Ever stepped into a pool and shivered, even on a sunny day? You’re not alone! Many pool owners face the same problem: cold water that ruins the fun. One way to fix this is a pool solar cover. But with so many covers out there, how do you pick the best one?
Choosing the right thickness for your solar cover can feel tricky. Thicker covers might seem better, but they can cost more. Thin covers are cheaper, but they might not work as well. This decision is important because it affects how well your pool heats up, how long the cover lasts, and how much money you save. It’s a balance between cost and performance.
This post will help you understand pool solar cover thickness. You’ll learn how thickness affects heat gain, durability, and cost. We’ll break down the different options and give you tips to choose the perfect cover for your pool. Get ready to dive into the world of pool solar covers and find the right one for you!
Our Top 5 Pool Solar Cover Thickness Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pool Solar Cover Thickness Detailed Reviews
1. In The Swim 16′ x 32′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
Rating: 8.9/10
The In The Swim 16′ x 32′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover is a great way to warm up your pool! This cover is perfect for both above-ground and in-ground pools. It’s designed to trap heat from the sun and keep your pool warm. This cover helps you enjoy your pool for a longer time. The cover is easy to use and helps save money on heating costs.
What We Like:
- The 12 Mil thickness helps raise the water temperature up to 15 degrees!
- The light blue color is a good balance. It absorbs heat and keeps it in the pool.
- It stops heat from escaping at night.
- Using a solar cover reel makes the cover easy to use and helps it last longer.
What Could Be Improved:
- You must keep your pool’s chlorine levels low. They should be below 2.5 ppm. You also need to keep your pH levels above 7.2.
This solar pool cover is a smart buy for pool owners! It helps you save money and enjoy your pool more. This is a great product to help extend your swimming season.
2. SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket – Heavy Duty Rectangular Pool Solar Cover with Bubbles – Heat Transfer Solar Pool Heater for In-Ground Swimming Pools – Durable 12 Mil Thick Polyethylene – 16′ x 32′ Feet
Rating: 9.4/10
The SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket is a heavy-duty solar cover for your pool. It’s designed to heat your pool water using the sun’s energy. This rectangular blanket is made from durable 12 mil thick polyethylene. It fits in-ground and above-ground pools. It can also be trimmed to fit other pool shapes. This 16′ x 32′ blanket can help you save money and time on pool maintenance.
What We Like:
- Soaks up the sun to heat your pool naturally. The bubbles face down to trap warmth.
- Helps reduce water loss from evaporation by up to 95%. This saves water and money.
- Keeps leaves and debris out of your pool. This makes cleaning easier and cheaper.
- Can be trimmed to fit different pool shapes. It’s very versatile.
- Folds up easily for storage. It takes up little space when not in use.
What Could Be Improved:
- None found.
The SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket is a smart choice for pool owners. It helps heat your pool and makes pool maintenance easier. You will save time and money with this product.
3. Intex 28014E Solar Pool Cover: for 16ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools – Insulates Pool Water – Reduces Water Evaporation – Keeps Debris Out – Reduces Chemical Consumption
Rating: 9.5/10
Keep your pool clean and warm with the Intex 28014E Solar Pool Cover! This cover is made for 16-foot round Easy Set and Metal Frame pools. It helps keep your pool water at a nice temperature. It also keeps out leaves and other junk. You can save money on chemicals by using this cover. It is easy to use, just put it on your pool and let it do its job!
What We Like:
- The solar cover is very easy to use. You just put it on your pool.
- It keeps out leaves and trash. This helps keep your pool clean.
- The cover reduces water evaporation. This saves water.
- It reduces chemical use. This saves you money.
- The cover is made to last. Intex makes good products.
- Customer service is available to help. They can answer your questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size is only for 16-foot round pools. You can’t use it on other sizes.
The Intex solar cover is a great way to keep your pool clean and warm. It is a good value for the price. You should get this cover to protect your pool!
4. Intex Solar Pool Cover for 18′ x 9′ Rectangular Frame Outdoor Swimming Pools with Carrying Storage Bag
Rating: 9.1/10
Keep your pool clean and warm with the Intex Solar Pool Cover! This blue cover fits 18′ x 9′ rectangular frame pools. It helps keep out leaves and dirt. This means less time cleaning and fewer chemicals are needed. The cover also warms your pool using the sun’s energy. It has air bubbles that trap heat. This helps keep the water warm and prevents water loss. You will save money on heating costs and reduce water evaporation by 95%. The cover is easy to store with its carrying bag and is the perfect size for your pool.
What We Like:
- Keeps debris out of your pool, making maintenance easier.
- Helps warm the pool water using solar energy.
- Reduces water evaporation, saving water and money.
- Fits 18′ x 9′ rectangular pools perfectly.
- Designed to be energy efficient.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product is only the cover, the pool is not included.
The Intex Solar Pool Cover is a great way to protect your pool and save money. It is a smart choice for any pool owner.
5. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover
Rating: 9.0/10
The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is a blue, 16-mil thick solar blanket designed for in-ground pools. This 12 x 24 foot rectangle cover helps heat your pool using the sun. It reduces water evaporation and keeps debris out. This heavy-duty cover is made for swimmers who want a warmer and cleaner pool. It promises to make pool maintenance easier.
What We Like:
- Harnesses the sun’s power to heat your pool, saving money on heaters.
- Keeps the pool warm, even on cooler days and nights.
- Protects the pool from leaves, dust, and animals.
- Reduces water and chemical loss by preventing evaporation.
- Made from strong material that lasts a long time.
- Easy to put on and take off.
What Could Be Improved:
- We don’t have any cons to list!
The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is a smart choice for pool owners. It helps you enjoy your pool more. You will save money and time with this product.
Pool Solar Cover Thickness: A Splash Into Savings
Finding the right pool solar cover can be tricky. This guide helps you pick the best one for your pool. We’ll look at thickness and other important things. This makes sure you get a great cover.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a pool solar cover, thickness is a big deal. But there are other things to think about too!
- Thickness: This is measured in mils. Mils are like tiny inches. Thicker covers are usually more durable. They trap more heat and last longer.
- Shape and Size: Make sure the cover fits your pool! Measure your pool carefully. Covers come in many shapes, like round, rectangle, and custom shapes.
- UV Protection: The sun can damage a cover. Find a cover with good UV protection. This helps the cover last longer.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the company believes in its product. Check the warranty before you buy.
- Color: Some covers are clear. Others are blue or other colors. Darker colors can heat the pool faster.
Important Materials
Pool solar covers are usually made of polyethylene.
Polyethylene is a type of plastic. It is strong and can handle sunlight. The quality of the polyethylene matters. Better quality plastic makes a better cover. Some covers also have additives. These additives help with UV protection and durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect the quality of a solar cover.
- Thickness: Thicker covers are generally better. They are more resistant to tears and hold heat better.
- Material Quality: High-quality polyethylene lasts longer. It resists damage from the sun and chemicals.
- Manufacturing: How the cover is made matters. A well-made cover is less likely to have problems.
- UV Protection: Good UV protection prevents the cover from breaking down in the sun.
- Seams (if any): If the cover has seams, make sure they are strong. Weak seams can cause leaks.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a pool solar cover is easy. You simply float it on the water.
The cover traps heat from the sun. This warms the water. It also reduces water evaporation. This saves you money on water and chemicals. You can use a solar cover on any pool. This includes above-ground and in-ground pools. Covers are great for the summer. They can extend your swimming season into the spring and fall.
Q: What is a “mil”?
A: A mil is a unit of measurement. It shows how thick the cover is. One mil is equal to one-thousandth of an inch.
Q: Why is thickness important?
A: Thicker covers are stronger. They last longer and retain heat better.
Q: What is the best thickness for a solar cover?
A: A cover between 8-16 mils is a good choice. This offers a good balance of durability and cost. But thicker is generally better.
Q: How do I measure my pool for a cover?
A: Measure the length and width of your pool. If it’s a weird shape, measure at its widest points.
Q: How does a solar cover save money?
A: It reduces water evaporation. This saves water and reduces the need for chemicals. It also reduces the need for pool heating.
Q: How do I put the solar cover on my pool?
A: Simply float the cover on the water, bubble side down. That’s the side that looks like it has tiny bubbles.
Q: How do I clean my solar cover?
A: Rinse it off with a hose. You can also use a mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Q: How long does a solar cover last?
A: This depends on the quality and how you care for it. A good cover can last several years.
Q: Does the color of the cover matter?
A: Yes. Darker colors absorb more heat. This can warm the pool faster.
Q: Can I use a solar cover with a pool cleaner?
A: Yes, but remove the cover before the cleaner runs. Put the cover back on after cleaning.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!




