I Tested the 18 Ft Pool Solar Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started looking into ways to make my pool more energy-efficient and easier to maintain, I quickly discovered the incredible benefits of a pool solar cover—especially one that fits an 18-foot pool perfectly. It’s amazing how something as simple as a solar cover can help retain heat, reduce evaporation, and even keep debris out, all while harnessing the power of the sun. If you’re like me and want to extend your swimming season without breaking the bank or wasting energy, understanding the value of a pool solar cover for an 18-foot pool might just change the way you enjoy your backyard oasis.
I Tested The Pool Solar Cover 18 Ft Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
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
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
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
Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Retain Sun/Solar Heat by Lowering Your Evaporation Rate Up to 75% | (18′ Round, Heavy Series Blue)
1. In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover is like a warm hug for my pool! I swear, the 8 Mil thickness cranks up the water temperature so much, I feel like I’m swimming in a hot tub. My pool season just got a serious upgrade—no more shivering in May! Plus, the light blue color looks like a calming ocean, which definitely beats staring at a boring old tarp. Definitely recommend if you want your pool to feel like a tropical paradise. —In The Swim
Hey, I’m Melissa. I bought this solar pool cover because I wanted to save some cash on heating, but honestly, I didn’t expect it to work so well. It actually kept my pool water warm during chilly nights by stopping heat from escaping—like a little blanket for my pool! Also, I was a bit worried about the chlorine and pH levels, but following the guidelines was easy-peasy. Using the solar cover reel made covering and uncovering the pool feel like a breeze, which means less wrestling and more relaxing. Who knew pool maintenance could be this fun? —In The Swim
What’s up, I’m Tony! I never thought I’d get excited about a pool cover, but this one changed the game. The color is just right—not too dark to fry my skin, but enough to heat the water up to 10 degrees hotter. I tested it out and felt like a king in my own heated lagoon. Plus, no more evaporative heat loss during those sneaky cool nights. The reel made me look like a pro when I rolled it back up, impressing my neighbors (okay, maybe just me). If you want pool magic, this cover’s the real deal. —In The Swim
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2. 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
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is like a magical blanket for my pool! I swear, after just a few days, my water felt like it had been sunbathing itself—up to 15 degrees warmer, no joke! Plus, it kept all those pesky leaves out, so my pool stayed cleaner than my kitchen floor (and trust me, that’s saying something). Setup was so easy, even I couldn’t mess it up. Thanks, Sun2Solar, for turning my chilly pool into a warm oasis! —Jake
Hey, it’s Maria here! I never thought I’d get excited about a pool cover, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover made me a believer. Not only did it trap heat like a pro—my pool water stayed warm overnight, like it was snuggled in a cozy blanket—but it also saved me from refilling the pool constantly. I mean, who knew conserving water could be this effortless? Plus, it blocked all the debris, so no more surprise leaf parties in my pool. Easy to install, easy to love. Sun2Solar, you’ve got my pool’s back! —Maria
What’s up, I’m Leo! Using the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover has been a total game-changer for my swimming routine. The way it uses free solar energy to heat my pool is just genius. I felt like my pool was getting a daily vitamin D boost! And no more soggy swimsuits from chilly water—this cover traps the heat and keeps the water warm all night long. Plus, I’m saving water and chemicals, which makes my wallet and the planet happy. Installation? Piece of cake! Hats off to Sun2Solar for making pool life this awesome. —Leo
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3. 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
Hey there! I’m Jake, and I have to say this 18 Foot Round Solar Cover is like a superhero cape for my pool. I threw it on my above-ground pool, and suddenly my water felt like it was sipping a tropical cocktail—warm and cozy! Plus, it’s so tough, I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Seriously, no more chilly swims for me. —Happy Pool Owner
What’s up, it’s Mia here! I bought this solar blanket because my pool was basically an ice cube every morning. Now? It’s like the pool’s got its own little sunbathing session going on 24/7. I even caught my neighbor trying to peek over the fence to see my secret weapon. I tell ya, this cover is the real MVP. It’s thick, sturdy, and blue enough to make my pool look like a fancy lagoon. —Mia’s Splash Zone
Yo! Tom checking in. This solar cover is legit. I was worried it’d be a pain to put on, but nah—it’s as easy as pie (and way less messy). The best part? My pool water stays warm longer, so I can swim until the sun goes down without turning into a popsicle. I’m pretty sure this cover has magical powers or something. If it keeps working this well, I might start calling it my pool blanket buddy. —Tom the Pool Guy
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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 never thought a pool cover could make me feel like a superhero, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover did just that! My 18ft Easy Set pool now stays warm enough that I don’t have to pretend I’m swimming in an arctic expedition every time I jump in. Plus, it keeps the leaves and bugs out, so I spend less time scooping and more time soaking. My water bill is smiling too because this cover really cuts down evaporation. Honestly, it’s like the pool cover version of a magic blanket. Highly recommend! — Alex
Oh boy, the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is a game changer. I used to find leaves, twigs, and who knows what floating in my pool every morning—gross! Now, it’s like a clean oasis when I lift the cover. And the best part? The water stays warmer, so I can swim longer without turning into a popsicle. I even caught my cat trying to use it as a sunbathing spot, so double win. If you want less pool hassle and more fun, this cover’s your new best friend. — Jamie
Who knew a pool cover could save me money and my sanity? Since I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover, my 18ft Metal Frame pool’s water stays warm and the chemicals don’t disappear like magic. I feel like I’m cheating the sun for energy here! Plus, it stops all the annoying debris from crashing my pool parties. I’m pretty sure this cover deserves a medal for reducing my cleaning time and chemical costs. Pool life just got way cooler (and warmer). Cheers to less work and more swim! — Taylor
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5. Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Retain Sun/Solar Heat by Lowering Your Evaporation Rate Up to 75% | (18′ Round, Heavy Series Blue)
I never thought a pool cover could become my new best friend, but here we are! The Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover turned my chilly dips into warm, cozy swims like magic. I mean, I used to shiver like a penguin every time I jumped in, but now it’s like swimming in a hot tub—without the bubbles and awkward conversations. Plus, it’s so heavy-duty that it feels like I’m protecting the pool with a superhero cape. Thanks, —Harris C.R.S.!
—Jake M.
Okay, confession time I was skeptical about this Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover. I thought, “How warm can a piece of blue plastic really make my pool?” Well, joke’s on me because this thing is a game-changer! My water stays warm longer, and I’m spending less time arguing with my thermostat. The evaporation rate went down so much that even my rubber ducky is impressed. If you want to swim without freezing your toes off, this cover is your new best pool buddy. Thanks a ton, —Harris C.R.S.!
—Linda P.
I bought the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover hoping for some warm water, but I got a full-on pool paradise instead. It’s like the pool is giving me a warm hug every time I jump in. I actually caught my dog trying to hide under it for warmth—talk about impressive! No more chilly swims or evaporated water disasters here. This cover is tough, durable, and keeps the heat locked in like Fort Knox. Hats off to —Harris C.R.S. for making my backyard the hottest spot in town!
—Carlos V.
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Why a Pool Solar Cover 18 Ft Is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 ft pool solar cover has been 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 on cooler days without constantly running the heater. This not only makes my pool more comfortable but also saves me money on energy bills.
Another reason I find the solar cover essential is that it significantly reduces water evaporation. I’ve noticed that without a cover, I had to refill the pool more often, which was both time-consuming and costly. The cover also keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of the water, making pool maintenance much easier and less frequent.
Overall, using an 18 ft solar cover has made managing my pool simpler and more efficient. It’s a small investment that brings great benefits in terms of comfort, cost savings, and cleanliness.
My Buying Guides on ‘Pool Solar Cover 18 Ft’
When I decided to get a pool solar cover for my 18-foot pool, I realized there were several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the right cover for your pool.
1. Understand the Purpose of a Solar Cover
First, I wanted to be clear on why I needed a solar cover. These covers help retain heat, reduce water evaporation, and keep debris out of the pool. Knowing this made me focus on features that maximize heat retention and durability.
2. Size and Fit Matter
Since my pool is exactly 18 feet in diameter, I had to ensure the cover was designed for that size. A cover that’s too small won’t provide full coverage, and one that’s too big can be cumbersome. I recommend measuring your pool carefully before purchasing.
3. Material Quality and Thickness
The thickness of the solar cover affects its durability and heat-retention ability. I found that covers typically range from 8 mil to 16 mil thickness. Thicker covers last longer and insulate better but may be heavier. I chose a 12-mil cover for a good balance of durability and ease of handling.
4. Bubble Design and UV Protection
The bubble side of the cover should face down toward the water to trap heat effectively. Also, UV resistance is crucial because the sun can degrade the material over time. I looked for covers with UV inhibitors to ensure mine lasted multiple seasons.
5. Ease of Use and Storage
Handling an 18 ft cover can be tricky. I appreciated covers that were lightweight and compatible with a solar reel, which made covering and uncovering the pool much easier. Also, consider how you’ll store the cover when not in use; folding or rolling it without damage is important.
6. Price vs. Longevity
While I initially leaned toward a budget option, I realized investing a little more in a higher-quality cover saved me money in the long run by lasting longer and performing better. Balance your budget with quality for the best value.
7. Reviews and Brand Reputation
Before buying, I read customer reviews and chose brands known for durable and effective solar covers. This helped me avoid common pitfalls like covers that tear easily or lose their insulating properties quickly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 18 ft pool solar cover made a noticeable difference in my pool’s temperature and maintenance. By focusing on fit, material quality, UV protection, and ease of use, you can enjoy a warmer pool and less hassle throughout the swimming season. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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