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.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
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.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 10 in Best Solar Pool Covers | #2 of 10 in Best Solar Pool Covers |
| Pick label | Top pick | |
| Brand | Blue Wave | Blue Wave |
| Key features | 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 | 12-mil UV-stabilized clear bubble material; 15-ft round fit; Cuts evaporation and raises water temperature |
| Biggest strength | Highest review count (3,800+) of any solar cover in this roundup, the most-option for round above-ground pools | Clear material lets more sunlight through than blue covers, which typically means slightly faster heat gain |
| Main trade-off | 3 to 5 year lifespan is the shortest of the mil-thickness tiers, needs replacing sooner than a 12-mil cover | Clear material shows algae and debris buildup more visibly than tinted covers |
| Best for | Most buyers | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Top pick
Choose the Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil if…
- Highest review count (3,800+) of any solar cover in this roundup, the most-option for round above-ground pools
- Lowest price entry point into meaningful heat gain and evaporation control
- 8-mil thickness is light enough for one person to handle removal and refitting without a reel
Prefer the alternative? See the Blue Wave NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear section.
#2 pick
Choose the Blue Wave NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear if…
- 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
Prefer the alternative? See the Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil section.
Pros and cons of each
Blue Wave NS110 18-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 8-Mil
Pros
- Highest review count (3,800+) of any solar cover in this roundup, the most-option for round above-ground pools
- Lowest price entry point into meaningful heat gain and evaporation control
- 8-mil thickness is light enough for one person to handle removal and refitting without a reel
- Trimmable edges let it be sized down to match a pool slightly smaller than 18 feet
Cons
- 3 to 5 year lifespan is the shortest of the mil-thickness tiers, needs replacing sooner than a 12-mil cover
- Thinner material is more prone to puncture and UV degradation over a season of full sun exposure
- Round-only sizing, not usable on a rectangular or oval pool
Blue Wave NS480 15-Ft Round Solar Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, 12-Mil Clear
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
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: 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?
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.
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 main 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.