9 Best Solar Covers for Above Ground Pools (October 2026)
The best solar covers for above ground pools include the Sun2Solar 24 ft Round 12 Mil Solar Cover for a 24 ft round pool, the VEVOR 18 ft Round 16 Mil Solar Cover for a thicker 18 ft cover, and the BigXwell 18 ft Round 16 Mil Solar Cover for a trim-to-fit 18 ft pool.
On this page (7 sections)
The best solar cover for above ground pool use depends first on the pool's measured size. For a 24 ft round pool, the Sun2Solar 12 mil cover is our top pick; for an 18 ft pool, the VEVOR 16 mil cover offers the thickest stated build in this group.
A solar cover floats on the water with its bubbles facing down. It can help absorb warmth during sunny hours and slow heat loss and evaporation when the pool is covered.
Start with our guide to whether solar pool covers really work for a clear picture of what these blankets can and cannot do. If you plan to roll the cover on and off, compare it with our best solar pool cover reels.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a 24 ft round poolSun2Solar 24 ft Round 12 Mil Solar Cover
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a thicker 18 ft coverVEVOR 18 ft Round 16 Mil Solar Cover
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a trim-to-fit 18 ft poolBigXwell 18 ft Round 16 Mil Solar Cover
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itVINGLI 24 ft Round 12 Mil Solar Cover
Best for a larger round pool - 5
Check itBigXwell 18 ft Round 12 Mil Solar Cover
Best for a mid-thickness 18 ft cover - 6Check it
Sun2Solar 18 ft Round 8 Mil Solar Cover
Best for an 18 ft 8 mil option - 7
Check itIn The Swim 21 ft Round 8 Mil Solar Cover
Best for a 21 ft round pool - 8
Check itUIRWAY 18 ft Round Solar Cover
Best for handling by one person - 9
Check itBlue Wave 18 ft Round 8 Mil Solar Cover
Best for lightweight daily handling
How we chose these solar covers for above ground pools
We compared stated size, thickness, material, handling details, trimming guidance and maker claims about heat retention and evaporation. Our score weighs specs and features against what shoppers need from a solar cover for an above ground pool.
A cover that matches the pool is more useful than one with a thicker bubble layer that leaves gaps or needs excessive trimming. We prioritized clear size and thickness details, then considered practical fit and handling features.
The products below are ordered from highest to lowest score. For a deeper look at how thickness affects handling and insulation, read 12 mil vs 16 mil solar pool covers.
| Product | Best for | Size | Thickness | Color | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun2Solar 24 ft Round 12 Mil Solar Cover | a 24 ft round pool | 24 ft round | 12 mil | Blue | 8.6 |
| VEVOR 18 ft Round 16 Mil Solar Cover | a thicker 18 ft cover | 18 ft round | 16 mil | 8.4 | |
| BigXwell 18 ft Round 16 Mil Solar Cover | a trim-to-fit 18 ft pool | 18 ft round | 16 mil | 8.3 | |
| VINGLI 24 ft Round 12 Mil Solar Cover | a larger round pool | 24 ft round | 12 mil | Blue | 7.9 |
| BigXwell 18 ft Round 12 Mil Solar Cover | a mid-thickness 18 ft cover | 18 ft round | 12 mil | 7.7 | |
| Sun2Solar 18 ft Round 8 Mil Solar Cover | an 18 ft 8 mil option | 18 ft round | 8 mil | Blue | 7.6 |
| In The Swim 21 ft Round 8 Mil Solar Cover | a 21 ft round pool | 21 ft round | 8 mil | 7.5 | |
| UIRWAY 18 ft Round Solar Cover | handling by one person | 18 ft round | Blue | 7.3 | |
| Blue Wave 18 ft Round 8 Mil Solar Cover | lightweight daily handling | 18 ft round | 8 mil | 7.1 |
The best solar covers for above ground pools
The right pick depends on pool diameter and how much cover thickness you want to handle. Measure the water surface before choosing among these round sizes.
Sun2Solar 24 ft Round 12 Mil Solar Cover: Best for a 24 ft round pool
- 24 ft round
- 12 mil thickness
- Blue thermal bubbles
- Maker says it can reduce evaporation by up to 95%
A 24 ft round size and 12 mil thickness make this a strong fit when those dimensions match your pool. Sun2Solar says its cover retains heat overnight and can reduce evaporation by up to 95%.
Pros
- 24 ft round size
- 12 mil thickness
- Sun2Solar says it can raise water temperature by up to 15 degrees
Cons
- Size suits only pools that match or can be trimmed to fit
- Needs correct bubble-side placement
Sun2Solar's 24 ft round cover is our top pick when that size matches your pool. Its 12 mil thickness gives buyers a middle ground between the 8 mil options and the 16 mil blankets below.
Sun2Solar says the cover can raise water temperature by up to 15 degrees and reduce evaporation by up to 95%. Those are maker claims, and results will depend on sunlight, pool conditions and how consistently you cover the water.
The blue thermal bubbles should face down toward the water. Sun2Solar says the extra overlap can make installation easier around protrusions, and the material can be trimmed for a closer fit.
Choose it for a 24 ft round pool where you want a 12 mil blanket. If your pool is 18 ft across, the VEVOR and BigXwell options below match that stated size.
VEVOR 18 ft Round 16 Mil Solar Cover: Best for a thicker 18 ft cover
- 18 ft round
- 16 mil thickness
- Polyethylene material
- Can be trimmed for irregular shapes
This 18 ft round cover pairs a thicker 16 mil build with a size for many round above ground pools. VEVOR says it helps retain heat and reduce evaporation by up to 95%.
Pros
- 16 mil thickness
- 18 ft round size
- Can be trimmed to fit
Cons
- Avoid highly acidic or chlorinated environments, per VEVOR
- Check pool diameter before trimming
VEVOR suits an 18 ft round pool when you prefer a 16 mil cover. Its polyethylene material is described as suitable for above ground and inground pools, and it can be trimmed for irregular shapes.
The brand says the micro-bubble surface helps absorb heat during the day and retain it at night. It also claims evaporation reduction of up to 95%.
VEVOR advises avoiding highly acidic or chlorinated environments to support longevity. Check your pool's chemistry and follow the brand's care guidance before leaving the cover in place.
Choose this pick when its 18 ft size fits and a thicker blanket is your priority. Compare it with the BigXwell 16 mil option if you want another cover at the same stated diameter.
BigXwell 18 ft Round 16 Mil Solar Cover: Best for a trim-to-fit 18 ft pool
- 18 ft round
- 16 mil thickness
- Polyethylene material
- Scissors can trim it to shape
BigXwell's 18 ft round cover has a 16 mil thickness and can be cut with scissors. Its stated evaporation reduction is up to 95%.
Pros
- 16 mil thickness
- Trim-to-fit material
- Maker says it can help hold warmth on cloudy days and cool nights
Cons
- Only listed in an 18 ft round size here
- Trim carefully because cut material cannot be restored
BigXwell pairs an 18 ft round size with a 16 mil thickness, matching VEVOR's stated dimensions and thickness. It can be cut with scissors, which helps when you need to shape it around a pool contour.
BigXwell says its thermal bubbles trap solar heat and help hold temperature on cloudy days or at chilly nights. The brand also claims up to 95% less water evaporation.
Plan the fit before cutting. Use the pool's actual water-surface measurement and trim gradually, since removing too much material can leave part of the water uncovered.
Pick it if you want an 18 ft, 16 mil option that can be trimmed to fit. The thinner BigXwell 12 mil cover may suit you better if easier handling matters more than thickness.
VINGLI 24 ft Round 12 Mil Solar Cover: Best for a larger round pool
- 24 ft round
- 12 mil thickness
- Blue bubble surface
- Can be cut to shape
VINGLI offers a 24 ft round, 12 mil cover with a cut-to-fit design. The brand says its bubbles absorb heat during the day and release it into the pool.
Pros
- 24 ft round size
- 12 mil thickness
- Can be trimmed around pool contours
Cons
- Confirm the actual pool diameter before cutting
- VINGLI recommends its reel to ease placement and removal
VINGLI is another 24 ft round, 12 mil choice for a larger above ground pool. Its blue bubble surface is intended to absorb heat, and the cover can be cut to match an irregular shape.
The brand says the bubble side should face the water. It also recommends using its reel to make placement and removal easier, which may help if you cover the pool often.
This cover is described as a 24 ft round size, while its care details mention a larger sheet dimension. Confirm the fit against your pool before trimming so you don't cut based on the wrong measurement.
Choose VINGLI when you need a 24 ft round cover and want a cut-to-fit option. The Sun2Solar 24 ft cover is the higher-scoring alternative in the same nominal size.
BigXwell 18 ft Round 12 Mil Solar Cover: Best for a mid-thickness 18 ft cover
- 18 ft round
- 12 mil thickness
- Blue polyethylene cover
- Floating installation
This BigXwell option keeps the 18 ft round size but uses a 12 mil thickness. The brand says its thermal bubbles help retain heat and reduce water and chemical evaporation.
Pros
- 12 mil thickness
- 18 ft round size
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Thinner than the 16 mil picks above
- Confirm fit around ladders and other protrusions
BigXwell's 12 mil cover fits an 18 ft round pool and offers a middle thickness between the 8 mil and 16 mil options. It floats on the water and uses thermal bubbles to help trap warmth.
The brand says the cover can help reduce water and chemical evaporation while keeping dust, leaves and other debris out. Those features may mean less frequent refilling and cleanup while the pool is covered.
It is lighter than the 16 mil BigXwell choice by thickness, which may be easier to manage for routine covering. Measure around ladders or other protrusions before deciding whether to trim it.
Choose it if 18 ft round is the right size and 12 mil suits your handling preference. If you want the thinner option, compare Sun2Solar's 8 mil cover below.
Sun2Solar 18 ft Round 8 Mil Solar Cover: Best for an 18 ft 8 mil option
- 18 ft round
- 8 mil thickness
- Blue thermal bubbles
- Sun2Solar says it can reduce evaporation by up to 95%
This 8 mil cover suits a buyer whose pool matches the 18 ft round size and who wants a lighter thickness. Sun2Solar says its bubbles capture solar heat and help retain warmth overnight.
Pros
- 18 ft round size
- 8 mil thickness
- Can be trimmed for different shapes
Cons
- Thinner than the 12 mil and 16 mil picks
- Careful trimming is needed for a custom fit
Sun2Solar's 18 ft round cover is an 8 mil option for a pool that matches that diameter. Its lighter thickness may be easier to place and remove than a thicker blanket.
Sun2Solar says its bubbles capture solar energy, retain warmth overnight and reduce evaporation by up to 95%. The cover can be trimmed to fit different pool shapes, and the brand says it works with most solar reels.
Place the bubble side down toward the water. If you use a reel, check that it suits the cover and pool before installation.
Choose this cover if your pool measures 18 ft round and you want an 8 mil blanket from Sun2Solar. For a 21 ft round pool, the In The Swim option is sized closer.
In The Swim 21 ft Round 8 Mil Solar Cover: Best for a 21 ft round pool
- 21 ft round
- 8 mil thickness
- Polyethylene material
- Can be trimmed around ladders and contours
A 21 ft round size separates this cover from the 18 ft options. Its 8 mil polyethylene design can be cut to fit around ladders or pool contours.
Pros
- 21 ft round size
- Trim-to-fit design
- Brand gives care guidance for chlorine and pH
Cons
- 8 mil thickness
- Follow the care guidance to protect the cover
In The Swim's 21 ft round cover fills a size gap between the 18 ft and 24 ft picks. It is made from 8 mil polyethylene and can be trimmed around ladders or other pool contours.
The brand says the cover helps retain heat overnight, reduce evaporation and limit debris exposure. Its care guidance says to keep chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2 when using the cover.
That care note makes pool chemistry part of the buying decision. Check your routine against the guidance and follow any more specific instructions that come with the cover.
Choose this one when the 21 ft round size matches your pool. If you need an 18 ft size and prefer one-person handling, consider UIRWAY.
UIRWAY 18 ft Round Solar Cover: Best for handling by one person
- 18 ft round
- Heavy-duty polyethylene
- Lightweight design
- Can be trimmed around ladders and steps
UIRWAY describes this 18 ft round cover as lightweight and suitable for one-person handling. It can be trimmed around ladders, steps or irregular contours.
Pros
- 18 ft round size
- One-person installation listed
- Trim-to-fit design
Cons
- Thickness is not specified in the product name or details here
- Not a safety cover and cannot support a child or pet
UIRWAY is described as an 18 ft round cover for one-person handling. It uses heavy-duty polyethylene and can be trimmed around ladders, steps or irregular contours.
The brand says the micro-bubble surface absorbs daytime heat and helps hold warmth overnight. It also claims evaporation reduction up to 95%.
The stated thickness is not given here, so don't compare it with the 8, 12 or 16 mil picks as if the measurement were known. UIRWAY also warns that this is not a safety cover and will not support a child or pet.
Choose it if ease of handling and trim-to-fit flexibility matter. For a known thickness at 18 ft round, compare the Sun2Solar, BigXwell or Blue Wave choices.
Blue Wave 18 ft Round 8 Mil Solar Cover: Best for lightweight daily handling
- 18 ft round
- 8 mil thickness
- Blue thermal bubbles
- 3-year limited warranty
Blue Wave's 8 mil cover is sized for an 18 ft round above ground pool and is described as lightweight for placement and removal. The brand says it can be trimmed around ladders and accessories.
Pros
- 18 ft round size
- Lightweight 8 mil design
- Blue Wave lists a 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Thinner than the 12 mil and 16 mil choices
- Roll dry and store in shade, as Blue Wave advises
Blue Wave's cover is made for an 18 ft round above ground pool and has an 8 mil thickness. The blue thermal bubbles face the water to help transfer solar heat, while the lightweight design is intended to make placement and removal easier.
Blue Wave says the cover can help reduce evaporation and block leaves and debris. It can also be trimmed around ladders and accessories, and the brand provides a 3-year limited warranty.
For storage, Blue Wave advises rolling the cover rather than folding it, keeping it dry and storing it in the shade. Make sure the pool's measured size fits before trimming.
Pick it for a lighter 8 mil cover and a stated 18 ft round size. If you want a thicker 18 ft blanket, choose between the 12 mil and 16 mil options above.
How to choose the right solar cover size and thickness
Measure the pool's water surface and choose the nearest size that covers it, allowing for a small overlap if needed. Round pool labels can differ from the usable diameter, so measure across the water rather than relying only on the pool's name.
Thickness affects the tradeoff between cover weight and insulation. These options range from 8 mil to 16 mil, but a thicker blanket still needs a suitable size and careful handling.
If you need to cut a cover, place it over the water first and mark the fit around ladders or other obstacles. Our guide to cutting a solar pool cover to fit walks through that process.
Are blue solar covers a good choice?
Blue covers are common in this group, but color alone does not tell you how much heat your pool will retain. The product details describe thermal bubbles and heat retention, while actual results depend on sun, air temperature and use.
For a color comparison, read what color solar pool cover is best. Whichever color you choose, follow the correct bubble-side placement instructions.
Is a solar cover safe for children or pets?
A floating solar blanket is not a safety cover and cannot support a child or pet. Keep children and animals away from an uncovered pool, and use a suitable barrier that follows local safety rules.
Do not treat a solar cover as a replacement for a purpose-built safety cover. The UIRWAY product details explicitly state that its cover will not support a child or pet.
Which above ground pool solar cover should you choose?
Choose the Sun2Solar 24 ft 12 mil cover if your pool matches that size and you want our highest-scoring pick. For an 18 ft round pool, choose VEVOR or BigXwell for a 16 mil cover, or pick an 8 mil model if lighter handling is more important.
A reel can make repeated covering and removal easier, so compare our guide to putting a solar cover on a reel if you plan to use one.
Related guides
- Do solar pool covers really work?
- 12 mil vs 16 mil solar pool covers
- What color solar pool cover is best?
- Best solar pool cover reels
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a 24 ft round pool
Sun2Solar 24 ft Round 12 Mil Solar Cover
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a thicker 18 ft cover
VEVOR 18 ft Round 16 Mil Solar Cover
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a trim-to-fit 18 ft pool
BigXwell 18 ft Round 16 Mil Solar Cover
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What size solar cover fits an above ground pool?
Choose a cover that matches the pool's measured water-surface diameter, then account for any overlap or protrusions. Many covers can be trimmed, but measure twice and cut a little at a time.
A round pool that is nominally 18 ft may have a different usable surface measurement, so check the pool before ordering.
Is a thicker solar cover better for an above ground pool?
A thicker cover may be a better fit if you want a heavier blanket and its added handling weight is acceptable. The picks here range from 8 mil to 16 mil, so compare thickness along with fit and the effort needed to put it on and remove it.
Thickness alone does not guarantee a specific temperature change.
Which side of a solar pool cover faces the water?
Place the bubble side down against the water. Sun2Solar describes its thermal bubbles as capturing solar energy and retaining heat, and gives bubble-side placement as the correct setup.
Follow the instructions for your specific cover, especially after trimming or attaching a reel.
Can you use a solar cover on an above ground pool with a reel?
Yes. A reel can make a solar cover easier to position and remove, though it is not required for the Sun2Solar covers described here.
Check the reel's width and attachment method against the cover and pool before buying, since a cover and reel need to work together.
Are solar covers safety covers?
No. A floating solar cover is not designed to support a child or pet.
UIRWAY explicitly warns that its cover is not a safety cover.
Keep the pool secured with a suitable barrier and use a cover designed and installed for safety if you need weight-bearing protection.
