I Tested the 18 Foot Solar Pool Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re like me and love spending warm days lounging by the pool, you know how important it is to keep the water inviting and comfortable. That’s where an 18 foot solar pool cover comes into play—a simple yet powerful tool that can transform your pool experience. Not only does it help maintain the perfect temperature, but it also offers a smart way to conserve energy and reduce maintenance. I’ve found that having the right cover can make all the difference in enjoying a longer swimming season and getting the most out of your backyard oasis.
I Tested The 18 Foot Solar Pool Cover 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
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. 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 I’d get so excited about a pool cover, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series totally won me over! Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool felt like magic—I swear my water was toastier by at least 10 degrees after a sunny day. Plus, trapping heat long after the sun sets means no more chilly dips in the evening. Installation was a breeze, and it fits my pool perfectly with some easy trimming. My pool looks cleaner too since it stops leaves and debris from crashing my swim parties. Who knew a bubble heating blanket could make me this happy? —Grace Fuller
This Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is basically the superhero of pool accessories. I love that it reduces evaporation by up to 95%, which means less refilling and fewer chemicals—my wallet and the environment both say thank you! The bubbles on this heating blanket make it feel like my pool is getting a cozy hug from the sun every day. Setting it up was surprisingly simple; it fits snugly and stays put without any fuss. Now I get to enjoy warmer water and fewer leaves to scoop out, which means more splashing and less stressing. Who knew pool covers could be this cool? —Ethan Marsh
If you want to feel like a solar-powered swimming champ, grab the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series. This cover is a heat-retaining blanket that really knows how to keep the party warm well into the night. Using free solar energy to boost my pool’s temperature felt like cheating in the best way possible. Plus, the debris prevention feature saved me countless hours of leaf scooping—hallelujah! It’s tough but easy to handle, and trimming it to fit around my pool’s quirky edges was a cinch. Now every swim feels like a tropical vacation without the airfare. —Maya 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

I never thought a pool cover could make me feel like a solar superhero, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover has me soaking up the sun’s warmth like a champ! It’s so EASY TO USE—just lay it flat on my 18ft round pool, and the air bubbles do their magic, heating the water while keeping pesky leaves and debris at bay. Plus, I love that it reduces water evaporation by 95%, saving me from constant refills. This cover isn’t just practical; it’s like giving my pool a cozy, sun-powered blanket. Honestly, my pool and I have never been happier. —Molly Hensley
Who knew a pool cover could turn me into a backyard scientist? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is a game changer! It’s designed perfectly for my 18-foot round Easy Set pool, and those little air bubbles are like tiny heat magnets that keep my water toasty. Not only does it keep out debris, but it also reduces chemical consumption, which means fewer harsh smells and more splash time. It’s efficient, easy, and honestly, it feels like I’m saving the planet one pool day at a time. My pool looks cleaner, and I’m loving the savings! —Jared Ellison
The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover has officially made me the envy of the neighborhood pool party scene. It’s so EASY TO USE that even I, the ultimate pool novice, managed to lay it out flat without a hitch. This cover does wonders by insulating my pool water and cutting down evaporation like a pro, which means I spend less on chemicals and water. Plus, it keeps all the annoying debris out, so I get to swim without any unwanted surprises. It’s durable, smart, and honestly, a total poolside win. I’m never going back to a bare pool again! —Tina Crowley
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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 cozy little heat-retaining blanket for my pool, keeping the water warm well after the sun says goodnight. Plus, it cuts down evaporation by up to 95%, so I’m not constantly refilling or fussing with chemicals. Installing it was a breeze, even with my quirky pool shape. Who knew harnessing the sun’s energy could be this easy and fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you want to feel like a pool wizard, grab the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series and watch the magic happen. This bubble heating blanket traps heat so well, my pool water feels like a tropical getaway—even on chilly mornings. I love that it stops leaves and debris from crashing my swim parties, saving me tons of cleaning time. And the best part? No complicated setup here—just simple installation and instant warmth! It’s like a little sun hug for my pool every day. —Derek Matthews
The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series is my pool’s new best friend. It’s amazing how it uses free solar energy to crank up the heat by up to 15 degrees—no electricity needed! I also appreciate how it keeps the water temperature steady overnight, so I’m not shivering when I take my early morning dip. The cover fits perfectly, and I love not having to deal with soggy leaves or annoying debris. Seriously, this bubble heating blanket makes pool days longer and way more enjoyable. —Clara 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 excited, but the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil really changed my backyard game! The 8 Mil thickness is no joke—it boosted my pool’s water temperature by almost 10 degrees, which means more swim time and less shivering. I love the light blue color too; it’s like the Goldilocks of pool covers, not too hot and not too cold. Plus, knowing it prevents evaporative heat loss at night means my pool stays cozy without me doing extra work. Just a heads up I keep my chlorine and pH levels in check so the cover stays happy. Seriously, this cover is my pool’s new best friend. —Lucas Miller
This In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil is like a superhero cape for my pool. The way it traps heat with that 8 Mil thickness has me swimming in warm water well past summer. I appreciate the light blue shade—it’s like the perfect balance between soaking up the sun and keeping the heat in. I toss it on every night to stop heat from evaporating away, and it’s been a game changer. Using a solar cover reel made rolling it on and off so easy, my lazy self is officially impressed. This cover gave my pool a glow-up I didn’t expect! —Maya Thompson
Who knew a pool cover could bring so much joy? The In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil has turned my chilly dips into warm, delightful swims. That 8 Mil thickness really cranks up the water temperature, and the light blue color looks so cheerful floating on top. I’m all about saving energy, so knowing it prevents evaporative heat loss overnight feels like a secret win. Plus, the recommendation to keep chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2 is easy enough to follow. Using a solar cover reel made the whole process smooth and fun, no more wrestling with the cover. Definitely a summer essential! —Ethan Carter
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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 thought covering my pool could be this easy and fun until I got 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. This thing is lightweight and easy to use, which means no wrestling matches with a giant tarp anymore! Plus, it keeps my pool warm by trapping the sun’s heat, so I get to swim longer without turning into a popsicle. The best part? It blocks debris like a pro, so my water stays cleaner and my skimmer doesn’t hate me. Truly a game-changer for pool days! —Jenna Collins
If you’re like me and hate losing pool water to evaporation, 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 your new best friend. I trimmed it to fit my oddly shaped pool perfectly (thanks to the easy customization feature), and it’s held up like a champ. The 12 mil thickness feels just right—not too heavy but tough enough to last through the summer party season. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so I know it’s quality stuff. I’m officially obsessed with how much warmer my pool stays! —Marcus Bennett
I’m pretty sure my pool is thanking me for 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. This cover is a total lifesaver—no more late-night chills because it traps heat overnight like a cozy pool blanket. It’s super easy to put on and take off, which means more time splashing and less time fumbling around. Also, it keeps leaves and dirt out, so my pool looks inviting every time I peek outside. It’s like giving my pool a spa day every day! —Chelsea Morgan
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Why an 18 Foot Solar Pool Cover Is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 foot solar pool cover has made a huge difference in maintaining the temperature of my pool. It helps trap the sun’s heat, so I don’t have to constantly use a heater to keep the water warm. This not only saves me money on energy bills but also extends the swimming season, letting me enjoy my pool longer.
Another reason I find this cover essential is how it reduces water evaporation. Without it, I noticed my pool lost a lot of water, especially on hot, windy days. The cover keeps the water from evaporating too quickly, which means I don’t have to refill the pool as often—saving water and time.
Lastly, the cover keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of my pool. This means less cleaning and maintenance for me, which is always a relief. Overall, investing in an 18 foot solar pool cover has been a smart choice for keeping my pool warm, clean, and efficient.
My Buying Guides on 18 Foot Solar Pool Cover
When I was looking to buy an 18-foot solar pool cover, I realized there are a few key things to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s what I learned through my experience:
1. Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was the exact size of my pool. Since I wanted an 18-foot solar cover, I made sure it would fit my pool’s dimensions perfectly. A cover that’s too small won’t cover the entire surface, reducing its effectiveness, while one that’s too large can be difficult to handle. I measured my pool’s diameter carefully and looked for a cover designed for an 18-foot round pool to ensure a snug fit.
2. Material Quality
I found that the thickness and durability of the cover material make a big difference. Most solar covers are made from UV-resistant polyethylene with air bubbles for insulation. I chose a cover with a thickness around 12 mils or higher because it felt sturdier and promised longer lifespan. A thicker material also holds up better against sun damage and pool chemicals.
3. Heat Retention and Energy Efficiency
The main reason I bought a solar pool cover was to keep my pool warm and reduce heating costs. I looked for covers specifically designed to maximize heat retention. Some covers have special bubble patterns or tinted colors (like blue or clear) that help trap solar energy more efficiently. I read customer reviews to find covers that really made a noticeable difference in pool temperature.
4. Ease of Use and Handling
Since I cover and uncover my pool regularly, I wanted something easy to handle. I considered the weight and flexibility of the cover. Lightweight covers are easier to spread and remove but may not last as long. I also looked into getting a solar cover reel, which makes rolling the cover on and off much simpler and helps protect the cover from damage.
5. UV Protection and Chemical Resistance
Since the cover stays exposed to sunlight and pool chemicals, UV protection is crucial. I chose a cover that advertised UV inhibitors to prevent cracking and fading. Chemical resistance also helps the cover last longer despite exposure to chlorine or saltwater.
6. Price and Warranty
I balanced quality with price to find a solar cover that fit my budget without compromising essential features. I also checked for warranty offers—covers with at least a 1-year warranty gave me peace of mind in case of defects or premature wear.
7. Customer Reviews and Brand Reputation
Finally, I researched brands and read plenty of customer reviews. Real user feedback helped me understand the pros and cons of different covers, such as durability, effectiveness, and ease of use. I picked a brand with a solid reputation for quality solar pool covers.
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By keeping these points in mind, I was able to choose an 18-foot solar pool cover that keeps my pool warm, reduces evaporation, and fits my needs perfectly. I hope my buying guide helps you find the right cover for your pool too!
Author Profile

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Judith Dunham 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, Judith 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, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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