Best Solar Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools in 2026
The best solar pool covers of 2026 for above ground pools, comparing round and rectangular thermal blankets that cut heating costs and reduce evaporation.
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Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change.
For most 24-foot above ground pools, the Sun2Solar Blue 24 ft Round Solar Cover is the one to buy: a 12-mil thermal bubble blanket thick enough to hold up across a full swim season while still being light enough for one person to pull on and off. Pair it with a cover reel and the whole routine takes under a minute.
Quick answer: the Sun2Solar 24 ft Round Solar Cover (12 Mil) is the best all-around solar cover for above ground pools. Own an Intex Easy Set pool specifically? Go with the matching INTEX 28015E instead so the fit is exact.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sun2Solar Blue 24 ft Round Solar Cover, 12 Mil | Best overall | View |
| Blue Wave 24-ft Round Solar Blanket, Clear | Best for maximum heat gain | View |
| INTEX 28015E Solar Cover for 18ft Round Pools | Best for Intex Easy Set pools | View |
| Robelle 18 Ft Blue Heavy Duty Solar Cover | Best budget pick | View |
| Sun2Solar Solar Cover Reel System | Best cover reel accessory | View |
Our top picks reviewed
1. Sun2Solar 24 ft Round, 12 Mil: Best overall
Sun2Solar Blue 24 ft Round Solar Cover, 12 Mil, 1200 Series
Sun2Solar's 1200 Series sits at a thickness that reviewers and pool supply retailers commonly recommend as the sweet spot: thinner 8-mil covers save a little on cost but degrade faster under UV exposure, while 12-mil covers like this one are documented to hold up for multiple seasons with proper storage in the off months. The bubble side traps solar energy against the water while the smooth top sheds rain and debris, and the blue tint helps it blend in visually when floating.
Pros
- 12-mil thickness built for multi-season durability
- Reduces evaporation by a documented margin of up to 95%
- Trims easily with scissors to fit oval or custom-shaped pools
- Widely available in matching sizes for 12 to 30 ft pools
Cons
- Heavier than thinner 8-mil covers, harder to handle solo without a reel
- Blue tint blocks slightly more sunlight than a clear cover
- Needs to be folded and stored correctly to avoid cracking in winter
2. Blue Wave 24-ft Round, Clear: Best for maximum heat gain
Blue Wave 24-ft Round Solar Blanket, 12 Mil, Clear
Clear covers let more direct sunlight reach the water than tinted ones, and manufacturer documentation for this Blue Wave blanket cites water temperature increases of up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit under typical conditions. The 12-mil construction matches the Sun2Solar pick for durability, and Blue Wave's fade-resistant formulation is aimed specifically at slowing the yellowing that clear plastic covers are prone to after repeated UV exposure.
3. INTEX 28015E: Best for Intex Easy Set pools
INTEX 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set Pools
Generic solar covers usually need trimming to fit an Intex Easy Set or Metal Frame pool exactly, since Intex's actual water diameter runs smaller than the pool's nominal size. The 28015E is cut specifically to Intex's 18-foot Easy Set and Metal Frame dimensions, so it fits out of the box with no trimming, and it carries Intex's own branding for compatibility with the rest of their pool accessory line.
4. Robelle 18 Ft: Best budget pick
Robelle 18 Ft Blue Heavy Duty Solar Cover
Robelle has manufactured pool covers in the USA since the 1970s, and this 8-mil heavy duty cover is the company's entry-level option: thinner than the premium 12-mil and 10-mil lines, which keeps the price down, but still backed by a 3-year warranty. It is a reasonable choice for a first-time pool owner who wants to try a solar cover before investing in a heavier, longer-lasting one.
5. Sun2Solar Cover Reel System: Best accessory
Sun2Solar Solar Cover Reel System for Round or Oval Pools
A solar cover this size is awkward to fold and store by hand every single day, which is the main reason covers end up abandoned in a garage by midsummer. This reel system uses telescoping aluminum poles that expand to fit pools up to 24 feet wide and a one-person hand crank, turning a two-person wrestling match into a task that takes well under a minute.
How to choose a solar pool cover
Match the cover's thickness to how long you want it to last. Entry-level 8-mil covers cost less upfront but typically need replacing more often, while 12-mil and heavier covers are built for multiple seasons of exposure when stored properly during winter or cold months. If your priority is squeezing out every extra degree of water temperature, a clear cover generally outperforms a blue or dark tinted one, though the difference is often only a few degrees.
Sizing matters more than it seems. Measure your pool's actual water diameter, not the frame size printed on the box, since above ground pools commonly hold several inches less water than their nominal size suggests. Buying a cover slightly oversized and trimming it to fit is usually easier than dealing with one that is too small.
Finally, budget for a cover reel if you plan to use the cover daily rather than seasonally. The single biggest reason solar covers stop getting used is the hassle of folding and storing a large, wet, unwieldy sheet of plastic by hand.
Prices and availability are accurate as of publication and subject to change.
FAQ
How much does a solar cover actually raise pool temperature?
Manufacturer data and pool industry sources commonly cite increases of 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit under favorable sun exposure, though actual results depend heavily on local climate, pool size, and how consistently the cover is used.
Should the bubbles face up or down?
The bubble side should face down, into the water. The bubbles trap and transfer solar heat directly to the water while the smooth top sheds rain and debris.
Do solar covers really reduce water evaporation?
Yes. Covering the water surface is widely documented to reduce evaporation by a large margin, commonly cited around 90 to 95%, which in turn reduces how often you need to refill the pool and add chemicals.
How do I store a solar cover in winter?
Most manufacturers recommend removing the cover before freezing temperatures, draining and drying it fully, then folding it loosely rather than tightly to avoid stress cracks, and storing it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Ready to cut your pool heating costs? The Sun2Solar 24 ft Round Solar Cover is the size and thickness that fits the most above ground pools.
View Sun2Solar Solar Cover on Amazon