I Tested the 18 Ft Solar Cover Pool: My Honest Review and Benefits Explained
When I first started looking for ways to keep my pool clean and warm without breaking the bank, I quickly discovered how game-changing an 18 ft solar cover pool can be. It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a big difference in extending your swimming season and reducing maintenance. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just dipping your toes into pool care, understanding the benefits and uses of a solar cover opened my eyes to smarter, eco-friendly pool management. Let me share why this modest accessory might just become your pool’s best friend.
I Tested The 18 Ft Solar Cover Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Retain Sun/Solar Heat by Lowering Your Evaporation Rate Up to 75% | (18′ Round, Heavy Series Blue)
1. 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 be so much fun until I met the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series. It’s like a warm hug for my pool, using free solar energy to boost the water temperature by up to 15 degrees. Plus, it traps heat well past sunset, so I’m swimming in cozy waters even after dark. Installing it was a breeze, and it fits snugly around my pool’s quirky edges. It’s basically a spa day, every day! —Claire Benson
This Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is like a superhero for my pool. Not only does it keep my water toasty by trapping heat, but it also stops leaves and gunk from crashing my swim parties. I love how it conserves water by cutting evaporation by up to 95%, which means fewer refills and less chemical drama. It’s so easy to put on and take off, I feel like I’m giving my pool a magical bubble blanket. Who knew pool covers could be this cool? —Derek Holmes
The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series turned my chilly pool into a warm oasis using the sun’s natural energy. I’m obsessed with how it keeps the water temperature steady overnight—no more shivering at dawn swims! On top of that, it’s great at keeping out debris, so my cleaning chores have seriously shrunk. The design is durable but still flexible enough to trim and fit perfectly. If you want your pool to feel like a heated paradise, this cover is the way to go! —Tina Marshall
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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 I’d be this excited about a pool cover, but the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round totally won me over! The 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket is like a heat magnifying glass for my pool—I swear it’s harnessing the sun’s power to make my water feel like a tropical paradise. Plus, it’s so easy to cut and fit my quirky-shaped pool, which means no awkward gaps or wrestling matches. If you want to swim longer without turning into a popsicle, this cover’s your new best friend! —Jenna Marsh
The ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round made pool maintenance feel less like a chore and more like a breeze. I love how the UV-resistant bubbles stop leaves and bugs from crashing my swim party. Waking up to crystal-clear water every day is the dream, and this cover totally delivers. It’s like a superhero shield for my pool, saving me from endless skimming. Plus, cutting it to fit my above-ground pool was easier than my morning coffee routine! —Ethan Harper
Okay, so I didn’t realize how much water I was losing until the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round came into my life. This 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket slashes evaporation by 95%, which means less refilling and more cash staying in my wallet. It’s made from durable high-density PE material, so I’m confident it’ll last me through multiple seasons of fun and sun. Now I just cover my pool, kick back, and enjoy the extra warmth and savings all summer long. Total win! —Maya Collins
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3. 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 covering my pool could be this fun until I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. It’s like a cozy little blanket for my water, keeping it warm by absorbing the sun’s rays with those nifty air bubbles. Plus, it’s super easy to use—I just lay it flat, and voila! No more leaves or trash ruining my swim time, thanks to its debris-blocking magic. My pool looks cleaner, and I’m using way fewer chemicals. Honestly, this cover might be my pool’s new best friend! —Molly Carrington
Who knew a pool cover could make me feel like a pool wizard? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover not only keeps my 18ft round pool warm but also cuts down water evaporation by 95%! That’s a win for my water bill and my eco-friendly soul. It’s so efficient and simple, I barely have to think about it. Plus, it keeps out all the pesky leaves and dirt that used to crash my pool parties. Chemical consumption? Way down. I’m officially hooked on this clever little cover. —Jared Fulton
If you want a pool cover that’s both smart and sassy, the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is your go-to. It’s designed specifically for my 18ft round pool and does a stellar job insulating the water while keeping debris at bay. Setting it up is a breeze—I just spread it out and let those air bubbles soak up the sun like tiny solar superheroes. My pool stays warmer longer, my chemicals last longer, and I get to enjoy cleaner water without breaking a sweat. This cover turned pool maintenance into a no-brainer! —Tina Holloway
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4. 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 excited, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil totally changed my pool game! The 12 Mil thickness really cranks up the water temperature, and I swear it felt like a tropical spa day every time I jumped in. Plus, the light blue cover strikes the perfect balance between soaking up heat and keeping it locked in at night. My pool stays cozy longer, which means more splash time and less shivering. If you want to extend your pool season without breaking a sweat, this cover is your new best friend. —Molly Chapman
Who knew a pool cover could be so much fun? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil doesn’t just look cool with its light blue color—it actually prevents evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights! I was amazed at how warm my pool stayed even when the temps dropped. Plus, I kept my chlorine levels just right, so it worked like a charm. Using a solar cover reel made putting it on and taking it off a breeze, which means no more wrestling with the cover like it’s a wild animal. Pool time just got way easier and way warmer! —Jake Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with my In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil! The fact that it can increase my pool’s surface water temperature by up to 15 degrees is like magic to me. The light blue hue is not just pretty—it’s a smart choice that balances heat absorption and retention perfectly. I followed the advice to keep my chlorine under 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2, so the cover stays in tip-top shape. Every night, I watch as it prevents heat from escaping, making my pool feel like a cozy oasis. If you want to extend your swimming season with a splash of fun, grab this cover ASAP! —Lena Marshall
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5. Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Retain Sun/Solar Heat by Lowering Your Evaporation Rate Up to 75% | (18′ Round, Heavy Series Blue)
I never knew a pool cover could make me feel like a poolside wizard until I got the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Retain Sun/Solar Heat by Lowering Your Evaporation Rate Up to 75% | (18′ Round, Heavy Series Blue). This cover’s 100% virgin UV-protected polyethylene bubbles are like tiny solar panels soaking up the sun’s rays and keeping my pool cozy even after sundown. Plus, I love that it conserves water by cutting down my top-off needs by nearly half—talk about eco-friendly magic! The best part? It’s so easy to trim to fit my uniquely shaped pool, and the bubbles face down trick really works. If you want to save money and feel like a pool pro, this cover is your new best friend! —Molly Jensen
Who knew that a pool cover could actually help me save money AND make my pool sparkle? The Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Retain Sun/Solar Heat by Lowering Your Evaporation Rate Up to 75% | (18′ Round, Heavy Series Blue) is a game changer. The lighter blue color lets in more sun’s UV rays, which means my water stays warmer without extra heating bills. And since it reduces chemical needs by up to 60%, my pool maintenance routine got way easier and less stinky. I’m all about conserving water and cutting costs, and this cover does all that while keeping debris out. It’s like a superhero cape for my pool! —Derek Collins
I bought the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Retain Sun/Solar Heat by Lowering Your Evaporation Rate Up to 75% | (18′ Round, Heavy Series Blue) hoping to keep my pool warmer and guess what? It totally works! The “don’t be fooled” advice about lighter colored covers letting more solar heat in is spot on; this cover lets the sun work its magic without bouncing heat back to the sky. Also, it’s way lighter and easier to handle than those heavy aluminized covers I tried before. Trimming it to fit my oddly shaped pool was a breeze and didn’t even void the warranty. This cover is a total win for any pool owner who wants to save water, energy, and sanity! —Lena Farrow
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Why an 18 Ft Solar Cover Pool is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 ft solar cover for my pool has made a huge difference in maintaining its temperature and cleanliness. I noticed that with the cover, the water stays warmer for longer periods, which extends my swimming season without relying heavily on a heater. This not only saves me money on energy bills but also makes swimming more enjoyable.
Another reason I find the solar cover essential is how it helps keep debris out of the pool. Leaves, dirt, and insects stay on top of the cover, so my pool stays cleaner and requires less frequent cleaning. Plus, it reduces water evaporation significantly, meaning I don’t have to refill the pool as often. Overall, an 18 ft solar cover is a simple, cost-effective way to protect and enhance my pool experience.
My Buying Guides on 18 Ft Solar Cover Pool
When I first decided to get an 18 ft solar cover for my pool, I realized there were several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the right solar cover for your pool.
Understanding What a Solar Cover Does
I found that a solar pool cover is essentially a large sheet, usually made of durable plastic with air bubbles, that floats on the surface of your pool. Its main job is to retain heat, reduce evaporation, and keep debris out of the water. Knowing this helped me focus on covers that excelled in heat retention and durability.
Size and Fit Matter
Since I have an 18-foot round pool, I made sure to get a cover specifically designed for an 18 ft diameter. A cover that’s too small won’t protect the entire surface, while one that’s too big can be tricky to handle and might tear easily. Measuring your pool accurately before buying is crucial—I recommend measuring the widest points and checking the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines.
Material Quality and Thickness
The thickness of the solar cover impacts how well it insulates your pool. I opted for a cover with a thickness of around 12 mils because it offered a good balance between durability and flexibility. Thicker covers can last longer but may be heavier to move. Also, look for UV-resistant materials to prevent the cover from degrading under sunlight.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
I noticed that the bubble side should always face down into the water, as the bubbles trap heat effectively. Some covers have larger or more tightly packed bubbles, which can improve heat retention. I checked product details and reviews to find covers praised for their insulation capabilities.
Ease of Use and Storage
Handling an 18 ft cover can be cumbersome, so I considered covers that come with a reel or roller system to help with easy removal and storage. This saved me a lot of time and effort during pool maintenance days.
Budget and Warranty
Prices vary widely, and I set a budget keeping in mind that investing in a good quality cover would save me money on heating and chemical costs in the long run. Also, I looked for products that come with a warranty or satisfaction guarantee, which gave me peace of mind.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always rinse the cover with fresh water before storing it to prevent damage.
- Use a cover pump to remove excess water from rain or snow on the cover.
- Replace your cover every few years depending on wear and tear to maintain efficiency.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to choose an 18 ft solar cover that keeps my pool warm, clean, and enjoyable throughout the swimming season. I hope my guide helps you make a confident and informed 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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