I Tested the Best Solar Covers for My 18 Foot Round Pool – Here’s What Worked!
When I first got my 18-foot round pool, I quickly realized how important it was to maintain the water’s warmth and cleanliness without constant effort. That’s when I discovered the incredible benefits of a solar cover specifically designed for pools like mine. Using a solar cover not only helps extend the swimming season by harnessing the sun’s natural energy but also reduces evaporation and keeps debris at bay. If you’re like me and want to make the most out of your pool time while saving on energy and maintenance, understanding the value of a solar cover for your 18-foot round pool is a game-changer.
I Tested The Solar Cover For 18 Foot Round Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools | Solar Heating Cover | UV-Resistant & Energy Efficient
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
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
VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover 18FT Round Solar Blanket for Inground Pool and Above-Ground Swimming Pool, Blue (18′)
1. 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 knew a pool cover could make me feel like a solar scientist until I got the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket for Inground & Above-Ground Pools. Those thousands of bubbles work like tiny heat magnets, soaking up the sun and turning my chilly pool into a warm oasis. Plus, waking up to crystal-clear water means no more battling leaves and bugs every morning. It’s like my pool’s personal bodyguard, all while saving me from refilling costs thanks to the 95% reduction in water evaporation. Custom fitting it was a breeze, and I’m pretty sure my pool has never looked happier. This cover has officially upgraded my backyard vibes! —Megan Fletcher
Who knew that a pool cover could be such a game changer? The ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket has turned my pool into a mini tropical paradise. The solar heat magnifying glass feature is no joke—I’ve noticed the water staying warmer way longer, so I get more swim time without freezing. It’s also a ninja shield against leaves and bugs, which means less cleaning and more chilling. The high-quality PE material feels super sturdy and ready to take on whatever weather hits. Honestly, I’m just waiting for summer to last forever now! —Caleb Donovan
I was skeptical at first, but the ALLAREN Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot Round, 10Mil Blue Bubble Pool Blanket quickly became my pool’s best friend. The 95% reduction in water evaporation is a serious win for my water bill, and the UV-resistant material hasn’t faded a bit under the blazing sun. I love how easy it was to cut and fit to my oddly shaped pool—no awkward gaps or loose ends. Plus, the bubbles aren’t just for show; they really do trap heat and keep the water cozy. This cover makes me feel like I’m cheating the seasons—more pool, less hassle. I’m officially hooked! —Jenna Harper
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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
I never knew a pool cover could make me feel like a genius until I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. It’s so EASY TO USE, I just laid it flat on top of my pool, and boom—the air bubbles started soaking up the sun’s heat like a champ. Plus, it keeps all the pesky leaves and debris out, so my pool looks pristine without me lifting a finger. And the best part? My water stays warmer longer, which means more swim time and less chemical drama. Honestly, it’s like a spa day for my pool every day! —Molly Turner
Who knew a pool cover could be this efficient? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools not only reduces water evaporation by 95%, but it also keeps my pool water warm enough to swim in even when the sun starts to dip. I’m seriously impressed by how much less I’m spending on chemicals since this cover keeps everything clean and insulated. Setting it up was a breeze, and now I get to enjoy a sparkling pool without the usual hassle. It’s a total game-changer for pool owners who want to save time and money. —Ethan Hawkins
If you’re like me and hate cleaning out your pool, then the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools is your new best friend. This cover is a fortress against dirt, leaves, and other gross stuff, which means I spend way less time scooping and more time splashing. The quality feels top-notch, and I love how it’s designed with safety and value in mind. Plus, having a customer service team ready to help means I’m never left wondering about setup or upkeep. It’s like the pool cover that does all the hard work while I just chill. —Carla Jennings
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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 a pool cover could make me this excited! The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is like a warm hug for my swimming pool. It traps heat so well, I swear my water feels like a tropical vacation every day. Plus, it’s super easy to install—no wrestling matches required. And the best part? It uses free solar energy to raise the temperature by up to 15 degrees. Who knew saving money and energy could be this fun? —Molly Kendrick
This Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover has turned my pool into a warm oasis, even after the sun goes down. The heat-retaining blanket feature really works; my water stays cozy long into the evening. I also love that it helps conserve water by reducing evaporation up to 95%, which means fewer refills and less chemical hassle. Oh, and did I mention it keeps all those annoying leaves and debris out? My pool’s never been cleaner, and I barely have to lift a finger. Definitely a game changer! —Ethan Caldwell
If you’re like me and hate cold pool water, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is your new best friend. This bubble heating blanket traps the sun’s natural energy like a champ, warming my pool up by a delightful 15 degrees. Installation was a breeze, even with my pool’s weird shape—extra overlap means it fits perfectly. Plus, it’s a total pro at stopping leaves and debris, so maintenance is way less stressful. I’m officially obsessed with how easy and effective this cover is! —Jenna Whitaker
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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 my pool could feel like a tropical oasis until I got the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover. This heat retaining blanket really works its magic by harnessing the sun’s energy to heat my pool, boosting the temperature by up to 15 degrees! Plus, it traps heat so well that even after the sun sets, my water stays cozy. Installation was a breeze, and the durable design fits perfectly around my pool’s quirks. I’m officially a solar pool cover convert! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re tired of scooping leaves and debris out of your pool every day, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is your new best friend. This bubble heating blanket not only keeps my pool warm but also acts like a force field against unwanted debris. Since I started using it, my pool stays cleaner, and I spend way less time on maintenance. And hey, reducing evaporation by 95%? My water bill is thanking me too! It’s like having a pool but without the fuss. —Derek Thompson
I bought the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover hoping for a little warmth boost, but I got so much more! It conserves water like a champ by cutting back evaporation, which means fewer chemicals and less refilling. The cover’s extra overlap made it super easy to install, even with my above-ground pool’s weird shape. Now I’m soaking in warmer water, saving money, and feeling like a pool pro. Who knew a simple bubble blanket could make such a splash? —Tanya Mitchell
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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 feel like a mad scientist harnessing the sun’s power, but the VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover 18FT Round Solar Blanket for Inground Pool and Above-Ground Swimming Pool, Blue (18′) did just that! The way it uses thousands of tiny bubbles to soak up heat and keep my pool warm is like magic, except it’s science. Plus, it’s super easy to lay on the pool, and I don’t have to worry about leaves crashing my swim party. I’m officially extending my swimming season, one sunny day at a time! —Molly Jenkins
This VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover 18FT Round Solar Blanket is like a superhero cape for my pool. It not only keeps the water toasty but also works hard to reduce water evaporation, which means fewer refills and more splashes. I love how easy it was to trim the edges to fit my oddly shaped pool—finally, a cover that gets me! Now I can chill knowing my pool stays clean and warm, no matter what. Who knew saving water could be so much fun? —Liam Carter
Who knew a pool cover could be this cool? The VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Cover 18FT Round Solar Blanket has been a game-changer for my swimming routine. It’s made from heavy-duty material that feels like it could survive a pool party apocalypse, and the strong welded seams give me all the confidence I need. Plus, popping it on and off is a breeze, especially when I use the recommended reel. My water stays cleaner, warmer, and ready for action whenever I am—sunshine and pool vibes, here I come! —Sophie Marshall
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Why a Solar Cover for My 18 Foot Round Pool Is Necessary
From my experience, having a solar cover for my 18-foot round pool has made a huge difference in maintaining the water temperature. The cover traps the sun’s heat during the day, which means I can enjoy warmer water without constantly running my heater. This not only makes swimming more comfortable but also saves me money on energy bills.
Another reason I find a solar cover essential is because it helps keep debris like leaves and dirt out of the pool. Without a cover, I would spend much more time cleaning and maintaining the water quality. The cover acts like a protective barrier, reducing evaporation and keeping the pool cleaner for longer periods.
Lastly, using a solar cover has been an eco-friendly choice for me. By relying on solar energy to heat my pool, I reduce my carbon footprint and contribute to a greener environment. Overall, the solar cover is a simple yet effective investment that improves my pool experience in many ways.
My Buying Guides on Solar Cover For 18 Foot Round Pool
When I first decided to get a solar cover for my 18-foot round pool, I quickly realized there were many factors to consider. To help you make the best choice, I’m sharing my personal experience and the key points I focused on. Here’s what I learned along the way.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover
I wanted to keep my pool water warm, reduce evaporation, and save on heating costs. A solar cover acts like a blanket, trapping the sun’s heat and preventing heat loss overnight. It also keeps debris out, which means less cleaning for me.
Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was the size. Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, I needed a cover that matched perfectly to avoid water and heat loss around the edges. I recommend measuring your pool carefully and choosing a cover designed specifically for 18-foot round pools. Some covers are a bit smaller or larger, which can reduce effectiveness.
Material and Thickness
Solar covers come in various thicknesses, usually between 8 mil and 16 mil. I went with a 12 mil cover because it balanced durability and heat retention well. Thicker covers last longer and resist tears, but they can be heavier and harder to handle. The material is typically UV-resistant polyethylene, which helps the cover last through many seasons.
Bubble Design and Color
The bubble side of the cover should face down toward the water to trap heat efficiently. I also learned that covers come in different colors like blue, clear, or black. Blue covers are the most common and provide a good balance of heat retention and algae control. Clear covers let in the most sunlight but may encourage algae growth, while black covers retain heat well but allow less light penetration.
Ease of Use and Storage
Since I’m the one handling the cover, ease of use was important. I looked for a cover that was lightweight enough for me to manage but still durable. Also, having a reel system or storage bag made taking the cover on and off much easier and helped prolong its life.
Budget and Longevity
I set a budget but kept in mind that investing in a quality solar cover would save me money in the long run by reducing heating costs and chemical use. Cheaper covers might wear out quickly, so I opted for a mid-range option with good reviews on durability.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always remove the cover after heavy rain or snow to avoid damage.
- Keep the cover clean by rinsing off dirt and debris regularly.
- If you notice bubbles popping or tears, repair them promptly with patch kits to extend the cover’s life.
- Consider pairing your solar cover with a solar heater for even better results.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect solar cover for your 18-foot round pool. It’s a simple upgrade that made a big difference in my pool enjoyment!
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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