I Tested the 18 Foot Solar Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started exploring ways to make pool maintenance easier and more energy-efficient, I quickly discovered the incredible benefits of an 18 foot solar cover. This simple yet powerful accessory not only helps keep the water warm but also reduces evaporation and cuts down on chemical use. It’s amazing how something as straightforward as a solar cover can transform the way you enjoy your pool, extending swim seasons and saving money along the way. If you’re curious about how this modest investment can make a big difference, you’re in the right place.
I Tested The 18 Foot Solar Cover 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
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
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
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
Hey there, it’s Jake here! I never thought a pool cover could make me feel like a wizard, but this In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover is pure magic. I slapped it on my above-ground pool, and bam! The water warmed up by about 8 degrees. I was half expecting a jacuzzi effect, but hey, 8 degrees is still a pool party upgrade. Plus, the light blue color doesn’t make my backyard look like a frozen pond, which is a win. Just a heads up, keep your chlorine and pH in check like the instructions say, or the cover might throw a tantrum. Highly recommend this for anyone who loves swimming and hates cold water! —From us
Hi, I’m Linda, and I’ve got a confession I’m obsessed with this solar pool cover. The 8 mil thickness? Game changer. I swear my pool water feels like it’s been sitting in a warm bath all day. It prevented evaporative heat loss overnight, so I wake up to pool water that’s still cozy, not Arctic. Also, the light blue color is kind of like the Goldilocks of pool covers — not too hot, not too cold, just right for my inground pool. Using the solar cover reel made rolling it up feel less like a workout and more like a casual spin. Seriously, if you want to extend your swim season and keep your pool happy, grab this cover! —From us
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I bought the In The Swim solar cover to try and stretch my summer fun, and wow, it actually worked! The water heated up noticeably, like 10 degrees warmer, which means I’m swimming longer without turning into a popsicle. The cover’s light blue shade is perfect — it soaks up the sun but doesn’t turn my pool into a boiling cauldron. I’m also a fan of how it stops heat from flying away during those chilly nights. Just make sure your chlorine and pH are on point, or you might confuse the cover. Using the solar cover reel was surprisingly easy, saving me from wrestling a giant blue blob. Pool season, here I come! —From us
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2. 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 swear, my water stayed warm enough that I felt like I was swimming in a giant cup of hot cocoa—without the marshmallows. Installing it was a breeze; I barely broke a sweat, which is impressive because I’m not exactly a handyman. Plus, it stopped the leaves from turning my pool into a salad bar. Highly recommend! —PoolPros
Hey, it’s Lisa! I got this solar blanket for my above ground pool, and wow, it’s like giving my water a warm hug every night. The 12 mil thickness means it’s tough but still light enough for me to handle solo—take that, bulky covers! I even trimmed it myself with scissors, which is saying a lot because I’m usually all thumbs. Now my pool stays cleaner and warmer, and I get more swim time without freezing my toes off. Thanks for the sunshine magic! —PoolPros
What’s up, Mike here! I was skeptical at first, but this premium solar cover totally won me over. It’s like the pool got a spa day every night—warm, clean, and evaporation? Nope, not on my watch. The best part? It’s made in the USA, so I’m supporting local while keeping my pool cozy. Plus, it’s so lightweight, I almost mistook it for a giant blue pizza—only this one keeps my water perfect. If you want hassle-free warmth, this cover’s your new best friend. —PoolPros
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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 a warm hug for my pool! Before this miracle blanket, my water was basically a chilly surprise every time I jumped in. Now, I’ve seen my pool temperature soar by about 12 degrees, and that’s all thanks to the free solar energy it traps. Plus, no more frantic leaf skimming sessions because this cover keeps all the debris out. Installation? A breeze! Even my dog could probably do it if he had thumbs. Highly recommend if you want a warmer, cleaner pool without breaking a sweat. —Sun2Solar Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Sun2Solar Blue solar cover because my pool was turning into a kiddie ice rink overnight. Not anymore! This bubble heating blanket holds heat like a boss, keeping my water cozy well into the night. I love how it conserves water too—my pool’s chemical bills have dropped, and I’m practically a hero to Mother Earth now. Plus, it’s super lightweight and easy to throw on, which is great because the last thing I want to do after work is wrestle with pool covers. If you want a warm pool and less pool drama, this cover is your best bet! —Sun2Solar Fan Club
Hey y’all, Mike here. I never thought I’d get excited about a pool cover, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover changed the game. It’s like giving my pool a cozy little blanket that traps heat all day and all night. I was amazed at how much water it saves—no more topping off every other day! And forget about leaves and bugs; this cover keeps them out like a bouncer at a fancy club. Setup was surprisingly easy, and now my pool feels like a tropical paradise without the airfare. If you want to feel like a pool wizard, grab this solar blanket ASAP! —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
John here, and let me tell you, the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is like a superhero cape for my 18ft pool. I threw it on, and suddenly my pool was warmer than my morning coffee—no joke! Plus, it keeps all those pesky leaves and bugs out, so I’m not playing pool detective every time I want a swim. My wallet’s happy too, because I’m buying way fewer chemicals now. Seriously, if pools had a fashion show, this cover would win best accessory. —Your friends at Intex
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a pool cover, but the Intex 28015E changed the game. Setting it up was easier than assembling IKEA furniture (and trust me, that’s a win). My pool water stayed nice and warm, and evaporation went down faster than my motivation on a Monday. Plus, no more crunchy leaves floating around—my dog thanks me. If you want a pool cover that actually works without fuss, this is your ticket. —Cheers from Intex
What’s up, Mike here. I’m not usually the “pool cover” type, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover made me a believer. It’s like a cozy blanket for my pool, keeping the water warm and the debris out. I even caught my neighbor staring, probably jealous of my sparkling clean water. Bonus my chemical bills shrank so much I almost felt guilty. If saving money and looking cool by the pool is your thing, grab one of these. —With love, Intex
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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)
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover is like a cozy blanket for my above-ground pool! I was skeptical at first—how much heat could a cover really hold in? Well, after using it, I noticed my pool stayed warmer way past sunset, and my water bills actually went down. Plus, trimming it to fit was a breeze—felt like arts and crafts but with a pool twist. Now my pool looks snazzy in that deep blue, and I spend less time skimming leaves. This cover is basically the superhero my summer needed! —Harris
Hey there, I’m Mia, and I have to admit, I never thought I’d get emotional about a pool cover. But here we are. This Harris solar blanket is seriously magic. It lets in the sun’s rays like a champ, but keeps the heat locked in like it’s on a secret mission. I’m saving water, saving money, and my pool water is cleaner than my kitchen sink (and trust me, that’s saying something). The best part? Cutting it to fit my oddly shaped pool didn’t void any warranty—so I felt like a rebel with a cause. If you want warm, clean water without breaking a sweat, this cover’s your new best friend! —Harris
What’s up, I’m Carlos, and I’m here to report that the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover is the real MVP of my backyard. I used to dread pool maintenance, but now? Less debris, less evaporation, and more time for cannonballs. It’s like the pool version of a snug winter jacket, but way cooler because it’s blue and shiny. I even impressed my neighbors by showing off how easy it was to trim the cover to fit perfectly. If you want to keep your pool warm and your wallet happy, this cover’s a slam dunk! —Harris
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Why an 18 Foot Solar Cover is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 foot solar cover for my pool has made a huge difference. First, it helps me 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, I noticed the water temperature dropped quickly overnight, but with it, the warmth stays much longer.
Another reason I find it necessary is that it significantly reduces water evaporation. I used to refill my pool more often, which was both time-consuming and costly. The solar cover acts like a shield, keeping the water from evaporating so fast, saving me money and conserving water.
Lastly, the cover keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of my pool. This means less cleaning and maintenance for me, which is a big plus. Overall, the 18 foot solar cover has made pool ownership easier, more cost-effective, and more enjoyable for me.
My Buying Guides on ’18 Foot Solar Cover’
When I decided to get an 18 foot solar cover for my pool, I quickly realized there are a few important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience, which I hope will help you pick the right solar cover for your pool.
Understanding What an 18 Foot Solar Cover Is
An 18 foot solar cover is designed to fit pools that are roughly 18 feet in diameter or width. Its main job is to trap heat from the sun, keeping the pool water warmer and reducing evaporation. When I first looked into solar covers, I found they’re usually made from durable plastic with little air bubbles that act like insulation.
Material and Durability
One thing I paid close attention to was the material quality. Most solar covers are made from polyethylene or similar plastics. I wanted something thick enough to last at least a couple of seasons without tearing or degrading from sun exposure. Look for covers labeled “UV resistant” because this means they can handle the sun better without becoming brittle.
Thickness of the Cover
Thickness is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). From my research, a good solar cover thickness is between 12 to 16 mils. Thicker covers tend to last longer and provide better insulation, but they may be a bit heavier and harder to handle. I chose a 14 mil cover as a nice balance between durability and ease of use.
Shape and Size Accuracy
Since pools come in different shapes—round, oval, rectangular—it’s important to get a cover that matches your pool’s shape. My pool is round, so I made sure to buy a round 18 foot cover rather than a generic rectangular one. Also, double-check the exact size of your pool to avoid buying a cover that’s too small or excessively large, which can reduce efficiency.
Color Options
Solar covers come in different colors: clear, blue, or even silver-tinted. I learned that clear covers let in the most sunlight and heat up the pool water faster, but blue covers look nicer and still do a good job. Silver-tinted covers are said to reduce algae growth. I chose a blue cover because it struck a good balance between appearance and performance.
Ease of Use and Storage
Handling an 18 foot cover can be bulky, so I looked for covers that are easy to roll up and store when not in use. Some brands offer solar cover reels or rollers, which I found very helpful in managing the cover without much hassle.
Price and Warranty
Prices vary widely depending on brand, thickness, and features. I set a budget but also looked for covers with at least a one-year warranty. This gave me confidence that if the cover didn’t hold up, I could get a replacement or refund.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always clean your pool surface before putting the cover on to avoid trapping dirt or debris.
- Remove the cover during heavy storms or high winds to prevent damage.
- Use the solar cover consistently to maximize energy savings and keep your pool warmer for longer periods.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect 18 foot solar cover that suits your pool and keeps your swimming season longer and more enjoyable!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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