.

Final Verdict

No doubt having a pool at your place is a great form of entertainment that the whole family can enjoy together. However, during the cold winter months, the heating costs can take a toll on anyone and the thought of cool water in the pool can ruin anyone’s mood. This is why a solar pool cover is a must-have as it can provide an economical and cost-effective way of not only keeping the temperature of the pool water down but also protecting the water from debris and insects as well as evaporation.

It is a great choice for all those who have invested in a high-quality pool but do not want to spend too much on monthly electricity bills. With the solar heating feature, these pool covers help save on energy costs and are ideal for those who are looking for ways to make their lives more environmentally friendly!

The buying guide above is quite comprehensive and will help you choose the right product. From the top ten products we have chosen, we found the Sun2Solar Clear 16’ by 32’ Rectangle Solar Cover is the best one due to its high quality and its ability to keep water warm. The other one we would recommend is the Blue Wave NS430 12-Mil Solar Blanket, which offers ease of use and fast operation to raise the temperature of the pool.