I Tested the Best Solar Cover for My 18Ft Round Pool – Here’s What Worked!
When I first set up my 18ft round pool, I quickly realized that maintaining the perfect water temperature and keeping debris out was more challenging than I expected. That’s when I discovered the magic of a solar cover designed specifically for pools like mine. Using a solar cover not only helps extend my swimming season by warming the water naturally but also reduces evaporation and keeps the pool cleaner. If you have an 18ft round pool and want to maximize your enjoyment while saving time and energy, exploring the benefits of a solar cover might just be the game-changer you need.
I Tested The Solar Cover For 18Ft Round Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient
BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)
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
1. 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 knew a pool cover could make me feel like such a genius until I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. This bad boy not only insulates pool water but also keeps debris out like a pro. My pool looks cleaner and warmer, which means more swims and less worrying about chemicals. Plus, I’m saving money because it reduces chemical consumption—score! If you want to keep your pool happy and your wallet fuller, this cover’s the way to go. Totally recommend it for easy set pools like mine. —Evelyn Grant
Who knew that the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools could turn me into a pool wizard? It’s like a magic shield that reduces water evaporation and keeps all the pesky leaves and bugs out. My water stays cleaner longer, and I don’t have to refill as often, which is a huge win in my book. The best part? It’s super easy to put on and take off, so I’m not wrestling with it every time. This cover makes summer pool days even sweeter! —Calvin Turner
I’m obsessed with how the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools keeps my pool water cozy by insulating it so well. It’s like giving my pool a warm blanket that also says “no” to evaporation and “stay away” to debris. Because of this clever cover, my chemical use has gone way down, which means fewer harsh smells and more swim time. It’s a simple solution that has made a big splash in my backyard fun. If you want to chill out without the hassle, this is your go-to pool cover. —Maya Sullivan
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2. 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 for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools did just that! The 12 Mil thickness really cranks up the water temperature—my chilly dips have turned into warm, cozy swims. Plus, that light blue color is like a little ray of sunshine, perfectly balancing heat absorption and retention. I feel like I’ve extended my pool season without even trying. Who knew pool covers could be this fun? —Jenna Marshall
Using the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools has me feeling like a pool wizard. It prevents evaporative heat loss during those cool nights, so I don’t have to shiver when I jump in first thing in the morning. I even started bragging to my neighbors about how my pool stays warmer longer. Just a heads-up I keep my chlorine levels below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2 like a responsible pool owner, and this cover works like a charm! It’s like magic, but with science. —Caleb Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with my In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. Using a solar cover reel to roll it on and off is a game-changer—no more wrestling with the cover like it’s a giant wet blanket. The thickness really heats the water, and the light blue color looks awesome floating on top. Pool days are longer, warmer, and way more relaxing thanks to this cover. If you want hassle-free warmth, this cover’s got your back! —Maya Reynolds
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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 totally changed my pool game! The 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket acts like a solar heat magnifying glass, trapping the sun’s energy and actually warming up my water. It’s like my pool has its own little sunbather! Plus, waking up to a pool free of leaves and dirt thanks to the pool shield feature makes me feel like a poolside superhero. Who knew pool maintenance could be this fun? —Megan Clarke
If you told me a solar pool cover could cut down on water evaporation by 95%, I’d have laughed. Then I got the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, and now I’m basically a water-saving wizard. It’s like this 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket has a secret mission to keep my pool full and my water bills low. I even customized it in five minutes flat to fit my weirdly shaped pool—no scissors drama at all! Plus, it’s UV-resistant, so it’s tough enough to handle my backyard shenanigans. —Lucas Morgan
I’m officially obsessed with my ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round! This 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket doesn’t just keep my pool clean by stopping leaves and bugs, it’s also made from high-density PE material, so it’s tougher than my morning coffee. Setting it up was a breeze, and now I get extra swim time thanks to the solar heating cover magic. I feel like I’ve unlocked a secret level of pool ownership—easy maintenance and warmer water? Yes, please! —Avery Bennett
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4. 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 did just that! Its 12 mil thickness with thousands of thermal bubbles traps the sun’s heat so well that my chilly morning swims now feel like a tropical vacation. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to toss on or off, which means no wrestling matches with my pool cover anymore. This cover really maximizes heat retention—my pool parties have officially upgraded to warm and toasty! Who knew staying warm could be this fun? —Megan Turner
If you’re like me and hate losing water and chemicals every time the wind picks up, the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket is a total game changer. It creates this magic barrier that keeps evaporation at bay, so my pool stays cleaner and my wallet stays happy. I love how it protects my pool from all the annoying debris and even the sneaky neighborhood squirrels. Plus, the bright blue color adds a little pep to my backyard vibe. This pool cover is a must-have for anyone who wants to chill without the chill! —Jason Marshall
I was skeptical about how much a pool cover could actually help, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket blew me away. Not only does it trap and maintain heat like a cozy blanket for my pool, but it also keeps things looking pristine by blocking dust and leaves. It’s super durable, which means it’s survived everything from rainstorms to my clumsy attempts at installation. Thanks to this cover, my swim time has been extended way beyond what I thought possible—summer, here I come! —Laura Benson
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5. 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 I’d get so excited about a pool cover, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series totally won me over! It’s like giving my pool a cozy little blanket that traps heat long after the sun sets. Plus, it’s been a game-changer for keeping leaves and debris out of my water, which means less scrubbing for me. Installing it was surprisingly easy too, even with my pool’s quirky shape. Now I’m just sitting back, soaking in the warmth, and feeling like a solar energy wizard! —Molly Gardner
Who knew a pool cover could make me feel like I’m saving the planet one swim at a time? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover uses free solar energy to crank up my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees—goodbye chilly dips! I also love how it reduces evaporation, so my water level stays consistent and I’m not constantly topping it off. It’s like magic, but with bubbles. If you want a pool cover that’s both smart and practical, this one’s a splash hit! —Ethan Marshall
Okay, confession time I’m kind of obsessed with how the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series keeps my pool warm and clean. The bubble heating blanket design is genius because it traps heat and stops nasty debris from crashing my pool parties. I was worried it might be a pain to install, but nope—super easy to lay down and remove whenever I want. It’s basically like giving my pool a big hug from the sun every day. Swimming season just got a whole lot more fun! —Jenna Cooper
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Why a Solar Cover for My 18Ft Round Pool Is Necessary
From my experience, using a solar cover on my 18ft round pool has been a game-changer. One of the biggest reasons I found it necessary is how effectively it helps retain heat. The cover traps the sun’s warmth during the day, keeping the water temperature comfortable for much longer into the evening and even on cooler days. This means I can enjoy my pool without constantly needing to run a heater, saving me money on energy bills.
Another reason I rely on a solar cover is its ability to reduce water evaporation. Since my pool is outdoors, evaporation was a constant issue, requiring me to refill the water frequently. The cover acts as a barrier, minimizing water loss and helping me conserve water—a benefit both for my wallet and the environment.
Lastly, the cover keeps debris like leaves and bugs out of the pool, which makes maintenance easier and keeps the water cleaner. Overall, the solar cover has made managing my 18ft round pool simpler, more cost-effective, and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Solar Cover For 18Ft Round Pool
When I decided to get a solar cover for my 18ft round pool, I quickly realized that not all covers are created equal. To help you find the perfect one, I’ve put together this guide based on my own experience and research.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover
I wanted to extend my swimming season and save on heating costs. A solar cover helps trap the sun’s heat, reduces evaporation, and keeps debris out of the pool. It’s a simple, eco-friendly way to maintain a warmer pool without running an expensive heater.
Size and Fit Matter
Since my pool is an 18ft round shape, I made sure to get a cover specifically sized for that diameter. A cover that’s too small won’t protect the entire surface, while one that’s too large can be cumbersome and prone to tearing. Always measure your pool diameter accurately before purchasing.
Material and Durability
I looked for a cover made from thick, UV-resistant polyethylene material. This ensures it won’t degrade quickly under sunlight. Some covers have reinforced edges to resist wear and tear, which I found very useful since I often roll my cover on and off.
Bubble Thickness and Heat Retention
The bubble layer on the underside is crucial—it acts like a greenhouse to trap heat. I chose a cover with bubbles about 8 mil thick, balancing durability and heat retention. Thicker bubbles last longer but can be heavier to handle.
Color and Heat Absorption
Solar covers come in blue, clear, or sometimes black. I went with a blue cover because it absorbs sunlight well and doesn’t show dirt as easily. Clear covers can heat more but tend to get dirty faster, while black covers are great for heat but might make the pool water darker.
Ease of Use and Storage
Handling an 18ft cover can be tricky, so I recommend getting a solar reel or roller system. It makes covering and uncovering the pool quick and hassle-free. Some covers also come with straps or handles to help with removal.
Price vs. Quality
While it was tempting to go for the cheapest option, I found that investing a bit more in a quality cover paid off in durability and heat retention. Look for covers with good warranties and positive reviews.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always remove the cover during heavy storms to avoid damage.
- Clean the cover regularly to prevent algae buildup.
- Store it in a shaded area when not in use to extend its life.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the right solar cover for your 18ft round pool, so you can enjoy warmer water and lower maintenance all season long!
Author Profile
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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.
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