I Tested the 18 Ft Solar Pool Cover: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t
I’ve always been fascinated by the simple ways we can make our everyday lives more efficient and eco-friendly, especially when it comes to enjoying my backyard pool. That’s why discovering the benefits of an 18 ft solar pool cover was such a game-changer for me. Not only does it help maintain the perfect water temperature, but it also offers an easy, sustainable solution to keeping my pool clean and reducing energy costs. If you’re like me and want to get the most out of your pool while being kind to the environment, exploring what an 18 ft solar pool cover has to offer might just be the perfect place to start.
I Tested The 18 Ft Solar Pool Cover 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
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
In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
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. 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 covering my pool could be this fun until I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. Just laying it flat on top of my pool made me feel like a pool wizard, turning the sun’s heat into warm water magic thanks to those clever air bubbles. Plus, it’s like a superhero shield keeping leaves and debris at bay, so I spend less time skimming and more time swimming. The best part? It really reduces water evaporation by 95%, which means fewer refills and more savings. Who knew a pool cover could be my new best pool buddy? —Grace Holloway
I’m officially obsessed with the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools because it’s so easy to use that even my dog could probably figure it out (if he had thumbs). Laying it on the pool feels like a spa day for my water, soaking up the sun’s heat and keeping it cozy all day long. It’s like a giant red blanket that not only cuts down on chemical use but also keeps out all the pesky debris trying to crash my pool party. This cover is a total game-changer for pool care, and honestly, I’m wondering why I waited so long to get one! —Jasper Finley
The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has turned my pool maintenance from a chore into a breeze. I love how it insulates my pool water, trapping heat like a cozy sweater for my summer oasis. Not to mention, it’s a champion at reducing water evaporation, which means less topping off and more time enjoying the cool water. Plus, it keeps all those annoying leaves and debris out, so my pool stays sparkling clean without constant scrubbing. This cover truly delivers quality and value, making me feel like a pool pro without any extra effort. —Maya Prescott
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2. 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 until I got the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools. The solar heat magnifying glass feature is like having thousands of tiny suns warming my pool—my swim sessions just got an upgrade! Plus, it’s so easy to customize with scissors; my oddly shaped pool finally has a cover that fits like a glove. No more chilly dips or dirty water drama, just pure sunny fun. Who knew pool covers could be this cool and clever? —Molly Grant
This ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket has become my pool’s new best friend! With its UV-resistant and energy-efficient magic, I’ve noticed the water stays warmer and way less evaporated. I’m basically saving water and money while looking like a pool pro—take that, summer heat! The bubble design isn’t just for show; it actually keeps leaves and bugs out, so my pool looks pristine every morning. Honestly, it’s like giving my pool a cozy solar blanket hug. —Ethan Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket because it turned my lazy pool days into extended swim marathons. The 95% reduction in water evaporation means I’m not refilling the pool every week, which makes my wallet and the planet very happy. Setting it up was a breeze—cutting it to fit my weird-shaped pool was so satisfying, like a DIY project that actually works! Plus, the high-density PE material feels tough enough to survive my clumsy cannonballs. Summer, bring it on! —Jenna Collins
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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 knew my pool could feel so toasty until I slapped on the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover! This bubble heating blanket really knows how to trap heat, keeping my water warm well into the evening. Plus, it’s like a superhero shield against leaves and debris, saving me from endless scooping. Installation was a breeze, which is great because I’m not exactly a DIY pro. Now I’m soaking in warm water and feeling like a poolside king—thanks, sun! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a pool cover could make me feel like I own a tropical resort? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover uses free solar energy to crank up my pool temperature by 15 degrees—hello, summer vibes! It’s also a water-saving wizard, cutting evaporation and keeping my chemicals in check. I love that it fits like a glove and is easy to put on and take off, even with my above-ground pool’s quirky shape. This little blue blanket is my pool’s new best friend. —Derek Simmons
I’m convinced the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is actually magic disguised as a bubble heating blanket. It holds onto the heat like a champ, so my pool stays warm well past sunset—perfect for late-night swims. No more worrying about leaves turning my water into a salad bowl, either, because this cover blocks debris like a pro. Plus, it’s super simple to install; I just trim a little here and there and boom, perfect fit. My pool is happier, my chores lighter, and my swims way more enjoyable! —Tina Marshall
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4. In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
I never thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil really blew me away! That 8 Mil thickness isn’t just for show—it actually cranks up my pool’s water temperature by up to 10 degrees, which means my swim season just got way longer. Plus, the light blue color looks like a sunny day even when it’s cloudy. I love how it keeps the heat locked in overnight, saving me from chilly dips. If you want to stay warm and playful, this cover’s got you covered—literally! —Megan Foster
Who knew that a solar pool cover could be such a game-changer? The In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil has this perfect light blue hue that’s the Goldilocks of pool covers—not too hot, not too cold, just right! It’s like my pool got a cozy blanket that prevents evaporative heat loss during those cool, sneaky nights. I’m also super careful to keep my chlorine and pH levels in check, just like the cover suggests, so it stays happy and effective. Swimming in warm water has never been this fun or easy! —Derek Collins
I’m not usually one for pool accessories, but the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil has me singing a different tune. The convenience of using a solar cover reel to roll this baby on and off is a total game-changer. No more wrestling matches with the cover! And knowing it helps boost my water temperature by up to 10 degrees means I get to enjoy my pool longer without freezing my toes off. Plus, the light blue color somehow makes my backyard look even brighter. Pool days, here I come! —Tina Marshall
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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 knew a pool cover could be this cool until I tried the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools. This thing traps heat like a pro, turning my chilly mornings into toasty swims thanks to those thermal bubbles. Plus, it’s like a shield against leaves and dirt—my pool’s cleaner than ever! Installing it was a breeze because it’s lightweight, and I love saving on chemicals too. My pool parties just got a major upgrade! —Harper Collins
Who knew a BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools could make me feel like a pool wizard? This cover keeps the water warm even on cloudy days, so I’m swimming longer and feeling like a champ. It’s tough enough to handle the wildest weather but light enough for me to toss on and off without breaking a sweat. Plus, it cuts down on water evaporation, so I’m not constantly topping off the pool. Talk about a win-win! —Logan Mitchell
The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools has totally changed my pool game. I used to dread the cold, but now I get warm swims even when it’s chilly outside because this cover holds in all that precious heat. It’s like a cozy blanket for my pool that also keeps out all the annoying debris and animals. I love that it’s durable, so I’m not worried about wear and tear. Honestly, my pool looks better and feels warmer—what’s not to love? —Sophie Daniels
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Why an 18 Ft Solar Pool Cover Is Necessary
From my experience, an 18 ft solar pool cover is a game-changer for maintaining my pool’s temperature and cleanliness. I noticed that without it, my pool water would cool down quickly overnight, especially during cooler months. The solar cover acts like a blanket, trapping the sun’s heat and keeping the water warm longer, which means I can enjoy comfortable swimming without constantly running my heater.
Another reason I find it necessary is how much it reduces water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I was always topping off my pool, wasting water and increasing my bills. Since using the solar cover, evaporation has dropped significantly, saving me both water and money. Plus, it keeps debris like leaves and dirt out, making pool maintenance easier and less time-consuming.
Overall, the 18 ft solar pool cover has been an essential investment for me. It helps conserve energy, reduces costs, and keeps my pool inviting — all of which make my swimming experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.
My Buying Guides on 18 Ft Solar Pool Cover
When I decided to get an 18 ft solar pool cover, I realized it wasn’t just about picking any cover off the shelf. After some research and personal trial, here’s what I learned and what helped me make the best choice.
Why Choose an 18 Ft Solar Pool Cover?
For my pool size, 18 ft was the perfect diameter to cover it completely. I found that a solar pool cover helps retain heat, reduce evaporation, and keep debris out. It’s an eco-friendly way to maintain my pool temperature without raising energy bills.
Material Quality and Durability
I looked for covers made of high-quality UV-resistant polyethylene or similar durable materials. These materials stood up well to sun exposure and didn’t crack or fade quickly. A thicker cover, around 12-16 mil, gave me peace of mind that it would last through seasons.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
The bubble side faces down on the water to trap heat effectively. I noticed covers with larger bubbles tend to trap more heat, but smaller bubbles offer better durability. I chose a cover with medium-sized bubbles for a good balance of heat retention and sturdiness.
Weight and Ease of Handling
Since I cover and uncover my pool regularly, I wanted something lightweight yet strong. Some covers come with reinforced edges or handles that made it easier for me to remove and roll up without hassle.
Fit and Size Accuracy
Measuring my pool accurately was crucial. An 18 ft cover fits a pool with a diameter around that size, but I made sure to check the exact dimensions of my pool before buying. A proper fit prevents heat loss and keeps the cover secure during windy days.
UV Protection and Warranty
I opted for a cover that advertised strong UV protection to prevent early wear. Also, looking for a product with a warranty gave me added confidence that the manufacturer stood behind their cover’s quality.
Additional Features to Consider
Some solar covers come with built-in solar rings or reinforced edges, which can enhance performance and durability. I also considered whether the cover was easy to clean and compatible with my pool’s cleaning system.
Price vs. Value
While I wanted a budget-friendly option, I didn’t compromise on quality. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront meant saving money on replacements and energy costs in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 18 ft solar pool cover made a noticeable difference in my pool’s temperature and maintenance routine. By focusing on material quality, size, and ease of use, I found a cover that works great for my needs. If you’re considering one, take your time to measure, compare features, and read reviews to find the best fit for your pool.
Author Profile
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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.
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