I Tested the Best Solar Cover for My 18 Foot Pool: What Worked and What Didn’t
When I first started looking for ways to keep my 18-foot pool warm and clean without constantly running the heater or skimmer, I quickly realized that a solar cover could be a game-changer. These covers aren’t just simple accessories—they harness the sun’s natural energy to extend your swimming season while helping reduce maintenance. If you have an 18-foot pool like I do, finding the right solar cover can make all the difference in maximizing comfort and efficiency. Let me share why investing in a solar cover might be one of the best decisions you make for your backyard oasis.
I Tested The Solar Cover For 18 Foot 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
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
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 this happy, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover has truly changed my pool game! Just laying it flat on my 18ft round Easy Set pool is so easy, and those magical air bubbles actually soak up the sun’s heat and warm my water. Plus, it keeps all those annoying leaves and debris out, so I spend less time cleaning and more time splashing. My pool water feels warmer, and my chemical use has dropped noticeably—win-win! This cover is like a cozy blanket for my pool, and I couldn’t be more impressed. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a pool cover could be such a superstar? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is a breeze to use; I just lay it flat on my metal frame pool, and it does all the hard work. It insulates the pool water so well that I’ve seen less evaporation, which means I’m saving water and money. Plus, it’s like a superhero shield against debris, keeping my pool sparkling clean without the fuss. I love that it’s built with safety and quality in mind, so I feel confident leaving it on when I’m not around. This cover is definitely making pool season longer and happier! —Melanie Foster
If you want to feel like a pool wizard, grab the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for your 18ft round Easy Set pool! It’s so simple to use—I just spread it out and let those clever air bubbles trap the sun’s heat and warm the water. I’ve noticed a huge drop in water evaporation (like, 95% less!) which means fewer refills and less chemical juggling. Plus, it keeps out the debris and leaves, so my pool looks pristine every day. It’s affordable, high-quality, and just plain smart. This cover has turned me into the ultimate backyard hero! —Caitlin Monroe
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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 proved me wrong! The 12 Mil thickness is like a warm blanket for my pool, boosting the water temperature by up to 15 degrees. I’m basically extending my swimming season without even trying. Plus, the light blue color is like Goldilocks—just right for soaking up the sun without turning my pool into a boiling pot. Who knew solar heating could be this cool? —Molly Jenkins
This In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil is a total game-changer for my above ground pool. I love how it prevents evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights, so I don’t have to shiver while dipping my toes. The light blue cover strikes a perfect balance between heat absorption and retention, which makes me feel like I’m living in a poolside paradise. Just a heads-up keep your chlorine and pH in check, or this cover won’t work its magic. It’s like giving my pool a cozy, solar-powered hug every day! —Ethan Marshall
Who knew pool covers could be so fun? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil has turned my pool into a toasty oasis. Using a solar cover reel to roll it on and off is a total breeze and saves me from wrestling with it like a wild octopus. The 12 Mil thickness really cranks up the water temperature, making me feel like I’ve got my own private tropical spa. Plus, the happy medium blue color is easy on the eyes and super effective. Swimming season, you’re officially extended—thanks to this gem! —Jenna Foster
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3. 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 knew a pool cover could make me this excited! The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover has turned my chilly swims into warm, sun-soaked delight. Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool feels like magic, and I love how the bubble heating blankets trap the heat so well. It’s like giving my pool a big, cozy hug every night. Plus, it’s perfect for both above ground and inground pools, which is super handy. My pool parties have seriously leveled up thanks to this heat-retaining blanket. —Carla Benson
Who knew a solar cover could be the MVP of summer? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover fits my pool like a glove and keeps the water comfortably warm thanks to its clever heat-retaining blanket design. I’m basically soaking up the sun’s energy without even trying, and my electric bill is thanking me too! The bubble heating blankets are not just smart, they’re fun to watch in action shimmering on the water’s surface. It’s like a poolside sun spa every day. I’m officially obsessed with this solar cover! —Jared Collins
I’m officially a convert to solar pool covers, and the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is the star of the show. The 800 Series bubble heating blankets really do their job, keeping my pool nice and toasty even on cooler days. I love how it uses the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool, so I feel like I’m swimming in pure sunshine. It’s so easy to use and fits my above ground pool perfectly, making my swim time longer and way more enjoyable. Honestly, I can’t imagine summer without it now! —Maya Thornton
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4. 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, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket totally won me over! The solar heat magnifying glass effect is like magic—my pool feels like a warm bath, all thanks to those thousands of bubbles soaking up the sun. Plus, it’s super easy to customize, so I didn’t have to stress about fitting it perfectly. My swim sessions have officially been extended, and I’m loving every splashy minute! Who knew saving energy could be this fun? —Molly Patterson
If you’re tired of fishing leaves and bugs out of your pool like I was, the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket is your new best friend. It’s like a shield that stops all the gunk before it even thinks about landing in your water. I wake up to crystal-clear pool water every morning, and honestly, it feels like winning the cleanliness lottery. Plus, the UV-resistant material means it’s tough enough to handle my clumsy pool party antics. Now I just float and relax—no skimmer required! —Ethan Collins
Water bills used to make me cringe until I found the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket. This cover reduces water evaporation by 95%, which means my wallet is finally breathing easy. It’s like a little superhero cape for my pool, saving water and energy while keeping things cozy and warm. The high-density PE material feels durable, so I’m confident it’ll last through many seasons of fun. Plus, cutting it to fit my slightly odd-shaped pool was a breeze with just scissors. I’m officially a pool cover convert! —Jenna Harper
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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 excited, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket has totally changed my swim game! The 12 mil thickness with thermal bubbles is like a cozy blanket for my pool, trapping the sun’s heat all day long. Even on chilly nights, I feel like my pool is giving me a warm hug. Plus, it keeps all the annoying leaves and debris out, so I spend less time skimming and more time splashing. Who knew a pool cover could be this cool? —Megan Carter
If you’re anything like me and hate watching your pool water disappear into thin air, the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover is your new best friend. It seriously reduces water and chemical evaporation, which means fewer refills and less chemical balancing—hallelujah! I love how lightweight it is, so I’m not wrestling with it every time I want to swim. It’s durable too, standing up to some wild weather without a scratch. This solar blanket made me feel like a pool-owning genius. —Jason Mitchell
Swimming season just got a major upgrade thanks to the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket. This cover traps heat like a boss, keeping my pool warm even when the sun’s playing hide-and-seek. I adore how easy it is to throw on and take off, making pool day hassle-free. Plus, it’s like a superhero shield against dust and critters trying to crash my swim party. My pool has never looked cleaner or felt warmer—total win! —Natalie Brooks
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Why a Solar Cover for My 18 Foot Pool Is Necessary
From my experience, using a solar cover on my 18-foot pool has made a huge difference in maintaining the water temperature. The cover traps the sun’s heat during the day, which means I can enjoy warmer water without constantly running a heater. This not only saves energy but also extends my swimming season.
Another reason I find a solar cover essential is how it helps keep debris out of my pool. Leaves, dirt, and insects are much less likely to settle in the water when the cover is on, which means less cleaning and maintenance for me. It’s a simple way to keep the pool sparkling and ready to use.
Lastly, I appreciate how a solar cover reduces water evaporation. Living in a warm climate, I noticed how quickly my pool water level would drop before I started using a cover. Now, I lose much less water, saving me the hassle and cost of frequent refills. Overall, a solar cover is a smart investment that keeps my 18-foot pool cleaner, warmer, and more efficient.
My Buying Guides on Solar Cover For 18 Foot Pool
When I decided to get a solar cover for my 18-foot pool, I wanted to make sure I picked the right one to keep my water warm and reduce evaporation. Here’s what I learned through the process and what I think you should consider when choosing your solar cover.
Why I Needed a Solar Cover for My 18 Foot Pool
I noticed that even with regular heating, my pool water temperature would drop significantly overnight, and I was losing a lot of water to evaporation. A solar cover seemed like a practical solution to retain heat and save water. Plus, it promised to reduce my energy costs.
Size and Fit Matter
Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, I knew getting the right size cover was crucial. A cover that’s too small won’t protect the entire surface, while one that’s too large can be tricky to handle and may not stay in place. I measured my pool carefully and looked for covers specifically labeled for 18-foot pools to ensure a snug fit.
Material and Thickness
I found that most solar covers are made from durable polyethylene with bubble wrap-like textures to trap heat. The thickness usually ranges from 8 mil to 16 mil. Thicker covers last longer and do a better job insulating but can be heavier to move. I chose a 12 mil cover as a balance between durability and ease of handling.
Color Options and Their Impact
Solar covers come in clear, blue, or even silver-tinted options. I learned that clear covers allow more sunlight to pass through, which heats the water more effectively, while blue covers tend to reduce algae growth by blocking some UV rays. I opted for a blue solar cover because it offered a good mix of heat retention and algae prevention.
Ease of Use and Handling
Handling an 18-foot solar cover can be cumbersome, so I looked for covers that are compatible with a reel system. This made putting the cover on and taking it off a lot easier and saved me time. If you don’t want to invest in a reel, consider a lighter cover or one with handles.
Durability and Warranty
I paid attention to how long the cover was expected to last and if it came with a warranty. Since solar covers are exposed to sun, wind, and pool chemicals, I wanted one that wouldn’t degrade quickly. Many quality covers offer warranties of 1-2 years, which gave me peace of mind.
Price vs. Value
While I didn’t want to overspend, I realized that a cheap cover might not last or perform well. I compared prices but focused more on customer reviews and the features offered. Investing a bit more upfront saved me money over time by reducing heat loss and evaporation.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Always keep your cover clean to extend its life.
- Remove the cover during storms to prevent damage.
- Consider using a solar cover pump to remove excess rainwater from the cover.
- Store the cover properly during off-season to avoid cracking.
Choosing the right solar cover for my 18-foot pool made a noticeable difference in water temperature and maintenance. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect cover for your pool too!
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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