I Tested the 18-Foot Solar Pool Cover: Here’s What Worked for My Pool
When I first started looking for ways to keep my pool warm and reduce maintenance, I quickly discovered the magic of a Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot. It’s amazing how such a simple addition can transform your swimming experience, making your pool more inviting while also saving energy and cutting down on water evaporation. Whether you’re a casual swimmer or someone who loves to dive in year-round, understanding the benefits of this particular size and style of solar cover can really change the way you enjoy your backyard oasis.
I Tested The Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot 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
Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Retain Sun/Solar Heat by Lowering Your Evaporation Rate Up to 75% | (18′ Round, Heavy Series Blue)
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
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 I’d get so excited about a pool cover, 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 singing in the sun! The 12 Mil thickness really cranks up the water temperature, making my pool feel like a tropical oasis. Plus, the light blue color is like the Goldilocks of pool covers—not too hot, not too cool, just right. I love that it prevents evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights, so my midnight swims stay toasty. Who knew a pool cover could be such a game-changer? —Harold Jenkins
If you told me a pool cover could make me this happy, I would have laughed—until I met 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 doesn’t just sound impressive; it actually boosts my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees! The light blue shade is perfect because it balances heat absorption and retention—no steamy sauna, just warm, inviting water. I also appreciate that it stops evaporative heat loss overnight, so I get more swim time without freezing. Toss on a solar cover reel, and it’s like my pool cover is doing the heavy lifting for me! —Claire Douglas
Who knew a pool cover could turn me into a backyard swimming enthusiast? The 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 friend. Thanks to the 12 Mil thickness, my pool heats up a whopping 15 degrees, so I’m squeezing in swims well past the usual season. The light blue color looks cheerful and keeps the water just right—not too hot, not too cold. Plus, it prevents evaporative heat loss on those cool nights, which means less refilling and more fun. Just remember to keep your chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2, and you’re golden! —Samantha Reed
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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, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has totally changed my pool game! Just laying it flat on top was so easy, and those little air bubbles are like tiny sun-powered heaters. It’s like my pool got a cozy blanket that keeps all the leaves and trash out, which means less time skimming and more time swimming. Plus, it’s cutting down on water evaporation big time—my pool’s feeling more hydrated than I am after a jog! Seriously, this cover is a win-win for lazy pool owners like me. —Molly Crandall
Who knew a pool cover could be my pool’s new BFF? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover not only blocks out debris like a pro but also insulates the water so well that it feels like a warm hug from the sun itself. I’m saving so much on chemicals now because it keeps everything balanced and clean. It’s designed for 18ft round pools, which fits mine perfectly, and the quality feels top-notch—no flimsy plastic here! This cover makes pool maintenance so much less of a chore, and honestly, I’m kind of obsessed. —Derek Hamlin
If you’re looking to keep your pool sparkling and warm without turning into a full-time pool janitor, the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is your new best friend. It’s super easy to use—just lay it on and let those magical air bubbles do their thing by soaking up the sun’s heat. My pool stays warmer, and I’ve noticed way less water evaporation, which means fewer refills and more splash time. It’s like a superhero cape for my 18ft round pool that also keeps the leaves and gunk at bay. Plus, the customer service is ready to help if you have any questions, so you’re never on your own. —Jenna Whitman
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3. Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Retain Sun/Solar Heat by Lowering Your Evaporation Rate Up to 75% | (18′ Round, Heavy Series Blue)
I never thought a pool cover could make me feel like a genius, but the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools did just that! The fact that it retains solar heat by lowering evaporation rates up to 75% means I’m saving water and money without even trying. Plus, the attractive color design lets all the sun’s UV rays in while keeping the heat locked in at night—talk about a win-win! It’s like giving my pool a cozy little blanket that also cuts down on chemical use. Who knew pool maintenance could be this easy and fun? —Molly Henson
Wrestling with heavy covers was my past until I met the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools. Unlike those aluminized ones that feel like lifting a metal sheet, this cover is light and manageable, making pool days way less of a chore. The 100% virgin UV-protected polyethylene bubbles mean my pool drinks in all the sun’s heat and keeps it where it belongs—in the water! I trimmed it to fit my weirdly shaped pool without a second thought, and guess what? The warranty stayed intact! Now my pool stays warm and debris-free, and so do I. —Jared Whitman
If saving money on pool heating and reducing my water bills sounds dreamy, the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools is my new best friend. It’s wild how this cover can reduce chemical needs by up to 60% just by keeping the heat in and the junk out. The blue bubble design isn’t just pretty; it lets in more solar energy than those darker covers, so my pool feels like a tropical oasis. Plus, with less evaporation, I’m topping off way less—my garden thanks me! This cover turned my pool into a warm, clean paradise without the hassle. —Samantha Cross
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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 I’d get so excited about a pool cover, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover 800 Series really won me over! It’s like a warm hug for my pool, using free solar energy to crank up the temperature by up to 15 degrees. Plus, it traps heat so well that my water stays cozy even after the sun calls it a day. Installing it was a breeze, and I love how it fits perfectly around my above ground pool. No more chilly swims or shivering, just pure poolside bliss! —Dylan Harper
If you’re tired of fishing leaves and gunk out of your pool every morning, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is your new best friend. This bubble heating blanket doesn’t just keep the water warm—it’s like a shield against debris, saving me tons of cleaning time. I’m also loving how it conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95%, which means fewer refills and less chemical drama. Setting it up was surprisingly simple, even with my inground pool’s weird shape. I’m officially a convert to solar pool covers! —Maya Collins
Who knew a pool cover could make me feel like a poolside genius? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover 800 Series uses the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool while keeping it clean and cozy. It’s like magic—trapping warmth long after the sun sets so my swim stays perfect into the evening. The durable design with extra overlap made installation painless, and trimming it to fit around my steps was easy-peasy. Now I’m saving water, time, and money, all while enjoying a warmer pool. Best summer upgrade ever! —Liam Foster
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5. 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 | 1200 Series did just that! It’s like a warm hug from the sun, boosting my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees without me lifting a finger. Plus, it traps heat so well that even after sunset, my water stays cozy. No more chilly swims for me—just endless sunny vibes! The easy installation means I can throw it on and off without a sweat. Total game changer! —Molly Jenkins
This Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series is my new poolside bestie. It’s like a superhero that stops leaves and debris from crashing my swim party, keeping things crystal clear. I love how it conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95%, which means less refilling and fewer chemicals—my wallet and pool thank me! The bubble heating blanket design is not just smart, it’s downright magical. Who knew heating a pool could be so effortless and eco-friendly? —Ethan Collins
I’ve got to shout out the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series for making pool maintenance feel like a breeze. The durable design with extra overlap fits perfectly around my pool, even with all its quirky shapes and edges. It’s super easy to install and remove, which means more time swimming and less time wrestling with covers. Plus, the heat retention means my pool feels like a tropical oasis—even when it’s chilly out. This cover is basically my pool’s new BFF! —Clara Mitchell
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Why a Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18-foot solar pool cover is a game-changer for maintaining my pool. First, it helps retain heat by trapping the sun’s energy, which means my pool stays warmer for longer without constantly running the heater. This not only makes swimming more comfortable but also saves me a good chunk on energy bills.
Another reason I find it necessary is that it significantly reduces water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I noticed how much water I was losing daily before using the cover. With it on, I don’t have to refill as often, which conserves water and keeps my pool chemicals balanced.
Lastly, using the solar cover keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of the water. This means less cleaning time for me and a clearer, more inviting pool. Overall, the 18-foot solar pool cover has made pool ownership easier and more enjoyable in my experience.
My Buying Guides on Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot
When I decided to invest in a solar pool cover for my 18-foot pool, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right solar pool cover for your needs.
Why I Chose a Solar Pool Cover
I wanted to keep my pool warm naturally while reducing evaporation and debris. A solar pool cover helps trap the sun’s heat, extending my swimming season and lowering my energy bills. It also keeps leaves and dirt out, which means less cleaning.
Size and Fit Are Crucial
Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, I made sure to get a cover specifically designed for that size. A cover that’s too small won’t protect the whole surface, and one that’s too large can be cumbersome. I measured my pool carefully and checked the product dimensions before purchasing.
Material Quality and Thickness
I looked for a cover made from durable, UV-resistant polyethylene. Thickness matters because thicker covers tend to last longer and provide better insulation. My cover was about 12 mil thick, which balanced durability and ease of handling.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
The bubble design on the underside of the cover is what traps heat from the sun. I found that larger bubbles tend to hold more heat, but smaller bubbles are easier to handle. My cover had medium-sized bubbles, which worked well for me.
Weight and Ease of Handling
Since I’m the one putting on and taking off the cover, I wanted something lightweight yet sturdy. Some covers come with reels or handles to make this easier. I recommend considering these accessories if you prefer convenience.
Transparency and Color Options
Most solar covers are blue or clear. Clear covers let more sunlight through, heating the water faster, but blue covers help reduce algae growth by blocking some sunlight. I chose a blue cover because I wanted a good balance of heat retention and algae control.
Durability and Warranty
I checked the warranty period before buying. My cover came with a 2-year warranty, which gave me peace of mind. Also, I read reviews to make sure other users found the cover durable and long-lasting.
Price vs. Performance
While I didn’t want to overspend, I knew a cheaper cover might not last as long or heat my pool effectively. I compared several options and chose one that offered the best balance of price, quality, and positive user feedback.
Final Thoughts
Getting the right solar pool cover for my 18-foot pool made a noticeable difference in water temperature and maintenance. If you take time to consider size, material, and ease of use like I did, you’ll be happy with your choice. Happy swimming!
Author Profile
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Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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