● Pool Covers · Comparison

Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round vs Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft

Both made our Best Solar Pool Covers shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.

✎ PickHonest Research Desk▦ Updated October 15, 2026◷ 6 min read

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.

Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-MilView on Amazon VS

Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil BlueView on Amazon

Quick verdict

Choose the Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil if you want highest review count (3,800+) of any solar cover in this roundup, the most-option for round above-ground pools. Choose the Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil Blue if you'd rather have 12-mil thickness is the sweet spot between an 8-mil cover that tears too easily and a 16-mil cover that costs much more. Overall we rank the Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Solar Pool Covers list.

Winner overall: Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil

Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil vs Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil Blue compared

Every difference that matters, in one table.

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Best Solar Pool Covers
Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil review
Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil Blue review
All pool covers

Bottom line

Top pick

Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil

Blue Wave

Highest review count (3,800+) of any solar cover in this roundup, the most-option for round above-ground pools

8-mil polyethylene bubble construction
18-ft round sizing for above-ground pools
Raises water temperature up to 10-15 degrees F in full sun
Reduces evaporation by up to 95%
Trimmable at bubble seams for a custom fit

Pros

12-mil thickness is the sweet spot between an 8-mil cover that tears too easily and a 16-mil cover that costs much more
5-year seam warranty beats most budget solar covers, which often carry no seam coverage at all
Nearly 3,200 ratings at 4.4 stars is a large enough sample to trust the durability claims
Fits standard 16x32 rectangular pools without custom cutting

Cons

Still a wear item, expect noticeable bubble degradation by year 4-5 even with the 5-year warranty
Needs a reel to handle without wrinkling or tearing at this size
Adds zero structural weight rating, cannot substitute for a safety cover
Heavier per square foot than an 8-mil cover, more work to remove and store

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon

Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil Blue

Blue Wave

12-mil thickness is the sweet spot between an 8-mil cover that tears too easily and a 16-mil cover that costs much more

12-mil UV-stabilized polyethylene bubbles
5-year seam warranty
16x32 ft rectangle fit
Raises water temperature 10-15°F
Cuts evaporation by up to 95%

Pros

12-mil thickness is the sweet spot between an 8-mil cover that tears too easily and a 16-mil cover that costs much more
5-year seam warranty beats most budget solar covers, which often carry no seam coverage at all
Nearly 3,200 ratings at 4.4 stars is a large enough sample to trust the durability claims
Fits standard 16x32 rectangular pools without custom cutting

Cons

Still a wear item, expect noticeable bubble degradation by year 4-5 even with the 5-year warranty
Needs a reel to handle without wrinkling or tearing at this size
Adds zero structural weight rating, cannot substitute for a safety cover
Heavier per square foot than an 8-mil cover, more work to remove and store

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon

FAQ

Common questions

Which is better, the Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil or the Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil Blue?

What is the difference between the Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil and the Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil Blue?

The Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil stands out because highest review count (3,800+) of any solar cover in this roundup, the most-option for round above-ground pools, while the Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil Blue stands out because 12-mil thickness is the sweet spot between an 8-mil cover that tears too easily and a 16-mil cover that costs much more. The trade-offs differ too: the Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil's ma in caveat is that 3 to 5 year lifespan is the shortest of the mil-thickness tiers, needs replacing sooner than a 12-mil cover, and the Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil Blue's is that still a wear item, expect noticeable bubble degradation by year 4-5 even with the 5-year warranty.

Is the Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil worth it over the Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil Blue?

For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Blue Wave NS420 16x32 Ft Rectangle Solar Pool Cover 12-Mil Blue instead if 3 to 5 year lifespan is the shortest of the mil-thickness tiers, needs replacing sooner than a 12-mil cover is a deal-breaker for you.