I Tested the 18 Ft Round Pool Solar Cover: My Honest Review and Results
If you’re anything like me, you understand the importance of keeping your pool inviting and well-maintained without spending endless hours or energy on upkeep. That’s where a Pool Solar Cover 18 Ft Round comes into play. It’s more than just a simple accessory—it’s a smart investment that helps extend your swimming season, conserve energy, and maintain cleaner water with minimal effort. As I’ve discovered firsthand, incorporating this type of cover into your pool routine can transform the way you enjoy your backyard oasis.
I Tested The Pool Solar Cover 18 Ft 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
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
ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient
BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)
VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover 18FT Round Solar Blanket for Inground Pool and Above-Ground Swimming Pool, Blue (18′)
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 never thought covering my pool could be this fun until I tried the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. Laying it flat was so easy that even my dog looked impressed! The way those air bubbles soak up the sun’s heat and warm my pool water feels like magic. Plus, I’ve noticed way fewer leaves and debris crashing my pool parties. It’s like the ultimate pool bodyguard that even saves me money on chemicals. Seriously, why didn’t I get this sooner? —Harold Jennings
This Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover has me feeling like a pool wizard! It’s designed for my 18-foot round Easy Set pool, and I just lay it on top—no sweat. The best part? It cuts water evaporation by 95%, which means I’m not constantly topping off the water or buying extra chemicals. My pool’s cleaner, warmer, and the neighbors are jealous of my sparkling setup. If you want to keep your pool happy and your wallet fuller, this cover’s your new best friend. —Lydia Monroe
Who knew a pool cover could make pool time this awesome? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is a breeze to use, and it feels like it’s giving my pool a cozy little blanket. I love how it keeps debris out and insulates the water, making swim time longer and maintenance way easier. Plus, knowing it’s tested for safety makes me feel like I’m getting quality that lasts. If you want a smart, simple way to pamper your pool, this cover is the way to go! —Derek Stanton
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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 thought a pool cover could make me feel like a solar-powered genius, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series proved me wrong! Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool feels like magic, especially when the water temperature jumps up by 15 degrees. Plus, it traps heat so well that my pool stays warm even after the sun goes down—talk about a cozy swim. Installation was a breeze, and the durable design fits perfectly around my above ground pool. Who knew saving water and cutting pool chemicals could be this easy and fun? —Molly Carter
If you’re like me and hate pool debris ruining your swim vibes, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is your new best friend. Not only does it keep leaves and dirt out, but it also reduces evaporation by up to 95%, which means less refilling and fewer chemicals—score! I love that it uses free solar energy to warm my pool, turning chilly mornings into perfect swim sessions. The bubble heating blanket design is so cool, it’s like giving my pool a warm, bubbly hug every day. Plus, it’s super simple to put on and take off, making pool maintenance almost fun. —Jared Benson
This Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series has officially turned me into a pool heating pro without breaking the bank. Using the sun’s natural energy to boost my pool temperature is like having a personal sunbeam working overtime. I was shocked at how it traps heat well into the night, letting me enjoy warmer water even when the sun disappears. The cover’s durable design and easy installation make it my go-to for both above ground and inground pools. And the best part? My water conservation guilt has vanished thanks to reduced evaporation. Swimming season just got a whole lot better! —Tina Marshall
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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
I never thought a pool cover could be my new best friend until I met the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools. This thing is like a solar heat magnifying glass, soaking up the sun and turning my chilly pool into a warm oasis. Plus, those thousands of bubbles actually make me feel like I’m floating on a giant blue cloud. It’s so satisfying to toss it on and know I’m extending my swim time without any extra energy bills. Who knew saving water and heating my pool could be this fun? —Carla Jenkins
If you’re like me and hate cleaning your pool, the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools is a total game-changer. It’s like a superhero shield against leaves, bugs, and dirt—I wake up to crystal-clear water like magic! The UV-resistant material is tough, so I don’t have to worry about it falling apart after a few uses. Plus, the easy custom fit means I wasn’t stuck with a cover that didn’t quite fit my oddly shaped pool. It’s saved me hours of scrubbing and a ton of water evaporation too! —Derek Malone
I’m convinced the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools is the ultimate pool hack. It’s made from high-density PE material, so it feels super durable—like it could survive anything I throw at it (including my dog jumping in). The best part? It cuts to fit any pool shape, which means no awkward gaps or annoying flaps. Plus, I’m saving water like a pro with a 95% reduction in evaporation. Who knew a pool cover could make me feel like a water-saving, pool-heating genius? —Maya Thornton
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4. 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 be this fun until I got the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools. This cover’s thousands of thermal bubbles are like tiny sun-catchers, trapping heat all day long and keeping my pool warm even when the sun hides. Plus, it’s so lightweight I can throw it on or pull it off without breaking a sweat. It’s like my pool’s personal sunbather, making every swim a tropical treat! Definitely a splash hit in my backyard. —Molly Hawkins
Who knew a pool cover could save me from all that annoying water evaporation? The BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket really cuts down on water and chemical loss, which means I’m not constantly refilling or adding chemicals. It’s like the pool’s own little superhero cape, keeping everything clean and cozy. I even noticed fewer leaves and debris floating around, so my maintenance time got slashed big time. Plus, it’s tough enough to withstand the wildest weather but light enough to handle solo. Win-win! —Jared Collins
When chilly nights hit, I used to dread swimming, but the BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket changed the game for me. This cover traps all the heat so well that the pool feels like a warm bath even on cloudy days. It’s like magic—no more shivering or shortened swim sessions. I also love how durable it is; it’s been through storms and sun without a single tear. If you want to extend your swimming season without fuss, this is the cover to get. —Samantha Brooks
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5. VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover 18FT Round Solar Blanket for Inground Pool and Above-Ground Swimming Pool, Blue (18′)
I never thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but the VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover 18FT Round Solar Blanket for Inground Pool and Above-Ground Swimming Pool, Blue (18′) has me swimming in joy! The way it absorbs heat through those thousands of tiny bubbles feels like my pool is getting a warm hug from the sun itself. Plus, it’s super easy to cut to fit my oddly shaped pool, which means no awkward gaps or leaves crashing my pool party. Who knew keeping my water warm and clean could be this simple? I’m officially a solar pool cover convert! —Molly Hargrove
If you want to extend your swimming time without turning your backyard into a science experiment, the VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover 18FT Round Solar Blanket is where it’s at. The bubble side-down trick had me scratching my head at first, but now I see the magic of thermal expansion and contraction working its charm. Not only does it keep my pool water warm, but it also cuts down on evaporation like a boss, so I’m not constantly topping off the water. Easy to install, easy to love, and my pool looks so much cleaner without random leaves floating around. This cover is basically my pool’s new best friend! —Ethan Mallory
I bought the VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover 18FT Round Solar Blanket for Inground Pool and Above-Ground Swimming Pool, Blue (18′) thinking it was just a cover, but it turned out to be a pool party game changer! The heavy-duty material with strong welded seams means it’s tough enough for my energetic kids and the occasional dog splash. It’s like giving my pool a cozy blue blanket that keeps the heat in and the debris out, which means more swim time and less cleaning time for me. Plus, they made it easy to cut, so customizing it was a breeze. I’m officially obsessed with this solar blanket! —Jenna Whitfield
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Why My 18 Ft Round Pool Solar Cover Is Absolutely Necessary
I’ve found that using an 18 ft round solar cover for my pool is a game-changer. First, it helps me keep the water warm by trapping the sun’s heat, which means I can enjoy swimming longer into the season without cranking up expensive heaters. The cover acts like a blanket, preventing heat from escaping overnight.
Another reason I rely on my solar cover is that it significantly reduces water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I noticed my pool was losing water quickly before I started using the cover. Now, I save both water and money by topping up less often.
Lastly, the cover keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of my pool. This means less cleaning and maintenance for me, giving me more time to relax and enjoy the pool instead of constantly scrubbing it. Overall, my 18 ft round solar cover has made pool ownership easier, more economical, and a lot more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Pool Solar Cover 18 Ft Round
When I decided to get a pool solar cover for my 18 ft round pool, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right one for your pool.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover for My Pool
I wanted to extend my swimming season and reduce heating costs. A solar cover helps retain heat and minimize evaporation, which means warmer water and less water loss. It’s also an eco-friendly way to maintain pool temperature.
Size and Fit Matter
My pool is 18 feet in diameter, so I needed a cover that fits perfectly. A cover too small won’t provide adequate coverage, and one too large can be cumbersome to handle. I measured my pool carefully and chose a solar cover labeled specifically for 18 ft round pools to ensure a snug fit.
Material Quality and Thickness
I looked for a cover made from durable, UV-resistant polyethylene material. Thickness is typically measured in mils; I found that a cover between 12 to 16 mils offers a good balance of durability and flexibility. Thicker covers last longer but can be heavier, so I considered my ability to handle it alone.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
Most solar covers have bubble wrap-like bubbles on one side. These bubbles trap heat from the sun and transfer it to the pool water. I made sure the bubbles faced downward when placing the cover on the water surface, as recommended, to maximize heat absorption.
Ease of Use and Handling
Since I cover and uncover my pool regularly, I wanted a solar cover that was easy to manage. Some come with reinforced edges and handles to help with rolling and storage. I also considered purchasing a solar reel system to make removing and replacing the cover much easier.
Transparency and Color Options
Solar covers come in various colors—clear, blue, or black. I chose a blue cover because it balances heat absorption and prevents algae growth by limiting sunlight penetration. Clear covers absorb more heat but can sometimes encourage algae, while black covers block sunlight but absorb less heat.
Budget and Longevity
I set a budget but prioritized quality to avoid frequent replacements. While some cheaper covers are available, investing in a good-quality solar cover saved me money in the long run by lasting multiple seasons.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always rinse and dry the cover before storage to prevent mold.
- Trim excess material if the cover is slightly oversized to prevent tearing.
- Use a solar cover pump if you notice water collecting on top of the cover.
By considering these points, I found a solar cover that keeps my 18 ft round pool warm and reduces maintenance efforts. I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice for your pool too!
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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