Finding a cheap solar cover that still performs well can extend your swimming season and reduce maintenance. This guide highlight five economical options designed for inground and above-ground pools, focusing on heat retention, evaporation control, and durability. Each product below includes core features to help you compare at a glance and decide which blanket best fits your pool size and climate.
| Product | Size / Mil | Key Benefit | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| VEVOR 28 x 14 ft | 28 x 14 ft, 16 mil | Heat retention and evaporation reduction | VEVOR |
| VINGLI 12Mil 24′ x 12′ or 24′ x 24′ | 12 mil | Longer swim time, easy install | VINGLI |
| In The Swim 16′ x 32′ | 16′ x 32′, 12 mil | Heat retention, reduced refills | In The Swim |
| VEVOR 32 x 16 ft | 32 x 16 ft, 16 mil | Extended season, evaporation control | VEVOR |
| Sun2Solar Blue 16′ x 32′ | 16′ x 32′, 1200 series | Heat gain, overnight heat retention | Sun2Solar |
VEVOR Solar Pool Cover, 28 x 14 ft
The 28 by 14-foot solar pool cover uses a dense bubble film to minimize evaporation by up to 95% and insulate water effectively. It is designed to absorb heat during the day and reduce heat loss at night, potentially increasing water temperature by 8-15°C under favorable conditions. The thicker polyethylene material supports durability while helping lower heating costs and extend the swimming season. It also reduces maintenance by keeping debris out of the pool.
Key features: heat retention, evaporation reduction, and lower cleaning effort. Ideal for medium to large inground or above-ground pools seeking a balance of price and performance.
VINGLI Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil for 24′ Pools
The 12-mil VINGLI solar pool cover is designed to extend swimming time by absorbing heat through thousands of bubbles and releasing it into the pool. It reduces water evaporation, helping conserve water and stabilize pool levels. The product is straightforward to install—simply place it on the pool surface and ensure correct sizing. Some users may notice the bubble side down during use, with minor deflation due to thermal expansion as conditions change.
Key features: heat absorption, evaporation reduction, and easy installation. Suitable for rectangular pools of varying sizes, including some inground configurations.
In The Swim 16′ x 32′ Premium Blue Rectangle
This 16′ x 32′ blue rectangle solar cover features a 12-mil thickness for added durability and better heat retention. It helps warm pool water using solar energy and reduces overnight heat loss, effectively extending the swimming season without additional energy costs. The thicker film also contributes to improved tear resistance and long-lasting seasonal performance, making it a practical choice for both inground and above-ground pools.
Key features: solar warming, heat retention, and reduced evaporation with a robust 12-mil design.
VEVOR Solar Pool Cover, 32 x 16 ft
The 32 by 16-foot VEVOR solar pool cover provides a larger surface area for heat capture and evaporation reduction. It can increase water temperature by 8-15°C depending on conditions and uses thousands of tiny bubbles in a thick PE film for insulation. The cover supports longer swimming seasons and lower heating costs, with durable construction designed for both inground and above-ground pools.
Key features: broad coverage, efficient heat absorption, and strong insulation with a 16-mil thickness.
VEVOR Solar Pool Cover, 40 x 20 ft
The 40 by 20-foot solar pool cover focuses on endurance and heat management with a 16-mil PE layer. It boasts superior tear resistance and can withstand sun exposure without fading. The product aims to keep evaporation to a minimum and raise pool water temperature by 8-15°C under favorable sunlight, contributing to a longer swimming season and lower energy consumption. It is suitable for larger inground or above-ground pools and comes with robust construction for long-term use.
Key features: large surface area, high durability, and effective evaporation control.
BigXwell Blue 16-mil 16 x 32
The BigXwell 16-mil solar pool cover is designed for 16 x 32-foot inground pools. Its thousands of thermal bubbles trap heat and help maintain warmer water even on cloudy days or cooler nights. The film is easy to trim to fit irregular shapes, and its durability makes it suitable for seasonal use throughout varied weather. This cover aims to maximize heat retention while providing a cost-effective option for pool owners seeking comfort and energy savings.
Key features: heat retention, easy trimming, and broad compatibility with pool shapes.
VINGLI Pool Cover Reel Set – 21 Feet
While primarily a reel system, this VINGLI option complements solar covers by enabling simple rolling and storage for inground setups. The set includes an adjustable, lockable telescopic tube and embedded strap links for stability during use. It helps keep the cover taut and flat, reducing wind disturbance and making seasonal cover management more efficient. Note that shipping may separate reel components from the cover itself.
Key features: easy deployment, stability, and easier storage for larger blankets.
Sun2Solar Blue 16 ft x 32 ft
The Sun2Solar 16 by 32-foot blue rectangle solar cover uses bubble technology to raise water temperature by up to 15 degrees. It traps heat and retains warmth after sunset, helping stabilize overnight temperatures. The design also reduces evaporation by as much as 95%, contributing to water conservation and less frequent refills. It is positioned as an affordable option for both inground and above-ground pools seeking reliable solar-assisted heating.
Key features: heat retention, overnight warmth, and high evaporation reduction.
Buying Guide: Purchase Considerations And Comparisons
- Pool size and shape compatibility: Ensure the cover fits your pool dimensions (rectangular is common, but many covers are trim-to-fit). Larger covers provide more heat capture but require more storage and handling.
- Mil thickness and durability: 8–12 mil covers offer adequate durability for casual use; 16 mil provides stronger tear resistance and longer seasonal life, especially in sunny climates.
- Heat retention vs. evaporation control: Bubble-filled PE blankets primarily reduce evaporation (saving water) and trap heat. If rapid warming is a priority, prioritize thicker, high-quality covers with proven heat retention.
- Ease of use: Consider reels or handles for larger blankets to simplify deployment and storage. Proper installation (bubble side up or down per model) improves effectiveness and longevity.
- Climate and water chemistry: In areas with high sun exposure, UV stability and chemical compatibility matter. Look for covers rated for long-term outdoor use and compatibility with typical pool water chemistry (pH, chlorine).
- Maintenance and cleaning: A cover reduces debris falling into the pool, which lowers cleaning needs. Regularly rinse or wipe the cover to prevent residue buildup that can reduce heat transfer.
- Cost-to-use balance: While all options aim to cut heating costs, the best value often comes from a mid-thickness cover that balances durability, ease of use, and coverage area for your pool.