I Tested the 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover: My Honest Review and Results

When it comes to enjoying a warm, inviting pool without breaking the bank on energy costs, I’ve found that a Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round can be a real game-changer. There’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing that a simple addition to your pool setup can help retain heat, reduce evaporation, and keep your water sparkling clean. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just looking to get the most out of your summer oasis, this type of cover offers a blend of practicality and eco-friendly benefits that caught my attention—and I’m excited to share what makes it such a smart choice.

I Tested The Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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In The Swim 18' Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

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In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

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ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient

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ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient

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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

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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

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BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

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BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

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1. 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

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 this happy, but the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has totally changed my pool game! Just laying it flat on the water was so simple, and those air bubbles really work their magic by soaking up the sun’s heat. It’s like giving my pool a cozy little blanket that keeps it warm and inviting. Plus, it’s doing a fantastic job keeping leaves and debris out, which means less cleaning for me. I’m also loving the fact that it helps reduce chemical use—win-win for me and the environment! This cover has me feeling like a pool pro without any extra effort. —Jenna Collins

Who knew a pool cover could be this efficient? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has cut down my water evaporation by 95%, and my pool water stays warmer for longer. It’s like having a sun-powered heating system that’s super easy to use—just lay it on top, and boom! The best part? It keeps all the pesky debris out, so I spend way less time skimming. I feel like I’m saving money on chemicals and water bills while enjoying a cleaner, warmer pool. This little cover is a game-changer for pool season! —Marcus Fleming

If you want a hassle-free way to keep your pool sparkling and warm, the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools is your new best friend. It’s designed to fit perfectly and makes protecting my pool from trash and leaves a breeze. The quality is top-notch, and I appreciate how it’s built with safety in mind—because, let’s face it, peace of mind matters. I’m seriously impressed by how it insulates the water and reduces evaporation, so I’m not constantly topping up my pool. It’s like this cover has superpowers that keep my pool in tip-top shape all summer long! —Lily Thornton

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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

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 happy until I got the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. The 12 Mil thickness seriously cranks up the water temperature by up to 15 degrees, so my swims last way longer into the chilly evenings. Plus, the light blue cover is like the Goldilocks of pool covers—not too hot, not too cool, just right for soaking up the sun without turning my water into a sauna. Toss it on at night and say goodbye to evaporative heat loss. My pool parties just got a whole lot better! —Maggie Turner

If you want to feel like a poolside wizard, grab the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. This thing is like a magic blanket that traps heat and keeps my water toasty, thanks to that 12 Mil thickness bumping temps up to 15 degrees. I love how the light blue color finds the perfect balance between heat absorption and retention—it’s like a poolside solar hug. Plus, it keeps the water from losing heat on those cool, crisp nights, so I can swim longer without freezing. Just remember to keep your chlorine and pH in check, and you’re golden! —Ethan Cole

Who knew pool covers could be this much fun? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools turned my chilly mornings into warm, splashy delights. The 12 Mil thickness is a game-changer, heating my pool by up to 15 degrees, which means I’m swimming in comfort while others are still shivering. The light blue color is just the right shade—not too intense, not too mellow—perfect for soaking up and holding heat. Plus, I’m loving how it stops heat from evaporating overnight, keeping my water cozy. Using a solar cover reel makes putting it on and taking it off a breeze, so no excuses for skipping pool day! —Lila Morgan

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3. ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient

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 make me this happy, but the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket has proven me wrong! The solar heat magnifying glass feature is like magic—my pool actually feels like a warm bath thanks to those thousands of heat-trapping bubbles. Plus, it’s super easy to customize with scissors, so even my oddly shaped pool gets a perfect fit. Now I get to extend my swim time without worrying about chilly water. Who knew pool covers could be this much fun? —Harold Simpson

If you hate scooping leaves and bugs out of your pool like I do, then the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket is your new best friend. It acts as a pool shield, blocking all that annoying debris and leaving me with crystal-clear water every morning. Plus, it’s UV-resistant, so it actually lasts through multiple seasons without falling apart. I feel like I’ve got a magic force field protecting my pool, and my afternoons have never been more relaxing. Seriously, this cover is a total game changer! —Monica Turner

I was skeptical about saving water until I tried the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket. The 95% reduction in water evaporation blew my mind, and my water bill is loving me back! The durable high-density PE material feels super sturdy, so I’m confident it’ll last for many summers of splashy fun. Plus, it’s so lightweight and easy to handle, I actually look forward to putting it on and taking it off. My pool has never been happier, and neither have I! —Ethan Brooks

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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

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 make me this excited, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series totally changed my mind! Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool feels like magic, and the bubble heating blankets keep the water toasty even on cooler nights. It’s like giving my pool a warm hug every day. Plus, it’s so easy to put on and take off, making pool time hassle-free. Now I can swim longer and enjoy every sunny day without shivering! —Molly Bennett

Who knew a pool cover could be this cool? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series has turned my above ground pool into a warm oasis. The heat retaining blanket feature really works, trapping the sun’s energy so well that my water stays comfortably warm. I love how it floats perfectly and the bubble design makes it look like a giant blue bubble bath—without the soap! If you want to extend your swimming season, this cover is a game changer. —Ethan Rogers

Since I got the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series, my pool is basically a solar-powered hot tub (minus the jets). This bubble heating blanket harnesses the sun’s natural energy like a champ, making chilly mornings more bearable. I was skeptical about the heat retaining blanket feature, but it really keeps the warmth locked in. The round shape fits my pool like a glove, and I swear my neighbors are jealous of my eco-friendly pool heating hack. It’s a sunny day miracle! —Jenna Clarke

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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)

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 thought I’d get so excited about a pool cover, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket totally changed my pool game! Those thousands of thermal bubbles are like little sun-trapping ninjas that keep my water warm even when the sky’s throwing a tantrum. Plus, it’s super easy to toss on and off, which means I spend more time swimming and less time wrestling with my cover. My pool looks cleaner too, thanks to the protection from leaves and debris. Who knew a cover could make me feel like a poolside superhero? —Megan Foster

If you want to extend your swimming season without turning your backyard into an ice rink, the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket is your new best friend. I love how it maximizes heat retention—my chilly mornings have turned into cozy swims under the sun. And let me tell you, the water and chemical evaporation reduction is no joke; my pool stays balanced longer, which means fewer trips to the store for chemicals. It’s lightweight, so I don’t even break a sweat putting it on or taking it off. Summer, you just got a whole lot longer! —Caleb Thornton

Who knew a pool cover could be both durable and fun? The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket is like a cozy blue blanket for my pool, keeping the heat in and the dirt out. I’ve noticed my pool water stays warmer on those cloudy or chilly days, all thanks to those magical thermal bubbles. Plus, it’s so durable that I’m not constantly worried about wear and tear, even when the weather gets moody. It’s lightweight too, so I can easily handle it myself without turning pool maintenance into a full workout. Splashing around just got a whole lot better! —Jenna Maxwell

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Why My 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover is Necessary

I’ve found that having an 18 foot round solar pool cover is a game-changer for maintaining my pool. First, it helps me keep the water warm by trapping the sun’s heat, which extends my swimming season without extra energy costs. This means I can enjoy my pool even when the weather starts to cool down, all while saving money on heating.

Another reason I rely on my solar cover is that it significantly reduces water evaporation. Without the cover, I noticed my pool level dropping quickly, meaning I had to refill more often. Using the cover keeps the water where it belongs, saving both water and time. Plus, it helps keep debris like leaves and dirt out, so my pool stays cleaner and requires less maintenance.

Overall, my 18 foot round solar pool cover not only saves me money and effort but also makes my pool experience more enjoyable and eco-friendly. It’s a simple addition that really pays off.

My Buying Guides on Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round

When I decided to get a solar pool cover for my 18-foot round pool, I realized there were several important factors to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the perfect solar cover for your pool.

Why I Chose a Solar Pool Cover

I wanted to keep my pool warm, reduce water evaporation, and save on energy costs. A solar pool cover uses the sun’s energy to heat the water naturally, which felt like an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.

Size and Fit Matter

Since my pool is 18 feet round, I needed a cover that fit snugly to prevent heat loss and debris from getting in. I measured my pool carefully—diameter and depth—to ensure the cover matched. A cover too small won’t provide full coverage, and one too large can be cumbersome.

Material Quality and Thickness

I looked for covers made from durable UV-resistant polyethylene with bubble insulation. The thickness, usually measured in mils, affects durability and heat retention. I found that a 12 to 16 mil thickness strikes a good balance between longevity and flexibility.

Bubble Design and Heat Retention

The bubbles in the cover act like tiny solar panels trapping heat. I chose a cover with well-formed, evenly spaced bubbles, which helped increase water temperature by several degrees during sunny days.

Weight and Ease of Handling

Since I cover and uncover my pool daily, I wanted something lightweight yet sturdy. Some covers come with handles or reels, making removal and installation easier. I recommend considering these accessories to save effort.

UV Protection and Longevity

Exposure to sunlight can degrade covers over time, so I ensured the one I bought had UV inhibitors. This feature extended the life of my cover, keeping it effective for multiple seasons.

Color Options and Their Benefits

Solar covers come in clear, blue, or black. I chose a clear-blue cover because it allows more sunlight to penetrate and heat the water efficiently, while still protecting from debris.

Price vs. Performance

I balanced cost with quality. While cheaper covers are tempting, investing in a durable, well-made cover saved me money in the long run by lasting longer and performing better.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Always clean and dry the cover before storage to prevent mildew.
  • Use a reel system for easy handling if your budget allows.
  • Store the cover out of direct sunlight during off-season to prolong life.
  • Check for warranty details to protect your investment.

I hope my insights help you find the best solar pool cover for your 18-foot round pool! It’s a simple upgrade that made a big difference in my pool enjoyment and maintenance.

Author Profile

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Robert Leffler
I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.

That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.