In The Swim Round Solar Cover for Swimming Pools

The Verdict

Let’s cut through the hype: a solar cover is a sheet of bubble wrap that floats on your pool. That’s it. The question is whether this particular sheet—In The Swim’s round solar cover—does the job without falling apart after a month. At 4.2 stars from 210 Amazon shoppers, the short answer is yes, with some caveats you need to know before tapping “buy.”

What You Actually Get

The package contains one round solar cover, sized to match your pool diameter. It’s made from 8-mil polyethylene with a UV-stabilized top layer and a grid of air bubbles on the bottom that does the actual heat trapping. The material feels like thick bubble wrap—because that’s essentially what it is, engineered to a higher spec.

As shown in the product image, the cover sits directly on the water surface, not stretched across the pool frame. That’s intentional. The trapped air bubbles act as an insulator, letting sunlight warm the water while preventing that heat from escaping overnight.

Performance: Does It Actually Warm Your Pool?

Yes, and the math works in your favor. Multiple verified buyers report water temperature increases of 5–8°F after just two sunny days. One reviewer put it plainly: “Pool went from 68°F to 76°F in three days. My heater hasn’t kicked on once since I started using this.” That’s real money saved on gas or electric heating.

Beyond warmth, the cover slashes evaporation dramatically—which means your chlorine doesn’t degrade as fast, and you’re not constantly topping off water. For an above-ground pool owner, that’s the hidden win.

Build Quality and Real-World Handling

Here’s where things get honest. The 8-mil thickness is standard for this price tier, but it’s not indestructible. Buyers who dragged the cover across concrete patios or let it snag on sharp ladder edges reported punctures within weeks. One customer noted: “Works great, but you have to be gentle with it. I tore a 3-inch gash pulling it off the pool too fast.”

That’s not a defect—it’s physics. Treat it like a large, delicate sheet, and it’ll last a season or two. Use a proper reel system (sold separately) to roll it off smoothly, and you’ll double its lifespan.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

• Heat retention: Nearly every positive review mentions meaningful temperature gains, not just 1–2 degrees.
• Ease of use: It floats freely, no straps or anchors required. Just unroll and let it settle.
• Chemical savings: Multiple reviewers noted reduced chlorine and algaecide usage because the cover blocks sunlight that feeds algae.

Where It Falls Short

• No reel included: At this size, handling a wet 24-foot cover solo is a workout. Budget another $50–80 for a reel if you don’t have one.
• Thin material: The 8-mil film is serviceable but not heavy-duty. If your pool has sharp coping or you store it carelessly, expect tears.
• Wind vulnerability: On gusty days, the cover can balloon and shift. It won’t blow away, but you might need to reposition it.

Who Should Buy This

• Above-ground pool owners with round pools between 12–24 feet. The sizing is accurate—measure your pool diameter, not your frame width.
• Budget-conscious swimmers who want to extend their swim season without running a heater 24/7.
• Pool owners tired of refilling water weekly and chasing chlorine levels.

Skip it if you have an inground pool with odd shapes (this only fits rounds) or if you expect a rigid, heavy-duty cover that can withstand rough handling.

3 Questions Shoppers Ask

Q: How long does it take to see a temperature difference? A: Most buyers report a noticeable 3–5°F gain within 48 hours of full sun. Full effect takes about a week.

Q: Can I cut it to fit a smaller or oval pool? A: Yes, with scissors or a utility knife. Cut carefully along the bubble grid lines to minimize unsealed edges that can peel.

Q: Does it work with a pool heater? A: Absolutely. It reduces heat loss overnight, meaning your heater runs less often and your water stays warmer longer.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want a cost-effective way to warm your round above-ground pool, cut chemical use, and reduce water evaporation. At this price point, the heat gains alone justify the purchase within a few weeks.

Skip it if: You need a heavy-duty cover for rough conditions, want a reel included, or have a non-round pool.

Rating: 4.2/5 — It does exactly what it promises, with the only real drawbacks being material thinness and the lack of a reel. Handle it with care, and it’s one of the best pool upgrades you can make for under $100.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.