3 / 5

The Thermo-Float floating spa blanket is the best solar pool cover for hot tubs, plunge pools and other small, intimate pools. Designed with advanced technology and premium materials, it’s constructed with a 16-millimeter thick layer of durable and UV-resistant material, creating a barrier that helps trap and retain heat. The innovative design features thousands of tiny air pockets that insulate the water, minimizing heat loss and preventing evaporation.

“The day we lost power here in Texas for three days cause of the snow, this literally saved our hot tub from freezing the water and possibly messing up the pipes. We honestly recommend this product if you get a lot of snow in your area,” shares five-star reviewer, Joshua.

Pros

• Can cut down to size
• Durable construction
• Easy to install
• UV-resistant
• Energy-saving

Cons

• Not as durable as a hard hot tub cover

4 / 5

Designed with premium features and exceptional durability, this pool cover protector is just the thing for round, above-ground swimming pools. Made from sturdy and waterproof silver-coated material, this solar pool cover offers maximum resistance against the elements, animals, leaves and other debris. The silver-coated material is resistant to fading, cracking and UV damage, so you won’t need to worry about replacing it every season.

The convenient drawstring closure system ensures a secure and snug fit, allowing you to tighten the cover effortlessly. The generous size offers full coverage, and thanks to the drawstring, the wind won’t lift or dislodge it. When not in use, this pool cover easily folds up and fits into the included storage bag.

“I bought this cover last year to cover our stock tank pool after daily use,” writes verified buyer, Stephanie H. “It worked great all summer. We had a quick transition into fall and we didn’t have the chance to drain our pool all the way before putting the cover on for the winter. I live in Seattle so we got about 665,577,678 feet of rain during the winter. The top did dip in quite a bit, but after using the sump to get the water off the cover and a net to get the 50 pounds of leaves off, there was nothing but crystal-clear water in the stock tank. I was shocked!!! I was ready for a mosquito swamp and five days of cleaning, but that wasn’t the case at all.”

Pros

• Available in eight round sizes
• Highly durable
• Fits snugly
• Weighs under 3 pounds

Cons

• Needs to be staked down in especially severe weather

5 / 5

A large in-ground pool needs a large, rugged cover like this heavy-duty solar blanket. Its sturdy design and reinforced stitching ensure maximum durability, and it’s tough enough to stand up to all sorts of inclement weather. The UV-resistant material prevents this best solar pool cover from fading or cracking. Heavy-duty straps and buckles hold the cover down, and because they’re adjustable, you can always expect a tight and secure fit. For even easier installation, pair it with a pool cover reel.

“This cover fits my solar blanket reel (18 feet) perfectly,” writes Marilyn B., a five-star reviewer. “It fits around the solar blanket when rolled on the reel with extra room and my cover is 40 feet long. It’s lightweight, yet sturdy, and has withstood 60 mph wind gusts during storms. Definitely worth the money. I’ll never use anything different or the plastic covers that come with a solar blanket again. Goodbye, clothespins to hold the cover on the reel.”

Pros

• Made of durable fabric, not plastic
• Has adjustable straps
• Includes heavy-duty buckles
• Weighs under 2 pounds

Cons

• Pool cover reel not included

What to Consider When Buying a Solar Pool Cover

When buying a solar pool cover, the first thing to consider is the size and shape of your pool. Make sure the cover matches the dimensions of your pool, and remember to make allowances for features like steps, slides and diving boards. Your solar pool cover should be made of durable and UV-resistant material, such as vinyl or polyethylene, that can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without deteriorating. Thicker covers tend to be more durable and provide better insulation, so keep that in mind as well.

Additionally, consider how easy it will be to cover your pool when not in use, especially if you’re doing the job solo. Lightweight covers are easier to handle and fold up, and ones with built-in grommets and/or straps are easier to attach and remove.

How We Found the Best Solar Pool Covers

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.

FAQ

How does a solar cover work?

Solar pool covers absorb and trap energy from the sun, thus heating the water beneath and keeping it warm. Once the sunlight passes through the cover and reaches the water, it creates a greenhouse effect. The cover prevents the heat from escaping, trapping it inside the pool and helping raise the water temperature. Solar covers also inhibit heat loss by preventing evaporation during the day, keeping the warm water in the pool where it belongs.

How should a solar pool cover fit?

A properly fitting solar pool cover should provide full coverage of the pool’s surface. If using a blanket cover, it should float on the water and extend all the way to the edges of the pool. A cover with a drawstring, straps or grommets meant for above-ground pools should have at least 1 foot of overhang on each side if not more, to prevent wind from dislodging the cover. Too much overhang, however, could cause the cover to sag, so be sure that it’s tightened securely. It should also be taut across the pool’s surface to ensure a snug fit and smoothed flat to maximize heat absorption and reduce evaporation.

Can you run a pool pump with a solar cover on?

Yes, you can run a pool pump with a solar cover on. A pool pump will help evenly distribute the heated water while the cover is on, ensuring that warm water reaches all areas of the pool.

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