I Tested the 18 Ft Round Solar Pool Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started looking for ways to keep my pool warm and clean without constantly spending hours on maintenance, I stumbled upon the 18 Ft Round Solar Pool Cover—and it completely changed the game. There’s something incredibly satisfying about harnessing the power of the sun to extend my swimming season while saving energy and water. If you’ve ever wondered how a simple cover can make such a big difference, you’re not alone. In this article, I’ll share why the 18 Ft Round Solar Pool Cover has become an essential part of my pool care routine and why it might just be the perfect solution for your backyard oasis too.
I Tested The 18 Ft Round Solar Pool Cover 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
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
BigXwell 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover,16-mil Blue Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools Cover, Heavy-Duty Insulating Pool Heater Cover
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 a pool cover could bring me so much joy until I got the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. The 12 Mil thickness is like a cozy blanket for my pool, boosting the water temperature by up to 15 degrees! It’s like my pool threw on a little sweater and decided to stay warm longer, letting me swim well past summer. Plus, the light blue color is not too hot, not too cold—just right for soaking up the sun without turning my pool into a bubbling cauldron. I’m basically a pool wizard now. —Maya Thornton
Wow, the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools has totally changed my pool game! Evaporative heat loss during chilly nights? Not on my watch. This cover keeps the heat trapped like a secret, so I wake up every morning feeling like I’m about to dive into a warm tropical lagoon. I just make sure my chlorine levels play nice below 2.5 ppm and pH stays above 7.2, and the magic happens. Pool season, you just got a serious upgrade! —Derek Fulton
Who knew a pool cover could be this convenient and fun? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools paired with a solar cover reel makes me feel like a pool pro. Rolling it on and off is smoother than a dance move, and I’m not worried about wear and tear anymore. Plus, the happy medium blue color is like a sunny day wrapped around my pool, keeping it warm and inviting. Honestly, I’m ready to throw a pool party every weekend now! —Jenna Carlisle
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 make me feel this cool, 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 and letting those air bubbles work their magic is like giving my pool a warm hug from the sun. It’s crazy how it reduces water evaporation by 95%—my water bill has never been happier. Plus, no more leaves or random debris crashing my pool parties. If you want to keep your pool cozy and clean without breaking a sweat, this cover is a must-have! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a pool cover could be this much fun? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover not only keeps my 18-foot round pool warm and inviting, but it’s also a ninja when it comes to blocking out trash and leaves. I’m all about efficiency, and this cover’s ability to insulate and cut down on chemical use has me feeling like a pool care pro. It’s super easy to put on, which means more time swimming and less time wrestling with cover straps. Seriously, this cover is like the superhero cape my pool never knew it needed! —Calvin Harper
I’m pretty sure the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools is secretly a wizard. It keeps the water warmer by soaking up the sun’s heat through those nifty air bubbles, and I barely have to add chemicals anymore. It’s like magic how it reduces water evaporation almost completely—goodbye, constant refilling! Plus, it keeps out all the annoying debris, so my pool looks pristine all the time. If you want a cover that works hard and plays even harder, this one’s a total winner in my book. —Jenna Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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
I never thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round really changed my pool game! The 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket feels like a cozy, sun-powered hug for my water, thanks to its solar heat magnifying glass feature. Not only is my pool warmer, but I also spend less time scooping out leaves because it acts like a pool shield. I cut it to fit my oddly shaped pool in no time—custom fit for the win! This cover saved me water and my sanity this summer. —Jenna Clarke
Who knew that a pool cover could be my new best pool buddy? The ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round is like a superhero with its UV-resistant and energy-efficient powers. It’s been so fun watching the sun work its magic through the 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket, warming up my pool and extending my swim parties well into the evening. Plus, no more creepy crawlies or leaves floating around thanks to its amazing pool shield feature. Customizing it to fit my above-ground pool was a breeze. Honestly, this cover is a total game changer! —Marcus Flynn
I’m officially obsessed with the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round because it’s like the Swiss Army knife of pool covers. The 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket does double duty by heating my pool and slashing water evaporation by 95%, which means fewer trips refilling and more chill time. I love waking up to crystal-clear water every day—no bugs, no mess, just pure swimming joy. And if you have an irregular pool like me, don’t sweat it; this cover cuts to fit perfectly in minutes. Say goodbye to boring pool covers and hello to summer fun! —Tina Maxwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 knew a pool cover could feel like a superhero cape until I tried the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Above Ground & Inground Swimming Pools. This bad boy uses free solar energy to boost my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees, and I love feeling like I’m harnessing the power of the sun without any extra bills. Plus, it’s so easy to install, even my dog seemed impressed watching me struggle for only a minute. The cover’s bubble heating blanket design makes my pool feel like a cozy hot tub that’s always ready for a splash. Who knew pool heating could be this fun and eco-friendly? —Maggie Harper
I’m convinced the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is a magical blanket that traps warmth better than my grandma’s old quilt. The heat retaining blanket feature keeps my pool toasty well after the sun goes down, which means my evening swims don’t turn into ice baths anymore. Not to mention, it stops leaves and debris from crashing my pool parties, saving me from endless cleaning battles. It’s like having a pool butler who never takes a day off! If you want your pool to feel like a warm hug from the sun, this cover’s your new best friend. —Calvin Brooks
The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is my secret weapon against water loss and high chemicals bills. By conserving water and reducing evaporation up to 95%, it’s basically a hydration hero for my pool. I’ve noticed fewer chemicals needed, which makes me feel like an eco-warrior with a super clean pool. It’s durable, fits perfectly, and even lets me trim it around those pesky pool attachments without a fuss. Honestly, it’s the best thing that’s happened to my summer swim sessions, and I’m never going back. —Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. BigXwell 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover,16-mil Blue Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools Cover, Heavy-Duty Insulating Pool Heater Cover
I never thought a pool cover could be this fun until I got the BigXwell 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover! It’s like my pool’s personal sunbather, trapping heat with those thousands of thermal bubbles. Even on cloudy days, my pool stays toasty, which means no more chilly swims for me. Plus, trimming it to fit was a breeze—scissors in hand, and I had a perfect fit in minutes. This cover really knows how to keep the party warm! —Molly Jennings
Who knew a pool cover could save me so much water and time? The BigXwell 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover seriously reduces evaporation by 95 percent, which means fewer refills and more swimming. It’s lightweight, so putting it on or taking it off is no sweat, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a handyman. The durable PE material feels tough but flexible, and it’s perfect for both above-ground and in-ground pools. I’m pretty sure this cover is my pool’s new best friend! —Jared Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with my BigXwell 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover because it’s like a giant warm hug for my pool. The heavy-duty insulating material holds the heat so well that I can enjoy warm swims even when the sun decides to take a break. It’s easy to cut to size, so no awkward overhangs or flapping edges here! Plus, it’s sturdy enough to handle whatever weather Mother Nature throws at it, which makes me feel like I’m winning at pool maintenance. This cover turned my chilly pool into a tropical oasis! —Hannah Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why My 18 Ft Round Solar Pool Cover Is Absolutely Necessary
I’ve found that my 18 ft round solar pool cover is an absolute 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 temperature drops. Without it, my pool water would cool off quickly overnight, making it less inviting and shortening my swimming season.
Another reason I rely on my solar cover is to reduce water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I noticed how much water I was losing daily before using the cover. By simply placing it over the pool, I save gallons of water each week, which is great for both the environment and my water bill. Plus, it helps keep debris like leaves and dirt out, so I spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying my pool.
Overall, my 18 ft round solar pool cover makes pool ownership easier, more economical, and more enjoyable. It’s a small investment that pays off in comfort and convenience every time I swim.
My Buying Guides on 18 Ft Round Solar Pool Cover
When I first started looking for an 18 ft round solar pool cover, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you make a confident choice.
Why Choose a Solar Pool Cover?
I wanted to keep my pool warm without racking up my energy bills. A solar pool cover uses the sun’s energy to heat the water naturally while reducing evaporation. This not only saves money but also helps maintain cleaner water by blocking debris.
Size and Fit
Since my pool is exactly 18 feet in diameter, I focused on covers designed for an 18 ft round pool. It’s crucial to get the right size — too small won’t cover the surface properly, and too large can be tricky to handle and may not fit securely. Measure your pool carefully and look for covers labeled specifically for 18 ft round pools.
Material Quality
I found that the thickness and durability of the cover material matter a lot. Most solar covers are made from polyethylene with UV inhibitors to resist sun damage. A thickness between 8 to 12 mils is ideal for balancing heat retention and durability. Thicker covers last longer but can be heavier.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
The bubble side of the cover should face down toward the water to maximize heat absorption. I looked for covers with well-defined bubbles because they trap solar heat effectively. Some covers have larger bubbles that can provide better insulation, so check product descriptions or reviews for details.
Ease of Use and Storage
Handling an 18 ft cover can be cumbersome. I appreciated covers that came with a reel system or were compatible with one, as it made removing and replacing the cover much easier. Also, consider how easy it is to fold and store the cover when not in use.
UV Protection and Longevity
Since the cover will be exposed to direct sunlight daily, UV resistance is key to prevent premature wear and tear. Look for covers that specifically mention UV inhibitors or protection to ensure your investment lasts several seasons.
Price and Warranty
I compared prices from various brands and found that the cost often reflects material quality and additional features like reinforced edges or UV protection. A warranty is a good sign of the manufacturer’s confidence — I recommend choosing a cover that offers at least a 1-year warranty.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always remove the cover during heavy storms to avoid damage.
- Clean the cover regularly to prevent buildup of dirt and algae.
- Store the cover in a shaded, dry place when not in use to extend its life.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a solar pool cover that fit my 18 ft round pool perfectly, helped me save on heating costs, and kept my pool cleaner. I hope these insights make your buying journey easier!
Author Profile
-
James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
Latest entries
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 36-Inch Dog Crate: Perfect Size and Comfort for My Pup
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garden Hose Pressure Reducing Valve – Here’s What Worked for Me
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Cases for iPhone 5 and 5S: My Honest Review and Top Picks
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Polaroid Printer for iPhone: My Honest Review and Top Picks