12 Mil vs 16 Mil Solar Pool Cover: Does Thickness Matter? (October 2026)
Choose 12 mil for a lighter cover that’s easier to handle, or 16 mil if you prefer thicker PE material. Thickness alone doesn’t show how long a solar cover will last or how much heat it will retain.
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Choose 12 mil for a lighter cover that’s easier to handle, or 16 mil if you prefer thicker PE material. A 16 mil solar pool cover is 4 mil thicker, but thickness by itself doesn't guarantee longer life or a specific temperature increase.
The closest comparison here is between two VEVOR covers, both sized 32 x 16 ft and made from polyethylene. The 12 mil version weighs 28.3 lb; the 16 mil version weighs 37.8 lb.
Both are large rectangular covers that can be trimmed to fit. Your choice comes down to handling, the fit you need and whether you want the thicker material.
12 mil vs 16 mil solar pool cover: what changes?
The main stated differences are thickness and weight. The VEVOR 16 mil cover is 4 mil thicker and 9.5 lb heavier than the VEVOR 12 mil cover, with the same 32 x 16 ft size.
That weight difference matters when you pull a cover off, fold it, or put it back on the pool. A reel may help with repeated handling; see how to put a solar cover on a reel.
The BigXwell option is also 16 mil and measures 16 x 32 ft. Its stated dimensions match the VEVOR 16 mil cover, though its weight isn't specified here.
Does the extra thickness mean better heat retention?
You can't determine heat retention from thickness alone. Both VEVOR covers describe absorbing heat during the day and reducing heat loss at night, but those statements don't quantify a head-to-head difference between 12 mil and 16 mil.
The VEVOR covers also have thousands of bubbles and PE material. The BigXwell cover describes thermal bubbles that trap heat, but there isn't a matching temperature figure here to compare the brands.
Pool exposure, weather and how consistently you cover the water also matter. Our guide to whether solar pool covers really work explains what a floating cover can and can't do.
Does 16 mil last longer?
The stated thickness doesn't tell you how long a cover will last. VEVOR describes both versions as having tensile and tear resistance, but that isn't a service-life estimate.
Sun exposure, handling and storage all affect the wear a cover faces. Fold or store it according to its care instructions, and avoid assuming that thicker material makes any cover immune to damage.
Which thickness is easier to handle?
The 12 mil VEVOR cover is lighter by 9.5 lb, so it may be easier to move and fold. Both covers have the same dimensions, making this a direct weight comparison for those two options.
A solar cover still spans a large area. Think about who will remove it, where it will go while the pool is in use, and whether you can manage it without dragging it across rough surfaces.
A reel can help make routine removal simpler, but check that it suits your pool and cover dimensions. If you'll store the cover off the reel, plan for a clean, dry storage spot.
Is a heavier cover harder to put on a reel?
A heavier cover can take more effort to handle, but the listed weight alone doesn't tell you whether a reel will work well. Check the reel's capacity and instructions, and consider the pool's width and the cover's fit.
For the VEVOR pair, the 16 mil cover weighs 37.8 lb and the 12 mil cover weighs 28.3 lb. The BigXwell option's weight isn't specified here, so don't assume it matches either VEVOR cover.
How do you choose the right size?
Match the cover to your pool's water surface, then trim it only after checking the fit. These three options are all rectangular and can be cut or trimmed to suit a pool shape.
The VEVOR covers measure 32 x 16 ft, while the BigXwell cover is 16 x 32 ft. Those are the same dimensions with the sides in reverse order, but your pool's actual shape still determines whether trimming is needed.
Measure across the water, not just the outside edge of the pool. Our guide to cutting a solar pool cover to fit covers how to shape the cover without leaving gaps.
What do the covers say about water loss and cleaning?
All three describe helping reduce evaporation, while the VEVOR covers also describe keeping leaves and dust out. Treat those as product claims, not a guaranteed result for every pool.
VEVOR says both thicknesses can prevent up to 95% of water evaporation. BigXwell also describes its cover as reducing evaporation by 95 percent; actual results depend on use and conditions.
Keeping debris off the water can reduce how often you need to clean the pool, but a cover won't remove debris that is already there. For the broader role and limits of a solar blanket, read types of pool covers.
Which one should you choose?
Pick 12 mil if lighter handling matters most; pick 16 mil if you want thicker PE and accept more weight. Choose between the VEVOR covers by that tradeoff, since they share the same stated size and brand.
The VEVOR 12 mil weighs 28.3 lb, compared with 37.8 lb for its 16 mil version. The BigXwell is another 16 mil option at the same stated dimensions, but its weight isn't specified here.
Before deciding, measure the pool and consider removal, trimming and storage. If you want to compare colors as well as thickness, see what color solar pool cover is best.
FAQ
Does a thicker solar cover heat a pool faster?
Thickness alone doesn't tell you how fast a cover will warm a pool. The two VEVOR options both describe absorbing heat during the day, but neither comparison here gives a measured time or a direct heating-rate difference.
Pool size, sunlight, weather and cover use affect the outcome.
Should you leave a solar cover on all the time?
Use the cover when the pool isn't being used if that suits your routine and the cover's care instructions. Remove it before swimming, and store it as directed when it's off the water.
A reel can make regular removal and replacement easier.
Can you use these solar covers on an above-ground pool?
The product information describes these covers for inground and above-ground pools. Confirm the dimensions against your pool's water surface before buying, then trim only as needed.
A rectangular cover may need careful shaping for a round or irregular pool.
Does a 16 mil cover weigh more?
The VEVOR 16 mil cover weighs more than its 12 mil counterpart in the same stated size. The 16 mil version is 37.8 lb and the 12 mil version is 28.3 lb.
The BigXwell 16 mil cover has no weight specified here.
Where can you learn more about solar covers?
Start with how solar covers work, then compare fit and handling for your pool. Read whether solar pool covers really work and how to trim a solar cover before choosing a thickness.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 16 mil solar pool cover better than a 12 mil cover?
A 16 mil cover is thicker, but that alone doesn't make it a better fit for every pool. Compare the exact cover's material, dimensions, weight and care instructions, then consider how often you'll remove it and where you'll store it.
Thicker covers can also weigh more, as the two VEVOR options illustrate.
Does a thicker solar pool cover keep more heat in?
Thickness is one factor to compare, but it doesn't tell you exactly how much heat a particular cover will retain. The VEVOR 12 mil and 16 mil covers both describe daytime heat absorption and reduced heat loss at night.
Your pool, weather and cover use also affect results.
Is a 12 mil solar cover easier to handle?
It can be lighter than a thicker cover of the same size and material. The VEVOR 32 x 16 ft 12 mil cover weighs 28.3 lb, while its 16 mil counterpart weighs 37.8 lb.
Pool shape, cover size and how you remove it still affect handling.
Can you cut a 16 mil solar cover to fit?
Yes, both VEVOR options and the BigXwell cover are described as cuttable or trimmable for a pool shape. Measure the water surface and trim carefully, since cutting too much leaves part of the pool uncovered.
See our guide to cutting a solar pool cover to fit.
How should you store a solar pool cover?
Follow the care instructions for the exact cover. The VEVOR 12 mil cover says to fold it for storage, rinse and dry it when not in use; the 16 mil VEVOR says to store it in a cool, dry place.
A reel can make regular removal easier, as our solar cover reel guide explains.
