● Pool Covers · Comparison

Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round vs Blue Wave NS480 15-Ft Round

Both made our Best Solar Pool Covers shortlist, at #1 and #2. 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 NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil ClearView 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 NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear if you'd rather have clear material lets more sunlight through than blue covers, which typically means slightly faster heat gain. Overall we rank the Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil higher: #1 versus #2 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 NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear 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 NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear 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

Clear material lets more sunlight through than blue covers, which typically means slightly faster heat gain
12-mil thickness holds up better than budget 8-mil round covers
15-ft round is the most common above-ground pool diameter, widely compatible
2,600+ ratings at 4.4 stars is the largest sample size of any cover in this list, a strong reliability signal

Cons

Clear material shows algae and debris buildup more visibly than tinted covers
Still a wear item that needs replacement every 5-8 years depending on sun exposure
Requires a reel or careful folding to avoid creasing and premature cracking
No structural weight rating, cannot serve as a safety or winter cover

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

Blue Wave NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear

Blue Wave

Clear material lets more sunlight through than blue covers, which typically means slightly faster heat gain

12-mil UV-stabilized clear bubble material
15-ft round fit
Cuts evaporation and raises water temperature
High-volume seller, over 2,600 ratings

Pros

Clear material lets more sunlight through than blue covers, which typically means slightly faster heat gain
12-mil thickness holds up better than budget 8-mil round covers
15-ft round is the most common above-ground pool diameter, widely compatible
2,600+ ratings at 4.4 stars is the largest sample size of any cover in this list, a strong reliability signal

Cons

Clear material shows algae and debris buildup more visibly than tinted covers
Still a wear item that needs replacement every 5-8 years depending on sun exposure
Requires a reel or careful folding to avoid creasing and premature cracking
No structural weight rating, cannot serve as a safety or winter cover

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 NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear?

What is the difference between the Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil and the Blue Wave NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear?

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 NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear stands out because clear material lets more sunlight through than blue covers, which typically means slightly faster heat gain. 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 NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear's is that clear material shows algae and debris buildup more visibly than tinted covers.

Is the Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil worth it over the Blue Wave NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear?

For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Blue Wave NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear 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.