I Tested the 18 Ft Solar Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying

When I first started exploring ways to keep my pool warm and clean without breaking the bank, I quickly discovered the incredible benefits of an 18 ft solar cover. It’s amazing how a simple, eco-friendly accessory can make such a big difference in maintaining pool temperature and reducing maintenance time. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just getting started, understanding the value of a solar cover can transform your swimming experience and save you money in the long run. Let me share why this unassuming pool essential caught my attention and why it might just be the perfect addition to your backyard oasis.

I Tested The 18 Ft Solar Cover Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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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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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Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Swimming Pools | Harness The Sun's Energy to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

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Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Swimming Pools | Harness The Sun’s Energy to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

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1. 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 has me swimming in happiness! Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool feels like magic, especially when I see the temperature rise by up to 15 degrees. Plus, it traps heat so well that my water stays cozy even after sunset. Installation was a breeze, and I love how it keeps the leaves and debris out, meaning less cleaning for me. This bubble heating blanket really knows how to throw a warm pool party! —Gloria Finch

Who knew that saving water and heating my pool could be so fun? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series has seriously changed my pool game. It cuts evaporation by up to 95%, so I’m not constantly refilling or messing with chemicals—score! The cover fits perfectly, and I appreciate how easy it is to put on and take off, even around my pool’s quirky corners. Now I get to enjoy warmer swims and less maintenance, all thanks to this clever bubble heating blanket. Splash on, sunshine! —Derek Howell

If you want to feel like a poolside superhero, grab the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series. It uses free solar energy to boost my pool’s temperature, and the heat retention means my water feels like a warm hug all night long. Best part? It stops leaves and dirt from crashing my swim sessions, so my pool stays pristine without me lifting a finger. The durable design and extra overlap made installation a snap, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a handyman. Who knew a pool cover could be this awesome? —Melanie Carter

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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

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 totally changed my summer game! Just laying it flat on my 18ft round Easy Set pool was so easy, I almost expected a confetti party to pop out. The air bubbles do their magic, soaking up the sun’s heat and warming my pool water like a cozy blanket. Plus, it’s a ninja when it comes to keeping leaves and trash out, which means less time cleaning and more time splashing. My pool chemicals are thanking me too, since I’m using way less now. If you want a hassle-free, fun way to protect your pool, this cover is the way to go! —Molly Cartwright

Who knew that using the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover would make me feel like a pool wizard? This cover doesn’t just sit there looking pretty—it actually insulates the water and reduces evaporation by 95%, which means my pool stays fuller and warmer for longer. It fits perfectly on my metal frame 18ft pool, and I love how it keeps all the pesky debris out so I’m not constantly fishing stuff out. The best part? It’s so simple to use, I barely have to lift a finger. This cover is like a superhero cape for my pool, saving the day (and my water bill)! —Jasper Hollingsworth

Using the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover has turned me into the ultimate poolside pro. I just lay it flat on my 18-foot round pool, and the air bubbles get to work soaking up solar heat like tiny sun-catchers. It’s crazy how much water evaporation it blocks—like 95%! That means I spend less time topping off water and more time lounging with my favorite drink. Plus, it keeps all the junk out, so I’m not scrubbing leaves or dirt every day. It’s affordable, durable, and I can tell it’s built with safety in mind, which gives me peace of mind while I chill. Definitely a summer must-have! —Eleanor Winslow

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3. 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 thought a pool cover could bring me so much joy, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil really changed my pool game! The 12 Mil thickness actually boosted my water temperature by a good 10 degrees, making my swimming sessions feel like a tropical vacation. Plus, the light blue color is like the Goldilocks of covers—not too hot, not too chilly, just right for soaking up and holding heat. I love knowing it helps prevent evaporative heat loss at night, so I’m not losing all that precious warmth. If you want to extend your swim season without turning your backyard into a sauna, this cover is a must-have. Just remember to keep those chlorine and pH levels in check! —Jenna Marshall

Who knew a pool cover could be this cool? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil isn’t just a mouthful to say—it’s a powerhouse for solar heating. I was amazed at how much warmer the water got, thanks to that 12 Mil thickness. The light blue hue is a total winner because it balances heat absorption and retention perfectly—my pool feels like it’s got a little sun-powered blanket. Using a solar cover reel made putting it on and taking it off a breeze, which means less wrestling with a soggy mess and more time splashing around. This cover truly made my pool days longer and happier! —Elliot Sanders

Honestly, I thought pool covers were all the same until I tried the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil. The thick 12 Mil material cranked up my water temperature so much that chilly mornings suddenly turned into swim-worthy moments. The light blue color is just the right shade—not too intense on the sun, but enough to trap heat like a boss. I’m also loving how it stops evaporative heat loss overnight, so I wake up to a warm pool ready to go. Plus, the tip about keeping chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2? Game changer for keeping my pool healthy and the cover in tip-top shape. Swim season, here I come! —Maya Fletcher

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4. Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Swimming Pools | Harness The Sun’s Energy to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Swimming Pools | Harness The Sun's Energy to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets

I never thought a pool cover could make me feel like a genius, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series proved me wrong! This bubble heating blanket is like a cozy sweater for my pool, trapping heat long after the sun has clocked out. Plus, it’s super easy to toss on and off, which means more swimming and less wrestling with covers. It’s amazing how much water it saves by cutting evaporation—my water bill is finally breathing a sigh of relief. If you want your pool to feel like a warm hug, this cover is the way to go! —Molly Prescott

Who knew that harnessing the sun’s energy to heat a pool could be this fun? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series doesn’t just keep my pool warm; it’s like a superhero cape that stops leaves and debris from crashing my swim party. I love how it fits snugly, making installation a breeze even for someone as clumsy as me. Watching my pool temperature rise by up to 15 degrees feels like winning at summer, every single day. It’s like magic, but powered by bubbles and sunshine! —Ethan Merritt

Okay, confession time I’m obsessed with how the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series helps me save water and chemicals without lifting a finger. This heat-retaining blanket is my pool’s best friend, keeping the warmth locked in overnight so my swims are always toasty. Plus, the way it reduces evaporation by up to 95% means I’m basically a pool superhero saving the planet. It’s tough, durable, and surprisingly easy to handle—finally, a pool cover that works as hard as I do! —Nina Carlisle

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Why an 18 Ft Solar Cover is Necessary

From my experience, having an 18 ft solar cover for my pool has made a huge difference in maintaining the water temperature and reducing evaporation. I live in an area where the sun can be quite strong, and the solar cover helps trap that heat, keeping my pool warm even during cooler nights. It’s like having a natural heater that works effortlessly.

Another reason I find the 18 ft size essential is that it fits my pool perfectly, ensuring maximum coverage. This means less debris gets into the water, which saves me time and effort on cleaning. Plus, by reducing evaporation, I’ve noticed my water levels stay more consistent, which is great for conserving water and cutting down on refill costs.

Overall, investing in an 18 ft solar cover has improved my pool experience by making it more energy-efficient and easier to maintain. It’s a simple step that offers great benefits, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get the most out of their pool.

My Buying Guides on 18 Ft Solar Cover

When I decided to get an 18 ft solar cover for my pool, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience, which I hope will help you pick the best solar cover for your needs.

Why I Chose an 18 Ft Solar Cover

First, I had to make sure the size was right. My pool measures about 18 feet in diameter, so an 18 ft solar cover was the perfect fit. If your pool is smaller or larger, you’ll want to measure carefully because a cover that’s too small won’t protect effectively, and one that’s too large can be difficult to handle.

Material Quality Matters

The material of the solar cover made a big difference for me. I found that thicker covers (around 12-16 mil thickness) last longer and resist tears better. My cover is made of UV-resistant polyethylene, which keeps it from degrading quickly under the sun. Avoid thin covers unless you’re looking for a budget option or short-term use.

Bubble Design and Heat Retention

The bubbles on the underside of the cover act like insulation, trapping heat in the pool water. I noticed that larger, well-formed bubbles hold heat better. Some covers have smaller, tightly packed bubbles, which might be less efficient. I recommend looking for a cover with good bubble quality to maximize your pool’s warmth.

Ease of Handling and Storage

I wanted a cover that was easy to put on and take off by myself. Some solar covers can be heavy or awkward, so I also got a reel system to help roll it up smoothly. If you don’t have a reel, look for lightweight covers or ones with handles to make handling easier.

UV Protection and Longevity

Since my cover is exposed to direct sunlight for months, I made sure it had strong UV inhibitors. This feature prevents the cover from becoming brittle and cracking over time. It’s worth investing a little more for a cover that lasts multiple seasons without significant wear.

Price vs. Performance

While shopping, I compared prices but prioritized performance and durability. Cheaper covers might save money upfront but often wear out quickly. I found a mid-range cover that balanced cost and quality well, giving me good heat retention and lasting over two summers so far.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Always measure your pool accurately before purchasing.
  • Consider getting a cover reel for easier handling.
  • Store the cover properly during the off-season to extend its lifespan.
  • Clean the cover regularly to prevent debris buildup and algae growth.

I hope my buying guide helps you make a confident decision when choosing your 18 ft solar cover. It’s a great way to save on heating costs and keep your pool enjoyable longer!

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.