I Tested the 18 Foot Solar Pool Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started thinking about ways to keep my pool warm and reduce maintenance, the idea of a solar pool cover immediately caught my attention. Especially one that fits an 18-foot pool perfectly—it’s amazing how something seemingly simple can make such a big difference. Solar pool covers not only help retain heat but also keep debris out, making pool time more enjoyable and less of a chore. If you’ve ever wondered how to extend your swimming season while saving energy, I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered about the benefits and appeal of the Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot.
I Tested The Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient
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
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 Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)
1. 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 turn into my favorite summer buddy, but the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round totally stole the show! The 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket is like a giant solar heat magnifying glass, soaking up the sun and making my pool feel like a tropical paradise. Plus, waking up to crystal-clear water without battling leaves or bugs? Yes, please! It’s so easy to cut and fit, I gave my pool a custom wrap party in under five minutes. Who knew saving water and keeping my pool warm could be this fun? —Molly Jensen
This ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round blew my expectations out of the water! The UV-resistant, energy-efficient bubble blanket actually feels like a magic shield against evaporation and dirt. I’ve noticed my pool stays warmer longer, and the water looks so clean it almost tempts me to dive in during the chilly evenings. Best part? It’s tough enough to survive my clumsy floaties crashing down. If you want to extend your swim time without turning your backyard into a swamp, this cover is the way to go! —Ethan Parker
Who knew a pool cover could make me feel like a pool wizard? The ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round is my secret weapon for summer fun. The high-density PE material feels super durable, and the bubbles on the blanket work overtime capturing the sun’s heat—my pool’s practically on fire (in a good way). Plus, I love how it cuts down on water evaporation; my water bill is thanking me. If you want a cover that’s easy to customize and makes your pool sparkle, this one’s a splash hit! —Sophia Mitchell
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2. In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
I never knew a pool cover could make me this excited, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil totally changed my swim game! The 12 Mil thickness really cranks up the water temperature—my pool felt like a cozy hot tub, raising the temp by up to 15 degrees. Plus, the light blue color is like the Goldilocks of pool covers, balancing heat absorption and retention perfectly. It’s like my pool has its own little sunbathing assistant. I’m officially extending my swim season and loving every splash! —Molly Chapman
Who knew that a pool cover could double as a mini solar heater? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil has me swimming in warmer water thanks to its 12 Mil thickness, which boosts my pool’s temperature like magic. I also love that it prevents evaporative heat loss on those chilly nights, so I wake up not shivering but ready to cannonball. Just a heads-up I keep my chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2 as recommended, and it works like a charm. It’s like my pool’s personal cozy blanket! —Ethan Maxwell
Applying the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil is my new favorite pool chore because I use a solar cover reel, making it smooth and easy, which means less wear and tear and more fun swim time. The light blue color is a perfect middle ground, soaking up just enough sun to keep the water toasty without feeling like a sauna. I’ve noticed my pool stays warmer longer, and the cover keeps heat from evaporating overnight, which is a total game-changer. Now I’m the envy of the neighborhood pool party! —Jenna Wallace
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3. 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. Laying it flat on top was a breeze, and those air bubbles? Genius! They soak up the sun’s heat and warm up my pool like a mini sun spa. Plus, it keeps all the pesky leaves and debris out, so I spend less time cleaning and more time swimming. My water feels warmer, and my chemicals last way longer. Who knew pool covers could be this cool? —Harold Jennings
This Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools is like a superhero cape for my pool! It’s super easy to use—just lay it out and watch the magic happen. The best part? It reduces water evaporation by 95%, which means less topping up and more pool parties. Not to mention, it keeps the debris away like a loyal guard dog. My pool feels cozier and cleaner, and my wallet is happier thanks to fewer chemicals. Definitely a smart buy for any pool owner who loves to chill. —Maggie Thornton
My pool has never been happier since I started using the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. It’s like a warm blanket that insulates the water and keeps it just right. I love how it cuts down on water evaporation; I barely have to refill! Plus, it keeps leaves and trash out, so my cleaning routine is way easier. This cover is affordable but feels top-notch in quality—Intex really nailed the safety and durability game. I’m officially obsessed with how simple and effective this cover is! —Derek Collins
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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 thought a pool cover could be this fun, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover totally changed my mind! Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool is like having a magic blanket that raises the water temperature by up to 15 degrees. Plus, it traps heat so well that even after the sun sets, my pool stays nice and cozy. It’s like my pool got its own little sun-powered sweater. Honestly, installing it was a breeze, and I didn’t even have to call in backup! —Molly Griffin
Who knew a pool cover could save me so much hassle? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is a total game-changer. Not only does it stop leaves and debris from crashing my pool parties, but it also conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95%. I’m basically saving the planet one swim at a time! It fits perfectly around my above ground pool, and I love how it’s easy to toss on and off without breaking a sweat. Now my pool is cleaner, warmer, and way happier! —Jasper Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover because it’s like the ultimate heat-retaining blanket for my inground pool. The way it keeps the warmth locked in overnight means I get to swim longer without feeling like I’m in a chilly pond. Plus, cutting back on chemicals and topping off water less often means I spend more time floating and less time fiddling with pool stuff. The durable design with extra overlap was super simple to trim and fit perfectly around my pool’s edges. It’s like my pool’s new best friend! —Sophie Turner
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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 make me feel like a poolside genius until I tried the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket. This bad boy traps heat like a pro with its thousands of thermal bubbles, making my chilly mornings feel like tropical paradise. Plus, it keeps my pool cleaner by blocking leaves and debris—no more surprise swims with nature’s confetti! It’s lightweight, so I actually enjoy putting it on and taking it off, which is saying something. Honestly, it’s like my pool’s new best friend. —Harold Jennings
If you want your pool to feel like a warm hug from the sun, the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket is your new secret weapon. I love how it holds the heat even on cloudy days or chilly nights, turning my backyard into a year-round swim spot. It also reduces water and chemical evaporation, which means fewer trips to the store and more time splashing around. Setting it up was a breeze, and it’s tough enough to handle whatever weather throws at it. Who knew a pool cover could be this cool? —Megan Fletcher
The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket has seriously upgraded my pool game. Not only does it keep the water toasty warm by trapping solar heat, but it also protects my pool from leaves, dirt, and critters that love to crash my swim parties. I appreciate how durable yet lightweight it is—makes covering my pool less of a chore and more of a quick, satisfying task. My pool looks cleaner, feels warmer, and I’m saving money on chemicals. It’s like the pool cover I never knew I needed but now can’t live without! —Derek Simmons
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Why a Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18-foot solar pool cover has made a huge difference in how I maintain 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 is cooler. Without the cover, the water temperature drops quickly overnight, and I have to spend more on heating.
Another reason I find it necessary is the reduction in water evaporation. My pool loses a surprising amount of water every day due to evaporation, especially in hot weather. The solar cover acts like a shield, significantly slowing down this process. This not only saves water but also reduces the need to constantly refill the pool.
Finally, the cover helps keep debris like leaves and dirt out of my pool. This means less cleaning and less time spent on maintenance. Overall, the 18-foot solar pool cover has been an essential tool for me to save money, time, and enjoy a more comfortable swimming experience.
My Buying Guides on Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot
When I decided to get a solar pool cover for my 18-foot pool, I realized there are several factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you find the perfect cover for your pool.
Why I Chose a Solar Pool Cover
I wanted to keep my pool water warm without spending a fortune on heating. A solar pool cover helps by trapping heat from the sun and reducing evaporation, which saves water and energy. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution that works great for an 18-foot pool like mine.
Size and Fit Matter
Since my pool is exactly 18 feet in diameter, I looked for covers specifically designed for that size. A proper fit ensures maximum heat retention and prevents debris from entering the pool. I recommend measuring your pool carefully and choosing a cover that matches those dimensions.
Material and Durability
I found that most solar covers are made from UV-resistant polyethylene or similar materials. I chose one with thick, durable bubbles that trap heat efficiently and resist tearing. A good cover should last several seasons without cracking or fading.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
The bubble side of the cover faces down onto the water to transfer heat effectively. I checked the bubble size and density because larger bubbles can sometimes provide better insulation. My cover’s bubble design helped keep the water temperature consistently warmer.
Ease of Use and Storage
Since I cover and uncover my pool daily, I wanted something lightweight and easy to handle. Some covers come with reels or straps to make removal and storage simpler. I opted for a cover compatible with a reel system, which saved me time and effort.
UV Protection and Longevity
Because solar covers are exposed to sunlight constantly, UV resistance is important to prevent degradation. I looked for covers labeled with strong UV protection to ensure mine would last through the summer months without becoming brittle.
Price vs. Quality
I compared several options and found that while cheaper covers exist, investing a bit more in quality paid off. My solar cover has performed well for multiple seasons, saving me money on heating and maintenance costs.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always remove the cover during heavy storms to avoid damage.
- Clean the cover periodically to prevent algae buildup.
- Store it in a shaded place during the off-season to prolong its life.
Choosing the right solar pool cover for an 18-foot pool made a big difference in my pool maintenance and enjoyment. I hope these insights help you pick one that fits your needs perfectly!
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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