Key takeaways
- A solar pool cover is a floating sheet of bubble film that sits on the water surface to hold warmth in, slow evaporation, and keep leaves out.
A solar pool cover is a floating sheet of bubble film that sits on the water surface to hold warmth in, slow evaporation, and keep leaves out. Shopping for one comes down to a short list of numbers: the length and width compared with your pool, the thickness measured in mils, and whether the film is a single translucent layer or a dual-layer design. Because most listings are rectangles meant to be trimmed, getting the dimensions right matters more than any marketing language.
This guide is for owners of rectangular inground and above-ground pools who want to extend the swim season, trim heating costs, or reduce debris. It compares seven covers from sizes of 24 by 12 feet up to 40 by 20 feet, using only the facts in each product title. Always confirm your pool’s measurements and the cover’s stated size on the listing. A solar cover is not a safety cover and cannot support a person, so constant adult supervision of children and compliance with local pool-barrier rules remain essential. As of 2026, 12 mil and 16 mil covers are the two thicknesses buyers see most.
Quick Picks
Our top picks
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| Product | Best for | Key spec from the title |
|---|---|---|
| VEVOR 40 x 20 ft, 16 Mil | Large inground pools | 40 x 20 ft, 16 mil, cut-to-fit |
| VEVOR 32 x 16 ft, 16 Mil | Mid-to-large rectangles | 32 x 16 ft, 16 mil, PE bubble design |
| VEVOR 28 x 14 ft, 12 Mil | Medium rectangles | 28 x 14 ft, 12 mil, inground and above ground |
| VEVOR 24 x 12 ft, 12 Mil | Smaller above-ground pools | 24 x 12 ft, 12 mil, heat retaining |
| VEVOR 32 x 16 ft, Blue and Black | Dual-layer film seekers | 16 mil, dual heat-locking air layer |
| BigXwell 16 x 32 ft, 16 Mil | Heavy-duty rectangle use | 16 mil, heat-retaining, blocks leaves |
| Real Relax 16 x 32 ft, 16 Mil | Durable all-around option | 16 mil bubble blanket, inground and above ground |
How to Choose
Measure the pool, then compare to the cover
Measure the water surface at its longest and widest points, not the pool deck. Most listings are rectangles that you trim with scissors, so pick a cover at least a foot larger in each direction. An oval or kidney-shaped pool needs a cover at least as large as the bounding rectangle, with extra material for trimming. A cover that is too small leaves open water and loses much of its benefit, while one that is too large only needs a few extra cuts.
Understand mil thickness
A mil is one thousandth of an inch. A 12 mil cover is a lighter, more affordable film, while 16 mil is thicker and typically described as more durable against sun, wind, and folding. Thicker film tends to cost more and weigh more, which matters when you drag it on and off every day. For pools in windy yards or with frequent use, thicker is often the more sensible choice.
Color and layering
Blue covers are the most common, and many listings describe a heat-absorbing, translucent surface. Dual-color designs, like the blue and black option here, claim a second layer to hold warmth. Read the listing for how the layers are meant to work, and remember that real warming also depends on sun exposure, air temperature, and how many hours the cover stays on.
Handling, storage, and where budget covers cut corners
A large cover is awkward to remove alone, so consider a reel if you plan to use it daily. Fold the cover loosely and store it out of sun when not in use. Budget covers sometimes use thin film that cracks or sheds bubbles after a season or two. Remove the cover completely before swimming and never let anyone stand or walk on it. Test the pool water as general good practice, and follow any manufacturer care instructions.
The 7 Best Options
VEVOR 40 x 20 ft, 16 Mil
This rectangular blue bubble cover measures 40 by 20 feet, uses 16 mil PE film, and is listed as cut-to-fit for inground and above-ground pools. It is the largest option here, meant for sizable rectangular pools. For an owner who wants a single cover that can be cut down for a smaller or odd-shaped pool, the extra width gives plenty of margin, though trimmed scraps cannot be reattached.
- The 40 x 20 ft dimensions leave room to trim to unusual shapes.
- The 16 mil thickness is at the heavier end of the options.
- Trade-off: a cover this large is heavy and hard to handle alone.
Skip it if your pool is small or if you do not have storage space for a bulky roll. Owners of large pools should plan on two people for removal or a reel system. Check that the weight and fold size are practical for your storage area before ordering.
VEVOR 32 x 16 ft, 16 Mil
The 32 by 16 foot VEVOR uses a 16 mil PE bubble design in blue for inground and above-ground pools. It is a middle-to-large size for pools in the 30-foot range, and the same family also lists a 12 mil version at that size. A 32 by 16 foot footprint is a common rectangle, so it is one of the easier sizes to match to an existing pool without too much trimming.
- The 16 mil film is described as extra thick.
- Cut-to-fit sizing handles rectangular and irregular shapes.
- Trade-off: it costs more than the thinner 12 mil version in this size.
Skip it if your pool is smaller than about 30 by 14 feet, where a smaller cover wastes material. Buyers who want a lighter film should compare the 12 mil listing. The thicker film is the better match for open yards where wind lifts the edges.
VEVOR 28 x 14 ft, 12 Mil
This 28 by 14 foot blue cover uses 12 mil film, which is a lighter option aimed at medium pools. A 16 mil version at the same size is also listed under the VEVOR name. Medium rectangles are the sweet spot for this size, and the cut-to-fit approach lets you adapt it to a freeform outline. It is also a sensible entry point for a first-time solar cover buyer.
- The size suits many above-ground and smaller inground pools.
- A 12 mil film is easier to move than a thicker alternative.
- Trade-off: thinner film may show wear sooner in windy or sunny yards.
Skip it if you need long-term heavy use or have a larger pool. Owners in very sunny regions should also think about how quickly thin film ages under constant exposure.
VEVOR 24 x 12 ft, 12 Mil
The 24 by 12 foot VEVOR is the compact cover here, with 12 mil PE film described as heat retaining and durable for inground and above-ground pools. A 16 mil version of the same size is also listed. For a modest above-ground pool, the lighter weight and smaller roll make daily on-and-off handling less of a chore, which means it is more likely to actually be used.
- Its smaller size is easier for one person to handle.
- The listing highlights water evaporation reduction as a feature.
- Trade-off: 12 mil film is lighter duty than the 16 mil options.
Skip it if your pool exceeds the cover size, since an undersized cover leaves open water at the edges. Also skip it if you want the more durable 16 mil film at this size; that alternative is listed separately.
VEVOR 32 x 16 ft, Blue and Black
This 32 by 16 foot cover uses 16 mil film with a dual heat-locking air layer in blue and black. The dual-layer concept is the main reason to consider it over the plain blue covers. Buyers who like to compare designs will see it as the experimental option in this lineup, with the color split hinting at how the two layers differ.
- The two-layer construction is the only one of its kind here.
- It keeps the 16 mil thickness of the heavier covers.
- Trade-off: the title makes heat claims, so read the listing for exactly how they are described.
Skip it if you want the simplest, plain-blue film. Anyone who dislikes dark film showing through water should check the listing photos, and everyone should confirm the exact dimensions before cutting.
BigXwell 16 x 32 ft, 16 Mil
The BigXwell is a 16 by 32 foot heavy-duty cover in 16 mil blue for large inground pools, marketed as heat retaining and leaf blocking. It is a rectangular cover suited to long, narrow pools. The title lists leaf blocking alongside heat retention, which matters in yards with maples or oaks where debris lands every day. Heavy film also tends to resist lifting in a breeze.
- The 16 mil film is described as heavy-duty.
- The leaf-blocking benefit is useful in tree-lined yards.
- Trade-off: the size is specific, so measure the pool before ordering.
Skip it if your pool is not at least about this size. A brand with a bigger lineup of sizes may fit better. Since the dimensions are written with the width first, double-check the orientation against your pool before committing.
Real Relax 16 x 32 ft, 16 Mil
This Real Relax bubble blanket is 16 by 32 feet, 16 mil, and described as a durable heat-trapping solar blanket for inground and above-ground pools. It is positioned as a general-purpose option for rectangular pools of that size. Like the BigXwell, it uses the same 16 by 32 foot footprint, so choosing between them often comes down to the description, the return terms, and the stated materials rather than size. Heat-trapping is the listing’s main pitch.
- The 16 mil film is listed as durable.
- It fits both inground and above-ground pools.
- Trade-off: the title lists few extras, so check the listing for packaging and care.
Skip it if you prefer dual-layer film or a different footprint. Shoppers who want to compare the two 16 by 32 foot options should read each listing’s fine print on warranty and packaging.
Which One Fits Your Situation
You have a big backyard pool
Go for the VEVOR 40 x 20 ft, 16 Mil cover, then trim it to your pool shape.
You own a mid-size rectangle and live in a windy area
The VEVOR 32 x 16 ft, 16 Mil cover offers a heavier film in a common size, and the BigXwell is an alternative.
You have a smaller above-ground pool
The VEVOR 24 x 12 ft, 12 Mil or the VEVOR 28 x 14 ft, 12 Mil keep the cover manageable.
You want a layered design
Look at the VEVOR 32 x 16 ft, Blue and Black cover and read how the two layers are described.
Common Mistakes
- Measuring the deck instead of the water surface.
- Ordering a cover the exact size of the pool, leaving no room to trim.
- Leaving the cover on while swimmers are in the water.
- Treating the cover as a safety cover or letting anyone walk on it.
- Storing the film in direct sun, which can shorten its life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you trim a solar cover?
Lay it bubble side down, smooth it across the surface, and cut along the pool edge with scissors. Leave a small margin since you can always trim more.
Is a solar cover the same as a safety cover?
No. A solar cover cannot support weight, so adult supervision and local pool-barrier rules still apply.
Which side faces up?
Listings usually say bubbles face the water. Confirm this in the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific cover.
How long does a solar cover last?
Lifespan depends on thickness, sun exposure, and care. Thicker film is often more durable, but check the listing for warranty terms.
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