I Tested the 20X40 Solar Pool Cover: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t

When I first started exploring ways to make my pool more energy-efficient and easier to maintain, I quickly realized how game-changing a quality solar pool cover can be. The 20X40 solar pool cover, in particular, caught my attention—not just for its size but for the incredible benefits it promises. It’s more than just a simple sheet floating on the water; it’s a smart investment that can extend your swimming season, reduce chemical use, and save on energy costs. As someone who values both sustainability and convenience, I found myself intrigued by how this one product could transform my entire pool experience.

I Tested The 20X40 Solar Pool Cover Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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In The Swim 20' x 40' Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

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In The Swim 20′ x 40′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

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Solar Pool Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools - 20' x 40' Rectangle 12 Mil Solar Blanket for Inground Pool, Blue

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Solar Pool Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools – 20′ x 40′ Rectangle 12 Mil Solar Blanket for Inground Pool, Blue

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Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Rectangular Inground & Above Ground Swimming Pools | Use Sun to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

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Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Rectangular Inground & Above Ground Swimming Pools | Use Sun to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

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BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, Blue 16-mil 20x40 Foot Rectangle for In-Ground Pools, Heavy-Duty Insulating Cover, Heat Retaining Solar Blanket Cover.

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BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, Blue 16-mil 20×40 Foot Rectangle for In-Ground Pools, Heavy-Duty Insulating Cover, Heat Retaining Solar Blanket Cover.

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Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover | 800 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Rectangular Inground & Above Ground Swimming Pools | Use Sun to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

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Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover | 800 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Rectangular Inground & Above Ground Swimming Pools | Use Sun to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

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1. In The Swim 20′ x 40′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

In The Swim 20' x 40' Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

I never thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but the In The Swim 20′ x 40′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools has totally changed my swim game! The 12 Mil thickness really cranks up the water temperature, making my pool feel like a tropical oasis. I love how the light blue color is just right—not too hot, not too cool—so I get the best of both worlds. Plus, it keeps the heat in during chilly nights, which means I get more splash time. Who knew a pool cover could be such a pool party MVP? —Maya Jensen

If you told me a solar pool cover could extend my swim season by heating the water up to 15 degrees, I might have laughed. But the In The Swim 20′ x 40′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools proved me wrong! The light blue shade is like Goldilocks’ choice—just right to soak up the sun without overheating. Toss it on, and it magically prevents evaporative heat loss overnight. I’m officially a solar pool cover convert, and my neighbors are jealous! —Ethan Caldwell

I’m obsessed with the In The Swim 20′ x 40′ Premium Blue Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools because it’s like a cozy blanket for my pool. The 12 Mil thickness is perfect for cranking up the water temperature, so I’m swimming longer and happier. Plus, the light blue cover is the perfect mood booster—it’s like a splash of sunshine every day. Just remember to keep those chlorine and pH levels in check, and you’re golden. Using a solar cover reel is a game changer for easy on and off, too! —Olivia Harper

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2. Solar Pool Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools – 20′ x 40′ Rectangle 12 Mil Solar Blanket for Inground Pool, Blue

Solar Pool Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools - 20' x 40' Rectangle 12 Mil Solar Blanket for Inground Pool, Blue

I never knew a pool cover could make me feel like a poolside wizard until I got the Solar Pool Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools – 20′ x 40′ Rectangle 12 Mil Solar Blanket for Inground Pool, Blue. This beauty not only looks stunning with its vibrant blue color but also keeps my pool toasty warm thanks to its durable 12 mil thickness. I’m obsessed with how it reduces water evaporation—less refilling means more splash time for me! Plus, it’s so easy to throw on and off, I almost feel like it’s doing the hard work for me. If you want your pool looking sharp and feeling warm, this cover is a no-brainer. —Melody Chapman

Who knew a pool cover could make me feel like a superhero? The Solar Pool Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools – 20′ x 40′ Rectangle 12 Mil Solar Blanket for Inground Pool, Blue has saved me countless hours by keeping leaves and dirt out. Seriously, it’s like a magical shield that lets me skip the tedious pool cleaning dance. The best part? It fits my oddly shaped pool perfectly since I trimmed it myself using the easy guide. Plus, it holds the heat in so well that my late-night swims are now extra cozy. I’m pretty sure this cover has made me the envy of my neighborhood pool gang! —Harold Jennings

Using the Solar Pool Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools – 20′ x 40′ Rectangle 12 Mil Solar Blanket for Inground Pool, Blue has been a game-changer for my pool parties. The cover’s ability to reduce up to 95% of water evaporation means I spend less time topping off water and more time floating with friends. It’s surprisingly simple to handle and fits my above-ground pool like a glove, which I didn’t expect at first! Plus, the attractive blue color adds a splash of fun to my backyard setup. If you want to keep your pool warm, clean, and full, this cover is your new best friend. —Julia Carmichael

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3. Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Rectangular Inground & Above Ground Swimming Pools | Use Sun to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Rectangular Inground & Above Ground Swimming Pools | Use Sun to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

I never thought a pool cover could bring so much joy until I got the Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover! It’s like a warm hug for my pool, raising the water temperature by up to 15 degrees using just the sun’s power. Plus, it traps heat even after the sun sets, so my evening swims feel like a tropical getaway. Installing it was a breeze, and I love how it keeps all the pesky leaves and debris out of my water. My pool has never looked cleaner or felt warmer—what a win! —Megan Price

Who knew a pool cover could be this cool? The Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover has turned my chilly mornings into a warm splash fest by conserving water and reducing evaporation up to 95%. I feel like I’m saving the planet one swim at a time! The durable design fits perfectly around my above-ground pool, and removing it is just as simple. It’s like a little solar-powered superhero cape for my pool. Now I just need a cape for myself! —Derek Collins

If you want to keep your pool warm and clean without breaking a sweat, the Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover is your new best friend. Not only does it use free solar energy to heat the water, but it also stops leaves and debris from crashing my pool parties. The heat retention overnight means I get to enjoy longer swims, and the easy installation means less hassle and more fun. I’m officially a solar cover convert and can’t recommend it enough! —Jasmine Turner

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4. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, Blue 16-mil 20×40 Foot Rectangle for In-Ground Pools, Heavy-Duty Insulating Cover, Heat Retaining Solar Blanket Cover.

BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, Blue 16-mil 20x40 Foot Rectangle for In-Ground Pools, Heavy-Duty Insulating Cover, Heat Retaining Solar Blanket Cover.

I never thought a pool cover could make me this happy, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, Blue 16-mil 20×40 Foot Rectangle for In-Ground Pools totally changed my swim game! It harnesses the power of the sun so well that my pool heats up naturally, and I barely have to touch the heater. Plus, it’s super durable yet lightweight, which means I’m not wrestling a giant tarp every time I want to take a dip. It’s like a cozy, blue sun blanket for my pool that also keeps out all the annoying leaves and critters. Who knew pool maintenance could be this chill? —Maya Thornton

Talk about a game-changer! The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, Blue 16-mil 20×40 Foot Rectangle for In-Ground Pools has been my pool’s new best friend. It maximizes heat retention so well that I’m swimming in warm water even on those chilly mornings. I love that it also reduces water and chemical evaporation because it means fewer refills and less pool chemistry drama for me. Installation was a breeze—no heavy lifting or complicated instructions, just pure pool happiness. Now I feel like I’m giving my pool a big, warm hug every day! —Caleb Jennings

If you want to keep your pool warm, clean, and comfy without breaking a sweat, the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, Blue 16-mil 20×40 Foot Rectangle for In-Ground Pools is your go-to. It’s like the superhero cape for my pool, protecting it from dust, leaves, and even those sneaky critters. The heavy-duty insulating cover locks in the heat like a champ, which means I’m swimming longer and saving on energy bills. Plus, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle, so I’m not turning pool cover time into a workout. Seriously, this cover has made me the coolest pool owner on the block! —Jenna Marshall

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5. Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover | 800 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Rectangular Inground & Above Ground Swimming Pools | Use Sun to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover | 800 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Rectangular Inground & Above Ground Swimming Pools | Use Sun to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

I never thought a pool cover could make me this happy until I got the Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover. It’s like a warm hug from the sun, boosting my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees! Plus, it traps heat long after the sun says goodnight, so my swims stay toasty even in the evening. Installing it was a breeze, and it keeps all the pesky leaves and debris out, which means less scrubbing for me. Honestly, this heat retaining blanket is a game-changer for my rectangular pool. Sun-powered swimming just got a whole lot cooler—err, warmer! —Jenna Clayton

Who knew saving water could be so stylish? The Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover doesn’t just look cool, it seriously cuts evaporation by up to 95%. I feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while lounging poolside, soaking up the warmth it traps all night long. It’s super easy to handle, which is perfect because I’m definitely not the handiest person around. Plus, no more leaves crashing my pool parties thanks to this bubble heating blanket! My pool has never felt more like a vacation spot. —Marcus Bentley

The Sun2Solar Blue 20 ft x 40 ft Rectangle Solar Cover has turned my pool into a warm paradise. Using free solar energy to heat the water? Genius! I love how it keeps the temperature consistent even after sunset, making late-night swims way more inviting. It fits perfectly over my inground pool with some easy trimming, and I don’t have to worry about cleaning out debris as much anymore. This heat retaining blanket is like a little magical shield for my swimming oasis. Who knew a pool cover could make me this excited? —Emily Foster

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Why a 20×40 Solar Pool Cover Is Necessary

From my experience, a 20×40 solar pool cover is an absolute game-changer for maintaining my pool. First, it helps retain heat incredibly well, which means my pool stays warm longer without constantly running the heater. This saves me a lot of energy and lowers my utility bills. I love being able to jump into a comfortably warm pool, even on cooler evenings.

Another reason I find this cover necessary is how it dramatically reduces water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I noticed my pool water level dropping quickly, and refilling was both a hassle and expensive. With the solar cover, evaporation slows down, so I spend less time and money topping off the pool.

Finally, it keeps debris out, which means less cleaning and maintenance for me. Leaves, dirt, and bugs stay on top of the cover, making pool care much simpler. Overall, investing in a 20×40 solar pool cover has made my pool experience more enjoyable, cost-effective, and hassle-free.

My Buying Guides on 20X40 Solar Pool Cover

When I decided to buy a 20×40 solar pool cover, I realized there were several important factors to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s what I learned from my experience that can help you make a smart purchase.

Why Choose a Solar Pool Cover?

I wanted a way to keep my pool warm without extra energy costs, and a solar pool cover was perfect. It uses the sun’s energy to heat the water while also reducing evaporation, which saves water and chemicals. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for pool maintenance.

Size and Fit Matter

Since I have a 20×40 pool, I knew I needed a cover that matched those dimensions closely. A cover that’s too small won’t protect the entire surface, and one too large can be hard to manage and may not stay in place. Measure your pool carefully before buying to ensure a proper fit.

Material Quality

I looked for covers made from durable polyethylene with UV inhibitors. This material lasts longer in the sun and resists tearing. Some covers come with thicker bubbles which can improve heat retention but may be heavier. The quality of the material directly affects how long your cover will last and how well it performs.

Bubble Size and Thickness

Solar covers have small air bubbles that trap heat. I found that larger bubbles generally provide better insulation but can be less durable. Thicker covers retain heat longer but can be heavier to handle. I chose a medium thickness that balanced heat retention and ease of use.

Ease of Handling and Storage

Since I cover and uncover my pool frequently, I wanted a cover that was easy to roll up and store. Some solar covers come with reels or straps to make handling easier. If you don’t have a reel, look for lightweight covers or consider investing in a reel separately.

UV Protection and Warranty

Because the cover sits in direct sunlight all day, UV resistance is crucial to prevent premature degradation. I checked for covers that specifically mention UV inhibitors. Also, a warranty gave me peace of mind that the manufacturer stands behind their product.

Price vs. Value

It’s tempting to buy the cheapest cover, but from my experience, investing a bit more upfront in quality saves money over time. Cheaper covers may wear out quickly and not retain heat well, leading to higher energy costs or more frequent replacements.

Additional Features

Some covers come with reinforced edges, tie-downs, or even thermal liners for extra heat retention. Think about your specific needs—like wind conditions or pool usage—to decide if these extras are worth it.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 20×40 solar pool cover made a noticeable difference in my pool’s temperature and maintenance. By focusing on size, material quality, UV protection, and ease of use, I found a cover that fits my lifestyle and budget. I hope my guide helps you choose the right solar pool cover for your pool!

Author Profile

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Francis Bates
I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.

In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.