Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best solar pool covers help you keep your swimming pool warm, clean, and free of pollutants and insects. As it can be quite challenging and expensive to maintain a swimming pool, these covers come in handy—they are cost-effective and use sunlight to warm the pool. Solar pool covers improve thermal insulation performance and minimize water loss with less energy consumption.
Keep reading as we list some high-quality solar pool covers of various sizes, shapes, colors, and thicknesses. We also give you a few tips on choosing the right solar pool covers.
Top Picks
13 Best Solar Covers For Inground Pools
1. Best Easy-To-Operate:Automatic Solar Blanket Cover Reel/Roller
Image: Solar-lakes The motorized cordless pool reel is independent of grid energy and uses solar energy to work. This environmentally-friendly and energy-saving cover from Solar-Lakes can roll up a ¼in thick solar blanket from a 20x40in in-ground swimming pool in one minute. You can use the time-tested cover two to three times a day without using any external power source and continuously for three to four days, making it one of the most reliable options on the market.
The package includes a motorized unit with a solar panel, battery, waterproof handheld remote controller, and a battery charger for winter storage. It weighs 50lb and measures 24x18x8in and helps keep water safe for children and pets. Learn more about this pool cover in this product testing video.
Pros
- Offers safety from electrocution
- Easy to operate
- Helps control humidity and heat
- Motor handles the size and weight of the cover efficiently
- Automatic
- Saves time
Cons
- Moisture may get into the base of the motor
"The installation was manageable and the unit�s mobility is smooth for daily use. My pool has aesthetically improved and it also contributed to more frequent swims. Also, occasional system hiccups are solvable with a simple reset."
2. Best Sturdy Design:Sun2Solar Blue Rectangle Solar Cover
The blue solar cover is a heat-retaining blanket of bubbles that can easily cover your in-ground or above-ground pool. The 16x32ft long rectangular pool cover retains heat in the film bubbles to prevent 95% of pool water from evaporating, thus offering effectiveness and durability at the same time. You can cut the film according to the pool’s size and shape and spread the sheet on the pool surface with the bubbles facing down. This review video will provide you with added insights about the product’s quality.
Pros
- Well-written instructions
- Saves water
- Helps keep the pool clean
- Sturdy and durable material
- Heats using UV light
Cons
- Removing the cover may be time-consuming
"Although lightweight, it stays put over my pool even during windy climates. It has been successful in warming the water and reducing humidity. It needs to be dried thoroughly before storing, but that's a minor hassle compared to its effectiveness."
Point to consider3. Best UV-Resistant Materials:Robelle 1836RS-8 Box Heavy-Duty Solar Cover
One of the most reliable options on the market, the blue heavy-duty polyethylene solar cover is made of high-quality bubbles to trap solar heat and keep your pool warm. Putting the cover on the pool increases the pool’s temperature and reduces water evaporation and chemical consumption. The material is resistant to UV rays, and the cover measures 18x36ft and weighs 28.3lb.
Pros
- No assembly required
- Well-built
- Easy to roll up
- Durable
Cons
- Moisture may build up in the bubbles
"This solar cover has fit my unconventionally shaped pool seamlessly. It's also sturdy and has considerably reduced water evaporation. Plus, the included winch and bale made it a breeze to install."
4. Best Thick:In The Swim 1632D Midsol Rectangle Solar Blanket Cover
Image: In The Swim The high-quality solar blanket cover is ideal for protecting your swimming pool from pollutants and maintaining up to 8-10 degrees of heat under continuous sunlight for five to seven days. The cover is made of lightweight and durable polyethylene material that can be readily tailored using scissors to match the pool’s contours. The cover measures 16x32ft and weighs 30.6lb.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Reduces water evaporation and chemical loss
- Cover is thick
- Easy to roll
- Sturdy
- The black lining avoids algae formation
- Seven-year warranty
Cons
- Bubbles may attract moisture over time
"The trimmable design of this cover made it easy to customize it based on the shape of my pool. Its material seems durable, and I have noticed a considerable increase in the warmth of the water since it was installed."
Do remember5. Best Heat-Retaining: BigXWell Solar Pool Cover
Made of thousands of blue bubble membranes, this pool cover helps retain your pool’s temperature during the summers and winters. It also keeps leaves and debris out of the pool, protects the pool from dust, and prevents water evaporation by 95%. Thus, it is a trusted choice to keep the water wastage at its minimum when you swim. This cost-effective cover is made from PE and is non-toxic and safe for use. It enhances the pool’s lifespan and protects it from corrosion and damage.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Anti-seismic pressure
- Anti-ultraviolet
- Easy to trim
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- May be too thin
"Upon testing this product was quite taken by its performance. It does a commendable job at both heating and protecting my pool. The durability surpasses my previous one and it interacts well with pool cleaning systems."
6. Best Lightweight:Intex Solar Cover for Easy Set and Frame Pools
Image: Intex 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 3,659 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
The circular solar cover measuring 16ft in diameter is ideal for small easy set pools. It helps protect your swimming pool from debris and helps prevent algae growth. The premium cover is also designed with central drain holes to prevent rainwater pooling. The product measures 192x192x0.1in and weighs 1lb.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy to use
- Reduces water evaporation by 95%
Cons
- May not be thick enough
"In addition to warming my pool water, this cover has eliminated algae growth, too. While placing it over the pool has been a two-person job, its ability to keep critters and dust away from my pool has made it a staple in my house."
7. Best Easy-To-Remove:Solar Sun Rings SSR1 Swimming Pool Spa Heater 21K BTU Cover
This solar cover is a swimming pool heating device made of two UV-resistant vinyl sheets. The cover’s upper transparent layer contains insulating air and focuses sunlight on the lower blue layer, while the lower layer absorbs 50% of the sunlight and converts it into heat. The cover forms an insulating jacket to retain heat in the pool. It measures 11×8.5×1.5in and weighs 2.5lb. Liked by several reviewers, the magnets at the corners hold the rings together to keep the cover in place and make pool maintenance easier.
Pros
- Can be placed or removed easily within minutes
- Grommets in the inner grid allow water drainage
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Easy to use and set up
- Increases pool value and longevity
- Warms the water very well
Cons
- May develop leaks
"These solar rings have been a practical solution for keeping my pool water warm. Their thin build and magnetic sides have also made installation easy. Although their seams have started showing signs of wear after months of use, they still work pretty well."
8. Best For Extreme Weather Conditions:Skyfiree Wide Pool Reel Cover
The 16-foot-long premium solar blanket made of 210D waterproof fabric can keep your swimming pool warm and protect it from UV radiation, wind, or extreme climatic conditions. You can quickly close or remove the cover using the attached drawstring and Velcro tape. The cover measures 37x16ft and weighs 10.9oz.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Strong material
- Easy installation
- Easy to use
- Offers UV protection
- Lightweight design
Cons
- May not fit well in every pool
- Measurements may not be accurate
"This pool cover is quite functional and comes in handy for retaining pool heat. It rolls up and unrolls easily, though it needs a bit of extra securing on windy days. Assembly is straightforward and the coverage is pretty decent for my wide pool."
9. Best For Reducing Chemical Content:Colibrox Swimming Pool Solar Reel Protective Cover
Colibrox offers a heavy-duty, high-quality solar cover made of polyethylene with a firm sutured handle and adjustable Velcro straps. It takes less than one minute to install the 18-foot-wide rectangular ground pool reel cover. Y You can trim the cover with scissors to fit the swimming pool and completely protect it from harmful ultraviolet rays, wind, and dust, thus providing peace of mind.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Reduces evaporation
- Reduces chemicals
- Lightweight
Cons
- Strap may not be very durable
"While I was impressed with its ease of installation and a reasonably good fit on my pool, keeping it in place was a bit challenging. Requiring additional fastening measures. It looks neat though and serves its purpose well, making it a worthwhile pick."
10. Best Anti-Tear:Blue Wave NS520 14-Mil Solar Blanket
Image: Blue Wave The transparent 14mm Blue Wave solar pool blanket warms your in-ground rectangular pool as the air bubbles in the sheet form an insulating layer. The bubbles absorb the sun’s heat and then naturally transfer the heat to the swimming pool water, raising the temperature by 15 degrees. This high-performance solar pool blanket is UV-resistant and chemical-resistant to ensure maximum durability. The product weighs 32 pounds and measures 16x32ft.
Pros
- Prevents up to 95% water evaporation
- Sturdy
- Easy to cut
- Anti-tear
- Durable
- Retains heat effectively
- Extends swimming season
- Easy to fit
- Comes with a six-year warranty
Cons
- May be a tad thin
"It required some physical effort for installation, but the warmth it provides has made it possible for me to use my pool in colder months. Besides, cutting it was straightforward, and its ability to withstand UV rays and pool chemicals has been impressive."
Caution11. Best For Windy Days:Intex Solar Cover for Frame Pools
Image: Intex The Intex solar cover with quality craftsmanship is made of 160-micron material and is designed to keep the swimming pool water warm and free of debris and chemicals. The 18x9ft cover can insulate the swimming pool water and reduce water evaporation by 95%. The product weighs 5.4lb.
Pros
- Fits well
- Easy to install and remove
- Stays on well even on windy days
- Improves water quality
Cons
- Light and thin material
"This solar cover does a stellar job at heating the pool, even to the point of needing to be removed in hot weather to avoid overheating the water. It is lightweight, making it easy to handle even by wife and kids and is efficient at keeping debris out."
12. Best Transparent: Doheny’s Rectangular Solar Cover
The transparent rectangular solar cover retains heat by trapping solar energy in bubbles and transferring it to the water to keep it warm. This heat retention cover reduces evaporation and helps keep the pool clean. The 20x40ft and 16mm cover comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros
- Heavy-duty
- Durable
- Easy to cut as per the size of the pool
- Easy to install and remove
Cons
- May not be very durable
"The pool solar cover has simplified my pool care routine! It's been effective at minimizing water evaporation and retaining heat, though the dimensions inaccuracy disappointed me a little. Still, it fits my pool fine and aids water conservation."
13. Best Reusable:Labworkauto Solar Pool Cover
The blue round/oval solar blanket with a thickness of 12mm is made of high-quality PE and is designed to retain heat for insulation and minimize water evaporation by 95%. It also protects your swimming pool from dirt, debris, and tiny bubbles and keeps the swimming pool water warm. The tried-and-tested solar heating pool cover weighs 21.7lb and measures 26.38×25.59×17.72in.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Easy to cut as per the pool-size
- Reusable
Cons
- May not be ideal for square or rectangular pools
How To Choose The Right Solar Pool Covers?
Before purchasing a solar cover for an in-ground swimming pool, consider the following factors:
- Thickness of the solar blanket: A thin solar cover can allow heat to pass through, while a thicker cover can help retain heat while resisting wind. Generally, a solar cover with a 12mm thickness is ideal.
- Color: Solar covers in dark colors can retain more heat and resist the sun’s effect on swimming pool chemicals.
- Shape and size of the pool: It is easy to find a solar cover for all shapes of pools, including rectangle, square, or round. If your swimming pool is large, you may have to consider the solar cover’s size and trim it according to the pool shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does a solar pool cover last?
Typically, a solar pool cover lasts two to three years with proper care and maintenance. The durability of the cover also depends on your pool’s chlorine level and sun exposure.
2. How long can I leave the solar cover on the pool?
It is recommended not to leave the solar cover on the pool for more than a week. Leaving it for a longer time might change the quality of the water.
3. Should I cover my pool every night?
Yes, you should cover your pool every night to prevent evaporation. It also helps decrease the pool cleaning time.
4. Can I run a pump with a pool cover on?
Yes, you can run a pump with a pool cover on. The pool cover does not interfere with the pump while it circulates water.
5. Should I cover my pool when it’s raining?
It is recommended not to cover your pool during a downpour. However, you should cover it when it’s drizzling to prevent the water from becoming acidic due to the rain.
6. Does leaving a pool cover on the pool cause algae formation?
No, leaving a pool cover on a clean pool does not cause algae formation. However, leaving the pool cover on for a longer time might cause algae formation.
7. How long does it take for a pool to warm up with a solar cover?
It depends on the initial water temperature, climate conditions, and the quality of the pool cover. On a sunny day, a solar pool cover can warm up the water by five to ten degrees in 12 hours.
Why Trust MomJunction?
After considering the quality, durability, latest features, and safety, we have compiled this list of the best solar pool covers for inground pools. These pool covers will help keep your pools warm and free of pollutants or insects. We have chosen these top-rated solar pool covers as they are sturdy and ideal for long-term use and considered user reviews on various trusted e-commerce sites to help you make an informed choice.
The Bottom Line
If you think maintaining an inground swimming pool is challenging since you have to keep it warm and pollutant-free, then the best solar pool covers are what you need. The solar pool covers listed here have been chosen after thorough research to ensure they are easy to use and durable. An ideal pool cover like the Sun2Solar Blue Rectangle Solar Cover can prevent pool water evaporation and will not attract moisture over time or. If you want high-performance heating, consider the Blue Wave NS520 14-Mil Solar Blanket, which is made of durable and UV-resistant material. When making your choice, remember to account for the size and shape of your swimming pool to ensure the right fit. For example, if you need a round pool cover, you may consider the Intex Solar Cover for Easy Set and Frame Pools.
Infographic: Advantages Of Solar Pool Covers
Solar pool covers can be a good investment for your backyard swimming pool, as they reduce the heating cost and also offer numerous other benefits. Check out the infographic below to learn about some of these advantages if you’re still unsure why you should buy a solar pool cover.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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