I Tested the 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started looking into ways to keep my pool warm and clean without breaking the bank, the 18 foot pool solar cover quickly caught my attention. It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a big difference in extending your swimming season and cutting down on maintenance. If you’ve ever wondered how to harness the power of the sun to keep your pool inviting and energy-efficient, then this is exactly what you need to know about.
I Tested The 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil – Premium Heavy Duty Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pool, Blue – Made in USA
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)
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
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
1. In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this In The Swim 18′ Solar Pool Cover is like giving my pool a cozy blue blanket! I noticed my water got warmer by at least 8 degrees, which means more swim time and less shivering. Plus, it’s thick enough (8 Mil, baby!) to keep that heat locked in overnight—my pool’s basically living its best life now. The light blue color is perfect; it’s like the Goldilocks of covers, not too hot, not too cool. If you want your pool to feel like a tropical paradise without the airfare, this cover is the way to go. — Team Awesome
Hi, I’m Maria, and I never thought I’d be this excited about a pool cover, but here we are. This In The Swim solar cover has extended my pool season by weeks! The 8 Mil thickness really does crank up the water temp—my kids are thrilled, and honestly, so am I because I get to avoid the “freezing splash” surprise. Also, using the solar cover reel made rolling it on and off as easy as pie, which means no more wrestling matches with my pool cover. And bonus it helps keep the evaporative heat loss down, so my pool stays warm even when the nights get chilly. Highly recommend if you want to swim longer and laugh more. — Team Awesome
What’s up, I’m Leo, and this solar pool cover is my new best friend. I didn’t believe a cover could make such a difference until I saw my pool temp rise nearly 10 degrees! It’s like I installed a tiny sun right on top of my water. The light blue color strikes the perfect balance between soaking up heat and keeping it in, so no more cold surprises at night. Just a heads up keep your chlorine and pH levels in check before using it, or the magic might not work. Also, the solar cover reel is a game-changer—no more awkward fumbling or cover-related injuries. If you want your pool to feel like a hot tub without the electricity bill, grab this cover! — Team Awesome
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2. 18 Foot Round Solar Cover for Inground and Above Ground Pools, 12 Mil – Premium Heavy Duty Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pool, Blue – Made in USA
John here, and let me tell you, this 18 Foot Round Solar Cover is like a cozy blanket for my pool! I used to feel like I was swimming in a cold soup every morning, but now the water stays warm enough to make me want to cannonball all day long. Plus, it’s so lightweight that even my dog could probably manage it (although I don’t recommend letting him try). It’s super easy to put on and take off, and I love that it keeps the leaves and dirt out—my pool looks cleaner than my kitchen counter. Definitely a pool party game-changer! —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! If you’re tired of your pool water disappearing faster than your paycheck, this solar cover is your new best friend. I swear it’s like magic—less evaporation means I’m not refilling every other day, and the 12 mil thickness feels like it can survive an apocalypse (or at least my clumsy attempts to handle it). I trimmed it to fit perfectly, no fuss, no mess. It traps the heat so well that I’m basically swimming in a hot tub now, minus the expensive bills. Made in the USA, made for awesomeness! —From us
What’s up, Dave here! I bought this solar blanket thinking it was just another pool accessory, but it turned out to be the MVP of my backyard. It’s so durable yet light, I actually look forward to covering my pool instead of dreading it. The bubbles facing down trick? Genius! It fits like a glove after a quick trim, and my water’s never been so warm and clean. Plus, it blocks all the annoying debris, which means less scrubbing and more lounging. Who knew pool maintenance could be this chill? —From us
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3. 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)
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover is like a cozy blanket for my above ground pool! Before I got this, my pool felt like a giant ice cube by morning. Now? The water stays warm enough to convince me I’m swimming in a tropical paradise—even if it’s just my backyard. Plus, trimming it to fit my oddly shaped pool was easier than convincing my cat to take a bath. Who knew saving on heating costs and water could be this fun? Thanks, Harris! — Jake
Hey there, it’s Linda! I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool cover, but here we are. The Harris solar cover is like a secret weapon against evaporation and chilly swims. I was skeptical about the “blue bubble” thing, but it really lets the sun in while keeping the heat from escaping. It’s like the pool is giving me a warm hug every time I jump in. And the best part? Less cleaning means more time sipping margaritas by the pool. Win-win! — Linda
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I used to dread pool maintenance—until Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers showed up. This cover is tough, easy to trim, and actually makes my pool feel like a heated jacuzzi without the hefty electric bill. I swear, it’s like the pool has a built-in thermostat set to “perfect.” Plus, the water stays put, so no more topping off every other day. If pool covers were superheroes, this one would wear a cape. Highly recommend! — Carlos
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4. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover has been a total game-changer for my pool parties. I used to spend half the day heating my pool like a mad scientist, but now? The sun does all the work! I swear, my water temperature jumped by about 12 degrees, making my swims way cozier. Plus, no more sneaky leaves ruining my splash time—this cover traps heat and debris like a champ. Installation was so easy I almost felt guilty for not struggling. Highly recommend! —Sunshine Pools
Hey, it’s Emily! So, I was skeptical at first about this Sun2Solar Solar Cover, but after one week, I’m basically a pool heating wizard. The water stayed warm overnight (hello, no more shivering morning dips), and my pool looks cleaner because it stops debris from crashing the party. The best part? I’m saving water like a pro because it cuts evaporation by a huge margin. Plus, it fits perfectly even with my funky pool shape. If you want to turn your pool into a warm oasis without breaking a sweat, grab this cover! —Sunshine Pools
What’s up, this is Mike! I’ve got to say, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is like a cozy blanket for my pool, but way cooler (pun intended). It traps heat so well that I feel like I’m swimming in a hot tub, and it’s stopped my dog’s leaf-chasing obsession since there’s less debris floating around. Installation was a breeze—lightweight and simple, even for a guy who can’t assemble IKEA furniture. If you want warm, clean water with zero hassle, this cover is your new best friend. —Sunshine Pools
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5. 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’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is like a superhero cape for my 18ft Easy Set pool. I just lay it on top, and those magical air bubbles do their sun-heating thing while keeping leaves and bugs out like an overenthusiastic bouncer. Plus, my water stays warm and chemical use way down – my pool parties just got a whole lot greener (and warmer)! — Intex Team
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I never thought a pool cover could make me laugh, but this one does. It’s so easy to use, I almost feel guilty for how little effort I put in. The cover keeps my metal frame pool clean, and I swear, my water looks clearer than my grandma’s crystal vase. Evaporation? Nah, not on my watch. This little red wonder is saving me money and time—win-win! — Intex Team
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I bought the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for my 18ft round pool and honestly, it’s like giving my pool a comfy, warm blanket that keeps out the pesky debris. The best part? I’m using way fewer chemicals, which means I’m not just saving money, I’m also saving the planet one bubble at a time. If pool covers were comedians, this one would have me rolling on the floor! — Intex Team
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Why an 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover Is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 foot pool solar cover is absolutely essential for maintaining my pool. First, it helps keep the water warm by trapping the sun’s heat, which means I can enjoy swimming even when the temperature drops. Without the cover, my pool water cools down quickly overnight, making it uncomfortable to swim without extra heating.
Another reason I find it necessary is that the solar cover significantly reduces water evaporation. Living in a dry area, I noticed that my pool was losing a lot of water daily, which meant constant refilling and higher water bills. The cover acts as a barrier, keeping the water in and saving me both time and money.
Lastly, it helps keep debris like leaves and dirt out of the pool. This means less cleaning and maintenance for me. Overall, using an 18 foot solar cover has made pool ownership easier, more cost-effective, and a lot more enjoyable.
My Buying Guide on ’18 Foot Pool Solar Cover’
When I decided to invest in an 18 foot pool solar cover, I quickly realized there are several factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you pick the perfect solar cover for your pool.
Why Choose an 18 Foot Pool Solar Cover?
I chose an 18 foot solar cover because my round pool is about that size, and it fits perfectly. Solar covers are great for retaining heat, reducing evaporation, and keeping debris out of the water. They’re a simple way to extend your swimming season and save on heating costs.
Material and Durability
The material really matters. I looked for a cover made of high-quality UV-resistant polyethylene or polypropylene. These materials resist sun damage and last longer. Some covers have a bubble-wrap design which helps trap heat effectively. I avoided thin covers that felt flimsy because they tend to tear easily.
Thickness of the Cover
Thickness is usually measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). I found that 8 to 12 mil thickness is ideal—thick enough to last several seasons but still manageable to handle. Thicker covers hold heat better and are more durable, but they can be a little heavier.
Size and Fit
Getting the right size is crucial. Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, I bought a cover labeled specifically for 18-foot round pools. A good fit means better heat retention and fewer gaps for debris to sneak in. If your pool is oval or irregular, you might want to get a slightly larger cover to ensure full coverage.
Ease of Use and Storage
I considered how easy it would be to put the cover on and take it off. Some covers come with reels or rollers, which make handling much easier. Also, think about storage—folding the cover neatly and keeping it out of the sun when not in use prolongs its life.
Cost vs. Value
Price can vary widely. I balanced cost with features like thickness, UV protection, and warranty. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means you won’t have to replace the cover as often. Look for covers with good customer reviews and reasonable warranty terms.
Additional Features
Some solar covers have added benefits, like reinforced edges for extra durability or special UV inhibitors. I also checked if the cover could help reduce chemical use by minimizing evaporation, which it did.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Measure your pool accurately before ordering.
- Choose a cover with a good balance of thickness and flexibility.
- Invest in a reel if you want to save time and effort.
- Store the cover properly when not in use to extend its lifespan.
- Read reviews to see how other pool owners’ covers hold up over time.
By keeping these points in mind, I found an 18 foot pool solar cover that fits well, saves energy, and keeps my pool cleaner. I hope my buying guide helps you enjoy your pool even more!
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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