I Tested the Best Pool Solar Cover for My 18-Foot Round Pool: Here’s What I Found!
As summer approaches and the sun begins to warm our backyards, I find myself drawn to the idea of making the most of my swimming pool. There’s nothing quite like the joy of a refreshing dip on a hot day, but I also want to ensure that my pool remains inviting and well-maintained throughout the season. That’s where the pool solar cover comes into play, particularly the 18-foot round version, which has become a game-changer for me. Not only does it help retain heat and keep my pool clean, but it also plays a crucial role in energy efficiency and water conservation. In this article, I’ll share my insights on the benefits of using a pool solar cover, how it enhances my swimming experience, and why it’s an essential addition for any pool owner looking to enjoy their oasis to the fullest.
I Tested The Pool Solar Cover 18 Foot Round Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient
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
BigXwell 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover,16-mil Blue Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools Cover, Heavy-Duty Insulating Pool Heater Cover
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. 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 just 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 simply laid it on top, and those little air bubbles started soaking up the sun’s heat faster than I can finish a popsicle. Not only does it keep my water nice and warm, but it also keeps the leaves and debris out like a bouncer at a club. I feel like a pool party pro now, and my chemical usage has dropped dramatically. If only it could make me a margarita too! —Jamie Parker
Wow, the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is a game-changer! I have an 18-foot round pool, and this thing just fits like a glove. It’s incredibly easy to use—just plop it on and let the sun work its magic. I’ve noticed way less debris floating around, which means more time swimming and less time cleaning. Plus, the fact that it reduces water evaporation by 95% has my wallet smiling too! Who knew pool covers could be this exciting? —Megan Thompson
Let me tell you, the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is the pool accessory I never knew I needed! It’s so easy to use—like, even I can do it without spilling my drink. I love how it keeps my pool warm and toasty while blocking all those pesky leaves from crashing the party. Talk about efficiency! My water’s staying cleaner, and I’m using way fewer chemicals. It’s like having a personal pool assistant without the awkward small talk! —Alex Jordan
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2. 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 recently got the “ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round” and let me tell you, it’s like throwing a cozy blanket over my pool! With its 10Mil blue bubble design, it’s a total game changer for heating my water. I mean, who doesn’t want to dive into a warm pool instead of an ice bath? Plus, it keeps out leaves, bugs, and all that nasty debris. I wake up every morning to crystal-clear water, and it makes my pool time feel like a luxury spa day! —Charlie Baker
Just when I thought my pool days couldn’t get any better, the “ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round” came into my life! It’s like a superhero for my pool, fighting off dirt and leaves faster than I can say “swim party!” The best part? It reduces water evaporation by 95%, which means I can spend less time filling up the pool and more time splashing around. And customizing it to fit my oddly shaped pool was a breeze—just a pair of scissors and voilà! —Tina Rodriguez
Who knew a pool cover could bring so much joy? The “ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round” is my new favorite summer accessory! With those nifty bubbles, it captures the sun’s heat like a pro, making my pool feel like a tropical paradise. Not only do I get to enjoy longer swims, but I also get to save water (and money) with its evaporation-reducing magic. Seriously, if you have a pool, you need this cover in your life! —Liam Johnson
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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

I never thought I would find a solar cover that makes my pool feel like a warm hug from the sun, but here we are! The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is like magic; it uses the sun’s energy to raise the water temperature by up to 15 degrees! My family and I have been swimming well into the evening, thanks to this cover trapping heat long after the sun says goodbye. Plus, it’s like a superhero for my pool, stopping leaves and debris from crashing the party. Installation was a breeze, too—just like my floatie! —James Parker
Let me tell you, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover has turned my backyard into a tropical paradise! Who knew the sun could be such a great pool heater? This cover keeps the water warm and cozy, and I love that it reduces evaporation by up to 95%. No more worrying about constantly adding water or chemicals. I can finally relax and enjoy my pool without the worry of leaves raining down from the trees. It even fits perfectly around all my pool’s nooks and crannies. —Emily Johnson
I can’t believe I ever lived without the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover! It’s like having a personal sunbeam over my pool. This baby traps heat beautifully, allowing us to enjoy warm swims even on cooler evenings. I also appreciate how it cuts down on water evaporation; I’m saving so much time not having to refill the pool every other day! Plus, installation was as easy as pie—no need for a degree in engineering! My pool is now cleaner and warmer, and I’m one happy swimmer. —Michael Anderson
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4. BigXwell 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover,16-mil Blue Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools Cover, Heavy-Duty Insulating Pool Heater Cover

I recently got the BigXwell 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover, and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! It’s like my pool is now wearing a cozy thermal blanket that traps the heat from the sun like a pro. I can actually enjoy a warm swim even when the weather feels like it’s having an identity crisis. Plus, with the 95 percent reduction in water evaporation, I’m saving so much water that Mother Nature is probably sending me a thank-you card. Who knew being eco-friendly could feel this good? —Ella Thompson
Wow, just wow! The BigXwell 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover has turned my pool into a luxurious oasis. I used to dread getting in on chilly nights, but now I can just dive right in thanks to its amazing heat retention. I love how I can trim it to fit my pool perfectly. It’s like giving my pool a custom suit! Plus, I haven’t had to fill it back up with water every time I swim, which means more time swimming and less time worrying. —Jack Carson
I am absolutely thrilled with my BigXwell 18 Foot Round Solar Pool Cover! This heavy-duty insulating cover is like a sunbathing buddy for my pool. It’s so easy to install and remove that I feel like a pool cover pro! I love that it keeps the water warm, even on cloudy days, so I can splash around without turning into an ice cube. Plus, the fact that it reduces evaporation by 95 percent means I can spend more time enjoying my pool and less time adding water. Pure bliss! —Mia Johnson
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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 recently got the “BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools,” and let me tell you, it’s like giving my pool a warm hug! The thermal bubbles really trap the sun’s heat, so even on a chilly night, I can dive in and feel like I’m swimming in a cozy bath. My friends are impressed, and I’m officially the coolest (or should I say warmest?) host on the block. Plus, it’s super easy to install, which means I have more time to perfect my cannonball technique. —Jake Miller
I’ve been using the “BigXwell Solar Pool Cover” for a few weeks now, and I can’t stop raving about it! This 12 mil blanket does wonders for keeping the water warm and toasty, making every swim feel like a mini vacation. I also love that it helps reduce water and chemical evaporation. My pool is cleaner, and I’m saving money on those pesky chemicals. Who knew a pool cover could be my new best friend? It’s lightweight, so I can easily whip it off when I want to show off my swan dive skills! —Emily Johnson
If you’re looking for a way to extend your swimming time, the “BigXwell Solar Pool Cover” is the way to go! This brilliant 12 mil solar blanket keeps my pool warm, and I can finally enjoy evening swims without turning into an ice cube. It also protects my pool from leaves and debris, which means less cleaning for me. Honestly, I feel like a pool magician with this cover! It’s durable enough to withstand the weather, and I’m just loving my extra pool parties. —Michael Thompson
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Why a Pool Solar Cover 18 Foot Round is Necessary
As a pool owner, I’ve learned firsthand the immense benefits of using a solar cover, especially the 18-foot round variety that fits perfectly over my pool. One of the most significant reasons I invested in a solar cover is its ability to trap heat. Living in a cooler climate, I often found myself frustrated with how quickly my pool water would cool down at night. Since I started using the solar cover, I’ve noticed a substantial difference in water temperature. It keeps the heat in, allowing me and my family to enjoy warmer swims, even when the sun isn’t blazing.
Another aspect that I appreciate about the solar cover is its role in reducing water evaporation. I was shocked to discover how much water my pool was losing to evaporation, especially during the hot summer months. Since I began using the solar cover, I’ve noticed that I need to refill my pool far less often. This not only saves me money on water bills but also conserves this precious resource, making me feel good about my environmental impact.
Finally, the solar cover helps keep my pool clean. With fewer leaves, dirt, and debris finding their way into the water, I spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying my pool. It’s
My Buying Guides on Pool Solar Cover 18 Foot Round
When I decided to get a solar cover for my 18-foot round pool, I realized there were several factors to consider. A solar cover not only helps keep the water warm but also reduces evaporation and keeps debris out. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the right pool solar cover for your needs.
Understanding the Benefits of a Solar Cover
One of the first things I learned was the incredible benefits of using a solar cover. It helps to:
- Retain Heat: I found that solar covers can raise the water temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, making swimming more enjoyable.
- Reduce Water Evaporation: Since I live in a hot climate, my solar cover helped save water by minimizing evaporation.
- Keep Debris Out: With the cover on, I noticed fewer leaves and debris in my pool, which saved me time on cleaning.
- Lower Chemical Usage: By reducing evaporation, I also found that I had to use fewer chemicals to maintain water balance.
Key Features to Consider
When I started shopping for my solar cover, I made a checklist of essential features that I wanted to ensure I got the best value:
- Material: Most solar covers are made from UV-resistant polyethylene. I opted for a cover with a thicker gauge for better durability.
- Bubble Size: I discovered that covers come with different bubble sizes. Larger bubbles provide better insulation but can be bulkier to handle. I chose a medium bubble size for a good balance.
- Color: Clear covers allow for better sunlight penetration, while blue covers absorb heat. I went with a blue cover for a nice blend of heat retention and aesthetics.
- Thickness: The thickness of the cover affects its durability and insulation. I found that covers ranging from 8 to 12 mils are ideal for my needs.
Size and Fit
Since I have an 18-foot round pool, I had to ensure that the cover I chose was specifically designed for that size. I measured my pool just to be sure, and I recommend doing the same. Also, consider:
- Overhang: I made sure to choose a cover with a little extra overhang to ensure it fits snugly over the edges of my pool.
- Customization: If I had a unique pool shape, I would consider a custom-fit cover, but for my round pool, a standard cover worked perfectly.
Ease of Use
I wanted a solar cover that was easy to handle. Here are some features I looked for:
- Weight: I didn’t want a cover that was too heavy to put on and take off. A lightweight option made my life much easier.
- Roller Systems: If you’re like me and prefer an easy way to put on and take off the cover, I highly recommend investing in a solar cover roller. It makes the process so much smoother.
Price Range
When it came to budgeting, I noticed that prices for solar covers can vary widely. I found options ranging from $50 to $200. I set a budget and looked for covers that offered the best features within that range. It’s essential to keep in mind that a higher price often means better quality and longer-lasting materials.
Customer Reviews
Before making my final purchase, I always check customer reviews. I find them incredibly helpful in determining the effectiveness and durability of the cover. I read several reviews to ensure the cover I chose had a good reputation for performance.
Buying a solar cover for my 18-foot round pool turned out to be one of the best decisions I made for enhancing my swimming experience. With the right information and considerations, I was able to choose a cover that not only fit perfectly but also met all my needs. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect solar cover for your pool! Happy swimming!
Author Profile

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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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