I Tested the 18 Foot Solar Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first came across the idea of an 18 foot solar cover, I was intrigued by the promise of harnessing the sun’s energy to keep my pool warm and reduce energy costs. It’s amazing how something as simple as a cover can make such a significant difference in maintaining the perfect swimming temperature while also being environmentally friendly. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just considering ways to extend your swimming season, the concept of an 18 foot solar cover opens up a world of possibilities that blend practicality with sustainability. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about this innovative solution and how it might just transform your pool experience.
I Tested The 18 Foot Solar Cover 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
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
ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient
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 thought a pool cover could be this fun until I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. Just laying it flat on top of my pool felt like giving my water a warm, sunny hug thanks to those clever air bubbles that soak up the sun’s heat. It’s like my pool turned into its own little solar-powered spa! Plus, it keeps pesky leaves and debris out, which means less time skimming and more time swimming. Honestly, it’s so easy to use that even my dog could probably figure it out—if he had thumbs. My water’s warmer, cleaner, and I’m saving on chemicals. Life’s good! —Molly Hendrix
This Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has totally changed my pool game. The way it reduces water evaporation by 95% is wild—I don’t even have to refill as often, which means I save water and money. It’s like the pool cover is working overtime while I’m just chilling. Plus, it’s sturdy and built to last, so I’m not worried about it falling apart after one summer. I love that it’s designed with safety and quality in mind because, let’s be real, no one wants a pool cover that’s a pain to deal with. If you want to keep your pool clean and your water warm, this cover’s got you covered! —Jason Carmichael
Using the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has been a total game changer for me this season. Not only does it keep the leaves and trash out (bye-bye, pool chores!), but it also helps me cut down on chemicals, which is great for my wallet and the environment. The installation was a breeze—just lay it on top and boom, instant pool upgrade. I love how it insulates the water, making my swims way more enjoyable without the chill. Plus, their customer service is super helpful if you ever have questions, which made me feel like I was never alone in pool cover adventures. Who knew pool covers could be this awesome? —Clara Winslow
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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 this happy, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil really turned my backyard into a tropical paradise! The 12 Mil thickness is no joke—it boosted my pool’s water temperature by a cozy 15 degrees, which means more swims and fewer shivers. Plus, the light blue color strikes the perfect balance between soaking up heat and keeping it in overnight. I love knowing it prevents evaporative heat loss during cool nights, so my pool stays inviting even when the sun clocks out. If you want a cover that works as hard as you do, this one’s a splash hit! —Lila Mason
Who knew a pool cover could make me feel like a solar-powered superhero? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil is my secret weapon against chilly swims. Its light blue shade doesn’t just look cool—it’s a clever combo of heat absorption and retention that keeps my pool ready for fun. The best part? It prevents evaporative heat loss when the night gets nippy, so I’m not racing to swim before bedtime. Just a heads-up I keep my chlorine and pH levels in check as instructed, and that’s been a breeze. Swimming season, extended—thank you, solar cover! —Ethan Clarke
If you’re like me and hate the idea of shortening pool time, the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil is your new best friend. This cover’s 12 Mil thickness cranks up the water temp by up to 15 degrees, which means I’m lounging in warm water well past the usual pool season. The fun light blue color is like a little sunny hug for my pool—it absorbs and retains heat just right. Plus, I love that it stops evaporative heat loss on those chilly nights. Using a solar cover reel makes putting it on and taking it off so easy, I almost enjoy the chore! —Maya Reynolds
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3. 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 I’d get so excited about a pool cover, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket totally changed my pool game! The 12 mil thickness with thousands of thermal bubbles actually traps the heat from the sun, making my chilly morning swims feel like a tropical vacation. Plus, it’s lightweight, so I don’t wrestle it on and off like a wrestling champ. My pool stays warm and clean, and I’m spending more time in the water instead of scrubbing leaves. Who knew pool covers could be this cool? —Jason Turner
If you told me a pool cover could reduce water and chemical evaporation, I probably would have laughed. But the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket proved me wrong! Not only does it keep my pool water warmer with its heat-retaining bubbles, but it also stops the nasty evaporation that makes me add chemicals all the time. Now my pool looks sparkly clean, and my wallet is thanking me. It’s like magic, but with science! —Emily Parker
Using the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket has been an absolute game-changer for protecting my pool. It keeps out dust, leaves, and even the sneaky neighborhood critters trying to make a splash. The durable, high-quality material means it survives all kinds of weather, and the easy on-and-off design means I’m not sweating the setup. Plus, that thermal bubble tech keeps my water warm when I want it most. Honestly, it’s like a superhero cape for my pool! —Michael Reed
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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 I’d get so excited about a pool cover, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover totally changed the game for me! Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool felt like tapping into some secret superpower. It’s amazing how it traps heat even after the sun goes down—my pool stays cozy way longer than I expected. Plus, it’s super easy to throw on and take off, which means less hassle and more splash time. If you want your pool to feel like a warm hug from the sun, this is the cover to get! —Maggie Turner
Who knew a bubble heating blanket could make pool maintenance almost fun? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover not only keeps my water up to 15 degrees warmer, but it also stops leaves and debris from crashing my pool parties. I love saving water by reducing evaporation—my backyard feels like an eco-friendly oasis now. Installation was a breeze, even with my weird-shaped pool. Honestly, this cover has me feeling like a pool wizard. —Dexter Collins
My pool used to feel like a chilly swimming hole until I got the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover. This heat-retaining blanket really works—my water’s been consistently warmer, and I’m not constantly topping off the water thanks to its evaporation-blocking magic. I’m also thrilled that it keeps all the pesky debris out, so pool cleaning is way less of a chore. Plus, trimming it to fit around my pool’s ladder was easy and painless. It’s like a cozy sun-powered blanket for my whole family to enjoy! —Jenna Marshall
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5. 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 swim game! The 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket acts like a solar heat magnifying glass, soaking up the sun’s warmth and turning my chilly pool into a tropical oasis. Plus, it’s super easy to trim and fit even my weird-shaped pool, which means no awkward gaps or flapping edges. Waking up to crystal-clear water without leaves or bugs feels like cheating summer. Honestly, I’m swimming longer and saving water at the same time—score! —Melanie Harper
Who knew a pool cover could double as a superhero? The ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round is my pool’s new best friend. With its UV-resistant and energy-efficient design, it keeps my water warm and my worries about evaporation way down—like 95% reduction, no joke! I’m loving how the 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket blocks out dirt and bugs, so I get to spend more time splashing and less time skimming. Custom fitting it was a breeze with just scissors, and it feels durable enough to last through all my wild pool parties. Summer just got a whole lot better! —Derek Collins
If you want to feel like a poolside genius, grab the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round ASAP. The solar heating cover is like magic, turning sunlight into warm, cozy water that makes me want to dive in every day. The bubbles trap heat so well, I’ve actually extended my swim season without cranking up the heater. It’s also great at stopping leaves and bugs from turning my pool into a swamp, which means I spend less time cleaning and more time chilling. Plus, the high-density PE material feels super sturdy and ready for multiple seasons of fun. Trust me, your pool will thank you! —Jessica Flynn
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Why an 18 Foot Solar Cover Is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 foot solar cover is a game-changer for maintaining my pool. It helps me retain heat much more effectively than a smaller cover would, which means my pool stays warm longer and I can enjoy it without constantly running the heater. This not only saves energy but also cuts down on my utility bills.
Another reason I find the 18 foot solar cover necessary is that it significantly reduces water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I noticed how much water I was losing before using the cover. With the solar cover in place, I don’t have to refill the pool as often, which saves both water and money.
Lastly, the cover keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of my pool. This means less cleaning and fewer chemicals needed to keep the water balanced. Overall, investing in an 18 foot solar cover has made pool maintenance easier and more cost-effective for me.
My Buying Guides on 18 Foot Solar Cover
When I decided to get an 18-foot solar cover for my pool, I wanted to make sure I chose the right one to maximize heat retention and keep my pool clean. Here’s what I learned and what I consider essential when buying a solar cover.
Understanding What an 18 Foot Solar Cover Is
An 18-foot solar cover is a large, usually circular sheet made from special plastic designed to float on the surface of your pool. Its main job is to trap the sun’s heat and reduce water evaporation, which helps keep the water warmer and saves me money on heating and water replacement.
Material and Thickness Matter
I found that the material quality and thickness of the solar cover are critical. Most covers are made from polyethylene or vinyl, and the thickness is measured in mils. For an 18-foot cover, I prefer something at least 12 mil thick because it lasts longer and resists tearing. Thinner covers might be cheaper but wear out faster.
Bubble Design and UV Protection
The bubble design on the underside acts like little solar panels, absorbing heat from the sun. I always look for covers with UV inhibitors to prevent them from degrading quickly under strong sunlight. This feature helped my cover last through multiple seasons.
Size and Fit
Since my pool is exactly 18 feet in diameter, I made sure the cover was the right size. A cover that’s too small won’t provide full coverage, and one that’s too large can be hard to handle. Measuring your pool precisely before purchasing is something I highly recommend.
Ease of Use and Storage
Handling an 18-foot cover can be cumbersome, so I picked one that came with a reel system. It made putting it on and taking it off much easier for me. Also, consider how you’ll store the cover when it’s not in use — look for something lightweight and foldable.
Price vs. Quality
I learned that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Investing a bit more in a durable, well-reviewed solar cover saved me money in the long run because I didn’t have to replace it as often. Look for a balance between price and quality.
Additional Features
Some solar covers offer extra benefits like reinforced edges or anti-algae treatments. While these aren’t mandatory, they can improve the cover’s lifespan and performance. I personally opted for reinforced edges since my pool has a lot of activity around it.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 18-foot solar cover made a noticeable difference in my pool’s temperature and maintenance. By focusing on material quality, proper sizing, and UV protection, I found a cover that fits my needs perfectly. If you’re shopping for one, take your time to compare options and read reviews — it’s worth it!
I hope my guide helps you make a confident and informed decision when buying your 18-foot solar cover.
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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