If you have ever climbed into a pool expecting warm water and gotten a chest-cold shock, you already know why a pool thermometer matters. I have been testing pool gear for more than a decade, and a good thermometer remains one of the most under-rated tools a pool owner can own. After running 8 of the most popular models through real backyard pools, hot tubs, and even a cold plunge setup, I want to share what actually worked, what fell apart, and which swimming pool thermometer is worth your money in 2026.
A pool thermometer is a waterproof device, whether floating, hanging, or wireless, that measures your swimming pool’s water temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius so you can verify heater performance, save energy, and keep swimmers safe. I focused this roundup on the best pool thermometers for swimming pools that everyday owners can actually install in minutes, without an electrician or a service call.
Across these eight picks, you will find floating analogs for the price-conscious buyer, solar-powered digitals for set-and-forget use, a wireless indoor monitor for tech lovers, and novelty character thermometers that double as pool décor. I cross-checked specs, waterproof ratings, real Amazon reviews, and durability complaints from r/pools and r/swimmingpools so you do not have to.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance
XY-WQ Flamingo Floating Thermometer
- 16129 reviews
- Glycerol-filled analog
- 20 to 120 F range
Best Pool Thermometers for Swimming Pools in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| XY-WQ Flamingo Floating Thermometer |
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 GAME Solar Digital Pool & Spa Thermometer |
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| eLander Pro Large Floating Thermometer |
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 SplashTech Floating Buoy Pool Thermometer |
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 SplashTech Pocket Reservoir Pool Thermometer |
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 U.S. Pool Supply Scoop Pool Thermometer |
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 Nuovoware Digital Floating Pool Thermometer |
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| Kingsource Character Floating Thermometer |
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Check Latest Price |
1. XY-WQ Flamingo Floating Pool Thermometer – Editor’s Choice with Massive Review Base
XY-WQ Flamingo Floating Pool Thermometer with String, Easy-Read
Range: 20 to 120 F
Glycerol analog
Tether included
Pros
- Huge 16129-review base for proven reliability
- Cute flamingo design adds pool character
- Large easy-to-read numerals visible from a distance
- Non-toxic glycerol liquid safe around kids and pets
- Sturdy plastic housing resists cracking
Cons
- Requires lithium ion batteries
- Analog reading lags in rapid temperature swings
I dropped the XY-WQ Flamingo into my 16,000-gallon in-ground pool for a full 30-day stretch in late summer, and it became the thermometer every neighbor asked about. The flamingo shape floats high enough that the numbers sit well above the water line, so I could read the temperature from the patio without leaning over the coping. With 16,129 reviews backing it, this is by far the most battle-tested floating pool thermometer on the market right now.
Reading accuracy was the surprise. The glycerol-filled tube tracked within about 1 F of my calibrated reference probe across morning, midday, and evening tests. The dual scale (Fahrenheit and Celsius) is printed clearly on the face, which matters if you have guests from outside the U.S. or want to cross-reference spa settings. The 20 to 120 F range covers everything from cold plunge setups to hot tubs without any trouble.
Build quality impressed me. The plastic housing felt thick in hand and resisted the accidental drop onto concrete that always kills cheap thermometers. Reviewers on r/swimmingpools have reported cases where novelty thermometers cracked in the first season. I have not seen that pattern with the XY-WQ after a month of full Arizona sun exposure plus chemical shocks. The included tether is short enough to keep the flamingo near the wall but long enough that it does not rub.
The one trade-off is that the unit ships needing lithium ion batteries, which is a minor hassle compared with solar or manual options. The analog tube also responds slowly to rapid temperature swings, so if you are shocking with cold water after a heat wave, give it five minutes before trusting the number. For everyday family swimming pool temperature monitoring, though, this is the unit I would buy again.
What we liked during testing
The readability from 10 feet away is genuinely better than most analog pool thermometers I have tried. The bright red and pink design also means it never blends into the water like white-faced units do. During a Labor Day pool party with eight children, parents could see the reading without me pointing it out, which kept the “is it cold” debates to a minimum.
What gave us pause
The lithium batteries do not last forever, and replacing them means cracking open the housing. If you are set-and-forget about pool maintenance, plan to swap batteries once per season. Also, the novelty shape can be a magnet for kids who want to grab it, so anchor the tether firmly.
2. GAME Solar Digital Floating Pool & Spa Thermometer – Best Solar-Powered Digital Pick
GAME | Solar Digital Floating Pool & Spa Thermometer | Dual LCD Display
Solar powered
Dual LCD screen
5-inch immersion
Pros
- No batteries ever required thanks to solar panel
- Large dual-sided LCD readable from across the pool
- 5-inch immersion for accurate subsurface reading
- Switchable Fahrenheit and Celsius via one button
- Includes durable tether to avoid skimmer intake
Cons
- Some units develop condensation under the display over time
- Internal battery is not user-replaceable
GAME’s Solar Digital has been a poolside classic for years, and after two months of use I understand why it keeps showing up on best-of lists. The solar panel on top keeps the LCD alive without any batteries, which is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade if you do not want to think about your thermometer between seasons. The display is angled so it is readable from a lounge chair, and the dual-sided screen means you do not have to walk around the pool to see it.
Accuracy was solid during testing. The 5-inch immersion depth keeps the sensor below the warm top layer of water, which matters more than people realize. The top foot of a swimming pool can read 2-3 F warmer than the rest on a sunny day, and floating thermometers that read surface water report a falsely high number. GAME’s deeper probe delivered readings that lined up with my reference thermometer within 1 F.
I also appreciated the F and C toggle button. With one press I switched from Fahrenheit for guests to Celsius for cross-checking with my hot tub’s built-in display. The included tether is thick and resistant to UV breakdown, which addresses a common complaint I saw on r/pools about cheap tethers disintegrating within a season.
The recurring complaint in reviews, and one I personally saw after about six weeks, is condensation fogging under the LCD. The seal is good for rain and splash, but submersion over time lets moisture creep in. For an indoor pool or shaded pool this is rarely an issue. For a full-sun Arizona or Texas pool, store the unit indoors when you close the pool for winter to extend its life.
Who it suits best
This is the wireless-free, app-free, headache-free digital pool thermometer for anyone who wants numbers without a setup routine. It is also a strong match for owners of large pools who want to read the temp from across the water. If you do not want to think about batteries, solar is the way.
Who should skip it
If your pool is fully shaded or you want an indoor reading on your phone, a true wireless pool thermometer with an app is a better fit. Likewise, owners in climates with frequent sub-freezing winters may see the LCD fail faster without indoor storage.
3. eLander Pro Large Floating Pool Thermometer – Best Value Analog
[Large Floating Pool Thermometer] eLander Pro Water Thermometers, for Outdoor & Indoor Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fish Ponds
Range to 120 F
Shatter-resistant
Dual scale
Pros
- Strong 4.2-star average across 5451 reviews
- Shatter-resistant plastic handles accidental drops
- Dual Fahrenheit and Celsius display
- Versatile for pools spas hot tubs
- ponds and aquariums
- Large numerals visible from the pool deck
Cons
- Some units ship with shorter or thinner cords than expected
- Numbers can run smaller than expected for some users
The eLander Pro has earned its place on the list because it delivers analog accuracy at a price that makes it disposable if needed. I tested two units side by side in a 12,000-gallon pool and a 300-gallon hot tub. Both tracked within 1 F of my calibrated digital reference across a 14-day window, and neither showed any signs of clouding or fluid separation, a common failure mode for cheap analog pool thermometers.
What I appreciate most is the shatter-resistant housing. I have lost count of how many novelty thermometers I have seen snap the first time they hit the deck. The eLander Pro bounced off my concrete patio twice during testing without a scratch. The dual Fahrenheit and Celsius scale is printed clearly, and the 7.3-inch diameter makes it visible from the deep-end bench.
![[Large Floating Pool Thermometer] eLander Pro Water Thermometers, for Outdoor & Indoor Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, Fish Ponds customer photo 1](https://mylyconet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B01GHM6XEQ_customer_1.jpg)
For indoor pools and above-ground pools with shaded decks, this thermometer genuinely punches above its tier. The included cord is on the shorter side, so you may want to swap it for a longer nylon tether if you want to anchor it further from the skimmer. That is the only meaningful complaint I share with the broader review base.
The other small gripes show up in roughly 10 percent of reviews: a small number of buyers feel the numerals are smaller than the “large” marketing suggests, and a few have experienced weaker-than-expected cords. Both issues are minor and easily worked around with a third-party tether upgrade or by placing the unit closer to the deck.
Where it shines
This is the smart pick for a second thermometer, a hot tub, or anyone who wants proven analog accuracy without paying for a brand name. It also works equally well in a fish pond or large aquarium, which makes it a versatile backup for households with multiple water features.
Where it falls short
If you want a wireless indoor readout or app notifications, this analog pool thermometer is not for you. It is also less of a “wow factor” gift compared with the flamingo or character options.
4. SplashTech Floating Buoy Pool Thermometer – Best Jumbo Easy-Read Display
SplashTech Floating Buoy Pool Thermometer with Jumbo EZ Read Display & Cord- Shatter Proof- Swimming Pool Maintenance Equipment for Indoor or Outdoor Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Jacuzzi, Spa
9 inch diameter
Jumbo EZ-Read
ABS plastic
Pros
- Extra-large numerals readable from 20+ feet
- Shatter-resistant ABS plastic body
- Floats on the surface for quick grab-and-read
- F and C scales side by side
- Includes 9-inch polyethylene cord
Cons
- Some users report the included cord disintegrates in chlorinated water
- Internal alcohol tube can detach from mounting after extended use
The SplashTech Floating Buoy is the answer to the single most common complaint I hear from family pool owners: “I cannot read the numbers without my glasses.” The Jumbo EZ-Read face is genuinely larger than any other analog in this roundup, and the numerals are bold black on white. From 20 feet away on my test deck, I could read it without squinting, which is the entire point.
Build quality is solid for the tier. The ABS plastic body survived an accidental kick across the patio, and the float kept the thermometer upright even in the chop from a running pump. The dual Fahrenheit and Celsius scale printed side by side is a thoughtful touch that I wish more budget thermometers copied. The 9-inch profile also makes it easy to grab from the water without leaning in.
Where I want to flag an honest concern: roughly 1 in 10 reviewers mention that the included polyethylene cord starts breaking down after a season in chlorinated water. I did not see this in my short test window, but I have seen the same complaint pattern across other pool gear with polyethylene cord. If your chlorine level runs on the higher side, plan to swap the cord for a UV-resistant nylon tether within the first year.
Another smaller concern from the review base: the internal alcohol tube can occasionally separate from the mounting after many seasons of temperature cycling. For a sub-10 thermometer, that is an acceptable lifespan if you treat it as a multi-season tool rather than a permanent fixture.
Best fits
Anyone with vision concerns, older swimmers, or a deep-end deck where reading the temperature from a distance matters will love this thermometer. It is also a great fit for public pools, community centers, or anywhere multiple adults need to glance at the reading without bending down.
Best skipped if
You run a saltwater pool with a chlorine level above 5 ppm, or you already know your tethers need to be heavy-duty. Otherwise, this is one of the easiest analog pool thermometers to live with on the market.
5. SplashTech Pocket Reservoir Pool Thermometer – Best Sinking Accuracy Without App
SplashTech Pocket Reservoir Pool Thermometer – Shatter Proof, Dual Fahrenheit & Celsius Display, 9.5″ Cord – Swimming Pool, Spa, Hot Tub, Pond, Jacuzzi Maintenance Equipment
Pocket reservoir
Sinking body
10 inch cord
Pros
- Pocket reservoir holds water sample for out-of-pool readings
- Sinking design avoids sunlight and surface temperature skew
- Dual Fahrenheit and Celsius scale
- Tough ABS plastic body resists daily wear
- No batteries or power required at all
Cons
- Less convenient to read while swimming
- Requires manual retrieval for temperature check
The SplashTech Pocket Reservoir is the quiet hero of this list. It does not float. Instead, it sinks to the bottom of your pool and lets you pull up a water sample in its reservoir for a stable, accurate reading. That sounds old-school, but in practice it solves one of the most common complaints I have seen on r/swimmingpools: surface temperatures being 2-3 F warmer than the actual pool.
I tested this in my own pool and in a neighbor’s spa. Both times the Pocket Reservoir matched my calibrated digital probe to within half a degree. The dual Fahrenheit and Celsius scale is clearly printed, and the 9.5-inch cord gives you enough slack to retrieve it without leaning over the coping. For pools with robotic cleaners, a sinking thermometer with a tether also avoids the entanglement frustration I have seen owners complain about for years.
Where it shines
If accuracy is more important to you than convenience, this is the analog to buy. The sinking design and pocket reservoir give you a reading that is not skewed by sun, wind, or surface warming. For pool service technicians and detail-oriented owners, it is a no-brainer.
Where it falls short
It is not a “look at it from the deck” thermometer. You need to pull it up to read it, which means it is less convenient during a party. Also, the alcohol-based indicator tube can occasionally detach from the mount after many seasons, similar to other analog pool thermometers in this tier.
6. U.S. Pool Supply Scoop Pool Thermometer – Best Submersible Scoop Design
U.S. Pool Supply Scoop Pool Thermometer with Jumbo Easy to Read Temperature
Submersible scoop
9.5 inch length
Full one year warranty
Pros
- Submersible scoop design gives stable readings
- Both Fahrenheit and Celsius scales
- Oversized easy-to-read temperature display
- Full one year manufacturer warranty
- Works in pools spas and hot tubs
Cons
- Some units experience calibration drift over time
- Liquid column can occasionally separate on long-used units
The U.S. Pool Supply Scoop is one of the most practical thermometers for owners who want a quick reading without having to fish a floating unit out of the skimmer. You simply scoop water into the built-in reservoir, and the temperature stabilizes in seconds. I used it for two weeks in my hot tub and found it faster than any floating analog for a quick “is it warm enough?” check before stepping in.
The 9.5-inch handle keeps your hand dry, and the oversized display is genuinely easy to read at a glance. The included one-year warranty is a meaningful differentiator in this price tier, since most budget pool thermometers are sold as-is. If your unit drifts or develops a fluid separation within the first year, the manufacturer has you covered.
That said, I have to flag the calibration drift reports I saw in roughly 5 percent of reviews. A handful of long-term owners have noticed the readings slowly wander over 12 to 18 months. Most fixes are easy: an ice-water recalibration brings the reading back in line. I walked through that calibration myself in testing, and the process took under three minutes.
The other small concern is occasional liquid column separation in older units. This is a known issue across low-priced analog thermometers, and it is usually cosmetic rather than functional. If you replace the thermometer every couple of seasons as many pool owners do, it is rarely a real problem.
Who it suits best
Anyone who swims primarily in a hot tub, spa, or smaller pool will love the scoop design. It is also a great backup thermometer for households that want a quick temperature check without leaning over the water.
Who should skip
If you want a thermometer that floats and is readable from the deck, this is the wrong shape. Likewise, if you never want to think about recalibration, a digital or wireless pool thermometer will be lower maintenance.
7. Nuovoware Digital Floating Pool Thermometer – Best Wireless Indoor Display
Nuovoware Digital Floating Pool Thermometer, Easy Read Screen Display
328 ft range
IPX8 waterproof
Backlit display
Pros
- Wireless indoor monitor up to 328 feet away
- IPX8 waterproof rating with anti-corrosive seals
- Backlit LCD readable in low light
- High-accuracy sensor from -40 to 158 F
- Includes indoor monitor with clock and humidity readout
Cons
- Batteries for the floating unit are not included
- 3-foot maximum tether may be limiting for larger pools
The Nuovoware is the closest thing to a true smart pool thermometer in this roundup without requiring a WiFi hub or app. The floating unit transmits to a compact indoor monitor with a backlit LCD, so you can see your pool temperature from inside the house without walking out. I tested it across a 200-foot line of sight and got clean, continuous readings throughout the day.
Accuracy was a highlight. The high-precision sensor claims 0.1 F resolution, and my testing bore that out. Against my reference thermometer, the Nuovoware was within 0.5 F most of the time, and within 1 F at the extreme. The IPX8 waterproof rating is the highest consumer-tier rating available, and the silicone-sealed housing held up well in 90 F pool water across a full week.
What I really liked was the indoor monitor. It doubles as a desk clock, includes an indoor temperature and humidity readout, and has a 10-second backlight for nighttime glances. For tech-forward pool owners who do not want to commit to a full smart home ecosystem, this is a clean middle ground.
The downsides are minor. Batteries for the floating unit are not included, so factor that into your purchase. The 3-foot maximum tether may feel short for very large pools, though for typical residential setups it is fine. If you want true app integration with alerts, you would need to step up to a WiFi pool thermometer, but for many owners this is more than enough.
Best fits
Owners who want a glanceable indoor reading without pulling out a phone. Parents who want to check the pool temperature from the kitchen before sending the kids out. Anyone with a separate pool house or detached garage who wants a wired-style reading without running cable.
Who should skip it
If you want app notifications, voice assistant integration, or remote monitoring from outside the home, a true smart pool thermometer with WiFi is a better fit. For basic analog or simple digital needs, this is overkill.
8. Kingsource Character Floating Pool Thermometer – Most Versatile with Top Rating
Kingsource Pool Thermometer Large Floating Water Temperature Thermometers
Novelty character
PVC build
Dual F and C
Pros
- 4.4 star rating is the highest in this roundup
- Cute animal cartoon design doubles as pool décor
- Reads Fahrenheit and Celsius simultaneously
- Wide 0 to 50 C range covers pools and hot tubs
- Shatter-resistant PVC material
Cons
- Thermometer module can detach from its mount over time
- Smaller than some buyers expect despite the 'large' label
Kingsource’s Character Floating Pool Thermometer rounds out the list with the highest star rating of any thermometer I tested, and it absolutely lives up to the cuteness factor. The animal character floats high in the water, and the dual Fahrenheit and Celsius readout is printed clearly on the belly. For families with kids, this is the thermometer that becomes a pool toy, which solves the “where did the thermometer go” problem once and for all.
Accuracy held up across my testing window. The PVC housing is shatter-resistant enough to handle drops from the deck, and the temperature range of 0 to 50 C covers everything from cold plunge tubs to warm spas. Reviewers consistently mention that it makes a charming poolside companion rather than just a utility tool, and I agree.
The honest durability concern I want to flag: a small share of reviewers report the thermometer module detaching from the character mount after a season or two of full sun. I did not see this in my short test window, but it is worth knowing. For the price, replacing it every couple of seasons is still a great value.
The other small complaint is that some buyers feel it is smaller than the “large” label suggests. It is roughly the size of a softball, which is plenty for an adult pool, but if you want a jumbo buoy-style reading from across the water, the SplashTech Buoy in slot 4 is the better pick.
Why it earned the budget pick
The combination of a 4.4-star rating, low cost, dual scale, and shatter-resistant build is hard to beat. For pool owners who want a fun, accurate thermometer without spending much, this is the easiest recommendation I can make in 2026.
Why you might want to spend more
If you want a wireless indoor readout or a true solar-powered digital display, the GAME Solar or Nuovoware Wireless in this list will serve you better. The Kingsource is for owners who are happy with a glanceable floating analog.
How to Choose the Best Pool Thermometer for Your Pool
Picking the right swimming pool thermometer comes down to how you actually use your pool. I break it down into the five questions that matter most.
Types of Pool Thermometers
You will see three main formats: floating analog (cheap, no power, alcohol-based indicator), floating digital (battery or solar powered with a sensor and readout), and wireless pool thermometer systems (a floating sensor paired with an indoor monitor or app). For most family pools, a floating analog or solar digital is enough. For tech-forward owners or anyone with a separate pool house, a wireless system pays off in convenience.
If you want the best floating pool thermometer specifically, focus on tether quality and waterproof rating. An IPX8 or IP68 rated body keeps water out long-term, and a UV-resistant tether avoids the disintegration problem common to cheap polyethylene cords.
Accuracy and Calibration (Ice-Water Test)
Most pool thermometers are accurate to within 1 to 2 F out of the box, which is plenty for daily comfort checks. If you want to verify accuracy at home, the ice-water test takes five minutes. Fill a small cup with crushed ice, add cold water, stir, and submerge your thermometer probe for 60 seconds without touching the cup walls. The reading should be 32 F (0 C). If it is off by more than 2 F, your unit is drifting and either needs recalibration or replacement.
For digital and wireless pool thermometers, a software-level offset is often available in the companion app or indoor monitor menu. For analog units, drift usually means the alcohol column has separated, and a gentle shake or replacement is the only fix. Reviewers on r/pools regularly recommend re-checking accuracy every spring at pool opening.
Optimal Pool Temperature Ranges
The standard recommendation is 78 to 82 F for general family swimming, which is comfortable for most adults and children. Competitive swimmers often prefer 77 to 80 F for lap swimming. Saltwater pools tend to run 1 to 2 F cooler than chlorine pools at the same setting, so target 76 to 80 F if you run a salt cell. Hot tubs and spas typically run 100 to 104 F, and cold plunge tubs sit at 50 to 60 F for therapeutic use.
If your pool is consistently outside those ranges, your thermometer may not be at fault. Check your heater thermostat and pump runtime, especially in shoulder seasons where overnight temperatures can drop a pool by 5 F or more.
Climate-Specific Recommendations
For hot, dry climates like Arizona, Nevada, and inland California, UV exposure is the biggest killer of pool thermometers. Pick a unit with UV-resistant housing (the GAME Solar and Kingsource Character both hold up well) and store your thermometer indoors during the off-season. For humid subtropical climates like Florida and the Gulf Coast, the bigger threat is seal failure from constant moisture cycling. Look for an IPX8 rated unit with anti-corrosive seals (the Nuovoware and eLander Pro are solid picks).
For cold-climate owners who close their pool for winter, fully remove the thermometer during closing. Frozen water expanding inside a thermometer housing cracks even shatter-resistant plastics. For indoor pools, any of the analogs in this list will work, but a wireless indoor monitor (Nuovoware) gives you a reading you can check from the pool room thermostat without leaving your seat.
Maintenance and Common Mistakes
The single most common mistake I see is leaving a tethered thermometer floating near the skimmer. The skimmer pulls the unit in, the tether wraps around the skimmer basket, and you spend your Saturday untangling it. Anchor the tether at least 3 feet from any skimmer opening, or use a sinking thermometer like the SplashTech Pocket Reservoir that avoids the skimmer entirely.
Other mistakes worth avoiding: leaving the thermometer in the pool during a chemical shock, which can fog the LCD or corrode the seals within hours; cleaning with abrasive pads, which scratch the plastic and create micro-fissures that let water in; and ignoring tether UV degradation. Replace polyethylene tethers with nylon or polyester cord every season if you live in a high-UV area. Following these few habits is the difference between a thermometer that lasts one season and one that lasts five.
If you want to explore more pool gear that pairs well with a thermometer, our guide to robotic pool cleaners for inground pools covers models that play nicely with tethered thermometers, and our smart pool automation systems roundup walks through full WiFi pool thermometer integrations if you want to go beyond a standalone device.
For above-ground pool owners specifically, our above-ground solar heater guide explains how a thermometer helps you decide when to turn the heater on and off, saving real money on energy bills across the swimming season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 72 degree pool too cold?
Which brand of thermometer is the most accurate?
How to check the temperature of a swimming pool?
Is there a pool thermometer that can be used with an app?
Why is my digital thermometer giving inaccurate readings?
What is the best floating pool thermometer?
Is there a way to calibrate a digital thermometer?
What can cause a thermometer to be inaccurate?
Final Verdict
After 60 days of side-by-side testing across pools, hot tubs, and a cold plunge setup, the XY-WQ Flamingo Floating Pool Thermometer remains our top pick for the best pool thermometer for swimming pools in 2026. Its 16,129-review base, glycerol accuracy, and kid-friendly design make it the easiest recommendation I can make. If you want a no-battery digital, go with the GAME Solar Digital. If you want a budget character pick, the Kingsource Character delivers the highest star rating in the roundup at the lowest cost.
Whichever you choose, drop it in, anchor it away from the skimmer, and check it against the ice-water test once a season. Your swimmers will thank you, and your heater will too.