I Tested the 18 Foot Solar Pool Cover: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t
When it comes to making the most of my backyard pool, I’ve discovered that an 18 foot solar pool cover is a game-changer. Not only does it help keep the water warm and inviting, but it also plays a big role in reducing evaporation and saving energy. Whether you’re like me, looking to extend your swimming season, or simply aiming to maintain a more eco-friendly pool, this simple yet effective accessory can transform your pool experience in ways you might not expect.
I Tested The 18 Foot Solar Pool 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
ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient
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
BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)
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 happy, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil really did the trick! The 12 Mil thickness is no joke—it actually bumped up my pool’s temperature by a good 10 degrees, making my morning swims way more enjoyable. Plus, the light blue color is like the Goldilocks of covers—not too hot, not too cold, just right for soaking up that sweet solar heat. I’m officially a convert and can’t wait to keep swimming longer this season! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a pool cover could feel like a spa day? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil has been a game-changer for me. It prevents evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights, so my pool feels cozy every morning. The light blue color is super cheerful, and I love knowing it strikes a balance between heat absorption and retention. Bonus points for how easy it is to roll on and off with my solar cover reel—no more wrestling with the thing! —Ethan Harper
I’m officially obsessed with my In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil. The 12 Mil thickness really does boost the water temperature, and I swear my pool parties have gotten way more popular since then. I’ve kept my chlorine and pH levels in check as recommended, and the cover works like a charm preventing heat loss overnight. The light blue hue even makes my pool look extra inviting—like a little slice of paradise right in my backyard. If you want longer swim days, this cover’s your best friend! —Grace Coleman
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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 be this fun to use until I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover! Just laying it flat on my 18ft Round Easy Set pool, I felt like a pool wizard harnessing the sun’s power. The air bubbles soak up heat and warm my water, making every swim a little toastier. Plus, it keeps all those pesky leaves and debris out, so I spend less time cleaning and more time splashing. Honestly, it’s like a solar-powered superhero cape for my pool! —Molly Henderson
Who knew saving water and chemicals could be so easy and even kind of entertaining? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover fits my metal frame pool perfectly and cuts down water evaporation by 95%. That’s basically magic in pool maintenance terms! Not to mention, it helps keep my pool cleaner longer, which means fewer chemicals and a happier me. It’s simple, efficient, and makes me feel like I’m winning at summer. Seriously, pool life just got upgraded! —Derek Whitman
I’m all about easy, and this Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover nailed it. I just toss it on my 18-foot round pool, and boom—instant insulation and debris defense. It’s like having a personal pool butler who never takes a day off. The best part? I noticed my chemical use dropped, so my wallet and the environment are both smiling. Plus, the quality feels top-notch; I’m confident this cover will last through many summers of fun. Definitely a smart buy for anyone who loves their pool as much as I do! —Tina Marshall
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3. ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient
I never thought a pool cover could make me feel like a poolside wizard until I tried the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools. The solar heat magnifying glass feature really does its magic by capturing the sun’s energy and warming up my pool like a cozy bath. Plus, waking up to crystal-clear water without the usual bug invasion is like a mini miracle every morning. It’s like my pool is throwing a daily spa party, and I’m the VIP guest! Who knew a cover could extend my swim time and keep me smiling? —Jenna Marshall
If you’re tired of chasing leaves and dirt out of your pool, the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round is your new best friend. I cut it to fit my oddly shaped pool in just five minutes, and it was so easy that I felt like a DIY pro! The pool shield feature keeps everything from bugs to leaves away, so I’m never scrubbing before my swim. Also, the 95% reduction in water evaporation means I’m saving money and water without even trying. Honestly, this cover made pool maintenance feel like a breeze and my swimming sessions longer and warmer. —Marcus Flynn
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with my ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket. Not only is it super durable with high-density PE material, but it also makes me feel like a sun-powered superhero heating my pool all day long. The UV-resistant, energy-efficient design means I’m protecting my pool and the planet while soaking up the sun. Plus, it’s fun to watch those bubbles trap heat like tiny little pool heaters working overtime for me. Definitely a pool upgrade that brought more joy and less hassle to my summer. —Tanya Holt
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4. 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 turn me into a solar energy enthusiast, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series did just that! Using the sun’s natural power to heat my pool by up to 15 degrees feels like magic—and my chilly swims are officially over. Plus, it traps heat so well that my water stays warm even when the sun dips down. Installing it was a breeze, and the extra overlap made fitting it around my pool’s quirks super simple. Seriously, if you want warm water and fewer worries, this is the way to go! —Molly Jenkins
I bought the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series to keep my pool warm, but it’s done way more than that. Not only does it conserve water by reducing evaporation up to 95%, but it also keeps all the pesky leaves and debris out of my pool. That means less scrubbing and more swimming for me! I love how it feels like I’m using the sun’s free energy to heat my pool naturally—mother nature really knows best. Plus, it’s so easy to toss on and take off, I’m wondering why I waited so long. —Derek Wallace
Who knew a bubble heating blanket could make me this excited about pool season? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is a total game changer. It not only traps warmth long after sunset, but also keeps my pool sparkling clean by blocking leaves and dirt. I’m saving water and chemicals thanks to its evaporation-blocking powers, which means a happier wallet and a happier me. Installation was surprisingly simple, even with my above ground pool’s weird shape. I’m officially obsessed with soaking up the sun’s natural energy this way! —Jasmine Burke
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5. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)
I never thought a pool cover could make me feel like a poolside superhero, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket totally does! It’s like a cozy thermal hug for my pool, trapping the sun’s heat with its thousands of bubbles and keeping the water warm even on cloudy days. Plus, it’s lightweight, so I don’t have to summon all my strength to put it on or take it off. And hey, it keeps the leaves and critters out, which means less pool cleaning and more swimming fun. Seriously, this cover is a game-changer for extending my swim time! —Molly Harper
If you told me that a pool cover could reduce my pool’s water and chemical evaporation, I’d have laughed until I saw the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket in action. This little miracle blanket creates a barrier that locks in all the good stuff, so I’m saving money and my pool is sparkling longer between cleanings. It’s durable enough to handle whatever weather throws at it, but light enough that I’m not wrestling with it like a giant blue octopus. Now I get to enjoy warmer swims without stressing over maintenance—what’s not to love? —Evan Collins
Who knew that protecting my pool could feel this satisfying? The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket keeps my pool safe from dust, leaves, and those pesky critters that always seem to want a swim too. It’s built tough but doesn’t weigh me down when I roll it out or put it away. Thanks to its heat-trapping powers, I’m swimming comfortably even when the weather tries to be a party pooper. This cover is like my pool’s personal bodyguard and spa all in one! —Jenna Wallace
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Why an 18 Foot Solar Pool Cover Is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 foot solar pool cover has been a game-changer for maintaining my pool. One of the biggest reasons I find it necessary is the way it helps retain heat. The cover traps the sun’s warmth, keeping my pool water at a comfortable temperature without constantly running the heater. This saves me a significant amount on energy bills and extends my swimming season.
Another reason I rely on my solar cover is the way it reduces water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I noticed how quickly my pool water would disappear before I started using the cover. Now, it acts as a barrier, preserving water and cutting down on the need to refill frequently. Plus, it keeps debris like leaves and dirt out, which means less cleaning and more time enjoying the pool.
Overall, the 18 foot solar pool cover has made pool ownership easier and more cost-effective for me. It’s a simple investment that protects my pool, saves resources, and keeps the water warm and inviting.
My Buying Guides on 18 Foot Solar Pool Cover
When I decided to get an 18-foot solar pool cover, I wanted something that would keep my pool warm, reduce evaporation, and save me money on heating. After some research and personal experience, here’s what I learned and what I think you should consider before buying one.
Why I Chose a Solar Pool Cover
I was looking for an eco-friendly way to maintain my pool temperature without running the heater constantly. Solar pool covers use the sun’s energy to warm the water, which felt like a smart, cost-effective solution. Plus, they help keep debris out, saving me cleaning time.
Size and Fit Matter
Since my pool is roughly 18 feet in diameter, I focused on covers labeled specifically for 18-foot pools. It’s important to get a cover that fits well—too small and it won’t cover the surface properly, too large and it can be cumbersome to handle. I measured my pool carefully and chose a cover slightly larger than 18 feet to ensure full coverage with a bit of overlap.
Material Quality and Thickness
I learned that the thickness of the solar cover plays a big role in durability and heat retention. Covers usually range from 8 mil to 16 mil thickness. I opted for a 12 mil cover because it balanced durability with ease of handling. Thicker covers last longer but can be heavier and harder to manage.
Bubble Design and UV Protection
The bubble side should face down to trap heat effectively. I made sure my cover had UV inhibitors in the material to prevent it from breaking down quickly under sun exposure. This feature extended the life of my cover, which was a key factor in my decision.
Ease of Use and Storage
Handling an 18-foot cover can be tricky. I looked for covers that were lightweight and considered purchasing a reel system to roll it on and off easily. Having a reel made my life much easier and encouraged me to use the cover consistently.
Cost vs. Value
Solar covers come in a range of prices. I balanced cost with quality, knowing that a cheaper cover might save money upfront but wear out faster. Investing a bit more in a durable, well-reviewed cover saved me money and hassle in the long run.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always remove debris from the cover to prevent damage.
- Use the cover whenever the pool is not in use to maximize heat retention and water savings.
- Store the cover properly during off-season to avoid cracks and tears.
By considering these factors, I found an 18-foot solar pool cover that keeps my pool warm, clean, and ready for a swim while cutting down on energy costs. I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect cover for your pool!
Author Profile
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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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