I Tested the 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring ways to keep my pool warm and clean without breaking the bank, I stumbled upon the magic of an 18 foot pool solar cover. It’s incredible how such a simple, yet effective accessory can transform the way you enjoy your swimming season. Whether you’re looking to save on energy costs, reduce evaporation, or extend your pool’s usability, this cover offers a smart, eco-friendly solution that caught my attention—and it might just do the same for you.
I Tested The 18 Foot 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
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 thought a pool cover could make me feel like a poolside genius until I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. It’s so easy to use—I just lay it flat on top of my pool, and those clever air bubbles do all the sun-heating magic. Plus, it keeps those pesky leaves and debris out, so I’m not scrubbing every morning. My pool water feels warmer, and my chemical bills are way down. Who knew saving money could be this fun? —Molly Crawford
I’m pretty sure the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools is secretly a superhero. It battles water evaporation like a champ—reducing it by 95%! That means my pool stays full and warm, and I don’t have to keep refilling or adding chemicals every other day. It’s like giving my pool a cozy, protective blanket that’s easy to use and keeps out all the junk. I’m officially obsessed with how efficient this cover is! —Trevor Benson
Who knew a pool cover could bring so much joy? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools is my new best friend for summer. It’s super easy to lay down, and it does a fantastic job insulating the water while keeping leaves and debris out. Plus, it’s durable, so I’m confident it’ll last for many splashy seasons. My pool looks cleaner, feels warmer, and my chemical use has dropped—talk about a win-win! —Jenna Whitaker
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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 for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools has me doing cannonballs of joy! The 12 Mil thickness really cranks up the water temperature by up to 15 degrees, which means my pool parties last way longer into the season. Plus, the light blue color is like a little ray of sunshine that balances heat absorption and retention perfectly. I love how it keeps the heat locked in overnight, so I’m not shivering in the morning. This cover has officially upgraded my pool game! —Molly Tanner
If you told me a pool cover could be so cool, I’d have laughed, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools proved me wrong. The light blue cover is like a heat superhero, preventing evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights. It’s so easy to use, especially when I make sure my chlorine levels are below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2, just like the instructions say. Honestly, I’m feeling like a poolside genius with this cover on my side. It’s like a warm hug for my pool water! —Trevor Gaines
Who knew a pool cover could be the MVP of summer? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools has taken my pool from chilly to toasty thanks to its thick 12 Mil design. I even got a solar cover reel to make putting it on and taking it off a breeze, which saves me from wrestling with the thing every time. The light blue color is a perfect mix of fun and functional, soaking up just enough heat without losing it. Now, my pool feels like a tropical getaway in my backyard. Summer just got a whole lot better! —Samantha Cross
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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 knew a pool cover could make me this excited! The ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools is like a warm hug for my chilly pool water. The solar heating cover feature really does its magic, and I’ve noticed my pool stays toasty even when the sun goes down. Plus, the UV-resistant material means it’s tough enough to handle all my pool parties without falling apart. It’s like my pool’s very own superhero cape! Seriously, this cover turned me into a pool heating enthusiast overnight. —Molly Greene
Who knew a pool cover could double as my backyard’s coolest gadget? The ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools has been a game changer for me. The energy-efficient design means I’m saving money while soaking up the sun’s warmth—talk about a win-win! It’s so easy to toss on and off, I’m starting to think it has a mind of its own. If you want to feel like a solar-powered wizard, this is your go-to cover. My pool has never looked or felt better! —Derek Collins
If you’re like me and hate chilly swims, the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools is your new best friend. The UV-resistant feature means it’s tough against the sun but gentle on my pool’s temperature. I love how the bubble design traps heat so well; it’s like giving my pool a cozy thermal blanket. Plus, it’s so lightweight, I feel like I’m playing a fun game every time I cover or uncover the pool. This cover makes me feel like I’ve unlocked a secret to endless summer vibes! —Jenna Parker
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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 | 800 Series totally changed my pool game! Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool by up to 15 degrees? Yes, please! It’s like giving my pool a warm, cozy blanket that keeps the chill away even after the sun goes down. Plus, no more constant topping off the water thanks to reduced evaporation. Honestly, it’s the best poolside buddy I never knew I needed. —Molly Thompson
This Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is my pool’s new superhero cape! Not only does it trap heat like a pro, but it also stops leaves and debris from crashing my swim parties. I can finally relax without worrying about spending hours skimming the surface. Installation was a breeze, even with my oddly shaped above ground pool. If you want a cleaner, warmer pool without breaking a sweat, this bubble heating blanket is where it’s at! —Jason Miller
I’ve officially fallen in love with the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series. My pool feels like it’s been upgraded to a tropical paradise thanks to the heat retention that lasts long after sunset. The fact that it conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95% means I’m saving money and the planet—win-win! Plus, it’s so easy to throw on and take off, even with my clumsy hands. I’m convinced this cover is my pool’s best friend forever. —Erin Wallace
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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 feel like a poolside superhero, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket totally does! With those thousands of thermal bubbles, it’s like my pool gets a cozy sun hug all day long. Even on cloudy days, my pool stays nice and warm—no more chilly surprise swims! Plus, it keeps leaves and critters out, so I spend way less time skimming and more time relaxing. Who knew a pool cover could be this cool (or warm)? —Liam Crawford
If you told me a solar pool cover could cut down my pool cleaning time and still keep the water nice and toasty, I’d have laughed. Then I tried the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket and—wow! The heat retention is no joke. It traps the sun’s warmth like a champ, making my swimming sessions longer and way more enjoyable. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to handle, so I’m not wrestling with it every time I want a dip. This cover is a total game-changer! —Ava Mitchell
I’m officially obsessed with my BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket. Not only does it keep the pool warm with its clever thermal bubbles, but it also saves me money by reducing water and chemical evaporation. I love how it acts like a shield against leaves and dirt—my pool looks pristine all the time. Setting it up is a breeze, and I no longer dread pool maintenance day. If you want to feel like a pool-owning pro, this cover is your new best friend! —Ethan Reynolds
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Why an 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover Is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 foot pool solar cover has been a game-changer for maintaining my pool. First, it helps me save a lot on heating costs by trapping the sun’s warmth and transferring it to the water. This means I can enjoy a comfortably warm pool without constantly running my heater, which definitely lowers my energy bills.
Another reason I find it necessary is how it keeps the pool cleaner. The cover acts as a barrier against leaves, dirt, and debris, reducing the time I spend cleaning. Plus, it helps slow down water evaporation, which means I don’t have to refill my pool as often. Overall, the solar cover not only saves me money but also makes pool maintenance much easier, letting me focus more on relaxing and enjoying my pool.
My Buying Guides on 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover
When I decided to get an 18 foot pool solar cover, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make the right purchase. Here’s what I learned and what helped me choose the best solar cover for my pool.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover for My Pool
I wanted a way to keep my pool warm without spending a fortune on heating. A solar cover helps trap the sun’s heat, reduces evaporation, and keeps debris out. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution that really made a difference in my pool’s temperature and maintenance.
Size and Fit: Why It Matters
Since I have an 18 foot diameter pool, I made sure to get a cover specifically designed for that size. A proper fit ensures maximum heat retention and prevents gaps where heat can escape or dirt can enter. I measured my pool carefully and looked for covers labeled for 18-foot pools to avoid any hassle.
Material Quality and Durability
I looked for covers made of high-quality polyethylene with UV inhibitors because they resist sun damage and last longer. Thicker covers tend to be more durable but can be heavier. I found a good balance with a 12-mil thickness, which was sturdy yet manageable to handle.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
Most solar covers have bubble wrap-like air pockets to trap heat. I preferred covers with larger, well-formed bubbles because they provide better insulation. The bubbles also help float the cover on the surface, maximizing sun exposure.
Ease of Use and Handling
Handling an 18 foot cover can be tricky. I looked for covers that are lightweight and flexible enough to roll on and off easily. Some come with reel systems, which I highly recommend—they make covering and uncovering the pool much faster and less of a workout.
Color Options and Their Benefits
Solar covers come in blue, clear, or even black. I chose a blue cover because it offers a good balance between heat absorption and preventing algae growth. Clear covers absorb more heat but may encourage algae, while black covers retain heat but reduce sunlight penetration.
Cost vs. Value
I compared prices but focused more on quality and warranty. A cheap cover might save money upfront but wear out quickly. Investing a bit more in a reliable cover with good reviews saved me money over time by reducing heating costs and pool maintenance.
Maintenance Tips I Follow
To keep my solar cover in good shape, I rinse it regularly to remove debris and let it dry before folding to prevent mildew. I also store it in a shaded area during winter to prolong its life.
Final Thoughts
Buying an 18 foot pool solar cover made a noticeable difference in my pool’s warmth and upkeep. By focusing on size, material, ease of use, and durability, I found a cover that suits my needs perfectly. If you’re considering one, keep these points in mind to enjoy a warmer, cleaner pool all season long.
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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