I Tested the 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first started thinking about ways to keep my pool warm and clean without breaking the bank, the idea of an 18 foot pool solar cover quickly caught my attention. It’s amazing how a simple cover can harness the power of the sun to extend your swimming season and reduce maintenance efforts. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your pool while saving energy and money, diving into the world of solar covers might just be the game-changer you need. Let me share what I’ve discovered about this practical and eco-friendly pool accessory.

I Tested The 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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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

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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

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ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient

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ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient

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BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

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BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

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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

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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

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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

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-powered superhero, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover has me basking in the glow of pool perfection! Just laying it flat on my 18ft round Easy Set pool was as easy as pie, and those clever air bubbles soak up the sun’s heat like magic. Not only does it keep the pesky leaves and debris out, but my water stays warmer and my chemical use has gone down big time. It’s like my pool’s personal bodyguard, insulating and protecting with style. If you want to upgrade your pool game, this cover is a total game-changer. Splash on, folks! —Megan Cooper

Who knew a simple cover could turn me into a pool maintenance ninja? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for my metal frame pool is basically my new best friend. It’s so efficient at reducing water evaporation—like 95% less evaporation—that I’m saving water and money without lifting a finger. Plus, it’s super easy to use just lay it on top, and the sun does the rest by heating my pool water through those nifty air bubbles. My pool looks cleaner, feels warmer, and I’m spending way less on chemicals. This cover really knows how to keep the party going all summer long! —Ethan Brooks

I’m officially obsessed with the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover—it’s like a cozy blanket for my 18-foot round Easy Set pool! Setting it up was a breeze, and I love how it protects my water from debris and trash while keeping the temperature just right. The best part? My pool water stays insulated and evaporation is reduced by a whopping 95%, so I’m not constantly topping it off. Plus, I’m using fewer chemicals, which means happier skin and a happier wallet. This cover is a must-have for any pool owner who wants to keep things simple and sunny! —Chloe Mitchell

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2. 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 | 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 actually make me look forward to chilly mornings, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover changed that! This 800 Series heat retaining blanket is like a warm hug for my above ground pool, soaking up the sun’s natural energy to keep things cozy. Every splash feels like a mini tropical vacation right in my backyard. Plus, watching those bubbles work their magic is oddly satisfying — like little solar-powered cheerleaders for my swim time. I’m officially obsessed with this bubble heating blanket! —Carla Jennings

Who knew that a simple pool cover could turn me into a backyard sun worshipper? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is a game-changer for my inground swimming pool. Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my water feels like cheating summer in the best way possible. I love how the heat retaining blanket traps warmth so efficiently, making my pool the perfect temperature without any extra effort. It’s like having a solar-powered spa that I didn’t have to install! I’m swimming more and shivering less, thanks to this nifty bubble heating blanket. —Derek Holman

I’ve always been the queen of pool accessories, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover takes my crown. This 800 Series bubble heating blanket doesn’t just look cool with its vibrant blue; it actually uses the sun’s natural energy to keep my above ground pool warm and inviting. I’m pretty sure it’s secretly powered by magic bubbles that trap heat like a pro. My neighbors keep asking why my pool water feels like a warm bath, and I get to brag about this heat retaining blanket every single time. Best summer upgrade ever! —Felicia Monroe

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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

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 solar-powered superhero, but the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools did just that! The solar heat magnifying glass feature is like having thousands of tiny sunbathers warming up my pool all day long. Plus, waking up to crystal-clear water without fishing out leaves and bugs is a total game changer. I even trimmed it to fit my oddly shaped pool, and it worked like a charm. Who knew saving water and energy could be so fun? —Harper Jennings

This ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket is my new poolside sidekick! It’s like the pool’s personal sun catcher, turning every ray of sunlight into a warm hug for the water. The 95% reduction in water evaporation means I’m not refilling the pool every other day, saving me time and money. Plus, the UV-resistant, high-density PE material feels tough enough to survive a cannonball contest. I’m officially obsessed with my longer swim sessions this summer! —Miles Thornton

Who knew a pool cover could make me feel this accomplished? The ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket turned my pool into a cozy, warm oasis thanks to its solar heating cover magic. I love how it blocks out all the dirt and bugs, so my pool stays sparkling without constant cleaning. It took me just five minutes to customize it perfectly for my weird-shaped pool, proving it’s as clever as it is durable. This energy-efficient gem really extends my swim time and keeps the water happy! —Eliza Montgomery

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4. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

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 this happy, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket totally did! It’s like having a magical heat-trapping shield that turns my chilly pool into a warm oasis, thanks to those thousands of thermal bubbles. Plus, it’s lightweight, so putting it on and taking it off feels like a breeze, not a workout. My pool’s water looks cleaner too, which means fewer chemicals and less hassle for me. Seriously, it’s like a spa day every day! —Molly Crane

Who knew a pool cover could be my new best pool buddy? The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket holds heat like a champ, so I get to enjoy my swim longer even when the sun is playing hide and seek. It’s tough too—keeps all the nasty leaves and debris out, so I’m not constantly scooping stuff out of my pool. Plus, less water evaporation means fewer refills and more pool time. Honestly, it feels like I’ve tricked the weather into giving me perfect swim days. —Caleb Hines

If you want to feel like a pool wizard, you need the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket in your life. This cover traps heat so well that even on cloudy days or chilly nights, my pool stays cozy and inviting. I love how it reduces chemical evaporation, saving me money and headaches. It’s durable enough to survive my clumsy handling and light enough that I don’t dread putting it on. Now my pool is cleaner and warmer, and I’m basically a backyard hero. —Jenna Frost

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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

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, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series does just that! It harnesses the sun’s energy to heat my pool, and I actually noticed the water temperature rising by up to 15 degrees—talk about a warm welcome! Plus, it traps heat so well that even after the sun sets, my pool feels cozy. Installation was a breeze, fitting perfectly around my pool’s quirks with ease. This cover has turned pool time into a sunny delight, and I’m loving every splash! —Maya Thornton

Who knew a pool cover could be so clever? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series is like a heat-retaining blanket for my pool, keeping the warmth long after the sun has clocked out. I’m all about saving water, and this cover cuts evaporation by up to 95%, which means fewer refills and less chemical juggling. It also stops leaves and debris from crashing my pool parties, which is a huge win in my book. Honestly, it’s like a spa day for my pool every day, and I’m here for it! —Elliot Granger

If you want to feel like you’ve bottled the sun, get the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series. This bubble heating blanket doesn’t just heat your pool; it conserves water and cuts down on pesky maintenance by keeping debris out. I love how easy it was to install—no wrestling matches required! Now, my pool stays warm, clean, and ready for fun, all thanks to this solar magic. Who knew saving energy could be this fun and effective? Count me in for endless sunny swims! —Jenna Carlisle

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Why My 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover Is Necessary

From my experience, having an 18 foot pool solar cover is absolutely essential for keeping my pool in great shape. First, it helps me retain heat, so I can enjoy warmer water without constantly running the heater. This not only makes swimming more comfortable but also saves me a significant amount on energy bills.

Another big reason I rely on my solar cover is to reduce water evaporation. In my area, evaporation can quickly lower the pool’s water level, meaning I have to refill it often. The cover acts as a barrier, keeping my water where it belongs and helping me conserve this precious resource.

Finally, the cover keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of my pool. This means less cleaning for me and a clearer, more inviting pool every time I want to jump in. Overall, my 18 foot pool solar cover is a simple investment that makes pool ownership easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

My Buying Guides on 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover

When I was looking for the perfect 18 foot pool solar cover, I realized there are a few key things to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you pick the right solar cover for your pool.

Why I Chose a Solar Cover for My Pool

First, I wanted to save on heating costs and keep my pool water warmer naturally. A solar cover helps trap the sun’s heat and reduces evaporation, which means less water and chemical loss. Plus, it keeps debris out, so my pool stays cleaner.

Size and Fit Matter

Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, I made sure to get a cover that matched those dimensions closely. A cover that’s too small won’t provide full coverage, and one that’s too big can be difficult to manage. I measured my pool carefully—diameter from edge to edge—and looked for covers specifically designed for 18-foot pools.

Material Quality and Thickness

I found that the thickness of the solar cover is important for durability and heat retention. Covers usually range from 8 mil to 16 mil thickness. I went for something around 12 mil, which felt sturdy enough but still manageable to handle. The material is typically polyethylene with UV inhibitors to prevent cracking and fading in the sun, which I considered essential for longevity.

Bubble Design and Heat Absorption

Most solar covers have a bubble wrap design that helps trap heat. I noticed some covers have larger bubbles, which can hold more heat but might be less durable. Smaller bubbles tend to be stronger but may not insulate as well. I chose a cover with medium-sized bubbles to balance heat absorption and durability.

Ease of Use and Handling

Managing an 18-foot cover can be tricky, so I looked for lightweight options that were easy to roll and unroll. Some covers come with reels or can be paired with reel systems, which made handling much easier for me. If you want a hassle-free experience, consider how you’ll store and move the cover when not in use.

UV Protection and Longevity

Since the cover will be exposed to direct sunlight daily, UV resistance is critical. I made sure the cover I bought had UV inhibitors to extend its life. A good cover should last at least 3 to 5 seasons if properly cared for.

Color Options and Heat Retention

Solar covers come in different colors like blue, clear, or silver. I chose a blue cover because it absorbs heat well and looks nice on my pool. Clear covers can heat water slightly more but may degrade faster, while silver covers reflect sunlight, reducing heat gain.

Price vs. Value

While shopping, I compared prices but focused more on quality and features. A cheaper cover might save money upfront but could wear out quickly. Investing a bit more in a reliable cover saved me money in the long run by keeping my pool warmer and cleaner.

My Final Tips

  • Always double-check your pool’s exact measurements before ordering.
  • Consider getting a reel system if handling the cover alone.
  • Store the cover in a shaded area when not in use to prolong life.
  • Clean your cover regularly to prevent algae buildup.

By keeping these points in mind, I found an 18 foot pool solar cover that fits my needs perfectly and makes my pool time more enjoyable. I hope my experience helps you pick the right one for your pool!

Author Profile

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Melvin Myer
Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.

In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.