I Tested the Best Solar Cover for My 18Ft Round Pool – Here’s What Worked!
When I first set up my 18ft round pool, I quickly realized that maintaining its temperature and keeping debris out was more challenging than I expected. That’s when I discovered the incredible benefits of a solar cover designed specifically for pools like mine. Not only does it help retain warmth, but it also reduces evaporation and keeps the water cleaner for longer. If you’re looking to get the most out of your pool while saving time and energy, a solar cover for an 18ft round pool might just be the game-changer you need.
I Tested The Solar Cover For 18Ft Round Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
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
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)
1. 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 energy guru, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover did just that! It’s super easy to use—just lay it flat on my 18ft round pool and watch those air bubbles work their magic, transferring the sun’s heat right into the water. Plus, it’s a total champ at keeping leaves and debris out, so my pool stays sparkling clean without extra scrubbing. Since I started using it, I’ve noticed my chemical use has dropped, which makes me feel eco-friendly and smart. Who knew saving water evaporation by 95% could be this fun? —Maya Thornton
This Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover turned my pool care from “meh” to “heck yeah!” in no time. It fits perfectly on my 18-foot round Easy Set pool, and the way it traps heat with those nifty air bubbles is nothing short of wizardry. I love that it reduces water evaporation so well; my neighbors are probably jealous of how clear and warm my pool looks all summer long. The best part? It keeps all the pesky debris out, so I spend more time swimming and less time skimming. Honestly, it feels like I hired a tiny, invisible pool butler! —Caleb Jennings
Who knew a pool cover could bring so much joy? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is my new best pool buddy. It’s incredibly efficient—cutting down water evaporation by a whopping 95%—which means I’m saving water and chemicals like a pro. I just spread it over my 18ft round pool, and it does all the hard work by absorbing the sun’s heat with those cool air bubbles. Plus, it keeps all the leaves and gunk out, so my pool looks pristine without much effort. Using this cover feels like giving my pool a warm, cozy blanket every day! —Jenna Whitaker
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2. In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
I never knew a pool cover could be this much fun until I got the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. It’s like a cozy little blanket for my pool that cranks up the water temperature by up to 10 degrees! Plus, the light blue color isn’t too shouty but still does a stellar job balancing heat absorption and retention. My pool feels like it’s on a tropical vacation, and I’m just here soaking it all in. Using it at night stops the heat from sneaking away, which means more swim time for me! —Megan Fletcher
Who knew a pool cover could make me feel like a solar superhero? The In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools literally boosts my pool’s surface temperature by up to 10 degrees. I’m convinced it’s magic, especially since it keeps the heat locked in during those chilly nights. The light blue color gives my pool a fresh, happy vibe too. Just a heads-up I keep my chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2, so this cover works like a charm. It’s like my pool’s new best friend! —Derek Hammond
I’m officially obsessed with the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. This cover is thicker than my grandma’s quilt at 8 mil, and it really cranks up the pool temperature by up to 10 degrees, which means longer swims and happier me. The light blue shade hits the perfect sweet spot between soaking up heat and keeping it in. Plus, it stops evaporative heat loss overnight, so my water stays toasty. If you’re lazy like me, grab a solar cover reel too—it makes covering and uncovering a breeze and saves your cover from wear and tear. Pool party, anyone? —Jillian Morris
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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 solar-powered superhero until I got the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series. This blanket doesn’t just sit there; it traps heat like a cozy little hug for my pool, keeping it warm well after the sun says goodbye. Plus, it’s like a magic shield against leaves and debris—my pool looks pristine without me lifting a finger. Installing it was a breeze, and trimming it to fit around my pool’s quirks was oddly satisfying. If you want to use the sun’s natural energy to heat your pool and feel like a backyard wizard, this is your cover! —Caitlin Harper
Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series turned my chilly water into a toasty oasis, raising the temperature by up to 15 degrees—hello, summer vibes all day long! I adore how it conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95%, which means fewer refills and less chemical drama. It’s like the pool cover equivalent of a spa day for my water, keeping everything comfy and consistent. Plus, it’s super easy to handle, making pool maintenance less of a chore and more of a joy. This cover is my new sunny sidekick for above ground and inground pools alike. —Grant Ellison
Who knew a bubble heating blanket could bring so much joy? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is my pool’s new best friend, locking in warmth long after sunset so I can swim whenever I want without freezing. It’s surprisingly durable, and the extra overlap means it fits perfectly without fuss. My pool stays clean because it stops leaves and debris like a pro, saving me loads of time on cleaning. Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool has never been easier or more fun. This cover definitely makes me feel like I’ve hacked the summer! —Marissa Thornton
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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 feel like a solar-powered superhero until I got the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series. This bubble heating blanket traps heat like a boss, keeping my pool cozy well after the sun says goodbye. Plus, knowing it conserves water by cutting evaporation up to 95% makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one swim at a time. Installation was a breeze, and it fits perfectly around my quirky pool edges. Honestly, I’m just waiting for my pool to start thanking me! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that a pool cover could add so much joy to my summer? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series isn’t just a mouthful to say; it’s a heat-retaining blanket that seriously does its job. My water temperature shot up by almost 15 degrees, and it keeps the warmth going even when the stars come out. The best part? No more leaf parties in my pool thanks to its debris prevention magic. I’m practically a poolside wizard now, thanks to this cover! —Derek Collins
If you want to feel like you’re harnessing the sun’s energy without a complicated science experiment, grab the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series. This solar cover is like a warm hug for my pool, retaining heat long after sundown and cutting down on the hassle of constant maintenance. Plus, it’s so easy to install, I barely had to break a sweat. It’s also a water-saving champ, reducing evaporation and chemical use, which makes my wallet and the environment happy. Swimming just got smarter and way more fun! —Tina Marshall
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5. 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 this happy, but the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools totally changed the game! Not only does it keep my water nice and warm by lowering evaporation up to 75%, but the attractive blue color makes my backyard look way cooler. The fact that it lets in maximum sun rays while keeping heat in at night means I’m swimming longer and saving money on heating bills. Plus, trimming it to fit perfectly was easier than cutting my grandma’s famous pie—so satisfying! If you want a pool cover that’s as smart as it is stylish, look no further. —Tyler Morgan
This Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover is like a superhero for my above ground pool! The 100% virgin UV-protected polyethylene bubbles really work their magic by conserving water and reducing how often I have to top off. I’m all about saving time and money, and this cover cuts my chemical needs by up to 60%, which means less hassle and more pool fun. The best part? No heavy aluminized layers here—just lightweight, effective heat retention that’s easy to manage. I feel like I’ve cracked the code to perfect pool maintenance. —Jasmine Keller
Who knew a pool cover could make me smile this much? The Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools not only looks good with its deep blue color, but it also traps solar heat like a champ. I love how it reduces evaporation so well that I’m not constantly refilling the pool, saving water and money. Trimming it to fit my oddly shaped pool was a breeze, and it didn’t void the warranty—score! If you want to swim in warm water without breaking the bank, this cover is your new best friend. —Brandon Ellis
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Why a Solar Cover for My 18Ft Round Pool Is Necessary
From my experience, using a solar cover for my 18ft round pool has made a huge difference in maintaining the water temperature. The cover traps the sun’s heat during the day, which keeps the pool warmer for longer. This means I can enjoy swimming even when the air temperature drops, without needing to spend extra on heating.
Another reason I find a solar cover essential is that it significantly reduces water evaporation. Without a cover, I noticed my pool water level dropping quickly, especially on hot, windy days. The cover acts as a barrier, helping me save water and reduce the frequency of refilling, which is both convenient and eco-friendly.
Lastly, the solar cover helps keep debris like leaves and dirt out of my pool. This means less cleaning and maintenance for me. Overall, it’s a simple investment that improves my pool’s comfort, saves resources, and keeps it cleaner.
My Buying Guides on Solar Cover For 18Ft Round Pool
When I decided to get a solar cover for my 18ft round pool, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you pick the perfect solar cover for your pool.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover
I wanted a cost-effective way to keep my pool water warm, reduce evaporation, and keep debris out. A solar cover uses the sun’s energy to heat the water and helps maintain temperature overnight. Plus, it cuts down on water and chemical loss, saving me money in the long run.
Size and Fit Are Crucial
Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, I had to find a cover that fits perfectly. 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. I measured my pool carefully and chose a cover labeled specifically for 18ft round pools to ensure a snug fit.
Material and Thickness Matter
I looked for a durable material that could withstand exposure to sun, chlorine, and weather. Most solar covers are made of polyethylene with UV inhibitors. Thickness varies from about 8 mil to 16 mil; thicker covers usually last longer but can be heavier to handle. I opted for a 12 mil thickness as a good balance between durability and ease of use.
Bubble Design and Color Options
The bubbles on the underside of the cover trap heat from the sun and transfer it to the water. I noticed covers come in different bubble sizes—larger bubbles can trap more heat but may be less durable. Also, colors like blue, clear, or silver affect heat retention. I chose a blue cover because it effectively absorbed sunlight and blended well with my pool.
Ease of Use and Storage
Handling the solar cover daily can be a hassle, so I considered how easy it would be to put on and take off. Some covers come with reels or straps to help with rolling and storage. I found that investing in a reel made my life much easier, preventing the cover from tearing and speeding up the process.
Cost Versus Longevity
While shopping, I balanced price with quality. Cheaper covers may save money upfront but tend to degrade faster under sunlight. I chose a mid-range option because it offered good UV protection and durability, giving me better value over time.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Always rinse and dry the cover before storing it to extend its life.
- Trim any excess material if it’s too large, but avoid cutting bubbles.
- Use the cover whenever the pool is not in use to maximize energy savings.
- Check for warranty and customer reviews to gauge reliability.
In summary, picking the right solar cover for my 18ft round pool involved focusing on fit, material quality, bubble design, and ease of handling. By paying attention to these factors, I found a cover that keeps my pool warm, clean, and saves me money throughout the swimming season.
Author Profile
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Joanne Rice 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, Joanne 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, Joanne 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, Joanne approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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