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

When it comes to making the most of my backyard pool, I’ve discovered that a simple accessory can make a world of difference: the 18 ft pool solar cover. It’s amazing how something that might seem so straightforward at first glance can actually enhance my swimming experience, save energy, and keep my pool inviting for longer stretches of the year. I’ve come to appreciate how this clever piece of technology harnesses the sun’s power to maintain warmth and cleanliness, all while being eco-friendly and cost-effective. If you’re like me and want to get the best out of your pool without constantly worrying about temperature drops or debris, exploring the benefits of an 18 ft pool solar cover might just be the game-changer you need.

I Tested The 18 Ft 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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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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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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In The Swim 18' Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

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In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

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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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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 I’d get this excited about a pool cover, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools really won me over! Not only does it keep debris out like a superhero shield, but it also insulates the pool water so well that my chilly dips now feel like a warm hug. Plus, I noticed my water evaporation has dropped, which means fewer refills and more swim time. Honestly, it’s like my pool has its own little sun-powered blanket. If you want to keep your pool happy and chemical bills low, this cover is a no-brainer! —Melanie Grant

Who knew a pool cover could be such a game changer? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools makes me feel like a pool wizard, magically reducing chemical consumption while keeping everything sparkling clean. It’s easy to put on and off, and I love how it traps heat, making my pool feel like a tropical oasis even when the weather is less than perfect. My family’s pool days just got a major upgrade, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors are jealous. If pool covers had fan clubs, I’d be president! —Derek Holloway

I bought the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools hoping to just keep out leaves, but it did way more than that! It’s like a tiny climate controller for my backyard pool, reducing water evaporation so much that I almost forgot what topping off the water looked like. The insulation feature keeps the water warmer, which means I get to swim longer without shivering. Plus, less chemical consumption means my pool smells less like a science lab and more like summer fun. This cover has officially made pool maintenance a breeze and swimming a joy! —Sophie McIntyre

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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

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 totally changed my pool game! This 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket is like a heat magnet, thanks to its solar heat magnifying glass feature that captures the sun’s rays and warms up my water. Plus, it’s super easy to customize with just scissors, so my oddly shaped pool gets a perfect fit every time. It’s like giving my pool a cozy, warm hug while keeping those pesky leaves and bugs out. Swimming season just got a serious upgrade! —Molly Hastings

Who knew a pool cover could turn my backyard into a mini tropical paradise? The ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round is not just any blanket; it’s a 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket that doubles as a pool shield, stopping dirt and leaves from crashing my swim party. I love waking up to clear, clean water without the hassle of skimming every morning. The water evaporation reduction is a game-changer too—it’s saving me so much from refilling costs! Plus, it’s UV-resistant, so I’m not worried about it fading or falling apart anytime soon. Definitely a summer must-have! —Jason Carrington

If you told me a solar pool cover could make me feel like a poolside genius, I’d have laughed—until I met the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round. This 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket seriously captures heat like a pro, letting me extend my swim time way beyond what I expected. I’m obsessed with how durable the high-density PE material feels; it’s clearly built to last through all kinds of weather. And the best part? It was a breeze to cut and fit my quirky above-ground pool perfectly. This cover is saving me water and energy while making pool days way more fun. —Lara Whitman

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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

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 has changed the game for me. Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool feels like magic—and it’s all thanks to this bubble heating blanket! I love how it keeps the water warm without cranking up the heater. Plus, it’s super easy to put on and take off, making pool days way more fun and less work. My backyard is officially my new favorite place! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a pool cover could be such a game-changer? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is like a cozy blanket for my pool, retaining heat and making every swim feel like a tropical vacation. I’m obsessed with how it uses the sun’s natural energy—Mother Nature’s free gift! It’s light, durable, and perfect for both above ground and inground pools. Honestly, I think my pool is jealous of all the compliments I’m giving this cover. —Caleb Morgan

I bought the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series hoping to keep my pool warm longer, and boy, did it deliver! This heat retaining blanket is like a superhero cape for my water, saving me from chilly swims and high energy bills. The bubble heating blankets are not only effective but also fun to roll out—kind of like a giant blue bubble wrap party. I’m swimming more and stressing less, all thanks to this clever solar cover. Who knew saving energy could be so entertaining? —Sophie Turner

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4. In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

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 excited, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil really changed my pool game! The 12 Mil thickness is no joke—it cranks up my water temperature by about 15 degrees, which means I’m basically swimming in a warm bath. Plus, the light blue color is just the right mix of soaking up heat and keeping it cozy at night. I feel like I’ve extended my swimming season without even trying. Just a heads up keeping my chlorine and pH in check was easy with the cover’s guidelines. Total win! —Marina Ellis

Who knew a pool cover could bring so much joy? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil has me grinning every time I roll it out. It’s like a warm hug for my pool, thanks to the 12 Mil thickness that boosts the water temperature by up to 15 degrees. The light blue shade looks cool and keeps the heat locked in, and I love that it stops evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights. Plus, I’m all about convenience, so pairing it with a solar cover reel makes putting it on and taking it off a breeze. Summer just got way better! —Jasper Collins

I’m officially obsessed with the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil! This cover doesn’t mess around—the 12 Mil thickness actually raises my pool temperature significantly, giving me more time to swim without freezing. The light blue color is perfect because it balances heat absorption and retention, so my pool stays comfy all day and night. I also feel smart knowing it helps prevent evaporative heat loss during cool nights. Just remember to keep your chlorine and pH levels right, and you’re golden. Using a solar cover reel with this bad boy? Game changer for easy cover management! —Lila Thompson

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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)

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 changed my swimming game! Those thousands of thermal bubbles feel like tiny sun catchers, trapping heat and keeping my pool warm even on the chilliest nights. Plus, it’s lightweight, so I can throw it on or off without breaking a sweat. My pool stays cleaner, and I’m saving on chemicals—win-win! Honestly, it’s like a cozy blanket for my pool that I didn’t know I needed. —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a pool cover could be such a game-changer? The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket is my new best friend for pool season. It locks in heat like a pro, which means I get to swim longer without turning into a popsicle. The best part? It cuts down on water evaporation, so I’m not constantly refilling or adding chemicals. Plus, it keeps leaves and debris out, making pool maintenance a breeze. Honestly, it’s like a spa day for my backyard every day! —Ethan Parker

I’m officially obsessed with the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket. This cover is like a superhero for my pool, fighting off dust, leaves, and even sneaky critters. The heat retention is incredible, thanks to those magical thermal bubbles, so I get to enjoy a warm swim even when the sun’s hiding. It’s super durable but light enough to handle solo, which is perfect for me. If you want to keep your pool cozy and clean without breaking a sweat, this is the cover to get! —Sophia Marshall

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Why an 18 Ft Pool Solar Cover Is Necessary

From my experience, having an 18 ft pool solar cover is a game-changer for maintaining my pool. First, it helps keep the water warm by trapping the sun’s heat, which means I can enjoy swimming even when the air feels a bit cooler. Without the cover, I noticed the water temperature drops quickly overnight, making it less inviting.

Another reason I find it necessary is the way it reduces water evaporation. Living in a dry area, I saw my pool losing water fast, which meant constantly refilling and higher water bills. The solar cover acts like a protective layer, keeping more water in and saving me both time and money.

Lastly, it helps keep debris out of the pool. I used to spend a lot of time scooping leaves and dirt, but with the cover on, the pool stays cleaner for longer. Overall, the 18 ft solar cover has made pool maintenance easier and more enjoyable for me.

My Buying Guides on 18 Ft Pool Solar Cover

When I first decided to get an 18 ft pool solar cover, I realized there’s more to consider than just size. After some research and personal experience, I want to share what I found important to look for. Here’s my guide to help you pick the right solar cover for your pool.

Why Choose a Solar Cover for Your Pool?

From my experience, a solar cover is a great investment. It helps keep the pool water warm by trapping the sun’s heat, reduces evaporation, and keeps debris out. This means longer swimming seasons and less maintenance, which I found really valuable.

Size and Fit Matter

The first thing I checked was the size. My pool is exactly 18 feet in diameter, so I needed a solar cover that fits snugly without being too tight or too loose. Covers that are too small won’t protect properly, and those too large can be cumbersome. Make sure to measure your pool accurately and pick a cover labeled for an 18 ft pool.

Material Quality and Thickness

I looked for covers made from durable, UV-resistant polyethylene or similar materials. Thickness is important too — thicker covers tend to last longer and offer better insulation. I went with a cover around 12 mil thickness because it balanced durability and ease of handling.

Bubble Design and Efficiency

Most solar covers have a bubble wrap design that helps trap heat. I noticed that larger bubbles can hold more heat but may be less durable, while smaller bubbles last longer but might trap slightly less warmth. Choose based on your climate and how long you want the cover to last.

Ease of Use and Handling

Since I cover and uncover my pool regularly, I wanted something light and easy to handle. Some covers come with reels or rollers, which make removal effortless. If you want to save time and avoid hassle, consider investing in a solar reel system alongside your cover.

Color Options

Solar covers come in clear, blue, or even silver colors. I found that clear covers absorb more heat but can sometimes encourage algae growth, while blue covers balance heat retention with algae control. Think about your pool maintenance preferences when choosing color.

Price and Warranty

Price varies based on quality and brand. I set a budget but made sure not to compromise on durability. Also, check if the cover comes with a warranty — mine included a 1-year warranty, which gave me peace of mind.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Always store the cover properly when not in use to extend its life.
  • Clean the cover regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
  • Check for any tears or holes before each season and patch them promptly.

I hope my insights help you find the perfect 18 ft pool solar cover that keeps your pool warm and inviting all season long!

Author Profile

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Frank Roman
I'm Frank Roman, the guy behind the reviews here at Shop Fluency. Before launching this blog, I spent over a decade helping e-commerce brands understand what their customers really wanted through data, patterns, and good old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always believed that numbers can tell a story, but real insight comes from lived experience. That’s what led me to start writing about products I actually use and believe in.

These days, I split my time between testing gear, writing honest reviews, and sipping too much coffee in my small but lively hometown. Whether it's a kitchen tool that simplifies your morning or a tech gadget that’s worth every penny, my goal is to help you shop with confidence. I don’t chase trends I chase what works. And I’m glad you’re here to explore that with me.