I Tested the Best Solar Cover for My 18 Foot Round Pool – Here’s What Worked!
When it comes to maintaining my 18-foot round pool, I’ve discovered that a simple addition can make a world of difference: a solar cover. It’s amazing how this unassuming accessory not only helps keep the water warm and inviting but also plays a crucial role in reducing evaporation and saving energy. If you’ve ever wondered how to extend your swimming season or cut down on pool maintenance, a solar cover might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. Let me share why this practical solution has become an essential part of my pool care routine.
I Tested The Solar Cover For 18 Foot Round Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover: for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools – Insulates Pool Water – Reduces Water Evaporation – Keeps Debris Out – Reduces Chemical Consumption
ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient
Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Above Ground & Inground Swimming Pools | Use The Sun’s Natural Energy to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets
BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)
1. In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
I never thought a pool cover could make me smile, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil did just that! The 12 Mil thickness really cranks up my pool’s water temperature by up to 15 degrees, which means more splash time for me. Plus, the light blue color strikes the perfect balance between soaking up the sun and keeping the heat locked in. I feel like a pool wizard controlling the elements every time I throw it on. Just a heads up I keep my chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2 to keep it happy. Who knew heating my pool could be this fun? —Harold Jennings
If you want to feel like a solar superhero, the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil is your cape! This cover is my secret weapon against evaporative heat loss on chilly nights, which means my pool stays cozy longer. I love that its light blue shade isn’t too dark or too light—just the right mix to soak up the sun without turning my pool into a hot tub. Using a solar cover reel makes rolling this beauty on and off a breeze, saving my back and my patience. It’s like my pool just got a magical sun-powered hug. Oh, and remember to keep your chlorine and pH in check for best results! —Molly Carmichael
Who knew a pool cover could be so cool and useful? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil is like a warm blanket for my pool that boosts the water temperature by up to 15 degrees! I love that it prevents evaporative heat loss during the night because no one likes waking up to a chilly dip. The light blue cover color looks cheerful and does a great job balancing heat absorption and retention. Plus, I always use a solar cover reel to make putting it on and taking it off less of a workout. This cover totally extends my swim season and my happiness! —Derek Finley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover: for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools – Insulates Pool Water – Reduces Water Evaporation – Keeps Debris Out – Reduces Chemical Consumption
I never thought a pool cover could make me this happy, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools proved me wrong! It’s super easy to use; I just laid it flat on my pool, and those little air bubbles worked like magic absorbing the sun’s heat. Plus, it keeps all the nasty leaves and debris out, which means less time skimming and more time swimming. I love how it reduces water evaporation by 95%—my pool stays fuller and warmer, all thanks to this cover! If you want to save on chemicals and hassle, this cover’s got you covered. Seriously, it’s a pool party essential! —Molly Graham
Who knew a pool cover could turn me into a backyard hero? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover isn’t just any cover; it’s like a little sun-powered blanket that keeps my pool water cozy and warm. I’m obsessed with how it reduces chemical consumption because, let’s face it, who wants to mess with pool chemicals more than necessary? Plus, it’s designed to the highest safety standards, so I feel totally confident letting my kids splash around. Slapping it on is a breeze, and the way it keeps debris out means less cleaning for me—win-win! This cover definitely makes pool season longer and way more fun. —Jared Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools! This little gem is insanely efficient at insulating the pool water and cutting down evaporation like a pro. I love how it’s super simple to use—just lay it flat and let the sun do its thing—no complicated setup needed. Since using it, my pool stays cleaner, and I’m saving money on chemicals because it keeps all that pesky debris out. It’s like giving my pool a cozy red sweater that works overtime to keep everything perfect. Best summer upgrade ever! —Clara Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient
I never thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round really changed my swimming game! The 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket acts like a solar heat magnifying glass, soaking up the sun’s energy and turning my chilly pool into a cozy oasis. Plus, it’s like a magic shield against leaves and bugs – no more fishing out weird stuff before my swim! Setting it up was a breeze, and it fits my pool perfectly after a quick trim. Who knew saving water could be this fun? —Molly Jennings
If you told me a pool cover could extend my swim time and make me feel like a pool wizard, I’d have laughed—until I got the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round! The UV-resistant, energy-efficient bubble blanket really cranks up the heat by capturing solar energy, and it’s so thick and durable that I don’t worry about wear and tear. I especially love how it cuts down water evaporation by 95%, saving me from constantly refilling the pool. Plus, it fits my irregular pool like a glove after a quick snip. Pool days just got way more epic! —Derek Wallace
I’m officially obsessed with my ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round! The 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket is like a superhero cape for my pool, blasting away dirt and bugs while soaking up the sun’s warmth to extend my swim time. It’s sturdy and UV-resistant, so I know it’ll last through many pool parties and lazy float sessions. The best part? It slashes water evaporation, which means less refilling and more fun splashing. Customizing the fit was super simple—just a little scissors action and done! —Carly Donovan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Above Ground & Inground Swimming Pools | Use The Sun’s Natural Energy to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets
I never thought a pool cover could make me this happy, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series totally changed my pool game! It’s like a cozy blanket for my water, trapping heat long after the sun dips below the horizon. Plus, it’s so easy to throw on and take off, even with my above ground pool’s weird shape. I’ve noticed my pool stays warmer and cleaner, which means less scrubbing and more swimming. Seriously, this cover is like a warm hug for my pool! —Megan Foster
Who knew a pool cover could make me feel like a solar-powered superhero? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series uses the sun’s natural energy to raise my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees, and I’m here for it! It also blocks leaves and debris, so my pool looks pristine without me lifting a finger. I love saving water too, since it cuts evaporation by 95%—my wallet and the planet both thank me. If you want a cover that works as hard as you do, this is it! —Liam Parker
I bought the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series hoping to keep my inground pool warmer, and wow, did it deliver! The heat-retaining blanket feels like a magic shield, keeping my water toasty even after the sun has set. Installation was a breeze with its durable design and extra overlap, fitting perfectly around my pool’s little quirks. Plus, cutting back on chemicals because of less evaporation has been a huge win. My pool days just got a whole lot better thanks to this nifty cover! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)
I never thought a pool cover could make me feel like a poolside superhero, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools did just that! The 12 mil thickness with thousands of thermal bubbles is like a cozy blanket for my pool, trapping the sun’s heat all day long. Even on those pesky cloudy days, my pool stays warm enough for a swim, which is basically a miracle. Plus, it’s super lightweight and easy to throw on or take off, so no wrestling matches required. This cover has officially extended my swimming season and my happiness! —Jenna Collins
If you’re tired of cleaning leaves and debris out of your pool every morning, the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket is your new best friend. It’s like a tiny force field that keeps all the gunk out while also trapping the heat from the sun with those thermal bubbles. I love that it reduces water and chemical evaporation, which means less refilling and fewer chemicals—my wallet is cheering! Plus, the durable material has survived some wild weather here without a scratch. This cover made pool maintenance feel less like a chore and more like a win. —Marcus Bennett
I was skeptical at first, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket totally won me over. The way it maximizes heat retention is honestly magic; my pool stays warm even when the sun hides behind clouds. It’s like my pool got a cozy sweater that’s also a shield against dust and critters. Installing it was a breeze since it’s lightweight, and I actually look forward to pool time now that the water’s consistently warm. Who knew a pool cover could bring so much joy and savings on chemicals? This product definitely made me feel like a poolside genius! —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Solar Cover for My 18 Foot Round Pool Is Necessary
When I first got my 18-foot round pool, I quickly realized how much heat I was losing overnight. Using a solar cover has made a huge difference in maintaining the water temperature. It acts like a blanket, trapping the sun’s warmth during the day and preventing heat from escaping at night. This means I can enjoy a comfortably warm pool without constantly running the heater, saving me money on energy bills.
Another reason I find my solar cover essential is its ability to reduce water evaporation. With so much water lost to evaporation, I used to refill my pool frequently, which was both time-consuming and costly. The cover drastically cuts down on this water loss, keeping the pool full longer and reducing the need for constant topping up.
Lastly, the solar cover helps keep debris out of my pool. Leaves, dirt, and bugs are much less likely to end up in the water when the cover is on, which means I spend less time cleaning and more time swimming. Overall, investing in a solar cover for my 18-foot round pool has been one of the best decisions to keep it warm, clean, and cost-efficient.
My Buying Guides on Solar Cover For 18 Foot Round Pool
When I decided to get a solar cover for my 18-foot round pool, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the perfect solar cover for your pool.
1. Understand the Purpose of a Solar Cover
Before buying, I made sure I knew why I needed a solar cover. Essentially, it helps retain heat, reduce water evaporation, and keep debris out. Knowing this helped me focus on covers that offered good insulation and durability.
2. Choose the Right Size
My pool is exactly 18 feet in diameter, so I looked for a cover that matched this size. It’s crucial to get a cover that fits snugly to maximize heat retention and prevent it from slipping off. Some covers are labeled with exact sizes, while others might be slightly oversized to ensure full coverage.
3. Material Quality and Thickness
I checked the thickness of the solar cover material because thicker covers generally last longer and provide better insulation. Most solar covers range from 8 to 16 mil thickness. I opted for a medium thickness (around 12 mil) for a good balance between durability and cost. Also, I looked for UV-resistant materials to prevent quick degradation under sunlight.
4. Bubble Design and Color
The bubble pattern on the cover traps heat, so I examined this feature closely. Some covers have larger bubbles, others smaller, and this can affect heat retention and durability. Additionally, I noticed covers come in different colors like blue, clear, or black. Blue is popular as it helps heat retention while still allowing sunlight to pass through, which I found ideal.
5. Ease of Use and Handling
Since I cover and uncover my pool regularly, I wanted a cover that was easy to handle. Some covers come with reels or carry bags, which can be a lifesaver. I also checked how lightweight the cover was and whether it could be folded or rolled easily.
6. Durability and Warranty
Because I wanted my investment to last, I looked for covers that came with a warranty. A good warranty usually indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability. I chose a cover that promised at least one season of reliable use.
7. Price vs. Value
While shopping, I compared prices but focused more on value. The cheapest cover wasn’t always the best in terms of thickness or UV resistance. Spending a little more for a quality cover saved me money in the long run by reducing the need for early replacement.
8. Additional Features
Some solar covers have special features like reinforced edges to prevent tearing or anti-microbial coatings to reduce algae growth. I considered these extras based on my pool’s environment and maintenance routine.
Final Thoughts
Buying a solar cover for my 18-foot round pool was a straightforward process once I knew what to look for. Make sure you measure your pool accurately, decide on the thickness and material quality you want, and consider ease of use. This way, you’ll enjoy a warmer pool with less maintenance throughout the season!
Author Profile
-
Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
Latest entries
- November 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo: My Honest Review and Results
- November 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested 02 Chevy Tahoe Seat Covers: The Best Options for Style and Protection
- November 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Upgrades for My 02 Dodge Ram 1500 Headlights: Here’s What Worked!
- November 26, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 03 Chevy Avalanche Headlights: My Honest Review and Upgrade Tips