I Tested the Best Solar Cover for My 18 Foot Round Pool – Here’s What Worked!
When I first set up my 18 foot round pool, I quickly realized that maintaining the perfect water temperature and keeping it clean was more challenging than I expected. That’s when I discovered the incredible benefits of using a solar cover designed specifically for pools of this size. A solar cover not only helps to harness the sun’s energy to warm the water naturally but also acts as a protective barrier against debris and evaporation. If you’re like me and want to extend your swimming season while saving on energy costs, understanding how a solar cover can transform your pool experience is a game-changer.
I Tested The Solar Cover For 18 Foot Round Pool 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 knew a pool cover could make me this excited until I got the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. That 12 Mil thickness is like a cozy blanket for my pool, boosting the water temperature by up to 15 degrees! Now, I’m swimming longer and feeling like a poolside superhero. Plus, the light blue color is just the right vibe—neither too hot nor too cool, just perfect. It’s like my pool’s wearing sunglasses and a sun hat at the same time. Who knew solar heating could be this stylish? —Carla Benson
This In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools is my new best pool buddy! I love how it prevents evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights, so my pool stays warm and inviting. Using it feels like giving my pool a warm hug every evening. Just a heads-up I keep my chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2, so it’s always happy and healthy. The solar cover reel makes rolling it on and off a breeze—no more wrestling matches with the cover! Swimming season, you just got extended. —Derek Halloway
If you want to feel like a pool wizard, the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools is your magic wand. The light blue cover strikes the perfect balance between absorbing and holding heat, making my pool feel like a tropical paradise. I’ve been soaking up warm water bliss thanks to this clever cover. The convenience of using a solar cover reel means less hassle and more time splashing around. Honestly, I didn’t think a pool cover could make me smile this much, but here we are! —Nina Caldwell
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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 knew a pool cover could make me feel like a poolside genius until I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. Laying it flat on top was so simple, even my dog seemed impressed. The way those air bubbles soak up the sun’s heat and pass it to the water is like magic – my pool’s been warmer and happier! Plus, it’s cut down on all those annoying leaves and debris that used to crash my swim parties. If you want a pool cover that’s easy to use and actually works, this is it. Totally worth it! —Maya Thornton
Who knew that insulating pool water and reducing evaporation by 95% could be such a game-changer? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has made me feel like a pool wizard. Not only does it keep the water warm, but it’s also a beast at keeping debris out. I mean, my pool looks cleaner than ever, and I’m using way fewer chemicals, which is a win for my wallet and my skin. This cover is efficient, affordable, and a total must-have for any pool owner! —Ethan Caldwell
I’ve always been a bit lazy about pool maintenance, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has changed the game. It’s super easy to throw on, and I love that it’s designed specifically for my 18-foot pool—fits like a glove! The quality is top-notch, and it feels like it’s built to last through all my summer splash sessions. Bonus points for reducing chemical use, so I’m saving money and the planet one swim at a time. This cover definitely earns my seal of approval! —Lily Morrison
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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 I’d get so excited about a pool cover, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series really changed the game for me! It’s like having a personal sunbeam trapped right on top of my pool, thanks to its ability to raise the water temperature by up to 15 degrees. Plus, it keeps the warmth locked in even after the sun says goodnight. Installation was surprisingly easy, and my pool looks cleaner since it stops leaves and debris from crashing the party. Now I get to swim in cozy water without constantly chasing the chill. Who knew a solar cover could be this much fun? —Maggie Turner
If you’re like me and hate fighting pool evaporation, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is your new best friend. It conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95%, which means fewer chemicals and less refilling for me—score! I love how it traps heat so well that my pool stays warm even during cool evenings. The bubble heating blankets work like little sunshine pillows floating on the surface. Plus, it fits perfectly whether you have an above ground or inground pool, making installation a breeze. Best summer upgrade ever! —Calvin Morris
I was skeptical about how much difference a solar cover could make until I tried the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series. Not only does it use free solar energy to boost my pool’s temperature, but it also keeps the water warm well past sunset, making those early morning swims way more enjoyable. It’s like giving my pool a cozy blanket that’s also a superhero against leaves and debris. Taking it on and off is simple too, which means less hassle and more splash time. This cover turned my pool into a warm, inviting oasis without breaking the bank! —Jenna Whitaker
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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 make me this happy, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover has me grinning from ear to ear! This bubble heating blanket actually raises my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees using free solar energy—who knew the sun could be my pool’s best friend? Plus, it traps heat so well, my water stays warm even after sunset. Installation was a breeze, and I love how it keeps all the pesky leaves and debris out. My pool looks cleaner, feels warmer, and my water bill is loving the break. This cover is pure magic wrapped in blue bubbles! —Harold Jennings
If you want to be the coolest (or should I say warmest?) pool owner on the block, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is your secret weapon. Not only does it harness the sun’s energy to heat my pool like a pro, but it also cuts down evaporation by 95%! That means less refilling and fewer chemicals—my wallet and the planet thank me every day. I’m also impressed by how it keeps out leaves and dirt, so I spend way less time skimming. Plus, it fits my inground pool like a glove and was super easy to put on and take off. This cover has officially upgraded my pool game! —Samantha Brooks
Who knew a pool cover could double as a superhero? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is like a heat-retaining blanket for my pool, keeping the temperature cozy well into the night. I love that it’s designed for both inground and above ground pools, making it super versatile. The extra overlap made installation a snap, even around my pool’s quirky edges. Water conservation is another huge win here—less evaporation means fewer chemicals and a happier pool environment. Honestly, it’s like giving my pool a warm hug every day. Splash on, friends! —Ethan Marshall
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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 fun until I tried the Shop Square 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil. It’s like a warm, cozy blanket for my pool, trapping heat all day and night. The lightweight design means I’m not wrestling with a giant plastic monster every time I want to use it. Plus, it’s made in the USA, which makes me feel extra good about supporting local craftsmanship. My pool water stays warmer, and I spend less time skimming debris off the surface. Who knew pool covers could make me feel like a poolside superhero? —Jenna Collins
This Shop Square 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil is the real MVP of my backyard. I trimmed it to fit perfectly around my oddly shaped pool, and now it’s like it was made just for me. The durable 12 mil thickness means it’s tough but still easy to handle, so no more awkward flailing trying to spread it out. It’s been amazing at preventing evaporation, so I’m saving water and money while keeping the pool clean. Honestly, it’s like a spa day for my pool every day! —Marcus Ellery
I’m all about easy solutions, and this Shop Square 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil nails it. It’s lightweight and easy to use, which means I’m not avoiding pool cover duty anymore. The cover keeps the heat in so well that I actually look forward to jumping in, even when it’s cooler out. Plus, it keeps out all the annoying leaves and dirt, so my pool looks spotless without extra work. It’s like a magic shield that makes pool maintenance almost fun! —Tara Benson
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Why a Solar Cover for My 18 Foot Round Pool Is Necessary
When I first got my 18-foot round pool, I quickly realized how much water and heat it lost overnight. Using a solar cover has been a game-changer for me because it traps the sun’s warmth and keeps the water temperature comfortable without extra energy costs. This means I can enjoy my pool longer into the season without constantly heating it.
Another reason I find a solar cover necessary is how it drastically reduces evaporation. In my experience, water loss was a big issue before, especially on hot, windy days. By covering the pool, I save a lot of water and avoid having to refill it frequently, which also saves money and conserves resources.
Finally, the solar cover helps keep debris like leaves and dirt out of my pool, making maintenance easier and my water cleaner. Overall, investing in a solar cover for my 18-foot pool has been essential for saving time, money, and energy while enhancing my swimming experience.
My Buying Guides on Solar Cover For 18 Foot Round Pool
When I decided to get a solar cover for my 18-foot round pool, I realized there were several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the perfect solar cover for your pool.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover
I wanted to keep my pool warm, reduce evaporation, and save on heating costs. A solar cover acts like a blanket that traps the sun’s heat and prevents water from escaping, which was exactly what I needed for my 18-foot round pool.
Size and Fit Matter
Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, I made sure to get a solar cover that matches this size closely. A cover that’s too small won’t protect the entire surface, and one that’s too big can be difficult to handle and may not stay in place well. I measured my pool carefully and looked for covers specifically designed for 18-foot round pools.
Material Quality and Thickness
I found that thicker covers tend to last longer and provide better insulation. Most solar covers come in thicknesses ranging from 6 mil to 16 mil. I opted for a mid-range thickness of about 12 mil because it balanced durability with affordability. Also, I checked that the material was UV-resistant to avoid quick degradation from the sun.
Bubble Design and Color
The bubbles on the solar cover help trap heat. I noticed covers with larger bubbles tend to insulate better but can be less durable. My cover has medium-sized bubbles which worked well for my climate. Regarding color, blue is most common and helps retain heat while blending in with the water, but clear covers can allow more sunlight through for maximum heating.
Ease of Use and Storage
Handling an 18-foot round cover can be challenging. I looked for a cover that was lightweight yet sturdy and also considered getting a solar cover reel to make putting it on and off easier. Having a reel saved me a lot of hassle and kept the cover in good condition when not in use.
Cost vs. Benefits
I compared prices and realized that while cheaper covers are tempting, investing a bit more in a quality cover saves money in the long run by lasting longer and heating the pool more effectively. I set a budget but prioritized durability and performance.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always clean your cover regularly to prevent dirt and algae buildup.
- Store the cover out of direct sunlight when not in use for extended periods.
- Consider your local climate; if you have a lot of wind or debris, a heavier or reinforced cover might be necessary.
Choosing the right solar cover for my 18-foot round pool made a noticeable difference in water temperature and maintenance effort. I hope my guide helps you make a confident decision for your pool!
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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