Invest in one of the best solar pool covers, and keep your pool warm without spending excess cash. Designed to keep bugs out and prevent children or pets from coming to any harm when out of use, a reliable pool cover should be on the very top of your shopping list when it comes to your yard.
Having a well-insulated pool means you’ll be spending a lot less on heating your water back up when you want to take a dip, and there is a range of different thicknesses to choose from to find the cover that’s perfect for you. We would recommend picking out a cover that ranges between 12 and 16 millimeters, to get the quality you need.
We’ve handpicked the best solar pool covers below so you can compare all of your options depending on the features you need. Looking for durability? Or maybe you need a cover that’s easy to take off? We’ve got you covered on all bases so that you can retain heat all year round, and use your cover hand in hand with the best pool heaters.
While you’re here, why not stock up on all of your outdoor essentials with the best pool alarms (opens in new tab) too?
The best solar pool covers
1. In The Swim Premium 12 Mil: The best round solar pool cover
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The In The Swim Premium 12 Mil Solar Blanket is made of polyethylene and its thick material can raise the temperature of your pool by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This can really help cut heating costs.
Raised air pockets on the surface of this thick blanket prevent your pool water from evaporating and protect it from things like falling tree branches or garbage - not to mention small, unwanted insect visitors. The air bubbles also trap heat and keep your pool warm. The thickness of this solar blanket means it’s pretty durable but the real winner is the impressive seven-year warranty to give you added peace of mind.
This solar pool cover also has UV-stabilized resin to prevent excess damage from the sun. If your pool isn’t round, that’s not an issue either as you can cut this pool cover to size.
While there aren’t many reviews for the In The Swim 12 Mil Solar Pool Blanket, it scores an average of 4.5 out of five stars on the company’s website. Users state that it effectively warms the water.
2. Sun2Solar 1200 Series Solar Pool Cover: The best solar pool cover for in-ground pools
The Sun2Solar 1200 Series Solar Pool Cover is ideal for both in-ground and above-ground swimming pools. It's oval-shaped, however, you can cut it to suit your pool accordingly and this won't affect your warranty.
The small air pockets on the underside of the blanket capture and send solar heat back into the water of your pool, keeping it warm even on cloudy days. You can choose a blue or clear blanket, however, we'd recommend the clear version as sunlight can travel directly into the water.
It is, however, one of the most expensive solar pool covers that we’ve reviewed so there are cheaper alternatives available. In terms of user ratings, this Sun2Solar pool cover scores an average of 4.5 stars out of five on Amazon. Users that rate the solar pool cover highly comment on how they find it to be ‘strong enough that it won’t tear’. Others also found it to be durable and thick. Some users reported the bubbles began to come away after a couple of years of use.
3. Blue Wave NS120: The best solar pool cover for removal
Featuring small bubbles that insulate your swimming pool, the Blue Wave NS120 is a solar pool blanket that can improve the temperature of your pool by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result of being left in direct sunlight, a solar pool cover must be made to be resistant to the wear and tear from UV radiation, along with the chemicals that you treat your pool water with. This is one of the pricier options in our round up, however, you do get a three-year warranty which provides peace of mind that your investment purchase will last.
This solar pool cover comes in a round design so won't be suitable for square pools, and it has been designed for above-ground swimming pools. It does, however, claim to prevent 'up to 95% of pool water and chemical evaporation'. So, you won't have to worry about spending time or money on replenishing it.
With an average rating of 3.7 out of five stars on Amazon, it's a solid choice. Users that loved the Blue Wave NS120 cover state that it 'raised the water temp over 20 degrees in a week'. Others mentioned that it was easy to take off the pool, and it was very durable. There were some negative reviews that said the cover is 'thin', and some customers had issues with the bubbles popping and disintegrating.
4. Thermo-Tex Pool Cover: The best lightweight solar pool cover
Fed up of jumping into a freezing cold pool? The Thermo-Tex Pool Cover aims to make your pool a more pleasant temperature in all seasons. It's made from UV-stabilized polymers, so you can rest assured that the high quality will stand the test of time and withstand the elements. This will also protect your pool for longer, as well as any negative effects your pool chemicals may have.
The lightweight design of this cover makes gaining access to the water much easier, so it's a great option for those who use their pool often. If you find yourself covering your pool solo, it will also make manoeuvring it safer and smoother.
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive about this Thermo-Text cover, with many commenting on the noticeable difference it makes to their pool temperatures. One reviewer also mentioned that this cover has also helped to prevent algae growth as there was less water evaporating within their pool. The three-year manufacturers limited warranty also provides added peace of mind.
5. Intex Recreation 29025E: The best portable solar pool cover
The Intex Recreation 29025E is a solar pool cover made from vinyl, making it a lightweight option that is easy to store, transport, and attach. It comes with a carry case, so you move it to a garage or storage area with minimal effort.
Air bubbles absorb and transfer sun heat into the pool water, resulting in a warmer water temperature that is much more pleasant to jump into. It reduces water evaporation by 95%, minimizing heat loss and how often you need to fill up the pool - better for your water bills and the environment. This cover will also keep debris out of your pool so less upkeep is required when it comes to cleaning.
It's 18ft and comes in a round design, making it a great choice for pools of the same shape and size. Reviews mention a downside being that it doesn't attach to the frame of the pool, inside just suctioning to the water itself, however there are no bad reviews mentioning that it lifts off or moves.
What to look for in a solar pool cover
The bare minimum your solar pool cover should do is keep your pool’s temperature from severely dropping by retaining the sun’s heat. Thickness and insulation are also essential so that there is less water evaporation occurring inside the pool. You also want a cover that’s going to keep the direct sunlight from draining the chemicals that are working to clean your pool, as you’ll have to top those up more if not, and run the risk of algae growing in their absence.
Safety should be another crucial concern when looking for a pool cover. Options that are easy to put on correctly will save you from accidentally leaving your pool unprotected, and importantly keep your pets and loved ones safe. Make sure that if your child or an animal were to step on top of your cover accidentally that it would be able to support their weight.
Thickness is the last factor to think about on your buying journey. Whilst a thicker cover will do a better job at retaining heat, these do tend to be more expensive, and more of a task to take on and off.
