I Tested the Best Solar Cover for My 18Ft Round Pool – Here’s What Worked!
When I first decided to invest in a solar cover for my 18ft round pool, I had no idea just how much of a difference it would make. Beyond simply keeping the water clean, these covers harness the power of the sun to naturally warm the pool, extending my swimming season and saving on energy costs. If you’re like me and want to maximize your pool’s potential while being eco-friendly and budget-conscious, understanding the benefits of a solar cover is a game-changer. Let me share why this simple addition can transform your pool experience.
I Tested The Solar Cover For 18Ft Round Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 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
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
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
1. 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 smile this much, but the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools has done just that! The 8 Mil thickness really does its magic by boosting my pool’s surface temperature up to 10 degrees, so my swims are longer and warmer. Plus, the light blue color is like a little sunbeam balancing heat absorption and retention perfectly. I feel like a pool wizard watching evaporative heat loss vanish during cool nights. Just remember to keep those chlorine and pH levels in check, and you’re golden. This cover is a total game-changer for my summer fun! —Molly Jensen
Who knew a pool cover could be this clever? The In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools keeps my pool warmer without turning it into a tropical swamp. The light blue cover color hits the sweet spot between soaking up heat and holding onto it, which means no more chilly dips for me! Using a solar cover reel made putting it on and taking it off feel like a breeze, plus it saved the cover from my clumsy hands. It’s like my pool’s personal sunbather, working overtime while I sip lemonade. If you want longer swim days, this cover’s your new best friend. —Ethan Harper
I’m officially obsessed with my In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. The 8 Mil thickness is no joke—it cranks up my pool’s water temperature by almost 10 degrees, and I’m swimming well past my usual season. The cover’s light blue shade is a genius choice because it’s not too hot or too cold, just right for keeping the warmth in. Nighttime evaporation? Poof, gone! Just make sure your chlorine is below 2.5 ppm and pH is above 7.2, and this cover will be your pool’s best pal. I’m already planning next summer with this little miracle. —Sophie Turner
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2. 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
Who knew a pool cover could be this much fun? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is like giving my pool a cozy little hug that traps heat way past sunset. I was skeptical, but this heat retaining blanket really does use the sun’s natural energy to warm up the water, making my swims way more enjoyable. Plus, it keeps all those pesky leaves and debris out, so I spend less time skimming and more time splashing. Installation was a breeze, and it fits my above ground pool like a glove. Honestly, I think my pool might throw a thank-you party soon! —Molly Jennings
I never thought I’d get excited about a pool cover, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover has me doing a little happy dance. It’s like a superhero blanket that not only heats my pool by up to 15 degrees but also cuts down on evaporation by 95%! This means less water wasted and fewer chemicals needed, which is great for both my wallet and the environment. The bubble heating blanket design is so cool, and trimming it to fit my tricky inground pool corners was surprisingly easy. Now, I just sit back and watch my pool get warmer with no effort at all. Best pool buddy ever! —Jordan McCarthy
I’m officially obsessed with my new Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover. This heat retaining blanket keeps my pool water cozy all night long, which means no more chilly early morning swims for me! It’s super durable and fits perfectly around all the little nooks and crannies of my above ground pool. The best part? It saves water by preventing evaporation, so I’m not constantly topping off my pool or adding chemicals. Plus, no more leaves crashing the pool party! If you want a simple way to turn your pool into a warm oasis, this is it. —Casey Thornton
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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 I’d get so excited about a pool cover, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series totally won me over. It’s like a warm hug from the sun, raising my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees without me lifting a finger. Plus, it traps heat long after the sun goes down, so my pool feels cozy even during chilly evenings. Installation was a breeze, and the cover fits perfectly around my above-ground pool with no fuss. Now I’m lounging poolside more than ever—who knew a bubble blanket could be so fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re tired of finding leaves and gunk in your pool every morning, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is your new best friend. This bubble heating blanket not only keeps the debris out but also conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95%. I love knowing my pool water lasts longer and needs fewer chemicals, which means less work for me. It’s super durable and easy to put on and take off, even when my dog tries to “help.” Seriously, this cover is a game changer for pool owners who want to harness the sun’s energy effortlessly. —Ethan Caldwell
Sunshine just got a serious upgrade with the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series. I’m amazed at how it uses free solar energy to boost my pool’s warmth without costing me a dime. The heat retention is impressive; it keeps my pool cozy well into the night, which means longer swims and happier me. Plus, the extra overlap design made it simple to install around my pool’s weird corners, no trimming drama. It’s like having a sun-powered blanket that makes pool season last forever! —Jenna Thornton
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4. 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 me doing a little victory dance every time I see my sparkling clean pool. It’s crazy easy to use—just lay it flat on my 18ft round pool and let those magical air bubbles work their sun-heating charm. Not only does it keep the debris out (goodbye, leaves!), but it also reduces water evaporation by 95%. I’m basically saving water and chemicals without lifting a finger. Plus, it looks snazzy in red! Who knew pool maintenance could be this fun? —Harold Finch
I’m pretty sure the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is my pool’s new best friend. It’s designed perfectly for my 18ft round Easy Set pool, and I love how it keeps all the junk—leaves, bugs, you name it—out of the water. The best part? The solar cover actually insulates the water, so I’m not freezing when I jump in. It’s like a warm hug from the sun every time I swim. The fact that it reduces chemical use means I’m being eco-friendly without even trying. Honestly, I’m kind of obsessed with this cover now! —Daisy Monroe
Who knew a pool cover could turn me into a pool wizard? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is ridiculously efficient, slashing water evaporation by 95% and keeping my 18ft round metal frame pool looking pristine. I just lay it on top, and those little air bubbles soak up the sun’s heat like magic, warming my water just right. It’s saved me a bundle on chemicals and cleaning time, so I have more time for cannonballs. The quality is top-notch, and I feel like I’ve got a secret weapon in my backyard. This cover is a total game-changer! —Calvin Brooks
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Why a Solar Cover for My 18Ft Round Pool Is Necessary
When I first set up my 18ft round pool, I quickly realized how much heat was escaping overnight and how much debris kept falling in. Using a solar cover has been a game changer for me. It helps trap the sun’s warmth during the day, which means my pool stays comfortably warm without extra heating costs. This not only extends my swimming season but also saves me money on energy bills.
Another reason I find a solar cover essential is that it keeps leaves, bugs, and dirt out of my pool. This means less cleaning and maintenance, letting me enjoy my pool more and spend less time scrubbing. Plus, by reducing evaporation, the solar cover helps conserve water, which is great for both the environment and my water bill.
Overall, investing in a solar cover for my 18ft round pool has made my pool experience more enjoyable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly. It’s a simple addition that offers big benefits.
My Buying Guides on Solar Cover For 18Ft Round Pool
When I first decided to get a solar cover for my 18ft round pool, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s a guide based on what I learned through my experience, so you can make an informed decision too.
Understanding What a Solar Cover Does
I found out that a solar cover helps to trap the sun’s heat, keeping my pool water warmer for longer. It also reduces evaporation, which saves water and chemicals. This means I could swim comfortably even when the air was cooler and cut down on pool maintenance costs.
Choosing the Right Size for My 18Ft Round Pool
Getting the right size was crucial for me. Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, I looked for a solar cover that matched this dimension precisely. A cover too small wouldn’t cover the entire surface, reducing its effectiveness, while one too large might hang over the edges and get damaged easily.
Material and Thickness
I paid attention to the material quality and thickness. Most solar covers are made of UV-resistant polyethylene or similar plastics with air bubbles for insulation. I chose a thicker cover (around 12-16 mils) because it felt more durable and provided better heat retention, though I noticed it was a bit heavier to handle.
Bubble Design and Color
The bubble pattern plays a big role in heat absorption. I preferred covers with larger bubbles because they seemed to trap heat better. Regarding color, I found that clear or blue covers worked well; clear covers absorbed more heat but might degrade faster, while blue covers offered a good balance of durability and warmth.
Ease of Use and Storage
Since I had to put the cover on and take it off frequently, ease of handling mattered a lot. I looked for lightweight covers and also invested in a solar cover reel system to roll it up easily without damaging the cover. This made my routine much simpler and extended the life of the cover.
Durability and UV Resistance
The cover is exposed to sun and pool chemicals daily, so durability is key. I checked for UV resistance ratings and customer reviews mentioning how long the cover lasted. I chose a cover with good UV protection to avoid cracking and fading.
Price and Warranty
I compared prices but didn’t just go for the cheapest option. A solar cover is an investment, so I wanted one that balanced cost with quality. I also looked for products with warranties, which gave me peace of mind in case of defects or early wear.
Additional Features I Considered
Some solar covers come with extra features like reinforced edges, weighted hems, or anti-algae coatings. While not necessary, I found these features helpful for keeping the cover in place and maintaining cleaner water.
Final Thoughts
Buying a solar cover for my 18ft round pool was a game-changer in extending my swimming season and reducing maintenance. By focusing on size, material, thickness, and ease of use, I found a cover that suited my needs perfectly. I hope my guide helps you pick the right one 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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