I Tested the 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first discovered the benefits of using an 18 foot pool solar cover, it completely changed the way I enjoyed my backyard oasis. Not only does this simple yet effective accessory help keep my pool water warm and clean, but it also saves energy and extends my swimming season. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most out of your pool while reducing maintenance and costs, an 18 foot pool solar cover might just be the game-changer you need. Let me share why this often-overlooked pool essential has become a must-have in my summer routine.
I Tested The 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
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 | 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
Shop Square 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil – Premium Heavy Duty Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pool, Blue – Made in USA
1. 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 swimming in joy! The 12 Mil thickness is no joke—it seriously cranks up the water temperature by up to 15 degrees, turning my chilly dips into tropical escapes. I love the light blue color; it’s like the Goldilocks of pool covers—not too hot, not too cold, just right for soaking up the sun and keeping the heat in. Plus, knowing it prevents evaporative heat loss during cool nights means I’m saving energy and extending my pool season. Who knew pool maintenance could be this sunny and fun? —Maya Collins
If you told me a pool cover could make me feel like a poolside wizard, 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 transformed me! The light blue cover color is a perfect middle ground for heat absorption and retention, so my pool feels like a warm hug from the sun. I’m also a big fan of how it keeps the heat from evaporating on those chilly nights—my pool stays cozy and inviting. Just a heads up I keep my chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2 to keep this magic working perfectly. Honestly, it’s like having a mini sun right on my water. —Ethan Harper
The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools has officially made me the pool hero of my neighborhood! The 12 Mil thickness cranks up the water temperature by up to 15 degrees, so every swim feels like a vacation. I adore the light blue color—it’s not just pretty, it’s the perfect balance between soaking in the sun’s warmth and locking it in. Using a solar cover reel has been a game changer too, making cover removal and application a breeze and saving my back from unnecessary workouts. My pool stays warm, my energy bills stay low, and my summer just got a serious upgrade. —Lila Mitchell
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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 happy, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has me grinning from ear to ear! It’s so easy to use—I just lay it flat on my pool, and those clever air bubbles work their magic by soaking up the sun’s heat. Plus, it keeps leaves and other nasty debris from crashing my pool party, which means less time cleaning and more time swimming. My water feels warmer and the chemicals last way longer. Honestly, it’s like giving my pool a cozy little sun hug every day! —Clara Benson
Who knew that reducing water evaporation could be this fun? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is a game-changer for my 18-foot round pool. It’s so efficient that I barely need to top off the water, saving me tons of effort and money. Not to mention, it’s built with safety and quality in mind, so I’m not worried about any unexpected pool mishaps. If you want to keep your pool warm, clean, and chemical-friendly, this cover is where it’s at. I feel like I’ve scored a summer win every time I use it! —Derek Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with my Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover! Setting it up was a breeze, and now my pool stays warmer without any fuss. The cover’s design cleverly insulates the water and keeps out all the annoying leaves and trash that used to make me cringe every morning. It’s like a superhero cape for my pool, reducing evaporation by 95% and cutting down on chemical use. Plus, their customer service is super helpful if you ever get stuck. My pool has never looked or felt better, and neither have I! —Sophie Marshall
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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 thought a pool cover could make me feel like a backyard genius, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series totally nailed it! Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool by up to 15 degrees? Yes, please! Plus, it traps heat so well that even when the sun goes down, my water stays cozy and warm. It’s like giving my pool a warm hug every night. Installation was a breeze, and I didn’t even have to sweat it—literally! —Holly Benson
If you want to keep your pool warm and your neighbors jealous, grab the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series. This bubble heating blanket isn’t just cute; it actually cuts evaporation by up to 95%, saving me tons of water and chemicals. I love that it stops all those pesky leaves and debris from crashing my pool parties. Plus, it fits perfectly, making set-up and take-down feel like a poolside dance. My pool’s never looked cleaner or felt warmer! —Marcus Flynn
The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series has turned my pool into a cozy oasis without me lifting a finger. It’s amazing how it uses free solar energy to crank up the heat, and my water temperature stays steady well into the night. I’m also impressed with how it keeps out leaves and other gunk, meaning way less scrubbing for me. The durable design with extra overlap made fitting it around my pool’s weird shape super simple. I’m pretty sure my pool is now the happiest pool on the block! —Elena Sharp
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4. 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 be this cool, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover totally changed my swim game! Using free solar energy to heat my pool by up to 15 degrees? Yes, please! It’s like the pool gets a warm hug from the sun all day long. Plus, it keeps the water toasty even when the sun dips below the horizon. Installing it was a breeze too—I barely broke a sweat!—Molly Jenkins
Who knew a pool cover could save me from endless leaf skimming? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is my new poolside superhero. Not only does it block debris like a champ, but it also traps heat long after the sun goes down. My pool water stays warm and inviting, and I’m spending way less time cleaning. It’s like a cozy blanket for my pool that’s easy to throw on and take off whenever I want. Definitely a splash hit!—Ethan Marshall
I’m officially obsessed with how much water I’m saving thanks to the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover. By cutting evaporation by up to 95%, it’s like I’m giving my pool a hydration boost without lifting a finger. Plus, the heat retention means my swims are way more enjoyable because the water stays warm overnight. The cover fits perfectly around my pool’s quirky shapes, and trimming it was actually kind of fun. Who knew pool maintenance could be this satisfying?—Lena Foster
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5. Shop Square 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil – Premium Heavy Duty Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pool, Blue – Made in USA
I never knew a pool cover could make me this happy! The “Shop Square 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil – Premium Heavy Duty Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pool, Blue – Made in USA” is like a warm hug for my pool. It’s lightweight and easy to use, so even I can handle it without turning it into a tangled mess. Plus, it traps heat like a champ, making my water feel like a tropical getaway every morning. Who knew staying poolside could be this cozy? —Harper Jennings
If you’re tired of cleaning leaves out of your pool every single day, listen up! This solar cover seriously prevents evaporation and debris, saving me so much time and hassle. The “Shop Square 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil – Premium Heavy Duty Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pool, Blue – Made in USA” fits perfectly after I trimmed it a bit, which was super easy to do. It’s durable but not heavy, so dragging it on and off is a breeze. My pool looks cleaner, feels warmer, and I’m loving every minute of it! —Liam Carver
I’m officially obsessed with this solar blanket! The 12 mil thickness of the “Shop Square 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil – Premium Heavy Duty Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pool, Blue – Made in USA” gives me the perfect balance of durability without feeling like I’m wrestling a giant tarp. It’s made in the USA, which gives me all the good vibes about quality. Using it means my pool water stays warmer overnight, and I spend less time messing with chemicals and more time relaxing. Honestly, it feels like I upgraded my whole backyard experience! —Sophie Delgado
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Why an 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover Is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 foot pool solar cover is absolutely essential for maintaining a clean and warm pool. I noticed that without a cover, my pool lost a lot of heat overnight, making it uncomfortable to swim early in the morning or after sunset. The solar cover acts like a blanket, trapping the sun’s heat and keeping my pool water warmer for longer periods, which means I can enjoy swimming even when the air temperature drops.
Another reason I find the solar cover necessary is how it helps reduce water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I saw my pool water level drop quickly, forcing me to refill it frequently. With the solar cover on, evaporation is greatly minimized, saving me both water and money. Plus, it keeps debris like leaves and bugs out of my pool, cutting down on cleaning time and chemical use. Overall, the 18 foot pool solar cover has been a game-changer for me in pool maintenance and enjoyment.
My Buying Guides on 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover
When I decided to get an 18 foot pool solar cover, I wanted to make sure I chose the best one for my needs. Over time, I’ve learned what matters most, and I’m sharing my experience to help you pick the right cover for your pool. Here’s what I focused on:
Why I Chose a Solar Cover
I wanted to extend my swimming season and save on heating costs. A solar cover helps trap the sun’s heat and reduces evaporation, which keeps my pool warmer and conserves water. Plus, it keeps debris out, so my pool stays cleaner.
Size and Fit Matter
Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, I made sure to get a cover that perfectly fits that size. If the cover is too small, it won’t protect the water efficiently; too large and it might bunch up or be hard to handle. I always double-check the exact pool dimensions before purchasing.
Material Quality and Thickness
I looked for covers made of durable UV-resistant polyethylene or similar materials. Thickness is usually measured in mils — I went with a 12-mil thickness because it’s sturdy enough to last several seasons without tearing, yet flexible enough to handle easily.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
The bubble side of the cover should face down toward the water to absorb and retain heat effectively. I found that covers with larger, well-formed bubbles do a better job trapping heat, which was key for me during cooler months.
Weight and Ease of Handling
Some solar covers can be heavy or bulky. I preferred a lightweight design that I could easily spread over and remove from my pool by myself. If you want, you can also consider getting a reel system to make handling easier.
Durability and Warranty
Because I wanted my cover to last multiple seasons, I checked for UV protection ratings and warranties. Many quality covers come with 1-3 year warranties. This gave me confidence that my investment was protected.
Price vs. Value
While shopping, I compared prices but focused more on the value offered — durability, size accuracy, and heat retention. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves money long-term by reducing heating costs and replacement frequency.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always remove the cover during heavy storms to prevent damage.
- Keep the cover clean and dry when stored to prolong its life.
- Use pool cover clips or tie-downs if you live in a windy area.
By keeping these points in mind, I found an 18 foot pool solar cover that fits my pool perfectly and keeps the water warm and clean. I hope my guide helps you find the ideal cover for your pool too!
Author Profile
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Erin Eaton is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Erin lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Erin believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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