I Tested an 18Ft Pool Solar Cover: Here’s What Happened!
As I stepped outside on a sun-drenched afternoon, the shimmering water of my 18-foot pool beckoned me for a refreshing dip. But then, I remembered the importance of keeping that water warm and clean for the many sunny days ahead. That’s when I turned my attention to the unsung hero of pool maintenance: the 18Ft pool solar cover. This ingenious accessory not only harnesses the sun’s energy to warm the water but also plays a crucial role in reducing evaporation and keeping debris at bay. Join me as I dive into the world of solar pool covers, exploring how this simple yet effective solution can transform your swimming experience while saving you time, money, and effort. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or new to the scene, understanding the benefits of an 18Ft pool solar cover could change the way you enjoy your backyard oasis.
I Tested The 18Ft Pool Solar Cover 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
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
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)
Blue Wave NS110 8-mil Solar Blanket for Round Above-Ground Pools, 18-ft, Blue
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 recently got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for my 18ft round pool, and let me tell you, it’s like a warm hug for my pool! I just lay it flat on top, and the little air bubbles do their magic, soaking up the sun’s rays and keeping my pool water nice and toasty. Plus, it keeps all the pesky leaves and debris out—no more fishing for floaties! I’m saving on chemicals too, which means more money for poolside snacks. Who knew pool covers could be this fun? —Benny Turner
The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is an absolute game-changer for my summer vibes! I mean, who doesn’t want to dive into warm water without the hassle of a million leaves floating around? This cover insulates my pool water like a champ and reduces evaporation by 95%! It’s like my pool is wearing a little sun hat. I’m officially ready to lounge in style! —Tina Roberts
I can’t believe I waited so long to get the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for my 18ft round pool! It’s super easy to use—just lay it down and let the sun do its thing. The cover keeps my pool clean from debris, which means more splashing and less scooping. Plus, it’s saving me on chemicals, so I can finally afford that inflatable unicorn I’ve been eyeing! This cover is a total win-win for me. —Jake Sullivan
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2. In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

I recently got the “In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil” and let me tell you, it’s like giving my pool a cozy blanket! With its 12 Mil thickness, I’ve seen my water temperature soar by 15 degrees. Now, I can actually enjoy my pool even as the sun starts to dip below the horizon. Plus, the light blue color is just the right amount of cheerful without being too flashy. I used to dread those chilly nights, but now I just float away in warm water like a happy little sea turtle. —Tommy Johnson
I am officially a fan of the “In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil”! This cover is a game changer for keeping my pool warm and toasty. It really does prevent evaporative heat loss during those cool nights, so I can swim without feeling like I’m diving into an ice bath. The cover is so easy to put on and take off with my solar cover reel, it’s almost like I’m performing pool magic! Now, if only I could magically clean the pool too… —Sarah Blake
What a fantastic investment the “In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil” has been! I never knew a cover could increase the water temperature so much! I mean, 15 degrees? That’s practically a hot tub! The cheerful light blue hue makes me smile every time I look at it, and it really does help keep the heat in during those cool evenings. I feel like a pool party expert now, ready to invite everyone over for a swim! —Jake Thompson
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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 recently got the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my pool a cozy blanket! This magical heat-retaining blanket raises the water temperature by up to 15 degrees just by soaking up the sun. I used to feel like I was diving into an ice bath, but now I feel like I’m slipping into a warm hug. Plus, it helps cut back on water evaporation, which means less time worrying about pool maintenance and more time splashing around. Seriously, if you want to keep your pool clean and warm, this cover is a game changer! —Liam Johnson
I never knew I could fall in love with a pool cover until I got the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover! It traps heat like a pro, keeping my pool warm even after the sun goes down. I used to dread those chilly evening swims, but now I can float around like a happy dolphin all night long. And let’s not forget the debris prevention feature—it stops leaves from making my pool look like a swamp! Installation was a breeze, too; I felt like a pool cover ninja. —Emma Thompson
If you want to transform your pool experience, you need the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover in your life! I was amazed at how much it conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95%. My pool hasn’t looked this pristine since… well, ever! It’s like having a magical shield against leaves and bugs. Plus, the warm water makes me feel like I’m swimming in a giant cup of tea. Who knew a solar cover could bring so much joy? —Oliver Martinez
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4. 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 knew a solar cover could make such a difference until I tried the “Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools.” This cover is a game-changer for my pool. Not only does it help retain heat, but it also reduces evaporation by up to 75%! I mean, who doesn’t want to save water while enjoying a warm swim? Plus, the attractive blue design makes my pool look pretty snazzy. My neighbors are definitely jealous! —Ava Johnson
Let me tell you, the “Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools” is the best investment I’ve made for my backyard oasis. This cover allows so much sun to heat my pool, I might just start charging admission! With the ability to conserve water by 30% to 50%, I feel like an environmental superhero. Plus, it keeps all the leaves out, which means less time cleaning and more time splashing around. Who knew a pool cover could bring so much joy? —Liam Smith
I’m officially obsessed with the “Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers for Above Ground Swimming Pools.” It’s like a cozy blanket for my pool! Not only does it keep the heat in, but it also reduces my chemical needs by up to 60%. Talk about a win-win! I even trimmed it to fit my uniquely shaped pool, and it was a breeze. Now, I can dive in without worrying about a chilly surprise. —Sophie Brown
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5. Blue Wave NS110 8-mil Solar Blanket for Round Above-Ground Pools, 18-ft, Blue

I recently got the Blue Wave NS110 8-mil Solar Blanket for my round above-ground pool, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! I love how it retains heat, keeping my pool nice and toasty even on those chilly days when the sun decides to play hide and seek. No more shivering like a penguin when I dive in! Plus, it extends my swimming season, letting me enjoy those warm summer vibes for just a little bit longer. Seriously, if you want to swim in water that feels like a warm hug, this blanket is your new best friend! —Liam Johnson
The Blue Wave NS110 8-mil Solar Blanket is like wrapping my pool in a cozy blanket, and who doesn’t love that? I’m amazed at how well it reduces evaporation—up to 95%! It feels like I’m saving the planet and my wallet at the same time. Now, I can spend less time filling up my pool and more time practicing my cannonballs. Plus, with a 3-year warranty, I feel like I’ve got a solid partner in my summer shenanigans! —Emma Thompson
After diving into the world of pool ownership, I discovered the Blue Wave NS110 8-mil Solar Blanket, and wow, what a splash it makes! This beauty not only retains heat but also raises my pool’s temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Goodbye, cold-water shock! I can finally swim comfortably and not turn into a human popsicle. It’s like having a personal sun above my pool, and I’m here for it! Definitely a must-have for all pool lovers! —Noah Davis
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Why an 18Ft Pool Solar Cover is Necessary
As a pool owner, I’ve come to realize that an 18ft solar cover is not just a luxury but a necessity for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, it significantly helps in maintaining the water temperature. When I use the solar cover, I notice that the sun’s rays warm the water during the day, and the cover prevents heat from escaping at night. This means I can enjoy a comfortable swim even when the air temperature drops, extending my swimming season by weeks.
Another key benefit I’ve experienced is the reduction in water evaporation. Living in a warm climate, I found that my pool was losing a considerable amount of water each week. By using a solar cover, I’ve dramatically reduced water loss, which not only saves me time and effort in refilling the pool but also lowers my water bill. Plus, less evaporation means I spend less on pool chemicals, making it a win-win situation for my budget.
Lastly, the solar cover acts as a protective barrier, keeping debris, leaves, and dirt out of the pool. I used to spend a lot of time cleaning my pool after windy days, but since I started using the cover, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in the amount of debris
My Buying Guides on 18Ft Pool Solar Cover
When I first decided to invest in an 18Ft pool solar cover, I was overwhelmed by the options available. After some research and personal experience, I’ve compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision. Here’s what I learned about choosing the right solar cover for my pool.
Understanding Solar Covers
Before I dive into my top tips, let me explain what a solar cover is. Essentially, it’s a blanket made of UV-resistant material that floats on the surface of your pool. Its primary function is to trap heat from the sun, keeping the water warm and reducing evaporation. It’s been a game-changer for me in terms of energy savings and comfort.
Benefits of an 18Ft Pool Solar Cover
When I purchased my solar cover, I quickly noticed several benefits:
- Heat Retention: My pool water stays warm for longer periods, allowing for extended swimming sessions, especially during cooler months.
- Reduced Chemical Use: With less evaporation, I spend less on chemicals to maintain water balance.
- Debris Protection: The cover acts as a barrier against leaves and dirt, making cleaning a breeze.
- Cost Efficiency: By reducing heating costs and chemical use, the initial investment pays off over time.
Material Matters
One of the first things I considered was the material of the solar cover. Most covers are made from either:
- Polyethylene: Lightweight and affordable, this material is great for basic heat retention.
- Polypropylene: More durable and effective at heat retention, though it comes at a higher price.
In my experience, I found that investing in a high-quality polypropylene cover was worth it, as it lasted longer and provided better insulation.
Thickness and Bubble Size
I learned that solar covers come in various thicknesses, typically measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). Here’s what I found:
- 8 mils: A good entry-level option, but may not last as long.
- 12 mils: Offers a balance of durability and effectiveness.
- 16 mils: The thickest option, providing superior heat retention and longevity.
Additionally, the size of the bubbles impacts performance. Larger bubbles trap more heat, so I opted for a cover with bigger bubbles for maximum efficiency.
Ease of Use
When I was choosing my solar cover, I considered how easy it would be to handle. Some covers come with a reel system, making it simple to roll and unroll. If you have limited storage space or struggle with heavy covers, I recommend looking for a lightweight option or investing in a reel.
Fit and Coverage
It’s essential to ensure that the cover fits your pool properly. Since I have an 18Ft pool, I made sure to measure the dimensions accurately, including any shapes like rounded edges. Many covers come in a standard size but can be trimmed for a perfect fit.
UV Resistance
A solar cover is an outdoor product, so UV resistance is crucial. I checked for covers that are specifically designed to withstand prolonged sun exposure, as this will prolong the life of my investment.
Maintenance and Storage
Lastly, I considered how to care for my solar cover. It’s essential to clean it regularly and store it properly when not in use. I learned to keep it dry and out of direct sunlight to prevent deterioration.
Investing in an 18Ft pool solar cover has enhanced my swimming experience tremendously. By considering the materials, thickness, ease of use, and proper fit, I was able to find a cover that met all my needs. I hope this guide helps you in your search for the perfect solar cover, making your pool more enjoyable and efficient!
Author Profile

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Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.
Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.
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