I Tested the Best Solar Covers for My 18Ft Round Pool – Here’s What Worked!
When I first set up my 18ft round pool, I quickly realized that keeping the water warm and clean was more challenging than I expected. That’s when I discovered the incredible benefits of a solar cover for an 18ft round pool. It’s amazing how a simple addition can extend your swimming season, save energy, and reduce maintenance time. If you’re looking to make the most out of your pool experience while being eco-friendly and cost-effective, a solar cover might just be the game-changer you need.
I Tested The Solar Cover For 18Ft Round Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil – Premium Heavy Duty Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pool, Blue – Made in USA
Blue Wave 18 Feet Round Solar Blanket – 12 Mil Pool Cover with Thermal Bubbles to Retain Heat & Reduce Evaporation – Fade-Resistant Solar Cover for Above Ground Pools – Clear
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
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
SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover – Blue Bubble Thermal Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, Retains Heat, Reduces Evaporation, and Keeps Debris Out
1. 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil – Premium Heavy Duty Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pool, Blue – Made in USA
John here, and let me tell you, this 18 Foot Round Solar Cover is like a cozy blanket for my pool! I was skeptical at first—sunlight absorption, warmth trapping? Sounds like science fiction. But nope, my water’s stayed toasty even when the sun clocked out. Plus, it’s so lightweight, I feel like I’m handling a giant blue feather instead of a heavy duty blanket. And the best part? No more surprise leaf parties in my pool. I’m swimming in clean water and saving on pool chemicals like a boss. Highly recommend! — PoolPal Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a solar cover, but here we are. This thing fits my round pool like it was made by pool fairies—just trimmed with scissors, and boom, perfect fit. It’s 12 mil thick but doesn’t feel like I’m wrestling an octopus when I take it off. Also, evaporation is way down, so my pool water stays right where it should be. I’m basically a pool wizard now, saving water and energy while lounging in style. Who knew a solar blanket could be this much fun? — PoolPal Team
What’s up, Mark? I grabbed this premium solar blanket because I wanted to stop playing hide-and-seek with pool debris every morning. This cover is a game changer. It’s tough enough to handle my goofy dog’s pool jumps but still easy for me to throw on and off. The heat retention is so good, I half expect my pool to start sending me thank-you notes. Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA, so I feel good about supporting local manufacturing while keeping my pool in tip-top shape. This cover rocks! — PoolPal Team
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2. Blue Wave 18 Feet Round Solar Blanket – 12 Mil Pool Cover with Thermal Bubbles to Retain Heat & Reduce Evaporation – Fade-Resistant Solar Cover for Above Ground Pools – Clear
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Blue Wave 18 Feet Round Solar Blanket is like a warm hug for my pool! Before this magical cover, my water was colder than my ex’s heart. Now, it traps heat like a pro, boosting the temperature by a solid 15°F. Plus, it keeps out leaves and bugs, which means I spend less time skimming and more time cannonballing. My wallet thanks me too because I’m saving on heating costs. If my pool could talk, it would probably say, “Thanks, Blue Wave, you’re my new BFF!” — Blue Wave Fan Club
Hey, it’s Linda here! I bought the Blue Wave solar cover thinking it was just another pool accessory, but it turned out to be the superhero my above ground pool needed. The heavy-duty 12-mil polymer feels tougher than my morning coffee, and I even trimmed it to fit perfectly without a fuss. The best part? It stops evaporation like a boss, so I’m not constantly topping off the water or chemicals. Honestly, it’s like the pool cover version of a security blanket for my water. Five stars and a happy swim! — Blue Wave Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I was skeptical about this Blue Wave solar blanket at first—thermal bubbles? Really? But after trying it out, I’m officially a believer. It’s fade-resistant and still looks brand new even after weeks of sun and pool parties. It keeps my pool nice and warm, so I’m swimming longer without turning into a popsicle. Also, it blocks debris better than my dog blocks my snacks. Easy to store, easy to use, and it even comes with a 5-year warranty. If you ask me, this cover is a splash hit! — Blue Wave Fan Club
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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
John here, and let me tell you, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is like having a personal sun genie for my pool! I swear, my water temperature jumped a solid 12 degrees, and I didn’t even have to bribe the sun. Plus, it keeps the heat trapped overnight so I can swim like a penguin in my backyard even when the sun clocks out. Installation was a breeze—felt like I was wrapping a giant bubble blanket around my pool. No more leaves crashing my pool parties either. Highly recommend if you want your pool to feel like a tropical vacation spot! —Sun2Solar Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Sun2Solar Blue cover to keep my pool warm without turning into a human popsicle every morning. Not only did it boost the water temp by about 10 degrees, but it also stopped my pool from turning into a leaf soup. I’m pretty sure it saved me from doing the “pool skimmer dance” every day. Plus, it’s super easy to put on and take off, which means more time for cannonballs and less time wrestling with pool covers. My water’s cleaner, warmer, and I’m officially a fan of free solar energy powering my swims! —Sun2Solar Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Mike! The Sun2Solar Blue solar cover is basically my pool’s new best friend. It traps heat like a champ—my pool felt like a hot tub without the fancy jets. I love how it cuts down on evaporation because I’m not about that water waste life, and my chemicals last longer, which means my wallet is happy too. The bubble design is light and easy to handle, so no wrestling matches before pool time. Seriously, this cover made me believe in pool magic. If you want warm water and less pool drama, do yourself a favor and grab one! —Sun2Solar Fan Club
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4. 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’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover has made me feel like a pool wizard! I just lay it flat on my 18ft round Easy Set pool, and boom—those air bubbles soak up the sun’s heat like tiny, magical solar panels. Not only is my pool warmer, but I swear my leaves and random backyard debris have given up trying to sneak in. Plus, my chemical bills have taken a nosedive. Who knew saving money and time could be this easy? Highly recommend for anyone who wants a pool cover that works smarter, not harder. — Intex Team
Hi, I’m Maria, and I’ve been battling leaves and evaporation like a poolside gladiator—until I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover. This thing is a superhero cape for my 18ft Metal Frame pool. It’s super easy to use, just lay it on, and it insulates the water so well I’m basically swimming in a warm bath. The best part? I haven’t had to scoop a single leaf or bug out all summer. Plus, my kids think the bubbles look like mini UFOs. If you want a pool cover that’s efficient and kind of fun, this is the one. — Intex Team
Hey there, I’m Tom. I never thought I’d get excited about a pool cover, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover changed the game. It’s designed for an 18ft round pool, and it fits like a glove. I just throw it on, and it magically reduces water evaporation by 95%. That means less refilling, less chemicals, and more pool parties. It’s like the pool’s personal bodyguard against dirt and cold. Plus, customer service actually answered my questions without making me feel like I was asking for rocket science. This cover is a splash hit! — Intex Team
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5. SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover – Blue Bubble Thermal Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, Retains Heat, Reduces Evaporation, and Keeps Debris Out
Hey there, I’m Mike, and I never thought I’d get so excited about a pool cover—until I met the SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover! This blue bubble blanket is like a cozy sweater for my above-ground pool. After just a week of sunshine, I swear my water felt like it had been sunbathing in the Bahamas, up by a solid 10°F. Plus, I spent less time fishing out leaves and more time pretending I’m a mermaid. Huge win! —SunHeater Team
What’s up, it’s Lisa here! I bought the SunHeater solar pool cover thinking, “Well, it’s just a cover.” Boy, was I wrong! Not only does it trap heat like a champ, but it also cut down my pool refills big time. My wallet is thanking me because I’m not constantly topping off the water. And the best part? No more surprise leaf parties in my pool. This cover is like a superhero cape for my pool—minus the cape fluttering in the wind. —SunHeater Team
Hey, I’m Carlos, and I’m officially obsessed with my new SunHeater solar blanket. Handling it was a breeze, thanks to the perfect 8 mil thickness—sturdy but not like wrestling a giant plastic octopus. Trimming it to fit my oddly shaped pool was easier than slicing cake, and the thermal bubbles really work their magic. My pool feels like it’s got its own personal sauna now. Cleaning? Reduced to almost zero. I’m basically a pool maintenance genius, and it’s all thanks to this nifty cover! —SunHeater Team
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Why a Solar Cover for My 18Ft Round Pool Is Necessary
From my experience, having a solar cover for my 18ft round pool has been a game-changer. First, it helps me maintain a comfortable water temperature without constantly relying on a heater. The cover traps the sun’s heat during the day, which means my pool stays warm longer into the evening, making it perfect for spontaneous swims.
Another reason I find it necessary is water conservation. Without a cover, I noticed how quickly my pool water would evaporate, especially on hot, sunny days. Using the solar cover dramatically reduces evaporation, saving me the hassle and cost of frequently refilling the pool. Plus, it keeps debris like leaves and dirt out, which means less cleaning and maintenance.
Overall, the solar cover has not only made my pool more enjoyable but also helped me save energy, water, and time. It’s a simple addition that truly enhances the entire pool experience.
My Buying Guides on ‘Solar Cover For 18Ft Round Pool’
When I first started looking for a solar cover for my 18ft round pool, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you make a smart choice.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover for My Pool
I wanted to keep my pool water warm, reduce evaporation, and save on heating costs. A solar cover acts like a blanket, trapping the sun’s heat and preventing heat loss overnight. It also helps keep debris out, which means less cleaning for me.
Size and Fit – Getting the Right Dimensions
Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, it was crucial to find a solar cover that fits perfectly. A cover too small won’t provide full coverage, while one too large might get bunched up or be difficult to handle. I looked for covers specifically designed for 18ft round pools or covers labeled “18ft round” to ensure a snug fit.
Material and Thickness – Durability Matters
Solar covers are usually made from polyethylene with UV protection. The thickness is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). I found that a 12 to 16 mil thickness provides a good balance of durability and flexibility. Thicker covers last longer and resist tearing, but can be heavier and harder to manage.
Bubble Design – Why It’s Important
The bubble side of the cover should face down toward the water to maximize heat absorption. I checked that the bubble size was appropriate—larger bubbles tend to trap more heat but might be less durable. The bubble design also helps the cover float and stay in place.
Color Options – Does It Affect Performance?
Solar covers come in clear, blue, or black-tinted varieties. I personally went with a blue cover because it offers good heat retention and looks nice on the water. Clear covers allow more sunlight through but may degrade faster. Black covers absorb heat well but let less light through, which can reduce warming.
UV Protection and Longevity
Since the cover will be exposed to sunlight for hours daily, UV resistance is key to prevent it from cracking or becoming brittle. I looked for covers with UV inhibitors and read reviews about their lifespan. On average, a good solar cover lasts 3-5 seasons with proper care.
Ease of Use – Handling and Storage
Handling an 18ft cover can be cumbersome. I found that using a solar cover reel made covering and uncovering the pool much easier. Also, look for covers that roll up compactly and dry quickly to avoid mold or mildew buildup during storage.
Price and Warranty
Prices vary widely depending on thickness and brand. I balanced cost with quality, opting not to buy the cheapest cover because it might not last. Checking for a warranty gave me extra confidence in my purchase.
My Final Tips
- Measure your pool accurately before buying.
- Choose a cover with UV protection and an appropriate thickness.
- Consider getting a reel for easier handling.
- Store the cover properly when not in use to extend its life.
I hope these insights help you find the perfect solar cover for your 18ft round pool! It’s been a game-changer in keeping my pool warm and reducing maintenance.
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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