Intex Solar Pool Cover
Size: 9.5 x 9.5 feet | Shape: Round | Thickness: Unspecified | Material: Plastic
What you’ll love:
- Relatively affordable price
- Several size options available
Keep in mind:
- Won’t work for rectangular pools
At under $35, the Intex Solar Pool Cover is a great choice for anyone working with a budget—it’s a mere fraction of the cost of many others on our list, and though it’s simple, reviewers say it really does get the job done. This particular model is designed for 10-foot round pools, but various sizes can accommodate pools up to 18 feet in diameter. No matter which size you choose, though, note that the cover is designed to reduce water evaporation by 95%. It also comes in a handy, waterproof, zippered container, which is helpful when it comes to figuring uot storage during the off-season. While it’s unlikely to last as long as pricier and thicker models, the savings here are worthwhile for anyone looking to try out one of these solar covers for the first time.
Best Heavy-Duty Solar Pool Cover
Offering An Impressive Thickness And Hefty Weight
BigXwell Solar Pool Cover
Size: 16 x 32 feet | Shape: Rectangle | Thickness: 16 mil | Material: Polyethylene
What you’ll love:
- Extra-thick material
- Nine size options
Keep in mind:
- Some reviews say its weight makes it difficult to maneuver
Pool experts note that a thicker solar pool cover won’t necessarily provide more heat for your pool—but what it can do is provide added durability and protection from storms, raising the odds that it can last through several seasons. This particular cover is certainly weighty; it’s also an impressive 16 mil thick (that’s an uncommon thickness within the solar pool cover market). It’s also suitable for in-ground or above-ground pools. And at just over 45 pounds, it’s unlikely to blow off your pool when the wind kicks up. Reviewers note that you might need help removing it when it’s time to swim; still, many of those same owners rave about its strength and ability to trap heat.
Best Solar Pool Cover For Hot Tubs
A Surprisingly Durable Cover That Works For Most Standard Hot Tubs
Spa Depot Thermo-Float Hot Tub Cover
Size: 7 x 7 feet | Shape: Square | Thickness: 16 mil | Material: Unspecified
What you’ll love:
- Extra-thick material
- Easy to cut
- Works for most hot tub sizes
Keep in mind:
- Not large enough for bigger hot tubs
Retaining heat in your hot tub is just about critical—you certainly won’t be able to enjoy the device otherwise. Thanks to this cover, it’s easy to keep the water at your desired temperature so you can hop in and enjoy it at a moment’s notice. It’s 16 mils thick, offering durability and protection from the storm, and it’s easy to cut to boot. In fact, you can easily work around seats, handles and other objects that impact the shape of your tub. At 7 x 7 feet, this cover works for most standard hot tub sizes; owners also say it helps to keep hot tub temperatures consistent on cold days.
Best Solar Pool Cover For Large Pools
Massive Coverage Area With Included Grommets
Sun2Solar Clear Rectangle Solar Cover
Size: 25 x 50 feet | Shape: Rectangle | Thickness: Unspecified | Material: Resin
What you’ll love:
- Large size
- Great customer service
Keep in mind:
- Expensive
- Grommets arrive separately
It goes without saying that large pools need sizable pool covers. This cover gets the job done: It features an impressive 25 x 50 feet coverage area, and due to its resin construction, it gets top marks from customers who say the temperature of their pool jumped up within days of using it. It also arrives with a six-pack of grommets, which help water pass through when you need to remove the cover and double as anchors in windy conditions. Choose from two shades and a wide variety of sizes.
Best Solar Pool Cover For Above-Ground Pools
An Ideal Options For Above-Ground Pools
Blue Wave Solar Pool Cover
Size: 21 x 21 feet | Shape: Round | Thickness: 8 mil | Material: Polyethylene
What you’ll love:
- Large coverage area
- 3-year warranty
Keep in mind:
- Some owners say it’s thinner than expected
Many above-ground pools have a round shape, making finding an appropriate cover difficult. This should solve your problem: Offering a 21-inch diameter, this cover has ample room to protect most above-ground pools, (and it happens to come in a range of sizes). According to the manufacturer, the cover can raise the temperature of your water by up to 15 degrees and is designed to maximize the amount of sunlight that reaches the pool. It’s also UV-protected to lower the risk of premature deterioration, and backed by a 3-year warranty.
Best Liquid Solar Pool Cover
An «Invisible Barrier» To Help Keep Heat In
Natural Chemistry Cover Free
Size: NA | Shape: NA | Thickness: NA | Material: Proprietary
What you’ll love:
- Easy to use
- No need to remove it
- Good alternative to traditional covers
Keep in mind:
- Won’t protect against debris
If taking a solar pool cover on and off isn’t your thing, consider Natural Chemistry’s popular cover-free solution. This formulation uses mono-layer technology to make an invisible barrier on your pool to decrease evaporation by up to 85% and reduce heat loss by up to 70%. Users say it helps warm the pool with no noticeable impact on chemical levels, although some owners claim that a physical cover has been more efficient for them. Still, it’s a good alternative if dealing with a traditional solar cover isn’t possible or desired for any reason.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
— The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing the best home products on the market. We’ve published scores of expert-backed roundups on outdoor tools and gear, including the best pool vacuums, best above-ground pools and more.
- Author of this piece Korin Miller is a regular contributor with extensive experience covering home and lifestyle topics.
- Miller also gathered key insight and guidance from Pat Irelan, founder of pool cleaning and maintenance company Pirate Pools LLC, and Randy Huckstadt, pool and spa expert for JustAnswer.
How We Chose The Best Solar Pool Covers
To find the best solar pool covers, we researched best-selling models, compared features and asked industry experts—as well as our team of experienced staffers—for product recommendations and insights on what to look for.
- Our home and kitchen editorial team focused on top-rated models from trusted brands and retailers, such as The Home Depot and Amazon.
- We analyzed features such as materials, durability, size and thickness. We also considered how easy each product was to cut to fit any pool size.
- We consulted two experts to determine what specific features to look for in a good solar pool cover. Then, our editors reviewed each model’s materials, durability, size and thickness.
- We took customer reviews and average star ratings into careful account, sticking to models that have garnered at least an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible amount of concerning reviews, if any.
- The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What To Look For In The Best Solar Pool Covers
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best solar pool covers. Here’s what to look for.
All solar covers are designed to tamp down on evaporation and retain heat. These are typically made from polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl and plastic. “The best material really depends on your long-term outlook on pool usage,” says Randy Huckstadt, pool and spa expert for JustAnswer. “For the average pool owner, I recommend the blue bubble wrap until they know their pool use.”
While solar pool covers often emphasize thickness, experts say this element doesn’t matter much for heat retention. “Thickness isn’t going to impact heat retention as much as it will the longevity of the blanket,” says Irelan. “They do wear out.” That’s why he recommends investing in the thickest cover you can find—that you can also comfortably pull on and off your pool. “These covers retain heat, whether thick or thin,” he says.
Look for a solar cover that stretches over the water in your pool. Huckstadt recommends carefully measuring the length and width of your pool and conducting your search based on that. Some—but not all—solar covers may shrink after several days in the sun. Since these can often be trimmed, it’s usually a good idea to round up if you’re between sizes.
Solar pool covers typically come in rectangular, round and sometimes square shapes, making it relatively easy to find a cover that fits well. But if your pool is a kidney shape or other unusual size, you may need to cut the cover to fit. “You can usually custom cut them if you have a freeform pool or if you have a step,” says Irelan. “Just buy a larger cover and cut it.”
What Is The Best Solar Pool Cover?
The best solar pool cover is one that fits correctly. However, durability is very important. “These products are regularly taken on and off,” Irelan says, noting that it can be tough on the cover. He says that finding a cover with a good warranty is helpful in case it rips or gets damaged in all that movement. Our top choice, the Robelle Extra Heavy-Duty Space Age Solar Cover, comes with an impressive 10-year warranty, which is rare for solar covers. However, all of the solar pool covers we chose mainly received high marks from owners for both their durability and coverage.
What Is The Best Thickness For A Solar Pool Cover?
The thickness of solar pool covers is measured in mils, which shouldn’t be confused with millimeters. (A mil is one-thousandth of an inch, while there are 25.4 millimeters in an inch.) The proper thickness for your cover largely depends on your climate. Pool covers between 8 and 10 mils are considered effective in warmer areas—or warmer times of the year—while those that are 12 to 16 mils are typically a better fit in colder climates. Still, the thickness isn’t a significant factor in warming a pool. “The thickness of a solar blanket does not add much to the pool’s heat retention,” Huckstadt says. “What the solar blanket does is stop the evaporative heat loss.”
