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The 7 Best Solar Pool Covers of 2024

Enjoy warmer pool temperatures and reduced water evaporation

One of the best solar pool covers on a green patterned background

The Spruce / David Hattan

Using a solar pool cover is a big help in preventing heat loss through evaporation. Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, these covers can extend your swimming season—but you need to pick the right cover for your pool.

When shopping for a solar pool cover, look for one that covers your entire pool to maximize the solar pool cover’s effectiveness. The most common type of solar cover is a solar blanket. While they can cost over $200 depending on the size you choose, they work the best at retaining heat and water in pools. Jimmie Meece, Brand President of America’s Swimming Pool Company, recommends looking for a blanket with UV-stabilized polyethylene as the best option for heat transfer while minimizing the impact of UV rays on your pool’s chlorine levels. 

A solar disc can provide the same benefits as a solar blanket with much less bulk. Instead of covering the entire pool, the discs float on the pool’s surface and have a bubble lining to raise the water’s temperature. While it's not as expensive, it is better suited for above-ground pools since you'll want to cover at least 80 percent of your pool surface to notice a difference. Because of this, we don't recommend them for in-ground pools or larger pools.

Liquid solar covers can be used to raise the pool's temperature without the hassle of installing and removing a conventional blanket or disc. While it's the most affordable option of the three, it's only a short-term solution since you'll need to reapply, and the water is exposed to debris like leaves and twigs.

We researched the best solar pool covers in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. We compared them based on thickness, which impacts how easy it is to remove and replace the cover, and the color of the cover since that determines how much heat transfers to the water below the cover while blocking (or allowing) UV rays that can impact chlorine levels.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Robelle Heavy-Duty Solar Pool Cover

Robelle Heavy-Duty Rectangular Blue Solar Pool Cover

Amazon

What We Like
  • Light blue color minimizes changes in water chemistry

  • Lighter and easier to roll up

  • Available in different shapes and sizes

What We Don't Like
  • Not as durable as thicker covers

For a solar pool cover that is effective, easy to maneuver, and will minimize UV rays entering your pool water, consider the Robelle Heavy-Duty Blue Solar Pool Cover. The light blue color of this cover allows solar energy to heat your pool water without excessive degradation of your pool chemicals from strong UV exposure.

We love that it's available in various sizes and shapes to fit round, rectangular, and oval pools and has a three-year warranty policy. This polyethylene pool cover is covered with round air bubbles that are designed to allow solar energy to pass through to your pool water while reducing evaporation.

The cover is 8 mil thick (the thinnest on our list), so you should handle it accordingly. However, its lightweight material also makes it a good pick for use on a pool reel, and folding the cover up when not in use is less of a chore.

For reference, this version weighs about 20 pounds for a 16 x 32-foot cover, while our pick for the best heavy-duty pool cover weighs about 32 pounds, saving you about 12 pounds of weight that has to be pulled out of the water.

Material: Solar blanket | Size: 16 x 32 feet, 4 x 8 feet, 18 x 36 feet, 20 x 40 feet | Shape: Rectangle | Thickness: 8 mil | Material: Polyethylene | Weight: 19.8 pounds | Warranty: 3 years

What is a good thickness for a solar pool cover?

The thickness of a solar pool cover is measured in mils, which is not the same as millimeters. A mil is a unit of measurement equal to 0.001 inches. Most solar pool covers are between 6 and 30 mils, according to Meece. “The thicker the cover, the more durable your solar cover will be against sun damage and ripping. However, they will be harder to maneuver,” he says. 

With that in mind, if you prioritize a lighter pool cover that is easier to remove and replace regularly, then our best overall, the Robelle Heavy-Duty Blue Solar Pool Cover, which measures 8 mils thick, may be your best bet. If you don’t mind a little extra weight or have a helping hand for uncovering your pool, then you might choose a thicker pool cover like the Blue Wave Solar Blanket, which is a 14-mil-thick cover.

Best Heavy Duty

Blue Wave 14-mil Solar Blanket

Close up of Blue Wave 14-mil Solar Blanket

Amazon

What We Like
  • Thicker material for better durability

  • Clear material for maximum solar energy transfer

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t protect pool chemicals from UV exposure

  • Water sometimes becomes trapped on top of the thicker material

The Blue Wave Solar Blanket is our best heavy-duty pick for rapidly raising your pool temperature. One of the most outstanding features of this clear solar pool cover is its 14-mil thickness (the thickest, second to best for hot tubs).

Although it’s heavier to maneuver and fold than thinner solar pool covers, and water sometimes becomes trapped on the surface, it is less prone to ripping or tearing. That may be especially helpful if your rectangular pool is in-ground, and the cover may be subject to some shuffling or pulling across a concrete pool deck. 

It can still be trimmed to fit the dimensions of your pool or to suit a freeform or kidney pool shape. It has a six-year warranty period, compared to the usual three-year warranty of budget picks for pool covers. Not only is it great thanks to its durability, but it also has effective heat transfer, which is a great feature if you want to extend your pool season by raising water temperatures.

This solar pool cover can raise water temperatures by up to 15 degrees. Of course, your specific results will depend on factors like ambient air temperature and the amount of sun exposure your pool sees each day. The clear material doesn’t block as much UV exposure as the blue color found in our best overall pick, but that just means you need to pay attention to your pool chemistry to ensure that water-quality levels stay in balance while using it.

Material: Solar blanket | Size: 16 x 32 feet, 12 x 24 feet, 14 x 28 feet, 18 x 36 feet, 20 x 40 feet, 20 x 44 feet | Shape: Rectangle | Thickness: 14 mil | Material: Polyethylene| Weight: 32 | Warranty: 6 years

How long does it take for a pool to warm up with a solar cover?

Depending on the time of day and the amount of sun exposure, “a solar pool cover can heat your water by a few degrees in a matter of approximately six hours,” according to Meece. He adds that using a pool cover at night will also help keep your pool temperature from “drastically dropping on chilly nights by insulating the heat collected during the day.” That means you can enjoy a more consistent water temperature for your pool.

Best UV Resistant

In the Swim Premium Plus Solar Blanket

In the Swim Premium Plus Solar Blanket

Amazon

What We Like
  • Aluminized cover to increase heat transfer

  • Dark surface to minimize changes to pool chemistry

What We Don't Like
  • Cover may retain more heat than it transfers to pool water

Exposure to UV rays can negatively impact your pool’s water chemistry, reducing chlorine levels. If you don’t want to compensate by adding more chemicals to your pool water, look for a dark-colored solar pool cover that will block UV rays from the water below. If that’s your priority, we recommend the Premium Plus Solar Blanket from In the Swim. 

This 12-mil solar pool cover has a blue backing combined with a black bubble surface. In combination, the aluminized cover minimizes UV exposure while maximizing solar energy transfer (by trapping heat from sunlight) to the water below. According to the manufacturer, you can expect up to a 15-degree rise in water temperature (like our best heavy-duty).

This pool cover is available in 12 different sizes to cater to various pool sizes and shapes. In the event that you don't find the exact size you need, the pool cover can be trimmed to make it fit perfectly.

To ensure the durability of your pool cover, only place the cover on the pool when the chlorine level is below 2.5 ppm, and the pH level is above 7.2. If you’re unhappy with your pool cover, it’s covered with a 7-year warranty (the longest on our list).

Material: Solar blanket | Size: 16 x 32 feet, 4 x 8 feet, 12 x 24 feet, 14 x 28 feet, 15 x 30 feet, 16 x 24 feet | Shape: Rectangle | Thickness: 12 mil | Material: Polyethylene | Weight: Not listed | Warranty: 7 years

Best Solar Rings

Solar Sun Rings UV Resistant Pool Solar Covers

Three Solar Sun Rings UV Resistant Pool Solar Covers

Amazon

What We Like
  • Not bulky

  • Not affected by salt or chlorine systems

  • Won’t fly out in windy conditions

What We Don't Like
  • Need multiple to heat up a bigger pool

If you don’t want to deal with putting and removing a big solar pool cover at all times, solar pool discs are an alternative that can also help you reduce evaporation and increase the temperature of your pool water. These inflatable solar pool covers from Solar Sun Rings feature a UV-resistant center that collects the sun's energy and heats the water underneath.

While it may not cover as much surface area as a conventional solar pool cover (one five-foot ring is recommended per 50 square feet of water), it can still be an attractive option for small pools. If you plan on using solar discs in a larger pool, consider getting at least two or three sets.

One of the standout benefits of this inflatable solar pool cover is its ease of use. It is effortless to put in and take out, even for one person. To use, all you need to do is inflate each ring and place them in the water. The discs are compatible with both salt and chlorine systems.

Even though the discs don’t have grommets like our best round pick to prevent them from flying out in windy conditions, they have a ring on the side where you can string the discs together and tie them to the side of the pool.

Material: Solar discs | Size: 5 feet (each ring) | Shape: Round | Thickness: Not listed | Material: Vinyl | Weight: Not listed | Warranty: Not listed

Best Round

Midwest Canvas Space Age Solar Blanket

Close up of the Midwest Canvas Space Age Solar Blanket

Amazon

What We Like
  • Blue-and-silver material for attracting heat and blocking UV rays

  • Includes grommets to allow for water to drain from pool cover

  • 12-mil thickness

What We Don't Like
  • Grommets are attached after purchase

For a round solar pool cover, our top pick is the Midwest Canvas Space Age Solar Blanket. This option is made of 12-mil resin material and features a blue backing and silver surface with round air bubbles. The blue-and-silver color combination is popular for optimizing heat transfer to the water of your in-ground or above-ground pool while protecting pool chlorine from UV exposure. 

This round solar pool cover includes grommets that allow water to pass through it in several locations. While the cover doesn’t arrive with grommets attached, they are self-punching and relatively easy to install after you receive it. You don’t have to attach the grommets, but doing so makes it easier to drain water from the top of the cover when you’re pulling it out of the pool.

The grommets allow a small amount of water to seep on top of the cover, which can keep your pool cover in place under light wind. That may be especially helpful for above-ground round pools, where the cover can blow off the pool and into your yard.

Material: Solar blanket | Size: 12 feet, 16 feet, 18 feet | Shape: Round | Thickness: 12 mil | Material: Resin | Weight: Not Listed | Warranty: 2 years full warranty and 10 year limited warranty

Best Liquid

Natural Chemistry COVERfree Liquid Solar Blanket

Natural Chemistry COVERfree Liquid Solar Blanket

Amazon

What We Like
  • Saves the effort of removing and replacing a physical cover

  • Formula is pH neutral 

  • Application only required once per week

What We Don't Like
  • No physical barrier for UV rays or debris

  • Needs to be added to pool skimmer for best results

Another great alternative to the bulky solar pool covers is a liquid solar product. We recommend Natural Chemistry Coverfree Liquid Solar Blanket, especially for pools in dry climates where evaporation and heat loss are frequent problems. This pool water additive creates a liquid "cover" that helps reduce pool water evaporation by 85 percent (only 5 percent less than our best overall) and heat loss by 70 percent.

It’s a great option if you lack the time or ability to regularly remove and replace a solar pool cover. To mimic the effect of a typical pool cover, the Coverfree solution works by creating a barrier on the surface of your pool water. It’s pH-neutral, invisible, and entirely safe for swimmers.

The most significant advantage of using this liquid solar pool cover is that it saves you the time and hassle associated with removing and replacing bulky physical pool covers. However, it is worth keeping in mind that this solution will not protect your pool from UV rays or debris that may blow into the pool. Therefore, you will need a pool cleaner to keep your ground free of leaves and twigs.

The Coverfree Liquid Solar Blanket comes in a 32-ounce bottle. To use it effectively, you will need four ounces of the solution for every 20,000 gallons of pool water. For best results, we recommend using it weekly by adding it to the skimmer while your pool pump is running.

Material: Liquid | Size: Not applicable | Shape: Not applicable | Thickness: Not applicable | Material: Not applicable | Weight: Not applicable | Warranty: Not applicable

Best for Hot Tubs

Spa Depot Thermo-Float Hot Tub Bubble Cover

Spa Depot Thermo-Float Hot Tub Bubble Cover Floating Spa Blanket

Amazon

What We Like
  • Thick 16-mil material for better heat retention

  • Reduces evaporation up to 95 percent

  • Trim to size

What We Don't Like
  • Not a replacement for a safety cover

Just like for a swimming pool, a solar pool cover helps to maintain the temperature and water level of in-ground spas and hot tubs. The Thermo-Float Spa Blanket is the right pick for the job since it’s made of a durable 16-mil material for superior thickness and heat retention (the thickest on our list). 

This solar pool cover measures 7 feet by 7 feet but can be trimmed to fit the size and shape of your hot tub. This may pose some challenges if your hot tub is circular in shape, as it may be harder to trim the cover to fit the round dimensions of your hot tub.

Like solar covers for regular pools, this one also comes in a light blue color that minimizes the effect of UV rays on water chemistry, while the round bubbles allow for heat transfer to the water underneath. Keep in mind that this isn’t a replacement for a hot tub safety cover. Instead, it’s designed to be used on in-ground spas and hot tubs where you’re looking to minimize evaporation (up to 95 percent) and maximize heat retention.

Material: Solar blanket | Size: 7 x 7 feet | Shape: Square | Thickness: 16 mil | Material: Not Listed | Weight: 4.4 pounds | Warranty: Not listed

Final Verdict

Our top recommendation for a solar pool cover is the Robelle Heavy-Duty Blue Solar Pool Cover. It has an 8-mil thickness, which keeps it light and maneuverable. The blue tint of the polyethylene material means it's effective at retaining heat while blocking a measure of UV rays, which negatively impact pool chemistry. But if you want to skip the hassle of regularly covering and uncovering your pool, pick Natural Chemistry COVERfree Liquid Solar Blanket. Add the liquid formula to your pool skimmer, and it will increase the surface tension of the water, which reduces evaporation and heat loss.

What to Look for in a Solar Pool Cover

Pool Size 

When shopping for a solar pool cover, make sure you have accurate dimensions for your pool available. “You should measure the longest and widest points of your pool to ensure that the solar pool cover completely covers your pool area,” says Meece, adding, “If the cover does not completely enclose the water surface, heat will escape.”

You’ll most often find solar pool covers in round, like the Midwest Canvas Space Age Solar Blanket, rectangular, oval, and square shapes. Order one that most closely matches your pool’s dimensions, but don’t pick a cover that is too small to cover the surface of the pool. If you can’t find a pool cover that matches the dimensions of your pool, always size up. Our best overall (Robelle Heavy-Duty Blue Solar Pool Cover) and best heavy-duty (Blue Wave 14-mil Solar Blanket) can be trimmed to fit the size or specific contours of your pool.

Color and Air Bubbles 

Solar pool covers are typically either clear, light blue, silver, or a dark blue or black. Color isn’t an aesthetic choice; instead, the color of the cover determines how effective the cover is at transferring heat and blocking UV rays. In terms of heat transfer, Meece says that “clear solar pool covers are the most effective.” He points out that the clear material allows the sun’s rays to easily penetrate the water underneath the cover, but there’s a drawback. “They do not block UV rays that can break down your chlorine.” As a result, you may need to add chemicals to your pool water more frequently. Even still, it’s a great option for transferring heat to your pool and a key reason why the In the Swim Premium Plus Solar Blanket is our pick for the best UV-resistant solar pool cover.

Air bubbles are frequently found on solar pool covers. The “purpose of air bubbles is to trap heat while simultaneously insulating the heat at night when the sun goes down,” says Meece.

Material 

The materials of a solar pool cover vary, but all options are non-permeable and designed to trap heat and minimize evaporation. Some of the most common materials for solar pool covers are vinyl, polyethylene, or polypropylene. 

  • Vinyl solar pool covers are among the most durable types of covers. The thicker material is more rigid, “making them easy for pool owners to easily remove without tearing,” according to Meece. The Solar Sun Rings (our best solar rings) are a great vinyl option for those looking to warm up a smaller pool.
  • Polyethylene solar pool covers, like our best overall are “lightweight and flexible and are effective at transferring heat,” says Meece. He cautions that despite these benefits, they are less durable and may require more frequent replacement than a vinyl solar pool cover. 
  • Polypropylene solar pool covers are another option for transferring and retaining heat. Meece says that these covers are very effective, but the downside is that they can be difficult to maneuver due to their thickness. We did not feature a polypropylene solar pool cover on our list due to their complexity.
FAQ
  • Do solar covers increase algae?

    A solar pool cover can create favorable conditions for algae growth. “Since solar pool covers keep your pool warm and prevent evaporation, algae may grow more quickly than normal,” says Meece. “Staying on top of maintenance needs, including regularly removing organic matter and keeping your pool chemicals balanced, will combat this.”

  • How many degrees does a solar cover add?

    Some people find that a solar pool cover raises the water temperature of their pool up to 10 degrees, but it’s important to remember that the key function of a solar pool cover is to retain the heat in your pool. Meece says that, depending on your pool size, “it’s likely a solar cover will only heat the top 6 inches of water and will not raise the water temperature of your entire pool.”

Why Trust The Spruce?

Erica Puisis has been covering the best products for outdoor and indoor living at The Spruce since 2017. Her research and areas of expertise have included pool heaters, cleaners, and water-testing equipment. To find the best options for this essential pool accessory, she considered the thickness of each solar cover, its ability to retain heat, block UV rays, or provide passive heating for pool water, and the length of any warranty period.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Cimetiere, Nicolas, and Joseph De Laat. Effects of UV-Dechloramination of Swimming Pool Water on the Formation of Disinfection By-Products: A Lab-Scale Study. Microchemical Journal, vol 112, 2014, pp. 34-41. Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/j.microc.2013.09.014.