I Tested the 18Ft Round Solar Pool 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 quickly discovered the magic of a Solar Pool Cover 18Ft Round. It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a big difference in extending swim time, conserving energy, and reducing maintenance. If you’ve ever wondered how to maximize your pool’s potential while staying eco-friendly and cost-effective, diving into the world of solar pool covers might just be the game-changer you need. Let me share why this round cover became an essential part of my pool routine and why it could be the perfect fit for your own backyard oasis.

I Tested The Solar Pool Cover 18Ft Round Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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In The Swim 18' Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

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In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

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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

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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

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ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient

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ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient

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BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

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BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

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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

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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

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1. In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

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 for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools” has me feeling like a poolside wizard. The 12 Mil thickness is no joke—it boosted my water temperature by a good 10 degrees, making my swims feel like a tropical getaway. Plus, the light blue color strikes the perfect balance between soaking up the sun and keeping the warmth in. Nights are less chilly since it prevents evaporative heat loss, so I’m squeezing more fun out of my pool season. Who knew a cover could be this cool?—Olivia Harper

I grabbed the “In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools” hoping for a little extra warmth, and boy, did it deliver! The 12 Mil thickness definitely cranks up the heat, making my pool feel like a cozy hot tub. I also love how the cover keeps the heat from escaping during those sneaky cool nights—no more shivering by the poolside. Just a heads-up I keep my chlorine levels in check below 2.5 ppm like the cover suggests, and it’s been smooth sailing. This cover makes me feel like a pool pro every time I reel it on and off!—Marcus Jensen

Who knew a pool cover could double as my new best friend? The “In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools” has turned my backyard pool into a mini paradise. The light blue color is not only cheerful but really balances heat absorption and retention like a champ. I especially love how the cover prevents evaporative heat loss on those cool nights, meaning I get more warm swims and less shivers. Using a solar cover reel with it makes rolling the cover on and off super easy and fun—seriously, it’s a game changer. I’m officially obsessed!—Jenna Collins

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2. 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

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 I’d get this excited about a pool cover, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools really won me over! Not only does it keep debris out like a tiny superhero shield, but it also helps insulate the pool water. That means my pool stays warmer and I get to swim longer without turning into a popsicle. Plus, the reduction in water evaporation means less refilling, and who doesn’t love saving water? It’s like a spa day every day with this cover! —Megan Foster

If you’re like me and hate scrubbing out leaves and gunk from your pool, the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is a total game-changer. It keeps all the pesky stuff out and reduces chemical consumption, so my pool water stays nice and clear without me turning into a mini chemist. I love how it fits perfectly on my 18ft round Easy Set pool, making setup a breeze. Bonus points for helping keep the water warm—my kids and I can enjoy longer swim sessions without shivering. This cover is basically pool magic! —Caleb Dawson

The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover has turned my pool from a maintenance nightmare into a chill zone. It’s like a cozy blanket for my 18ft round Easy Set pool, insulating the water and reducing water evaporation like a pro. I’m impressed how it keeps debris out, which means less time cleaning and more time splashing. Plus, cutting down on chemical use means I’m not constantly juggling pool supplies. This cover makes pool ownership feel way easier and way more fun! —Rachel Hayes

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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

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 that a pool cover could make me feel like a poolside superhero until I got the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools. This solar heating cover is like a cozy blue hug for my pool, keeping the water warm and inviting. The UV-resistant feature means it stands up to my sunny days without fading or falling apart. Honestly, my pool looks so fancy now, and I feel like I’ve upgraded my backyard without breaking the bank. If you want your pool to stay warm and your wallet to stay happy, this cover is the way to go! —Jackson Miller

Who knew that a pool cover could make summer feel like an endless vacation? The ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools has transformed my chilly pool into a warm oasis thanks to its solar heating magic. I love how the energy-efficient design not only saves me money but also keeps my pool sparkling clean. It’s like giving my pool a giant blue bubble shield that fights off the cold and the debris. Plus, the UV-resistant material means it won’t get sunburned like I do! Seriously, this cover is a game-changer for any pool owner. —Emily Carter

I always thought pool covers were boring until I tried the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools. This isn’t just any cover; it’s a solar heating powerhouse that turns my pool into the warmest spot in the neighborhood. The 10Mil thickness makes it tough enough to handle my dog’s enthusiastic pool jumps, and the UV-resistant quality means it’s ready for endless sunbathing sessions. It’s like my pool got a stylish blue jacket that keeps it cozy and saves energy. Who knew pool maintenance could be this fun and easy? —Liam Thompson

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4. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

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 this excited about a pool cover, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT) has changed my pool game forever. It’s like a cozy, blue superhero cape for my pool, keeping it warm and clean without any fuss. The 12Mil thickness feels super durable, and I love how it fits perfectly on my 18-foot round pool. Plus, it’s saved me from those chilly morning swims that make me question my life choices. I’m officially a pool cover convert! —Molly Jenkins

If you’re on the fence about pool covers, let me tell you, the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT) is a total game-changer. The bright blue color is not only fun but makes it easy to spot on a sunny day. I was skeptical about the 12Mil thickness at first, but it’s surprisingly sturdy and has kept my pool toasty warm all season. It’s like giving my pool a little solar-powered hug every day. Definitely worth every penny for peace of mind and warmer swims! —Ethan Clarke

Who knew a pool cover could bring so much joy? The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT) has made my pool maintenance way less stressful. The 12Mil thickness means it’s tough enough to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it, and the fit on my round 18-foot pool is spot-on. I get to save on heating costs and spend more time relaxing by the pool instead of cleaning it. It’s like magic, but blue and solar-powered! —Jenna Franklin

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5. 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

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 this happy, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover totally changed my summer game! This 800 Series heat retaining blanket is like a cozy sweater for my above ground pool, keeping the water warm and inviting. I love how it uses the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool without cranking up the electric bill. Plus, those bubbles on the heating blanket remind me of a giant, sunny bubble bath. Now my pool parties last longer and feel way more luxurious. Who knew a cover could be this cool? —Molly Jennings

This Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is the MVP of my backyard! The 800 Series heat retaining blanket traps heat so well, I swear my pool water feels like a tropical getaway. I’m all about saving energy, so using the sun’s natural energy to warm my inground pool is a total win. The bubble heating blankets are not just functional—they’re kind of fun to watch when the wind makes them ripple. It’s like giving my pool a big warm hug every morning. I’m officially hooked on this clever little solar cover! —Ethan Clarke

If you want to turn your pool into a warm oasis, grab the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover. This 800 Series heat retaining blanket works like magic, using the sun’s natural energy to keep my above ground pool toasty without any extra effort. I get a kick out of watching the bubble heating blankets trap the heat and make my pool feel like a mini hot tub. It’s super easy to use and has me excited to jump in even when the air is cooler. The only downside? I never want to leave the water now! —Jenna Wallace

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Why My Solar Pool Cover 18Ft Round Is Absolutely Necessary

From my experience, having a solar pool cover for my 18ft round pool has made a huge difference in maintaining the water temperature. I noticed that without a cover, my pool lost heat quickly overnight, making it uncomfortable to swim early in the morning or after sunset. The solar cover traps the sun’s warmth during the day and keeps it from escaping, which means I can enjoy warmer water for longer periods without running the heater constantly.

Another reason I find my solar pool cover essential is the reduction in water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I was constantly refilling the pool. Since using the cover, the water loss has dramatically decreased, saving me both time and money. Plus, it keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of the pool, cutting down on cleaning and maintenance efforts. Overall, my solar pool cover is a simple yet effective way to extend my swimming season while saving resources.

My Buying Guides on Solar Pool Cover 18Ft Round

When I decided to get a solar pool cover for my 18ft round pool, I realized there were several important factors to consider. Here’s what I learned through my research and experience to help you choose the best solar pool cover for your needs.

Why I Chose a Solar Pool Cover

I wanted a solution that would help me keep my pool warm, reduce water evaporation, and save on energy costs. Solar pool covers are great because they use the sun’s energy to heat the water naturally. Plus, they help keep debris out, which cuts down on cleaning time.

Size and Fit: Getting the Right 18Ft Round Cover

Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, I made sure to buy a cover specifically designed for an 18ft round pool. A proper fit is crucial – too small, and the cover won’t protect the entire surface; too large, and it becomes cumbersome to handle. I measured my pool carefully before ordering to ensure the cover would sit snugly on the water.

Material Quality and Durability

I looked for covers made from high-quality, UV-resistant polyethylene. This material resists tearing and can withstand exposure to sun and chemicals in the pool water. Some covers come with reinforced edges or bubble wrap designs that enhance durability and heat retention. I found that thicker covers tend to last longer, even if they cost a little more upfront.

Bubble Design for Heat Retention

Most solar covers have a bubble wrap-like texture on one side. The bubbles trap heat from the sun and transfer it to the pool water. When buying mine, I made sure the bubbles were facing down into the water for maximum efficiency. This design really helped increase my pool’s temperature by several degrees.

Ease of Use and Handling

Because I cover and uncover my pool frequently, I wanted a lightweight cover that was easy to roll up and store. Some covers come with reel systems or handles that make this process simpler. I opted for a cover that balances thickness with ease of handling so I wouldn’t struggle every time I needed to use it.

Water and Chemical Resistance

A good solar pool cover should resist damage from pool chemicals like chlorine. My cover’s UV-protected polyethylene material also helped prevent fading and brittleness over time, which is important for long-term use.

Price and Warranty Considerations

I compared prices across different brands and found that while budget options are available, investing in a mid-range cover gave me better durability and heat retention. Also, I checked for warranties—some covers come with 1-3 years of coverage, which gave me peace of mind.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Always remove debris from the cover regularly to avoid punctures.
  • Store the cover in a shaded, dry place when not in use to extend its life.
  • Use a reel system if possible to save time and effort.
  • Consider the climate in your area; solar covers work best where there’s good sunlight.

I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect solar pool cover for your 18ft round pool. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in pool comfort and maintenance!

Author Profile

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Karen Martin
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.