The 8 Best Solar Pool Covers of 2021

Best Overall: Sun2Solar 1200 Series Rectangle Solar Pool Cover

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This blue solar pool cover provides the essential functions you need and is available in a variety of sizes to fit your pool. Made of a flexible resin with a 12 mil thickness, it strikes the balance between being thick enough to be durable and thin enough to transmit heat from the sun. 

The bottom of the Sun2Solar pool cover is covered in air bubbles, which should be placed down into the water—leaving the smooth side facing up. The surface of the light blue cover will absorb UV rays from the sun, while the bubbles will transmit the absorbed energy into the water below. While it’s true that clear solar pool covers transmit more of the sun’s energy into the water, they also cause significant changes to pool water chemistry—requiring more chemicals to avoid algae and maintain ideal water conditions. This light blue cover is a more versatile option for homeowners that are looking for a pool cover to keep out debris, lock in heat at night, and absorb the sun’s energy during the day. 

Best for Inground Pools: Pool Supply World Velox Silver Solar Cover

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This silver solar cover is a great pick for inground pools. The UV-resistant silver-colored material allows the sun’s energy to pass through to the water below but also protects against some of the effects of UV exposure on pool chemicals. A thickness of 16 mil means extra durability, which is handy if you plan to use a pool cover reel to easily store your inground pool solar cover. Whether you plan to use your solar cover during the day or at night to prevent a steep drop in water temperatures, this Velox Silver Solar Cover has your pool covered. It’s available in various sizes ranging from 12 x 20 feet to 25 x 50 feet. 

Best for Above-Ground Pools: Summer Waves Adjustable Round Solar Pool Cover

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Inground pools benefit from ground insulation, but above-ground pools have to contend with ambient temperature loss through the sides of the pool. Plus, these pools are still subject to heat loss through evaporation. In fact, the US Department of Energy reports that each pound of 80-degree Fahrenheit water lost from a pool through evaporation results in a loss of 1,048 BTU of heat from the pool. A solar cover for above-ground pools solves these problems, while also minimizing the time you need to spend skimming your pool of leaves, bugs, and pollen.

The Summer Waves Adjustable Round Pool Cover is sized for above-ground pools with a diameter of 10 to 15 feet. A drawstring cord allows you to pull the cover snugly around the pool perimeter. Keep in mind that smaller pools won’t have as tight of a fit, but it does provide a solid surface to keep debris from falling into your pool. It’s made of a thick, durable PVC that is also opaque for UV resistance. 

Best Round: Midwest Canvas Space Age Solar Blanket

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For a round solar pool cover, consider this option from Midwest Canvas. The Space Age Solar Blanket is a 12 mil thick solar pool cover, which is thick enough to withstand frequent set-up and removal. It fits pools of various diameters, depending on which option you select. You can always trim the cover if it’s a little too large. This version stands out for its ‘space age’ silver air bubbles, which transfer the sun’s energy but minimize the effect of UV exposure on chlorine levels in your pool.

Best Oval: Midwest Canvas Supreme Solar Cover for Oval Pools

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If you have an oval-shaped pool, shop for a solar cover that matches your pool’s shape and dimensions. Round pool covers may leave the end of an oval pool exposed, while rectangular solar pool covers may have too much overhang. 

The Supreme Solar Cover from Midwest Canvas is made to match the shape of oval pools and comes in 7 different sizes. Like many other top solar pool covers, this one is also 12 mil thick. It’s clear, so it will the most of the sun’s energy to pass through and heat the water underneath the cover. Keep in mind, though, that this may also mean you’ll need to add more chlorine to the water. 

Best for Hot Tubs: Spa Depot Thermo-Float Spa Blanket

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A hot tub solar cover keeps out debris but also conserves energy. A spa blanket, as they’re sometimes referred to, reduces heat loss—keeping your hot tub warmer and ready to go with less energy usage. This option from Thermo-Float is made of thick 16 mil material that is durable and energy-efficient. Unlike thinner solar pool covers that are 8 or 12 mil thick, this version prevents up to 95 percent of evaporative heat loss. 

It measures 8 x 8 feet, but the manufacturer advises you to trim it to fit your spa with an overhang of about 2 inches. The plastic bubbles should be placed facedown; they will absorb solar energy and transfer it into your hot tub water. 

Best for Heat Retention: In the Swim Premium Plus Solar Blanket

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If your primary purpose for a solar cover is to maintain your pool’s temperature, then shop for a dark-colored solar blanket. This blue-black version from In the Swim is designed to retain heat and prevent evaporation. The solar cover is 12 mil thick and features an aluminized bottom to boost heat transfer from the sun’s rays to the pool water. It can raise water temperatures up to 15 degrees, while at the same time reducing the amount of debris that lands in your pool.