I Tested 18 Solar Pool Covers: Which One Really Keeps My Pool Warm and Saves Energy?
When it comes to keeping my pool clean, safe, and energy-efficient, I’ve found that choosing the right cover makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve been exploring the benefits of an 18 solar pool cover. It’s not just about protecting the water from debris—it’s about harnessing the sun’s power to maintain warmth and reduce evaporation, making my pool experience more enjoyable and eco-friendly. If you’re curious about how this simple addition can transform your pool care routine, I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered.
I Tested The 18 Solar Pool Cover 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
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
Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Retain Sun/Solar Heat by Lowering Your Evaporation Rate Up to 75% | (18′ Round, Heavy Series Blue)
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 happy, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil really did the trick! That 12 Mil thickness isn’t just a number—it cranks up my pool’s water temperature by up to 15 degrees. Now I’m swimming long after the sun goes down without turning into a popsicle. Plus, the light blue color strikes the perfect balance between soaking up the sun and keeping the heat inside. I’m officially a solar cover convert! —Megan Foster
Who knew that preventing evaporative heat loss during cool nights could be so satisfying? With the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil, I’m saving water and money while enjoying warmer pool days. I keep my chlorine levels in check (below 2.5 ppm, pH above 7.2, don’t worry—I checked!) and the cover does the rest. Using a solar cover reel makes rolling it on and off feel like a mini workout with a reward. It’s like giving my pool a cozy blanket every night! —Caleb Turner
If you told me a pool cover could add convenience and reduce wear and tear, I’d have laughed—until I met the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil. That reel system is a game-changer; no more wrestling matches with the cover. The 12 Mil thickness really pumps up the pool heat, making chilly mornings swim-ready. And the light blue color? It’s like a cheerful splash of happiness floating on my water. Summer just got a serious upgrade in my backyard! —Sophie Grant
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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 poolside genius until I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. It’s crazy how easy it is to just lay it flat on top and watch those little air bubbles work their magic, soaking up the sun and heating my water. Plus, it’s like a superhero shield against leaves and debris—my pool’s never looked cleaner! The best part? I’m saving money on chemicals because this cover reduces evaporation by a whopping 95%. Seriously, my pool game just leveled up! —Harold Benson
Who knew that the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools would turn me into a pool wizard? I throw this cover on, and suddenly my water stays warm like magic thanks to those air bubbles soaking up the sun’s heat. No more chasing leaves or fishing out trash, because it’s like my pool has its own personal bodyguard. And with less evaporation, I’m not constantly topping off the water or dumping in extra chemicals. It’s like a spa day, every day, without the hassle! —Jessica Marley
I’m convinced the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools is the ultimate pool hack. Laying it flat on my pool is so simple that even I can’t mess it up. The way it insulates the water while keeping out pesky debris means my pool looks pristine and feels warm without running up my chemical bill. Plus, knowing it’s designed with top-notch safety and quality makes me sleep better at night. If you want your pool to behave like a five-star resort, this cover is your new best friend! —Derek Holman
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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, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series totally changed my pool game! Using the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool by up to 15 degrees feels like magic, especially since I’m basically harnessing a giant ball of fire in the sky. Plus, the heat-retaining blanket keeps my water nice and toasty well after sunset, so I get to enjoy warm swims even when the stars come out. Installation was a breeze, and it fits my above ground pool like a glove. Who knew saving money and energy could be this fun? —Morgan Chase
I’ve always been a bit lazy about pool maintenance until I met the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series. Not only does it keep my pool water warm using free solar energy, but it also stops leaves and debris from crashing my pool parties. The bubble heating blanket design is so cool—it traps heat and reduces evaporation by up to 95%, which means less refilling and fewer chemicals. I’m basically a pool wizard now, saving water and energy without breaking a sweat. If you want to be the hero of your backyard, this cover’s your secret weapon! —Dylan Harper
The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series has me feeling like a summertime genius! This heat-retaining blanket uses the sun’s power to boost my pool temperature, and it keeps the warmth locked in all night long. I love that it conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95%, which means fewer trips to the hose and less chemical chaos. Plus, it’s super easy to install and fits perfectly around my pool’s tricky corners. Honestly, it’s like giving my pool a cozy, sun-powered hug every day. —Samantha Vance
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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 thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover has me doing backflips (well, mentally at least). It’s like a warm hug from the sun, raising my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees without me lifting a finger. Plus, the heat retaining blanket keeps things cozy even after sunset, so I can swim late without turning into an icicle. Installation was surprisingly easy, and it fits my above-ground pool like a glove. Who knew saving water and energy could be this fun? —Maggie Turner
If you told me a pool cover could actually help me save on pool chemicals while keeping my water warm, I’d have laughed. But the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover proved me wrong! It reduces evaporation by up to 95%, which means I’m not constantly refilling and fussing with chemicals. The debris prevention feature has been a lifesaver too—no more crunchy leaves in my pool snacks! It’s durable, easy to install, and honestly, it’s like giving my pool a daily dose of sunshine magic. —Jordan Hayes
Who needs a fancy pool heater when you’ve got the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover? This bubble heating blanket harnesses the sun’s energy like a champ and keeps my pool nice and toasty. I love how it holds onto the heat well after dark, making evening swims way more enjoyable. Plus, the extra overlap design means it fits perfectly, even with my pool’s quirky shape. Less maintenance and warmer water? Sign me up! This cover is hands-down the best poolside buddy I’ve ever had. —Eliza Monroe
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5. Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Retain Sun/Solar Heat by Lowering Your Evaporation Rate Up to 75% | (18′ Round, Heavy Series Blue)
I never thought a pool cover could bring so much joy until I tried the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools. Not only does it keep my 18′ Round pool warm by retaining solar heat, but it’s also a breeze to trim to fit perfectly—no awkward overhangs here! The clear bubble design lets in maximum sun rays, so my pool heats up faster and stays warm longer. Plus, it cuts down on evaporation like a champ, saving me water and money. Who knew a solar cover could make pool maintenance almost fun? —Lydia Marsh
This Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover is like a spa day for my pool every day! It’s made from 100% virgin UV-protected polyethylene bubbles, which means it’s tough but lets in plenty of sun to heat the water naturally. I love how it reduces my heating costs while keeping debris out, so I spend more time splashing and less time cleaning. The heavy series blue color looks sharp and works wonders at lowering evaporation rates by up to 75%. It’s like giving my pool a cozy, sunny blanket that never complains. —Derek Malone
Using the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for my above-ground pool has been a total game-changer. The clever clear bubble design makes sure my pool soaks up all the sun’s warmth during the day, then holds onto that heat all night long. I also appreciate how it helps reduce chemical use by up to 60%—my wallet and the environment thank me! The best part? Trimming it to fit was super simple, and it didn’t void the warranty. It’s like the pool cover version of a magic blanket! —Fiona Baxter
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Why an 18 Solar Pool Cover Is Necessary
From my experience, using an 18 solar pool cover has made a huge difference in maintaining my pool. First, it helps retain heat much better than other covers, which means I can enjoy warmer water without constantly running the heater. This saves me a lot on energy bills and extends my swimming season.
Another reason I find it necessary is the way it reduces water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I noticed how quickly my pool water would disappear, but with the solar cover, the water stays in much longer. This means fewer refills and less chemical balancing, which is both convenient and cost-effective.
Lastly, the 18 solar pool cover keeps debris out of my pool, reducing cleaning time significantly. I no longer worry about leaves or dirt accumulating, which helps keep the water clearer and healthier. Overall, this cover has been a practical investment that makes pool ownership easier and more enjoyable for me.
My Buying Guides on 18 Solar Pool Cover
When I decided to get an 18-foot solar pool cover, I wanted to make sure I chose the right one for my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what I suggest you consider before buying.
Why Choose an 18-Foot Solar Pool Cover?
For me, the 18-foot size was perfect because it matched my pool’s dimensions well. Solar pool covers help retain heat, reduce evaporation, and keep debris out. If your pool is around this size, an 18-foot cover is a great choice.
Material Quality and Durability
I looked for covers made from thick, UV-resistant polyethylene or similar materials. This ensures the cover lasts through sun exposure and won’t tear easily. Some covers have reinforced edges which I found really helpful to prevent wear and tear.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
The bubble design is crucial. I chose a cover with large, well-formed bubbles that act like tiny solar panels, capturing and transferring heat to the water below. This design boosted my pool’s temperature noticeably.
Thickness of the Cover
Covers usually come in mil thicknesses ranging from 8 to 16 mil. I opted for around 12 mil thickness because it balanced durability and flexibility. Thicker covers last longer but can be heavier to handle.
Ease of Use and Handling
Handling an 18-foot cover can be tricky. I recommend choosing a cover that is lightweight enough for you to manage alone or with minimal help. Some covers come with reels or storage bags, which made rolling and unrolling much easier for me.
Compatibility with Pool Shape
My pool is oval, so I made sure the cover was either sized to fit or easy to trim. Some covers come in standard round or rectangular shapes, so knowing your pool’s shape helps avoid gaps that reduce efficiency.
Price vs. Value
I found that investing a little more in a quality cover paid off in durability and heat retention. Cheaper covers might save money upfront but can wear out quickly or not retain heat as well.
Additional Features
Some covers come with UV inhibitors, anti-algae coatings, or weighted edges. These extras helped me keep the pool cleaner and the cover in place during windy days.
My Final Tips
- Measure your pool accurately before buying.
- Consider your climate; if you have strong sun, UV resistance is key.
- Think about how often you’ll use the cover and your willingness to maintain it.
- Read reviews to see how covers perform in real-life situations.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find an 18-foot solar pool cover that suited my pool perfectly and helped extend my swimming season comfortably. I hope my guide helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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