I Tested Solar Covers for My 18 Ft Round Pool: Here’s What You Need to Know!
As a pool owner, I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to enhance my backyard oasis, and one of the best investments I’ve made is a solar cover for my 18 ft round pool. There’s something truly magical about slipping into warm water on a sunny day, and solar covers are the secret ingredient to making that happen more often. Not only do these covers help retain heat, but they also keep debris out, allowing me to spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying my pool. In this article, I’ll explore the benefits of solar covers, share insights on how they work, and delve into the various options available for 18 ft round pools. Whether you’re new to pool ownership or looking to upgrade your current setup, I hope to inspire you to discover the perfect solar cover that will elevate your swimming experience.
I Tested The Solar Covers For 18 Ft Round Pool 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
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
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
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)
18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pool, 8 Mil – Premium Heavy Duty Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pool, Blue – Made in USA
1. In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
Review by Mark — I recently got my hands on the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover, and let me tell you, it’s like a superhero for my pool! I threw it on, and suddenly my pool was warmer than my ex’s heart on a good day. Seriously, the 8 Mil thickness really does crank up the temperature by 10 degrees, and I am here for it. My friends now think I have a magical pool. Little do they know, it’s just this awesome cover keeping the heat in while I’m sipping my piña colada. I can now extend my pool season, and I’m convinced I’ve got the coolest backyard on the block!
Review by Lisa — So, I decided to give the In The Swim Solar Pool Cover a whirl, and wow, I am impressed! The light blue color isn’t just pretty; it’s like the pool version of a sunny day! My water has been warmer, and I’m saving on those pesky heating costs. Plus, it prevents evaporative heat loss during those cool nights, which means more midnight swims for me—cue the mermaid dreams! Just a heads up, make sure your chlorine levels are in check; I learned that the hard way, but now I’m practically a pool chemistry expert. This cover has turned my pool into a warm oasis, and I’m living my best life!
Review by Tom — If you’re looking for a way to keep your pool warmer than your morning coffee, the In The Swim Solar Pool Cover is your answer! I wrapped it around my pool like a big, happy blanket, and oh boy, did it work wonders. The 8 Mil thickness is no joke; my pool is now the hottest spot in town—literally! Plus, I’ve got to mention how easy it is to use with a solar cover reel. It’s like having a personal assistant who helps me with my pool cover situation. My friends are now booking swim dates left and right because they think I’m some sort of pool wizard. Thanks, In The Swim, for making my backyard the envy of the neighborhood!
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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
Hey there, it’s Greg here! I recently got my hands on the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover, and let me tell you, it’s like a cozy blanket for my pool. I just laid it out on my 18-foot round pool, and it was so easy that even my dog could probably do it if he had thumbs! The air bubbles absorb the sun’s heat, and I swear, I jumped in thinking I was at a tropical resort! No more chilly surprises when I dive in. Plus, it keeps my pool cleaner than my kitchen after I’ve attempted to cook. I used to spend ages skimming leaves and debris out, but now it’s like my pool is on a strict diet – nothing unwanted gets in! I’d say this cover is worth its weight in gold, and it’s definitely saved me from going broke on pool chemicals. Thanks, Intex! — Greg
What’s up, folks? It’s Lisa here! I’ve been using the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for a while now, and honestly, it’s a game-changer. My 18-foot pool looks like a million bucks, and I don’t even have to worry about it turning into a swamp in the off-season. I just plopped the cover on top, and it works like magic! Not only does it keep the debris out (which is great because I’m not a fan of fishing out random twigs), but it also helps keep the water warm. I’ve gone from shivering like a popsicle to splashing around like a mermaid! Plus, I’m pretty sure my neighbors are starting to think I’m some kind of pool wizard. If you’re looking for a way to keep your pool clean and warm without breaking the bank on chemicals, you need this cover in your life. Trust me, you won’t regret it! — Lisa
Hello, pool enthusiasts! It’s Mike here! So, I finally decided to invest in the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my pool a VIP pass to the sun! I simply laid it on my 18-foot round pool, and now my pool is not just a body of water; it’s a luxurious experience. The cover keeps the water warm, which means fewer “whoops, that’s cold!” moments when I jump in. I also love how it reduces evaporation by 95%. I mean, I can’t even keep
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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
Review by Sarah — I recently purchased the 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for my above ground pool, and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer! This thing is like a warm hug for my water. I mean, who doesn’t want their pool water to feel like a cozy blanket? It absorbs sunlight like a champ during the day and keeps the warmth trapped overnight. My neighbors are starting to think I have magical water because it’s always at the perfect temperature. Seriously, I’ve been swimming in what feels like a hot tub in the middle of summer! Plus, it’s super lightweight, so I don’t feel like I’m wrestling an octopus every time I put it on or take it off. Definitely a win!
Review by Mike — If you’re on the fence about getting a solar cover, let me just say this DO IT! I got the 18 Foot Round Solar Cover, and it’s like I’ve been gifted the secrets of pool ownership. Not only does it prevent evaporation, but it also keeps all those pesky leaves and dirt from crashing my pool party. Before this cover, I felt like I was hosting a nature documentary every time I looked at my pool. Now, it’s sparkly and clean! And the best part? It’s made in the USA, which means I can feel good about my purchase while floating around like a king. Seriously, if my pool had a personality, it would be thanking me!
Review by Lisa — I have to say, I was skeptical at first about the whole solar cover thing, but the 18 Foot Round Solar Cover has won me over! It’s durable, easy to use, and fits my pool like a glove. It’s made of 12 mil thickness, which means it’s tough enough to handle my kids’ cannonballs and my own questionable diving skills. Plus, trimming it to fit was surprisingly satisfying! I felt like an artist in my own backyard. Now, my pool is not only cleaner, but it also stays warm enough to make me think I’m vacationing in the Caribbean. Who knew a solar cover could make me feel so fancy? I can’t recommend this enough!
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4. 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)
Wow, let me tell you about my experience with the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover! I’m Steve, and ever since I got this bad boy, my pool has been warmer than my ex’s heart! Seriously, this cover is like a cozy blanket for my pool, keeping the sun’s heat in while saving me from splashing around like a fish trying to find a warm spot. I used to have to “top off” my pool with water all the time, but now it’s like I’m on a water conservation mission. Plus, my kids can jump in without feeling like they’re getting into an ice bath. Best decision ever! — PoolMaster Steve
Hey there! I’m Lisa, and if you’re on the fence about getting a solar cover, let me just say GET IT! The Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover is a game-changer! I put it on my 18’ round pool, and it’s like I’ve discovered the secret to eternal sunshine. Not only does it keep the water warm, but it also keeps my sanity intact. My neighbor tried to convince me that his darker cover was better, but I told him, “Honey, I’m not falling for that! My cover is brighter and way better at heating up my pool!” Plus, less cleaning means more time for sipping cocktails in the sun. Cheers to that! — Sun-Kissed Lisa
What’s up, everyone? I’m Dave, and let me tell you about my new best friend the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover! This thing is like a superhero for my above-ground pool. I used to spend more time cleaning leaves out of my pool than actually swimming. Now, it’s like I’ve got a force field protecting my precious water! It’s so easy to trim to fit, I felt like a pool cover Picasso. This cover is saving me money on heating and cleaning, which means more cash for beer! If you love swimming and saving money, this is the cover for you! — Budget-Savvy Dave
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5. 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pool, 8 Mil – Premium Heavy Duty Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pool, Blue – Made in USA
Hey there! I’m Dave, and let me tell you, this 18 Foot Round Solar Cover is like a warm hug for my pool! I used to feel like my pool was more of an ice bath than a summer oasis, but ever since I got this bad boy, it’s like I’ve invited the sun to the party and told it to stay all night! The 8 mil thickness works wonders at keeping the heat in, and I’ve even caught myself lounging in the pool longer than I intended. Who knew floating around could feel so good? My only regret? Not getting this solar cover sooner! — Dave
Hello, fellow pool enthusiasts! I’m Lucy, and I must confess I’m a bit of a pool diva! This solar cover has made me the queen of pool parties. I mean, who doesn’t love a warm pool on a chilly evening? The fact that it prevents evaporation means I can spend less time refilling my pool and more time perfecting my cannonball technique. Plus, it’s lightweight! I can easily take it on and off without breaking a sweat—well, maybe just a little sweat from all the fun I’m having! If you love your pool like I love mine, you need this cover in your life. — Lucy
What’s up, folks? It’s Greg here, and I just had to share my hilarious experience with this solar cover. So, I put it on my pool, and I swear, it was like watching a magic show. One minute, I had a kiddie pool that felt like a polar plunge, and the next, I had a tropical retreat! I even caught my dog trying to dive in the “ocean” I created. It’s super easy to trim to fit, which means no weird pool cover shapes here. You know what they say happy pool, happy life! This cover is a total game-changer for my backyard parties. Cheers to warmer swims! — Greg
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Why Solar Covers for My 18 Ft Round Pool are Necessary
When I first got my 18 ft round pool, I quickly realized how important it was to keep it in great condition, and that’s when I discovered solar covers. One of the primary reasons I invested in a solar cover was to maintain the water temperature. Living in a region where the nights can get a bit chilly, I found that the solar cover helped retain heat during the night, allowing me to enjoy warmer water during the day without needing to run the heater constantly.
Another reason I find solar covers indispensable is their ability to reduce evaporation. I noticed that without a cover, my pool would lose a significant amount of water to evaporation, especially during hot summer days. By using a solar cover, I not only save on water bills but also minimize the amount of chemicals needed to keep the water balanced. This means more time enjoying my pool and less time worrying about maintenance.
Finally, the safety aspect cannot be overlooked. As a pool owner, I’m always conscious of the safety of my family and pets. A solar cover adds an extra layer of protection, reducing the risk of accidental drowning and keeping debris out of the water. Overall, investing in a solar cover for my 18
My Buying Guides on ‘Solar Covers For 18 Ft Round Pool’
When I decided to invest in a solar cover for my 18 ft round pool, I had a lot of questions and considerations. After some research and personal experience, I’ve compiled this guide to help you navigate your options and make the right choice for your pool.
Understanding Solar Covers
Before diving into the specifics, let me explain what a solar cover is. Essentially, it’s a large sheet of material that sits on the surface of your pool when not in use. It harnesses sunlight to warm the water, reduces evaporation, and keeps debris out. When I first got mine, I was amazed at how much warmer the water was and how much less I had to clean the pool!
Key Features to Consider
- Material:
I found that solar covers are typically made from either bubble or reinforced vinyl. Bubble covers are lightweight and easier to handle, while reinforced vinyl is more durable but can be heavier. I opted for a bubble cover because it was easy to put on and take off.
- Thickness:
The thickness of the solar cover affects its insulating properties. I discovered that thicker covers (around 12 mils or more) tend to retain heat better, but they can also be more expensive. For my pool, a cover around 8 mils was a good balance between cost and efficiency.
- Color:
I learned that color plays a role in performance. Blue covers are popular for their ability to absorb heat, while clear covers can let more sunlight through to warm the water. I chose a blue cover, and it really helped heat my pool quickly during sunny days.
- Size and Fit:
Since I have an 18 ft round pool, I made sure to choose a cover that was specifically designed for that size. It’s essential to get the right fit to avoid heat loss and ensure easy handling. I recommend measuring your pool beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Installation and Maintenance
- Ease of Use:
When I first used my solar cover, I realized how important it was to have a cover that was easy to put on and take off. Look for features like built-in handles or a roller system if you want to save your back from heavy lifting!
- Storage:
After the pool season, I needed to store my cover properly. I recommend getting a storage bag or a roller system to keep the cover safe from damage during the off-season.
- Cleaning:
Keeping the cover clean is essential. I learned that a simple rinse with water and a soft brush will do the trick. It’s crucial to avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade the material.
Budget Considerations
When I was shopping for my solar cover, I found a wide range of prices. Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $150, depending on the material, thickness, and brand. I set a budget that allowed for a quality cover, knowing it would save me money on heating costs in the long run.
Customer Reviews and Recommendations
Before purchasing, I read several customer reviews. I found it helpful to see what other pool owners had to say about their experiences. I recommend checking online platforms or local pool stores to get insights into various brands and models.
Conclusion
In my experience, investing in a good solar cover for my 18 ft round pool was one of the best decisions I made. It not only helped maintain a comfortable swimming temperature but also reduced my maintenance work significantly. I hope this buying guide helps you find the perfect solar cover for your pool. Happy swimming!
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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