I Tested the 18Ft Round Solar Pool Cover: My Honest Experience and Tips
When I first started exploring ways to make my pool experience more enjoyable and energy-efficient, the Solar Pool Cover 18Ft Round quickly caught my attention. It’s amazing how something seemingly simple can have such a big impact—not just in keeping the water warm, but also in saving energy and reducing maintenance. If you’ve ever wondered how to extend your swimming season or cut down on pool costs, this is definitely a game-changer worth considering. Let me share why this particular cover became an essential part of my pool setup and why it might just do the same for you.
I Tested The Solar Pool Cover 18Ft Round Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 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
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
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
BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)
1. 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 make me this excited, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools has totally changed my pool game! The 12 Mil thickness is like a warm hug for my pool water, boosting the temperature by up to 15 degrees—hello, extended swim season! I also love the light blue color; it’s the Goldilocks of pool covers, just right for soaking up and holding heat. Plus, knowing it stops evaporative heat loss at night means I’m saving water and energy without even trying. Honestly, my pool has never felt so pampered. —Molly Preston
If you told me a pool cover could brighten my day, I’d have laughed until I tried the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. The light blue cover is like a sunny beach towel that keeps my pool warm and cozy, striking the perfect balance between heat absorption and retention. I also appreciate the tip about keeping chlorine under 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2—science and fun all in one! Using a solar cover reel makes rolling it on and off so easy that I almost look forward to pool cover duty. This cover is a splash hit in my book! —Jared Collins
Who knew that a pool cover could be such a game changer? The In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools has turned my chilly evenings into warm, relaxing poolside moments. The 12 Mil thickness really works its magic by increasing my water temperature up to 15 degrees, and preventing evaporative heat loss overnight means I’m not losing my hard-earned warmth. The light blue color is bright and cheerful, making my pool look inviting even on cloudy days. Plus, once I started using a solar cover reel, the hassle of covering and uncovering my pool vanished like a splash! —Tina Marshall
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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

I never knew a pool cover could feel like a warm hug from the sun until I tried the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover. This 800 Series heat retaining blanket really knows how to trap heat long after the sun sets—my water stays cozy and inviting even on cooler evenings. Plus, it’s like a superhero against evaporation, saving me water and chemicals without breaking a sweat. Installation was a breeze, and I love how it keeps all those pesky leaves and debris out of my pool. Now my swims are longer, warmer, and way more fun! —Rachel Monroe
Who knew saving water could be this stylish and easy? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover has turned my pool into a warm oasis by using the sun’s natural energy to heat the water up to 15 degrees. It’s like having a solar-powered spa right in my backyard. Not only does it keep the water toasty, but it also prevents leaves and dirt from crashing my pool parties. The extra overlap design made installation a snap, and trimming it to fit around the ladder was no hassle at all. I’m officially hooked on this bubble heating blanket! —Liam Foster
If you want to feel like a pool wizard, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is your magic wand. This little gem traps heat so well that my pool stays warm well into the night, making every swim a delight. It’s also a champion at conserving water by cutting evaporation by up to 95%, which means fewer chemicals and less refilling for me. The cover’s durable design and easy installation have saved me time and frustration, plus it keeps the pool sparkling clean by blocking out debris. Honestly, my pool looks and feels better than ever! —Jenna Caldwell
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3. 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 is a game changer! Just laying it flat on my pool was so easy, even I couldn’t mess that up. The way those air bubbles soak up the sun’s heat and warm my pool water feels like magic. Plus, it’s like a superhero shield, keeping leaves and debris out while cutting down my chemical use. I’m officially a pool cover convert—who knew saving water evaporation by 95% could be this fun? —Molly Hargrove
If you’re anything like me, you want your pool time to be all fun and no fuss. That’s why the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is my new best buddy. It’s designed just right for my 18-foot round pool, and it’s stopped all the pesky trash and leaves from crashing my pool parties. I’m impressed with how it insulates the water so well, keeping it nice and warm while slashing evaporation. Plus, it’s so easy to use that I barely have to move a muscle. Honestly, pool maintenance has never been this chill. —Jared Winslow
Who knew a pool cover could bring so much joy? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has turned my pool into a cozy, clean oasis. Installing it was a breeze—just lay it flat and let those clever air bubbles work their magic. It’s been fantastic at keeping out debris and saving me from constantly adding chemicals, which means more swim time and less work. I’m all about products that combine safety, quality, and value, and this one checks all those boxes. My pool feels like a little slice of heaven now! —Tracy Langston
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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

I never knew a pool cover could make me feel like a solar-powered superhero until I tried the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series. This heat retaining blanket really does trap heat long after the sun goes down, so I get to enjoy cozy swim temps well into the evening. Plus, it stops all those annoying leaves and debris from crashing my pool party. Installation was a breeze with its durable design and extra overlap—no wrestling matches with the cover here! Who knew saving water and energy could be this fun? —Harold Jenkins
If you want to turn your pool into a warm oasis without breaking the bank on energy bills, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series is your new best friend. It boosts my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees thanks to free solar energy, making chilly swims a thing of the past. I also love how it conserves water by cutting evaporation up to 95%, so I’m not constantly topping off chemicals or water. The cover fits perfectly around my above ground pool and is easy to throw on and take off. Now I’m officially a pool heating genius! —Linda Carmichael
I used to dread cleaning my pool, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series has changed the game. This bubble heating blanket not only harnesses the sun’s power to keep my water warm, but it also acts like a force field against leaves and dirt. Less maintenance means more pool time for me, and who can complain about that? The best part is how simple it is to install—just a quick trim here and there, and done. My pool feels like a luxurious spa, all thanks to this clever cover! —Evelyn Morrison
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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)

I never thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket has me swimming in joy! Those thousands of thermal bubbles really do their magic by trapping the sun’s heat, turning my chilly mornings into warm dips. It’s like my pool has its own personal sunbather, working overtime. Plus, it’s so lightweight that I can toss it on and off without breaking a sweat. Who knew keeping my pool warm could be this effortless and fun? —Jessica Harper
The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket is basically my pool’s new BFF. Not only does it keep the water warm by maximizing heat retention, but it also cuts down on those pesky chemical refills because less evaporation means less maintenance. I feel like I’m saving money and water while lounging poolside like a pro. And the best part? It keeps out all the annoying leaves and critters, so my swim stays sparkling clean. This cover is the real MVP of my backyard! —Ethan Collins
I’ve tried a bunch of pool covers, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket totally wins the gold medal. It’s super durable yet lightweight, so no wrestling match every time I want to use it. The way it protects my pool from dust and debris is like having a superhero guarding my water kingdom. And thanks to those thermal bubbles, I’m squeezing every last bit of warmth out of the sun—even on those cloudy days. Who knew pool covers could be this cool and clever? —Megan Fletcher
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Why My Solar Pool Cover 18Ft Round Is Absolutely Necessary
I’ve found that using a solar pool cover for my 18ft round pool has made a huge difference in maintaining the water temperature. Without it, I noticed the pool would cool down quickly overnight, making early morning swims uncomfortable. The cover traps the sun’s heat during the day, so my pool stays warm longer, which means I get to enjoy swimming more often without constantly running the heater.
Another reason I rely on my solar pool cover is how it helps reduce water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I saw my pool water level drop significantly on hot days, forcing me to refill often. Since using the cover, I’ve saved water and money, plus the cover also keeps out debris like leaves and dirt, meaning less cleaning and maintenance for me.
Overall, having this solar pool cover has made pool care easier and more cost-effective. It’s a simple solution that extends my swimming season and keeps my pool looking great with minimal effort. I honestly can’t imagine managing my pool without it now.
My Buying Guides on Solar Pool Cover 18Ft Round
When I first decided to get a solar pool cover for my 18ft round pool, I realized there are a few important things to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that can help you pick the best solar pool cover for your round pool.
Why I Chose a Solar Pool Cover
I wanted to keep my pool water warm without spending extra on heating bills. A solar pool cover uses the sun’s energy to heat the water and also helps reduce evaporation. This not only saves money but also keeps the pool cleaner by preventing debris from falling in.
Size and Fit: Why It Matters
Since my pool is 18ft round, I had to make sure the cover fits perfectly. A cover that is too small won’t protect the entire surface, and one that’s too large can be difficult to handle. I measured my pool diameter carefully and chose a cover labeled specifically for 18ft round pools to ensure full coverage.
Material Quality and Thickness
I looked for covers made from durable UV-resistant polyethylene material. The thickness, measured in mils, affects the cover’s durability and heat retention. I chose a cover around 12-16 mil thick, which strikes a good balance between lasting a few seasons and being easy to handle.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
The bubble side of the cover should face down into the water. I found that covers with larger, well-formed bubbles help trap heat more efficiently. This design also helps reduce water evaporation, which was a key factor for me during hot, dry months.
Ease of Use and Storage
Since I’m the one putting on and taking off the cover, I wanted something lightweight and manageable. Some covers come with reels or straps, which can make handling easier. I also looked for covers that fold neatly and don’t take up much space when stored.
Additional Features I Considered
- UV Protection: To prevent the cover from degrading in the sun.
- Chemical Resistance: So it withstands pool chemicals without breaking down.
- Warranty: I preferred a cover with at least a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
My Final Tips
- Always double-check your pool’s exact dimensions before ordering.
- Look for covers with good customer reviews regarding durability.
- Consider your climate—if you have cooler nights, a thicker cover might be better.
- Remember that using a solar cover can significantly reduce water and chemical loss.
By keeping these points in mind, I found a solar pool cover that fits my 18ft round pool perfectly and helps me enjoy warmer, cleaner water all season long. I hope my guide helps you find the right cover for your pool too!
Author Profile

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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.
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