The 10 best solar covers of 2025 focus on warmer water, easier cleaning, and real savings. Top choices like 12 to 16 mil blue bubble covers from brands such as Blue Wave, VEVOR, and BigXwell trap heat, cut evaporation, and block debris. They suit many pool sizes, trim easily, and work best with a reel for heavy covers. Should someone want to feel confident picking the right cover, the next sections gently walk through every key detail.
Solar Pool Cover 20′ x 40′ Rectangle, 12 Mil Blue
Should you want a warmer pool without running your heater nonstop, this Solar Pool Cover 20′ x 40′ Rectangle, 12 Mil Blue is one of the most practical upgrades you can make. You place the blue cover on the water, bubbles facing down, and it quietly collects heat from the sun. The 12 mil thickness helps hold that warmth so your swims feel cozy, not chilly.
At the same time, you lose far less water. The cover can stop up to 95 percent of evaporation, so you refill less and relax more. It also blocks leaves and dirt, keeping cleaning time way shorter.
Best For: Pool owners (inground or above ground) who want a warmer, cleaner pool while cutting down on evaporation and heater use.
Pros:
- 12 mil thick blue material captures and retains solar heat for a warmer, more comfortable pool.
- Reduces water evaporation by up to 95%, lowering refill frequency and water costs.
- Helps keep out leaves, dirt, and debris, cutting down on manual cleaning and maintenance.
Cons:
- Large 20′ x 40′ size and 39.9 lb weight can be cumbersome to handle without a reel system.
- Must be trimmed for irregularly shaped pools and hot tubs, which requires some effort and careful measuring.
- Needs proper storage in a cool, dry place to avoid damage from harsh weather and extend lifespan.
Blue Wave 16×32 ft Rectangular 12-mil Solar Pool Cover for Inground Pools
Should you want a solar cover that truly holds heat and stands up to daily use, the Blue Wave 16 x 32 ft Rectangular 12-mil Solar Pool Cover is built with you in mind. Its thick 12-mil polymer traps sunshine and can warm your water up to 15°F, so those initial steps into the pool feel inviting instead of icy.
You also save effort. The cover blocks up to 95% of water and chemical loss, so you refill less and balance chemicals less. It trims easily for a snug fit, resists fading, keeps out leaves and bugs, and comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Best For: Pool owners with 16 x 32 ft inground pools who want to naturally warm their water, cut evaporation and chemical use, and reduce debris with a durable, trim-to-fit solar cover.
Pros:
- Heats pool water by up to 15°F and retains warmth, extending the swimming season using free solar energy.
- Reduces up to 95% of water and chemical evaporation, saving money and maintenance effort.
- Thick 12-mil, fade-resistant polymer is durable, trim-to-fit, and helps keep out leaves and bugs.
Cons:
- Sized for 16 x 32 ft rectangles; owners of other shapes must trim and may have imperfect edge coverage.
- Solar covers can be bulky to handle and may require a reel for convenient daily removal.
- Primarily a heat/evaporation cover, not a safety cover, so it doesn’t prevent accidental entry into the pool.
VEVOR Solar Pool Cover, 24 x 12 ft Rectangle Solar Blanket
Should you want a tough, no-fuss solar cover that really traps heat, the VEVOR 24 x 12 ft Solar Pool Cover is built for you. Its 16 mil thick PE material feels solid in your hands, so you don’t worry about rips, fading, or warping after long sunny days.
You’ll notice warmer water fast. The cover’s tiny bubbles pull in sunlight and can raise pool temps up to 8 to 15°C while cutting nighttime heat loss. At the same time, it blocks up to 95% of evaporation, saves water, and keeps leaves and dust out. You can trim it to fit almost any pool shape.
Best For: Pool owners who want a durable, easy-to-use solar cover that significantly warms the water, cuts evaporation, and reduces daily maintenance.
Pros:
- Thick 16 mil PE construction resists rips, fading, and warping for long-term durability.
- Raises pool temperature by about 8–15°C while reducing nighttime heat loss and heating costs.
- Blocks up to 95% of water evaporation and keeps out leaves and dust, lowering maintenance needs.
Cons:
- Only sized at 24 x 12 ft, so trimming is required for non-rectangular or smaller pools.
- May be heavier and less flexible to handle than thinner solar covers.
- Still needs to be removed and stored properly when swimming, which can be cumbersome without a reel.
20Ft x 40Ft Solar Pool Cover for Rectangular Swimming Pools
Should you have a large rectangular pool and you’re tired of watching heat and water disappear overnight, the EliteEdge 20Ft x 40Ft Solar Pool Cover is built exactly for you. This 14 mil, 240 x 480 inch blanket fits big pools and feels solid at 49.6 pounds, so it doesn’t slide around or blow away.
With its 300 micron bubble layer, you cut evaporation by over 90 percent and save thousands of gallons each year. At the same time, it holds up to 3.2°F of heat, so you swim earlier in spring and later in fall, while UV-resistant LDPE bubbles outlast cheap covers for years.
Best For: Owners of large rectangular pools who want to reduce water loss, retain heat, and extend their swim season with a durable, heavy-duty solar cover.
Pros:
- Significantly reduces water evaporation by over 90%, saving thousands of gallons and lowering water bills.
- Retains up to 3.2°F of heat, helping extend the swimming season into spring and fall.
- Thick 14 mil, UV-resistant LDPE with 300µm bubbles offers long-lasting durability and can be trimmed for a custom fit.
Cons:
- At 49.6 pounds and 20 x 40 feet, it can be heavy and cumbersome to handle without a reel system.
- Specifically sized for large rectangular pools, making it less ideal for small or irregularly shaped pools without trimming.
- Higher-quality, thicker construction may cost more upfront than thinner, cheaper covers.
VEVOR Solar Pool Cover, 24 x 12 ft Rectangle (12 mil)
In case you want a cover that actually warms your pool instead of just sitting on top of it, the VEVOR Solar Pool Cover 24 x 12 ft, 12 mil thick, is built for you. You lay it on the water, and its blue PE material soaks up sunlight, then holds in that heat at night. You can see your pool warm up through 8 to 15 degrees Celsius, which makes chilly mornings feel inviting.
At the same time, it cuts up to 95 percent of evaporation, blocks leaves and dust, trims heating costs, and fits inground or aboveground pools, even custom shapes.
Best For: Pool owners who want an affordable solar cover that actively warms the water, reduces evaporation, and cuts maintenance for 24 x 12 ft inground or aboveground pools.
Pros:
- Raises pool water temperature by about 8–15°C, extending the swimming season and improving comfort.
- Prevents up to 95% of water evaporation, saving water and reducing heating costs.
- Durable 12 mil PE material resists sun damage, tearing, and warping, and can be trimmed to fit custom-shaped pools.
Cons:
- Designed for 24 x 12 ft pools; requires trimming and careful measuring to fit irregular or smaller pools.
- At 15.9 pounds, it can be somewhat heavy and awkward to move without a reel, especially for one person.
- Only provides passive solar heating, so results depend on local sunlight and weather conditions.
BigXwell 16-mil Solar Pool Cover for 12 x 24 ft In-Ground Pools
BigXwell’s 16-mil Solar Pool Cover is a strong match for you should you want a warm, inviting 12 x 24 ft in-ground pool without running your heater nonstop. Its thick 16 mil blue material and thermal bubbles grab the sun’s heat and hold it in your water, even through cloudy days and chilly nights. You’ll feel steady warmth instead of shockingly cold swims.
Because it cuts evaporation up to 95 percent and blocks dust, leaves, and animals, your water stays cleaner and your bills drop. The 1600 Series cover is tough yet light, so you can pull it on and off without a struggle.
Best For: Pool owners with a 12 x 24 ft in-ground pool who want to keep their water consistently warm, clean, and energy-efficient without running a heater all the time.
Pros:
- 16-mil thickness and thermal bubbles capture and retain solar heat, keeping water warm through cool nights and cloudy days
- Reduces evaporation by up to 95%, lowering heating and water bills while maintaining pool chemistry longer
- Lightweight yet durable 1600 Series design makes it easy to put on and remove while standing up to harsh weather
Cons:
- Sized specifically for 12 x 24 ft in-ground pools, limiting compatibility with other pool dimensions or shapes
- Effectiveness depends on available sunlight; less impact in heavily shaded areas or very overcast climates
- Still requires manual handling or a reel system for very frequent on/off use
VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater Blanket (18′ x 36′)
You want a solar cover that actually warms your pool, not just floats on it, and that’s where the VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater Blanket really stands out for large rectangular pools up to 18′ x 36′. Its thick 12 mil blue polyethylene traps heat as thousands of bubbles soak up sunlight, then release that warmth back into your water. So your pool feels more inviting, not shocking.
When you place it on the surface, it also slows evaporation, helps hold your water level, and blocks leaves and dust. You can trim it with scissors for odd shapes, and a VINGLI reel makes rolling it on and off much easier.
Best For: Pool owners with large (up to 18′ x 36′) rectangular pools who want a durable solar cover that noticeably warms the water, reduces evaporation, and keeps debris out.
Pros:
- Thick 12 mil blue polyethylene with thousands of bubbles effectively absorbs and retains solar heat to warm the pool.
- Reduces water evaporation and helps maintain water level while keeping out leaves, dust, and other debris.
- Can be trimmed with scissors to fit non-standard shapes and works well with a cover reel for easier handling.
Cons:
- Nearly 44 lbs, which can be heavy to move or position without a reel.
- Sized primarily for large rectangular pools; smaller or irregular pools will require cutting and may result in wasted material.
- Full warranty details are not clearly listed upfront and must be requested from the seller.
SunHeater Heavy Duty Solar Pool Blanket (14′ x 28′)
Serious pool owners who want steady warmth without a lot of work will appreciate the SunHeater Heavy Duty Solar Pool Blanket in the 14 inch 28 foot size. You’re getting a thick 12 mil polyethylene cover that feels sturdy, not flimsy, so you can trust it through long swimming seasons.
When you lay it on the water with the bubbles facing down, it traps heat from the sun and helps cut evaporation up to 95 percent. That means fewer refills, fewer chemicals, and less frustration. It also blocks leaves and dirt, fits most rectangular pools, trims to curves, and folds easily for compact storage.
Best For: Pool owners who want a durable, low-maintenance solar cover that reliably warms their pool, cuts evaporation, and reduces cleaning time for rectangular or custom-shaped pools.
Pros:
- Thick 12 mil polyethylene construction feels sturdy and long-lasting for extended swimming seasons.
- Traps solar heat and reduces evaporation by up to 95%, saving on water and chemical costs.
- Can be trimmed to fit various pool shapes and folds compactly for easy off-season storage.
Cons:
- Sized primarily for 14′ x 28′ rectangular pools, so trimming is required for non-rectangular shapes.
- Heavier-duty material may be bulkier and slightly harder to maneuver for some users.
- Does not provide heating on its own without adequate sunlight, limiting performance in very cloudy climates.
BigXwell Solar Pool Cover for In-Ground Pools
Should you want a cover that keeps your pool warm and cuts down on constant refilling, the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is made for that kind of peace of mind. This 16 x 32 foot, 16 mil thick blanket uses thousands of thermal bubbles to trap the sun’s heat, so your water stays cozy on bright days and chilly nights.
You’ll also lose far less water, since it can cut evaporation up to 95 percent. It’s easy to trim with scissors, fits in-ground or above-ground pools, and floats into place. With tough PE material and strong reviews, it’s built to last.
Best For: Pool owners who want to keep their in-ground or above-ground pool warmer while drastically reducing water loss and the need for refilling.
Pros:
- 16 mil thickness with thousands of thermal bubbles efficiently traps solar heat to keep water warm day and night
- Reduces water evaporation by up to 95%, saving on refills and helping lower water and chemical costs
- Can be easily trimmed to fit different pool shapes and is lightweight enough for simple floating installation and removal
Cons:
- Heavy-duty 45.9 lb cover may be cumbersome for some users to handle without assistance or a reel
- Blue PE material may not match all backyard aesthetics compared to clear or darker covers
- Requires hand washing and air drying, which can be time-consuming for such a large cover
Intex Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Pools
For pool owners who are tired of losing warm water and watching chemicals (and money) disappear into thin air, the Intex Solar Pool Cover for 18 ft round pools offers a simple way to protect both your pool and your budget. You just spread it across the water and let the air bubbles soak up the sun. They trap the heat and send it back into your pool, so the water stays warmer and more inviting.
You also cut water loss through up to 95 percent, which protects your chemicals and your wallet while keeping out leaves, bugs, and everyday debris.
Best For: Pool owners with 18ft round Intex Easy Set or Metal Frame pools who want a simple, affordable way to keep water warmer, reduce evaporation, and cut down on chemical use and debris.
Pros:
- Reduces water evaporation by up to 95%, helping preserve heat and pool chemicals.
- Easy, floating installation—just lay it flat on the water and let the sun-heating air bubbles work.
- Helps keep out leaves, bugs, and debris, reducing cleaning and maintenance time.
Cons:
- Designed specifically for 18ft round Intex-style pools, so compatibility with other pool types/sizes may be limited.
- Must be removed and replaced each time you swim, which can be inconvenient.
- Needs to be cleaned and fully dried before storage to prevent mildew and extend its lifespan.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Solar Covers
Whenever someone chooses a solar cover, a few key details quietly decide whether it feels like a smart win or a daily headache. Pool size and shape, along with the cover’s material, thickness, and heating power, all work together to control warmth, insulation, and comfort. At the same time, durability, warranty, and how easy the cover is to put on and take off can strongly affect long-term value and everyday stress levels.
Pool Size and Shape
One of the most important steps in choosing a solar cover is matching it to the size and shape of the pool, because a cover that fits well will hold in more heat and cut water loss much better. At the time a cover hugs the water’s surface, warm water stays in longer, and evaporation drops sharply.
To get there, the pool owner initially measures length and width carefully, then matches those numbers to the closest cover size. Rectangular pools are usually simplest, since many covers come in standard sizes like 16′ x 32′ or 20′ x 40′. Round and oval pools also have dedicated options. For freeform shapes, many people choose a slightly larger cover, lay it over the water, and slowly trim it so every corner is protected.
Material and Thickness
Material choice and thickness quietly decide how well a solar cover will actually perform day after day. Whenever someone picks a cover made from strong polyethylene, the material stands up to UV rays, harsh pool chemicals, and regular use. This helps the cover last longer, so it feels less like a disposable purchase and more like a real investment.
Thickness also plays a big part in how the cover behaves over time. Most solar covers range from 12 mil to 16 mil. A 12 mil cover already blocks up to 95 percent of water evaporation, which protects both the pool level and treatment costs. Thicker covers handle thermal expansion and contraction better, resist tearing, and can still be trimmed to fit custom pool shapes.
Heating and Insulation
Although a solar cover might look like a simple sheet of bubbles, its real power shows up in how it heats and insulates the pool water every single day. Through soaking up sunlight, the right cover can warm the water by as much as 15°F, so the swimming season feels noticeably longer and more inviting.
Heating and insulation always work together. The bubbles act like tiny magnifying glasses that pull in heat, then trap it so the pool stays warm even while the air cools down at night. Thicker covers, usually 12 to 16 mil, hold heat more effectively and slow temperature drop. At the same time, a snug, well-fitted cover can cut evaporation by up to 95 percent, lowering both water and heating costs.
Durability and Warranty
Strong heating performance means very little unless the solar cover falls apart after a season or two, so durability and warranty quickly become just as essential as warmth. Whenever someone invests in a cover, they want it to last, not crack, fade, or tear halfway through summer.
That is why material thickness matters. Covers that are 12 mil or thicker usually stand up better to pool chemicals, rough handling, and daily sun. UV-resistant materials also slow down fading and brittleness, so the cover keeps working year after year.
Reinforced seams add another layer of strength, helping the cover survive wind, storms, and frequent removal. A warranty of at least 5 years, backed by clear life expectancy and maintenance guidelines, gives real peace of mind.
Ease of Use
Sometimes the most powerful solar cover is simply the one that is easiest to live with every single day. Whenever a cover feels light in the hands, a pool owner is more likely to use it often, instead of dreading the chore. Lightweight materials make it simple to pull the cover on and off without strain.
Ease of use also shows up in how the cover fits. Many models can be trimmed, so the cover follows curves and corners closely. Simple floating designs let the cover rest on the water without tricky hardware. Built in handles or stitched edges give fingers a place to grip. Finally, a cover that folds neatly and stores compactly keeps the whole pool area calmer and more organized.
