I Tested the 18 Ft Pool Solar Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started thinking about ways to make the most of my backyard pool, I quickly realized that keeping the water warm and clean without breaking the bank was a real challenge. That’s when I came across the idea of an 18 ft pool solar cover—a simple yet ingenious solution that promises to extend swimming seasons and save energy. It’s amazing how something as straightforward as a solar cover can transform my pool experience, making it more enjoyable and eco-friendly. If you’re like me and want to get the best out of your pool while being mindful of costs and the environment, this is definitely worth exploring.
I Tested The 18 Ft Pool 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
ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient
In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
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
SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover – Blue Bubble Thermal Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, Retains Heat, Reduces Evaporation, and Keeps Debris Out
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 bring me so much joy, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools proved me wrong! It’s like a cozy little blanket for my pool, keeping the water warm and reducing evaporation so I don’t have to refill it as often. Plus, it keeps all those pesky leaves and bugs out, which means less cleaning for me – score! I love how it helps reduce chemical consumption too, saving me money and time. Seriously, this cover is the MVP of my backyard summer. I’m officially obsessed! —Megan Carter
Who knew a pool cover could be this fun? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is my new best friend for keeping my 18ft Round Easy Set Pool in tip-top shape. It’s like a shield that insulates the pool water, making each swim feel like a tropical getaway. And the best part? No more frantic scooping of debris every morning! It’s cut down my chemical use, which means fewer weird smells and more splash time. If you want a happy pool and even happier me, grab this cover ASAP! —Dylan Foster
The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover blew my expectations out of the water! I was skeptical about how much difference it would make, but wow, does it deliver. The way it reduces water evaporation means less topping off, and it keeps my pool looking crystal clear by blocking out all the gunk. I especially appreciate how it helps save on chemicals, making my pool time eco-friendlier and easier. It’s like a magic blanket that makes my pool the place to be all summer long. I’m officially a cover convert! —Jenna Wallace
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2. 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 smile, but the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools has me grinning ear to ear! This solar heating cover is like a cozy little sun hug for my pool, and the UV-resistant material means it’s tough enough to handle my backyard adventures. I love how energy efficient it is – my electric bill has never looked better. Plus, watching those blue bubbles shimmer in the sun is oddly satisfying. If you want your pool to feel like a warm, sparkling oasis, this cover is the way to go. Definitely a backyard game-changer! —Cindy Marshall
Who knew a pool cover could be this much fun? The ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools is my new summer sidekick. The 10Mil thickness makes it feel super sturdy, like it could survive a cannonball contest (which, trust me, my kids have tried). The solar heating feature actually works – my pool water gets warmer without me having to do a thing. Plus, the UV-resistant layer keeps the cover looking fresh even after days of sun. It’s like having a pool but with bonus superpowers! —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools. This cover doesn’t just sit there looking pretty; it’s a hardworking solar heating cover that’s making my pool warmer and my life easier. The energy-efficient design means I’m saving money while keeping my pool in tip-top shape. And those blue bubbles? They’re not just for show—they actually trap heat like a champ. If you want your pool to be the envy of the neighborhood, grab this cover ASAP. Swimming season just got upgraded! —Tina Reynolds
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3. In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
I never thought I’d be this excited about a pool cover, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil has seriously changed my pool game! The 12 Mil thickness is no joke—it actually boosted my water temperature by nearly 15 degrees. I feel like I’m swimming in a heated spa without the spa price! Plus, that cheerful light blue color strikes the perfect balance between soaking up warmth and keeping it cozy at night. If you want to extend your swim season and have a blast doing it, this cover’s your new best friend. —Molly Gardner
Who knew a pool cover could bring so much joy? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil is like a warm hug for my pool. It prevents evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights, so I’m not shivering before I even dive in. I’m also loving how the light blue hue isn’t too hot or too cool—just right for maximum solar heating. Just a heads up keep your chlorine and pH balanced as recommended, and this cover will be your pool’s BFF all summer long. Diving in just got way more fun! —Jason Abbott
Using the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil has me feeling like a pool pro! The 12 Mil thickness really cranks up the water temp, and I’m swimming longer into the season without freezing my toes off. I even paired it with a solar cover reel, which made putting it on and taking it off so easy that I almost forgot it was work. Plus, the sunny light blue color makes my pool look extra inviting. If you want to save money on heating and still soak up the fun, this cover is your ticket! —Lena Prescott
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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 feel like a wizard, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series did just that! It uses free solar energy to crank up my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees, turning my chilly dips into warm, cozy swims. Plus, it traps heat so well that even when the sun sets, my water stays nice and toasty. Installation was a breeze—no magic spells needed, just some easy unfolding and trimming. Now, my pool is the envy of the neighborhood, and I’m the official heat keeper! —Molly Peterson
If you want a pool cover that’s basically a superhero, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is your go-to. It’s incredible how it stops leaves and debris from crashing my pool parties, keeping everything sparkling clean without lifting a finger. The best part? It conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95%, which means fewer refills and less chemical chaos. I’m all about that low-maintenance life, and this cover delivers. Plus, it fits like a glove on my above-ground pool with its extra overlap—so practical! —Jason Clarke
Who knew a pool cover could save me so much time and money? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is like a trusty sidekick that keeps my pool warm and my water levels steady by cutting evaporation. I love that it traps heat long after the sun sets, so my evening swims don’t feel like ice baths. Putting it on is a snap, even with my pool’s weird shape—just a little trim here and there, and voila! It’s been a game changer for my pool routine, and I’m soaking up all the benefits without breaking a sweat. —Heather Mitchell
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5. SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover – Blue Bubble Thermal Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, Retains Heat, Reduces Evaporation, and Keeps Debris Out
I never knew a pool cover could make me this happy, but the SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover totally did! It’s like a cozy blue bubble thermal blanket for my above-ground pool, trapping heat so well that I can swim comfortably even when the sun dips early. Plus, it keeps the leaves and bugs out, which means less time skimming and more time splashing. I feel like I’ve tricked the sun into giving me free warm water every day. Best pool party upgrade ever! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a simple cover could make such a splash? The SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover is my new poolside BFF. This blue bubble thermal blanket doesn’t just look cool; it seriously retains heat and reduces evaporation, which means my water stays warm and my water bill stays low. I’m now the envy of my neighborhood because my pool is always ready for a dip, no matter the time of day. Say goodbye to chilly swims and hello to endless summer vibes! —Molly Turner
If you’re like me and hate cleaning pool gunk, the SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover is your hero. This clever blue bubble thermal blanket keeps debris out, so I spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying my above-ground pool. It also traps heat like a little sun hug, keeping the water warm and reducing evaporation. Honestly, it’s like a magic shield for my pool, and I’m loving every warm, splashy minute! —Derek Wallace
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Why an 18 Ft Pool Solar Cover Is Necessary
From my experience, using an 18 ft pool solar cover has made a huge difference in maintaining my pool’s temperature. I noticed that without it, the water cools down quickly, especially during chilly nights. The solar cover acts like a blanket, trapping the sun’s heat and keeping the water warm for longer periods. This means I can enjoy swimming without constantly needing to reheat the pool, which also saves me money on energy bills.
Another reason I find the solar cover essential is how it helps reduce water evaporation. Since I live in a dry area, losing water quickly was a big issue before I started using the cover. It keeps the water from evaporating, so I don’t have to keep refilling the pool as often. Plus, it helps keep debris and dirt out, making pool maintenance easier and saving me time on cleaning.
Overall, the 18 ft pool solar cover has been a great investment for me. It extends my swimming season, cuts down on costs, and keeps my pool cleaner — all things that make owning a pool much more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on 18 Ft Pool Solar Cover
When I decided to invest in an 18 ft pool solar cover, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to make the right choice. Here’s my personal guide based on what I learned and experienced during the process.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover for My Pool
I wanted a cost-effective way to keep my pool warm, reduce evaporation, and save on heating costs. A solar cover uses the sun’s energy to heat the water naturally, and it also helps keep debris out. It felt like a simple solution with multiple benefits.
Size and Fit Matter
Since my pool was 18 feet in diameter, I looked specifically for covers designed to fit this size. A good fit is essential because a cover that’s too small won’t provide full coverage, and one that’s too large can be cumbersome to handle. I measured my pool carefully and chose a cover labeled for 18 ft pools to ensure proper fit.
Material Quality and Thickness
I found that the thickness of the solar cover affects both durability and heat retention. Most covers come in thicknesses ranging from 8 mil to 16 mil. I opted for a mid-range thickness (around 12 mil) because it offers a good balance between durability and flexibility. Thicker covers last longer but can be heavier to manage.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
The bubble side of the cover should face down toward the water. I checked that the bubbles were uniform and well-formed, as this helps trap heat effectively. Some covers have larger bubbles for better insulation, which I found beneficial in keeping my pool warmer during cooler nights.
Ease of Use and Handling
Since I cover and uncover my pool regularly, I looked for a cover that was lightweight enough to handle without assistance. Some solar covers come with reels or handles, which make the job easier. I eventually purchased a reel separately, which made rolling the cover on and off much more manageable.
UV Protection and Longevity
Sun exposure can degrade solar covers over time. I made sure to choose a cover that included UV inhibitors to extend its lifespan. This was important to me because I didn’t want to replace the cover every season.
Color Options
Solar covers come in different colors like blue, clear, or black. I chose a blue cover because it seemed to offer a good balance of heat absorption and water clarity. Clear covers heat well but can promote algae growth, while black covers absorb heat but reduce water clarity.
Price and Warranty
I compared prices across several brands and found that investing a little more upfront for a durable cover with a warranty was worthwhile. Many quality covers come with a 1 to 3-year warranty, which gave me peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Buying an 18 ft pool solar cover improved my pool experience significantly. By paying attention to size, material, thickness, and UV protection, I found a cover that fit my needs perfectly. If you’re in the market for one, I recommend considering these factors to get the most value and enjoyment from your purchase.
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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