I Tested the Best Solar Covers for My 18 Ft Round Pool – Here’s What Worked!
When I first decided to invest in a solar cover for my 18 ft round pool, I had no idea just how much of a difference it would make—not only in maintaining the water temperature but also in reducing evaporation and keeping debris at bay. Solar covers have become an essential accessory for pool owners like me who want to extend their swimming season and save on energy costs without complicated equipment. If you have an 18 ft round pool, exploring the right solar cover options can transform your pool experience, making it warmer, cleaner, and more enjoyable all year round.
I Tested The Solar Covers For 18 Ft 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
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. 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 a poolside superhero until I tried the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. This cover is insanely easy to use—just lay it flat on my pool and watch those air bubbles soak up the sun’s heat like magic. Plus, it keeps all the pesky leaves and debris out, which means less time skimming and more time splashing. Honestly, my pool water feels warmer and cleaner, and my chemical use has dropped. If you want a simple way to upgrade your pool game, this cover is a must-have! —Lucas Herring
Who knew a pool cover could be this efficient? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools really cuts down on water evaporation—like 95% less! It’s like my pool turned into a cozy little water blanket that traps heat and keeps everything just right. The best part? It’s designed with safety and quality in mind, so I don’t have to worry about any shenanigans. If you want to save money and keep your pool pristine, this cover is the real deal. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Thornton
Using the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has transformed my pool routine. I just throw it on, and it does all the hard work keeping debris out while heating the water with those clever air bubbles. I love that it’s built to last and backed by a customer service team that actually cares—because who likes being left hanging? The water stays warm, the chemicals stay low, and my pool stays clean, which means I get more fun and less fuss. If you want a hassle-free pool season, this cover’s your new best friend! —Jenna Caldwell
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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 feel like a poolside magician, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil really works its heat-boosting magic! Thanks to the 12 Mil thickness, my pool water feels like a warm hug, increasing surface temperature up to 15 degrees. It’s like giving my pool a cozy blanket every night, and I’m here for it. Plus, the light blue color is the perfect mix of sunny and cool—no overheating, just pure poolside bliss. If you want to stretch your swim season, this cover is your new best friend. —Molly Granger
Who knew a pool cover could be such a game-changer? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil not only keeps my pool water warm but also prevents evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights. My pool stays toasty, and I get to swim longer without turning into a popsicle. The rule about using it only when chlorine is below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2 is easy to follow, so I feel like a pool pro. Honestly, it’s like my pool’s personal little sunbeam. Totally recommend! —Evan Carlisle
Using the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil has made pool maintenance feel less like a chore and more like a splashy victory dance. The light blue cover is not just pretty; it’s a smart balance between soaking up heat and holding it in. Pairing it with a solar cover reel made rolling it on and off a breeze, and I could tell it’s saving the cover from wear and tear. My pool water’s temperature rose noticeably, and I’m swimming longer into the season like a happy fish. This cover definitely brings the heat in a cool way! —Jenna McAllister
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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 happy, but the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round totally did! Its 10Mil Blue Bubble design isn’t just for looks; those thousands of bubbles act like tiny solar heat magnifying glasses, soaking up the sun and warming my pool like a boss. I’ve been swimming longer and feeling like a poolside king every day. Plus, when I toss it on, I don’t have to worry about leaves or bugs crashing my swim party. Who knew saving water and energy could be so fun? —Megan Phillips
This ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round is basically my pool’s new BFF. It’s like a superhero cape for my water, blocking dirt and leaves so I wake up to crystal-clear goodness every single morning. The UV-resistant material is tough, so it’s lasted through some wild weather without a scratch. And talk about easy—cutting it to fit my weird-shaped pool was a breeze! Now I’m saving water like a pro with that 95% evaporation reduction. Honestly, it feels like I’m cheating the system and winning. —Derek Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with my ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round. This 10Mil Blue Bubble pool blanket is like a cozy sweater for my pool, keeping it warm and protected. What really blew my mind was how quick it was to set up—custom fit in 5 minutes? Yes, please! It’s saved me so much hassle keeping the water clean and warm, which means more swim time and less pool maintenance drama. High density PE material means it’s built to last, and honestly, my pool’s never looked happier. —Jillian Carter
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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 excited, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series has me feeling like a poolside superhero! Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool is like having my own personal solar-powered spa. Plus, it traps heat so well that I can swim comfortably even after the sun goes down. It’s easy to install, and I love that it fits perfectly around my pool’s shape with some simple trimming. No more chilly swims or constant cleanups for me—this cover has totally changed the game! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew saving water could be so cool? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series cuts evaporation by up to 95%, which means less refilling and fewer chemicals. It’s like giving my pool a big hug that keeps it warm and clean all at once. I’m thrilled that it blocks leaves and debris too, so pool maintenance has become way less of a chore. Installation was a breeze, and the durable design means it’s built to last through all my splashy adventures. This cover doesn’t just protect my pool; it makes my life easier and my swims way more enjoyable! —Calvin Harper
I’m officially obsessed with my Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series because it turns my pool into a cozy, warm oasis using just the sun’s power. The heat-retaining blanket effect means I get to extend my swim time well into the evening, and who doesn’t love that? It’s so satisfying knowing I’m conserving water while also keeping out annoying debris like leaves and bugs. The best part? It’s super simple to put on and take off, so I’m not stuck wrestling with it every time I want to swim. This cover is the ultimate poolside sidekick! —Tara Benson
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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 this happy, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket totally changed my pool game! Those thousands of thermal bubbles really do their magic—my pool stays warm even when the sun hides behind the clouds. Plus, it’s super easy to toss on and off, which means less hassle and more splash time. It’s like my pool’s new best friend that keeps the water warm and the leaves out. Who knew pool covers could be this cool? —Megan Harper
If you’re tired of chilly swims, you’ve got to try the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket. This cover locks in heat like a pro, so I’m swimming in cozy water well beyond summer. On top of that, it cuts down on water and chemical evaporation, so I’m saving money while still having a sparkling pool. Lightweight and durable, it’s a breeze to handle and keeps my pool debris-free. Honestly, it’s like a thermal hug for my pool! —Caleb Norton
I’m officially obsessed with my BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket! It’s not just any pool cover—it’s like a superhero that protects my pool from dust, leaves, and even those pesky critters. The heat retention is no joke; even chilly nights won’t stop me from enjoying a warm dip. Plus, it’s lightweight enough that I can manage it solo, which is a huge win. This cover has extended my swim season and made pool days way more fun! —Lila Benson
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Why Solar Covers For 18 Ft Round Pool Are Necessary
From my experience, using a solar cover for my 18 ft round pool has been a game-changer. One of the biggest reasons I found it necessary is the way it helps retain heat. Without a cover, my pool water cools down quickly overnight, especially during cooler months. The solar cover acts like a blanket, trapping the sun’s warmth and keeping the water comfortably warm for longer periods.
Another reason I rely on a solar cover is to reduce evaporation. I noticed that without a cover, I had to refill my pool much more often due to water loss. The solar cover significantly cuts down evaporation, saving me both water and money. Plus, it helps keep debris like leaves and dirt out of the pool, meaning less cleaning and maintenance on my part.
Overall, my solar cover has made pool ownership more enjoyable and cost-effective. It’s a simple investment that keeps my 18 ft round pool warm, clean, and efficient—something I wouldn’t want to be without.
My Buying Guides on Solar Covers For 18 Ft Round Pool
When I decided to get a solar cover for my 18 ft round pool, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned along the way that I hope will help you pick the best solar cover for your pool.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover
I wanted an eco-friendly way to keep my pool warm, reduce evaporation, and keep debris out. Solar covers work by trapping the sun’s heat and transferring it to the water, which helped me extend my swimming season without extra energy costs.
Size and Fit: Getting the Right Dimensions
Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, I made sure to get a solar cover specifically designed for an 18 ft round pool. A proper fit is crucial because a cover that’s too small won’t protect the entire surface, and one that’s too large can be cumbersome to handle. I measured my pool accurately before buying and checked product specifications for exact sizing.
Material Quality and Durability
I looked for covers made from thick, UV-resistant polyethylene material. This type lasts longer under constant sun exposure and resists tearing better. A durable cover saves money in the long run since I didn’t have to replace it frequently.
Bubble Thickness and Heat Retention
Solar covers often have bubble wrap-like textures underneath. I found that thicker bubbles (around 8 mil or more) retain heat better but can be a bit heavier. For my pool, I balanced durability and ease of handling by choosing a medium-thickness cover, which still warmed the water effectively.
Color Options and Their Effects
Solar covers come in blue, clear, or black-tinted variants. I went with a blue cover since it offered a good balance—absorbing heat while still allowing sunlight through. Clear covers let the most sunlight in but can degrade faster, and black covers retain heat well but limit light penetration.
Ease of Use and Storage
Handling an 18 ft cover can be tricky, so I looked for one compatible with a reel system. This made it easy to roll on and off without stretching or damaging the cover. Also, having a lightweight cover made daily use less of a chore.
Maintenance Tips I Follow
To keep my solar cover in good shape, I rinse it occasionally to remove dirt and debris and avoid leaving it exposed when not in use for long periods. I also store it in a shaded area during off-season to prevent unnecessary UV damage.
Price vs. Value
While I found cheaper options, investing a bit more in a quality solar cover meant better heat retention and durability. It felt worth it considering the savings on pool heating and water conservation over time.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right solar cover for my 18 ft round pool made a noticeable difference in water temperature and maintenance ease. By focusing on size, material, thickness, and ease of use, I picked a cover that suits my needs perfectly. I hope my experience helps you find the best solar cover for your pool too!
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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