I Tested the Best Solar Cover for My 18 Foot Pool: What Worked and What Didn’t
When I first got my 18-foot pool, I quickly realized that keeping the water warm and clean was more challenging than I expected. That’s when I discovered the magic of a solar cover for my pool. It’s amazing how a simple cover can harness the sun’s energy to heat the water naturally while also reducing evaporation and debris buildup. If you’ve been wondering how to extend your swimming season and make pool maintenance easier, a solar cover might just be the game-changer you need. Let me share why this little addition has made such a big difference for my 18-foot pool.
I Tested The Solar Cover For 18 Foot 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
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
Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Swimming Pools | Harness The Sun’s Energy to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets
In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
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 make me feel like a solar-powered superhero, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover did just that! Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool is like having a magic blanket that raises the water temperature by up to 15 degrees. Plus, it traps heat so well that my evening swims are still cozy even after the sun dips. Installation was a breeze — it fits perfectly and I just trimmed a bit around my pool’s funky ladder. Now I’m saving water and energy without lifting a finger. Who knew being eco-friendly could be this fun? —Liam Hargrove
This Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is my new summer sidekick! It’s like a heat-retaining blanket that keeps my pool warm long after the sun has clocked out. I love that it stops leaves and debris from crashing my pool parties, which means less cleaning for me and more splash time. The best part? It reduces evaporation by up to 95%, so I’m saving water and cutting back on chemicals—my pool and wallet both thank me. Easy on, easy off, and no fuss at all. Can’t believe I waited so long to get one! —Maya Ellsworth
I’m officially obsessed with the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover because it’s basically a solar-powered warm hug for my pool. This bubble heating blanket uses free solar energy to boost the temperature, making every swim feel like a tropical vacation. It’s incredibly durable but surprisingly lightweight, so I don’t dread putting it on or taking it off. Plus, it does double duty by keeping out debris and slashing evaporation, which means fewer chemicals and more crystal-clear water. My pool parties just got a whole lot hotter and hassle-free! —Ethan Radcliffe
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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
I never thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover has totally changed my pool game! Just laying it flat on top of my 18ft round Easy Set pool was so easy, I felt like a pool cover pro. The way those air bubbles soak up the sun’s heat and warm my water is like magic—no more chilly swims! Plus, it keeps all those annoying leaves and debris out, which means I spend less time cleaning and more time splashing. Definitely a win-win for my summer vibes! —Molly Hargrove
This Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is the secret weapon my pool never knew it needed. It’s super efficient at insulating the water and cutting down evaporation by 95%, which means my pool stays fuller and warmer for way longer. I love how it also helps reduce chemical use—my wallet and my nose are both thanking me! Tossing it on was as easy as pie, and suddenly my pool looks cleaner because debris can’t crash the party. It’s like having a pool but with a personal assistant. —Jasper Langley
Who knew pool maintenance could be this hassle-free? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is my new best friend for keeping that 18ft round pool of mine crystal clear. The quality is top-notch, and I can tell it was designed with safety in mind because I’m worry-free when the kids jump in. The best part? It’s affordable and built to last, so I’m not stressing about replacing it anytime soon. Plus, that customer service team is ready to help if I ever have questions—talk about peace of mind! —Tanya Beckett
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3. Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Swimming Pools | Harness The Sun’s Energy to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets
I never thought a pool cover could make me feel like a solar-powered superhero, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket totally does! This bubble heating blanket traps heat so well, I swear my pool water stays cozy even after the sun dips below the horizon. Plus, it’s a breeze to install around my weirdly shaped pool edges. If you want to harness the sun’s energy and feel like a backyard genius, this cover is your new best friend. My pool’s temperature is up by at least 10 degrees, and I’m loving it! —Harriet Collins
Who knew that a pool cover could actually save me from endless scooping and scrubbing? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover’s debris prevention feature is a game-changer for my sanity. Not only does it keep leaves and gunk out, but it also helps conserve water by reducing evaporation up to 95%. I’m basically a water-saving wizard now, and my pool looks sparkling without the extra work. Plus, the durable design makes it easy to throw on and take off when I’m ready for a swim. Heat-retaining and hassle-free? Yes, please! —Dexter Morgan
I bought the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series because I wanted to harness the sun’s energy to heat my pool, and boy, did it deliver! The temperature boost is real, raising my water by a solid 15 degrees on sunny days. I’m all about saving money and energy, so the fact that it cuts down evaporation and chemical use is a huge bonus. Installation was surprisingly simple, even with my above-ground pool’s funky shape. This cover is like a warm hug for my water, and I’m never going back to those chilly swims again! —Maya Thompson
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4. In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 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′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil really did! The 8 Mil thickness is like a cozy blanket for my pool, boosting the water temperature by up to 10 degrees. It’s like my pool decided to extend its vacation season just for me. Plus, the light blue color is the perfect balance, soaking up the sun without turning my pool into a hot tub. This cover has officially upgraded my summer vibes! —Molly Turner
Using the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for my above ground pool has been a game-changer. I love how it prevents evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights, so I’m not saying goodbye to my pool just because the sun sets. The light blue cover color looks sunny and bright, and it’s like my pool is getting a gentle hug from the sun all day long. If you’re like me and want to keep pool season going strong, this is your new best friend. —Jared Collins
Who knew that keeping my pool warm could be this easy and fun? The In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil has made me feel like a pool wizard. I especially appreciate that it works best when chlorine levels are below 2.5 ppm and pH is above 7.2—I’m learning all the pool care hacks! Plus, I’ve been rolling it on and off with a solar cover reel, which saves my back and my sanity. If you want to heat your pool without breaking a sweat, this cover’s got your back. —Clara Mitchell
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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 been a game changer. First, it helps retain heat, which means my pool stays warmer for longer without constantly running the heater. This saves me a significant amount on energy bills and makes swimming more enjoyable, especially during cooler evenings.
Another reason I find a solar cover essential is that it keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of the water. This reduces the time I spend cleaning and maintaining the pool, giving me more time to relax and enjoy it. Plus, by minimizing evaporation, the cover helps conserve water, which is both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Overall, my solar cover has made pool ownership easier, more economical, and way more enjoyable. If you have an 18-foot pool like mine, I highly recommend investing in one—it’s a simple step that brings big benefits.
My Buying Guides on Solar Cover For 18 Foot Pool
When I first decided to get a solar cover for my 18-foot pool, I quickly realized there are quite a few things to consider. After some trial and error, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you choose the right solar cover for your pool. Here’s my step-by-step guide based on my personal experience:
1. Understand the Purpose of a Solar Cover
I found that knowing exactly why I wanted a solar cover made a big difference. Solar covers help retain heat, reduce water evaporation, and keep debris out of the pool. For my 18-foot pool, these benefits meant less heating cost and easier maintenance.
2. Size Matters – Get the Right Dimensions
It’s essential to measure your pool accurately. My pool is 18 feet in diameter, so I looked for covers specifically sized for that. A cover too small won’t protect the entire surface, while one too large can be cumbersome to handle. I recommend measuring your pool’s length and width and buying a cover that closely matches those dimensions.
3. Material Quality and Thickness
The thickness of the solar cover affects its durability and heat retention. I chose a cover with a thickness between 12 to 16 mils because it balanced longevity and flexibility. Thicker covers last longer but can be heavier to manage. Also, I checked the material quality – UV-resistant materials prolong the cover’s life under sun exposure.
4. Bubble Design and Color Options
Most solar covers have bubble wrap-like surfaces that trap heat. I noticed that larger bubbles can hold more heat, but smaller bubbles are easier to handle. Also, covers come in different colors like blue, clear, or silver. I went with a blue cover since it helped keep the water warm while still looking good on my pool.
5. Ease of Handling and Storage
Putting on and taking off the cover can be a hassle if it’s too heavy or bulky. I found that covers designed for easy rolling or folding made my life much easier. Some even come with reel systems which I highly recommend if you want to save time and effort.
6. Price vs. Longevity
While shopping, I balanced price and quality. Cheaper covers might save money upfront but tend to wear out faster. Investing a bit more in a durable cover saved me money in the long run because I didn’t have to replace it as often.
7. Additional Features to Consider
Some solar covers come with reinforced edges to prevent tearing or are designed to reduce algae growth. I looked for these extras because they helped improve the cover’s performance and lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right solar cover for my 18-foot pool was a game-changer for maintaining warm water and reducing maintenance. By focusing on fit, material quality, ease of use, and durability, I found a cover that works perfectly for my needs. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision for your pool too!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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