SolarPowerNerd
Solar pool covers trap heat and block evaporation using air bubbles molded into the material, and thickness measured in mil determines both heat retention and durability. Covers in the 12 mil range are lightweight and inexpensive but degrade quickly under UV exposure, often crumbling after a single season.
Heavier covers in the 16 mil range last two to three seasons and retain noticeably more heat overnight.
Bubble color also affects performance. Clear covers let the most sunlight pass through to heat the water directly, blue covers balance heating with algae prevention by blocking some light, and silver or black covers prioritize heat retention by reflecting sunlight back into the water from the top surface.
For pools in hot climates where overheating is a concern, a blue or silver cover prevents the water from climbing past comfortable swimming temperature.
Here are 10 solar pool covers compared by mil thickness, bubble type, UV resistance, and expected lifespan across different pool shapes and sizes.
Quick Comparison Chart
| # | Product | Our Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Sun2Solar Heating Blanket | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
MidWest Canvas Space Age Solar Cover | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
Intex Solar Pool Cover | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
In The Swim Solar Pool Cover | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
Pool Mate Deluxe Solar Blanket | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 6 |  |
VEVOR 16-Mil Round Solar Pool Cover | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 7 |  |
Robelle Heavy-Duty Space Age Solar Cover | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 8 |  |
Doheny's Clear Solar Cover | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 9 |  |
Blue Wave Solar Blanket | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
| 10 |  |
Solar Sun Squares | ★★★★☆ | Check Price |
Thickness and Bubble Design Make the Difference
Mil thickness is the spec that separates a one-season cover from a multi-year one. The Sun2Solar and MidWest Canvas both use 12-mil material and claim up to 15 degrees of heat gain, while thinner options like the Intex wear out noticeably faster under direct UV.
Watch the warranty closely. Robelle backs its cover for 10 years, In The Swim offers 7, and some budget picks give you just one season of protection before you are on your own.
1. Sun2Solar Heating Blanket
Sun2Solar Heating Blanket
Uses thousands of thermal pockets to capture solar heat and raise pool temperature by up to 15 degrees while cutting evaporation by 95%.
Pros
- Raises water temperature significantly
- Blocks dirt and debris effectively
- Trimmable to any pool shape
- Rich blue color looks great
- Reduces chemical usage noticeably
Cons
- Must remove before swimming
- Can be heavy on larger pools
The Sun2Solar blanket uses thousands of air-filled thermal pockets to capture solar heat during the day and hold it overnight. In testing conditions, it raises water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit over a few days of consistent use, which can extend your swimming season by several weeks in spring and fall.
The blue color blocks enough light to slow algae growth while still allowing UV penetration for heating. Evaporation reduction reaches up to 95%, which also cuts chemical loss since chlorine and other pool chemicals evaporate along with the water.
The blanket is trimmable with scissors to fit any pool shape without voiding the warranty.
The main drawback is weight on larger pools. A cover sized for a 24-foot round pool gets heavy when waterlogged, so a solar cover reel (sold separately) makes daily removal much easier.
2. MidWest Canvas Space Age Solar Cover
MidWest Canvas Space Age Solar Cover
A 12-mil space age solar cover with dual layer design that prevents up to 95% water evaporation and retains heat overnight.
Pros
- Thick 12-mil construction is durable
- Retains heat well through the night
- Prevents 95% of water evaporation
- Easy to trim for custom fit
Cons
- Only available for round pools
- Color options are limited
The MidWest Canvas uses a 12-mil dual-layer construction with heat-generating bubbles on the underside and a smooth top surface. The thicker mil rating compared to budget covers means it resists tearing during daily handling and holds up better under UV exposure across multiple seasons.
The “space age” label refers to the material’s reflective properties, which trap warmth during the day and reduce heat loss overnight. The cover prevents up to 95% of water evaporation and can be trimmed to fit irregularly shaped pools without voiding the warranty.
It is only available for round pools, so rectangular or freeform pool owners will need to look elsewhere.
3. Intex Solar Pool Cover
Intex Solar Pool Cover
Designed for Intex Easy Set and Metal Frame pools, this cover uses air bubbles to absorb and transfer sun heat directly into the water.
Pros
- Available in five different sizes
- Insulates pool water effectively
- Comes with convenient carry bag
- Reduces chemical consumption
Cons
- Designed only for Intex pools
- Thinner than premium covers
The Intex cover is designed specifically for Intex Easy Set and Metal Frame above-ground pools and comes in five sizes from 8 feet to 18 feet. Air bubbles on the underside absorb sunlight and transfer the heat directly into the water, raising the temperature a few degrees per day of use.
The material is thinner than the 12-mil and 16-mil premium covers on this list, which makes it lighter and easier to handle but also more vulnerable to UV degradation. Expect roughly one to two seasons of use before the bubbles start popping and the material becomes brittle.
A carry bag is included for storage during winter months.
4. In The Swim Solar Pool Cover
In The Swim Solar Pool Cover
A premium 12-mil solar blanket that raises water temperature 8 to 10 degrees and comes backed by a 7-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- Raises temperature 8 to 10 degrees
- 14 different sizes available
- Trimmable without voiding warranty
- Extends swimming season reliably
- Reduces chemical and water loss
Cons
- Takes several days to show results
- Heavy when fully unrolled
The In The Swim cover comes in 14 different sizes, which is the widest selection on this list and makes it easier to find a close fit without excessive trimming. The 12-mil construction puts it in the same durability tier as the Sun2Solar and MidWest Canvas covers, and it is trimmable without voiding the 7-year manufacturer warranty.
In practice, expect an 8 to 10 degree water temperature increase over several days of consistent use. The cover reduces water and chemical evaporation substantially, which means you refill the pool less often and use fewer chemicals to maintain proper balance.
The cover takes a few days to show measurable results, so do not expect overnight temperature changes.
5. Pool Mate Deluxe Solar Blanket
Pool Mate Deluxe Solar Blanket
Features a silver aluminum underside that amplifies heat retention and warming, with a 5-year warranty and made in the USA.
Pros
- Aluminum underside boosts heat retention
- Cuts evaporation by up to 95%
- Five year manufacturer warranty included
- Extends swimming season noticeably
Cons
- Silver side can feel less attractive
- Heavier than single layer covers
The Pool Mate Deluxe uses a silver aluminum underside that reflects heat downward into the water rather than letting it escape through the top surface. This dual-layer design retains more heat overnight than single-layer blue covers, making it a better choice for climates where nighttime temperatures drop significantly.
The diamond-pattern bubbles on the underside trap heat more efficiently than standard round bubbles. Evaporation reduction reaches up to 95%, and the cover blocks debris from entering the pool.
The 5-year manufacturer warranty is shorter than the Robelle’s 10-year coverage but longer than most budget options. Made in the USA.
6. VEVOR 16-Mil Round Solar Pool Cover
VEVOR 16-Mil Round Solar Pool Cover
A thick 16-mil round solar cover with PE bubble material that absorbs heat during the day and retains it overnight, trimmable to fit irregular pool shapes.
Pros
- Thick 16-mil build resists tearing
- Absorbs and retains heat overnight
- Trims to fit irregular shapes
- Reduces evaporation significantly
Cons
- Round sizes only, no rectangles
- Heavier than thinner covers
The VEVOR cover uses a 16-mil PE bubble construction that ties with the Doheny’s for the thickest material on this list. The tightly packed micro-bubbles absorb solar heat during the day and form an insulating layer that reduces heat loss overnight, which helps maintain water temperature without running a heater.
The cover trims to fit irregular pool shapes with standard scissors, so it works with pools that have curved walls or built-in steps. The thicker material resists tearing during daily handling better than 8-mil and 12-mil covers, though the added thickness also makes it heavier to pull off the water.
Available in multiple round sizes for both above-ground and in-ground pools.
7. Robelle Heavy-Duty Space Age Solar Cover
Robelle Heavy-Duty Space Age Solar Cover
Premium 10-mil blue and silver dual layer cover with an aluminum underside that provides up to 14.6% greater heat retention and a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- 10-year warranty is industry leading
- Silver underside amplifies heat retention
- Increases temperature by up to 15 degrees
- Cuts evaporation by up to 95%
- Over 50 years of brand experience
Cons
- Heavier due to dual layer build
- Limited color choices available
The Robelle uses a 10-mil dual-layer design with a blue top and aluminum underside that reflects heat downward into the pool. Robelle claims 14.6% greater heat retention compared to standard single-layer covers, and the cover can raise water temperature by up to 15 degrees over several days.
The 10-year warranty is the longest on this list by a wide margin, which signals confidence in the material’s UV resistance and durability. Robelle has over 50 years of experience manufacturing pool covers.
Available in multiple shapes and sizes for both above-ground and in-ground pools, though the dual-layer construction makes it heavier than single-layer alternatives.
8. Doheny’s Clear Solar Cover
Doheny's Clear Solar Cover
A 16-mil clear solar cover that allows maximum sunlight penetration to heat your pool faster, while keeping debris out and reducing evaporation.
Pros
- Clear design lets in maximum sunlight
- Thick 16-mil construction is durable
- Keeps pool cleaner between swims
- Reduces water and chemical evaporation
Cons
- Clear cover is less visually appealing
- Fewer size options than competitors
The Doheny’s cover is clear rather than blue, which lets the most sunlight pass through directly into the water. Clear covers heat pools faster than blue or silver covers because they do not block UV rays, though they also provide less algae prevention since light reaches the water unfiltered.
At 16 mil, this is the thickest cover on the list. That extra thickness makes it more tear-resistant during daily handling and extends its usable life to two or three seasons under normal UV exposure.
It works best for pools that already have good chemical balance and do not struggle with algae, since the clear material will not block the light that algae needs to grow. Fewer size options are available compared to the In The Swim cover.
9. Blue Wave Solar Blanket
Blue Wave Solar Blanket
A 12-mil oval solar blanket with thermal bubbles that raises pool temperature by up to 15 degrees and resists UV fading, backed by a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Heats pool by up to 15 degrees
- UV and chemical resistant material
- Prevents 95% of water evaporation
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Oval shape limits pool compatibility
- Bubbles can degrade over time
The Blue Wave uses 12-mil construction with UV-resistant and chemical-resistant material, which helps it hold up across multiple seasons without the bubble degradation that thinner covers experience. The thermal bubbles raise water temperature by up to 15 degrees over several days and reduce evaporation by up to 95%.
This cover is designed for oval pools, which gives it a narrower audience than rectangular or round options. The 5-year warranty sits in the middle of the pack on this list, matching the Pool Mate but trailing the Robelle’s 10-year coverage.
The UV fade-resistant material keeps the blue color from washing out over multiple summers of sun exposure.
10. Solar Sun Squares
Solar Sun Squares
Modular square solar covers with anchors included, offering the same heating benefits as full covers but in smaller, easier to manage pieces.
Pros
- Smaller size is easier to manage
- Anchors prevent wind displacement
- Made from UV resistant material
- Works with any pool shape
- Retains heat and reduces evaporation
Cons
- Gaps between squares reduce efficiency
- Need multiple units for full coverage
Solar Sun Squares take a modular approach to pool heating. Instead of one large blanket that gets heavy and unwieldy on bigger pools, you float multiple smaller squares across the surface.
Each square heats the water underneath it and reduces evaporation in that area.
The tradeoff is coverage gaps. Gaps between squares let heat escape and debris enter, so they are less efficient than a single full-sized cover.
Included anchors keep the squares from clustering in one corner on windy days. The UV-resistant material and 2-year warranty are adequate for the price.
These work well as a supplement to a full cover (filling in around ladders and steps) or for pool owners who find full-sized covers too cumbersome to handle alone.
What To Keep In Mind With A Solar Pool Cover
We’ve presented you with 10 different options. Hopefully you’ve found the one that will work for you, but in case you haven’t, don’t worry, we’re here to help you decide.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when shopping for a solar cover for your pool. These will help you choose the right cover and hopefully clear up any doubts you might still have at this point.
Is It Worth It?
A solar cover will reduce the water, chemical and energy requirements of owning a pool and drastically reduce the maintenance involved in regulating the temperature and water levels.
You’ll also invest less time in keeping it clean. It pays for itself!
Now that you’re sure you want a solar cover, here are some things you need to keep in mind when buying one:
How Big is Your Pool?
It sounds obvious, but not everyone knows exactly how big their pool is. Once you know the size of your pool, you can then shop for a cover that matches it as closely as possible.
What is the shape of your pool?
Once again, sounds obvious if your pool is either square, rectangular or round, but if you have an oddly shaped pool you’ll need to consider which shape would be best to start with if you have to cut out a shape that matches your pool.
Which color would you prefer?
Clear covers let in more light and as such do a better job of heating your pool, whereas blue covers add an aesthetic quality to your pool that’s very pleasing to the eye.
It’s up to you to choose what you prefer, a cover that adds more heat, or that adds a pleasing aesthetic element.
Is it UV protected?
Your solar cover will spend a lot of time being baked by the sun, so if you want it to last longer, consider getting one that is made from a UV-resistant material.
Does it come with a warranty?
Manufacturers know that even if they strive to maintain the highest quality standards, sometimes a product could still for some reason leave the factory floor with some kind of defect.
That’s why many of them offer warranties.
It’s a way of saying “we stand behind our product, if it’s defective, we’ll replace it”. Many of the solar covers on the list include warranties, and it’s worth it to have that safety net.
Where will you store it?
Some of the solar covers come with carry bags that make storage easier and others don’t. Either way, you need to consider where you will put your solar cover when you are not using it.
For storage, it doesn’t take too much work to remove and replace your solar cover, but there are some solutions that make this process even easier.
The Vingli Pool Cover Reel Set for instance, makes placing and removing your solar cover easier, and it takes care of storage too. This easy-to-assemble pool cover reel is made from rust-free materials and makes the process of placing and removing your solar cover so simple that nearly anyone can do it.
It’s a neat solution that perfectly complements the already impressive functions of your solar cover. It’s also adjustable, and works with pools with a width of between 14 and 18 ft or less.
An above-ground pool will require a different storage solution.
You might not be able to take advantage of the easy roll-on/roll-off functionality of the in-ground pool cover reel, but it will still provide a neat and simple storage solution.
The Solar Saddle Pool Solar Cover Holder is easy to install and attaches to the top rail of your pool.
Adding or removing your pool cover is simple. When you want to remove the pool cover, just pull the cover across the pool so it collects in the cover bracket.
Removing it is equally simple. Just pull it back across the length of the pool so it covers the entire surface area of the pool.
Having the cover attached to your pool means you don’t have to find separate storage for it, and you don’t have to carry it to and from its storage location.
Final Thoughts
Mil thickness is the best predictor of how many seasons a solar cover will actually survive. The 12-mil options like the Sun2Solar and MidWest Canvas hold up well under daily UV exposure, while thinner covers tend to get brittle and crack after just one summer.
Warranty length is worth paying attention to because it reflects how confident the manufacturer is in their product. The Robelle’s 10-year warranty stands out, and the In The Swim’s 7-year coverage is solid too.
Budget picks with one-year warranties are telling you something about their expected lifespan.
If you want to maximize heat retention, pair your cover with solar rings for the pool to fill in any gaps around ladders or odd-shaped edges. That combination traps significantly more heat than either option used alone.
Measure your pool carefully before ordering. A cover that is too small leaves exposed water that loses heat and chemicals through evaporation, which defeats the purpose of having one in the first place.
