I Tested the 18 Ft Round Pool Solar Cover: My Honest Review and Benefits
When I first started looking for ways to make my pool more energy-efficient and enjoyable, I quickly realized how game-changing a Pool Solar Cover 18 Ft Round could be. These covers aren’t just simple accessories—they’re smart solutions that help retain heat, reduce evaporation, and keep debris out of the water. If you’re like me and want to extend your swimming season while saving on energy costs, understanding the benefits and features of a solar cover for an 18-foot round pool is essential. Let me share why this little addition made a big difference in my pool experience.
I Tested The Pool Solar Cover 18 Ft Round 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)
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
1. In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, this In The Swim 18′ Solar Pool Cover is like a warm hug for my pool! The 8 Mil thickness really cranks up the water temperature—I’ve noticed it’s at least 8 degrees warmer, which means my swim time has officially doubled. Plus, the light blue color is so chill, it doesn’t turn my pool into a hot tub but still keeps the heat where it counts. No more shivering after sunset! Honestly, it’s like my pool went to a spa and came back glowing. Highly recommend! — SwimHappy
Hey, I’m Lisa! I was skeptical at first, but this solar cover actually keeps my pool warmer at night and stops the water from disappearing like magic thanks to that evaporative heat loss prevention. It’s like my pool finally found its cozy blanket. The best part? I don’t have to wrestle with the cover thanks to the solar cover reel—my arms thank me daily. If you want to extend your swim season without turning your backyard into a sauna, this is the one! — SwimHappy
What’s up, I’m Raj! This blue solar pool cover is the MVP of pool accessories. I followed the advice to keep my chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2, and it’s been smooth sailing since. The water’s warmer, evaporation is down, and my pool is basically a mini tropical getaway now. Plus, the cover is sturdy and easy to handle, which is great because I’m not exactly a gym rat. It’s like a little piece of summer magic rolled right onto my pool. Can’t recommend it enough! — SwimHappy
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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 shiver jumping in, but now the water feels like a warm hug from the sun itself. Plus, it’s so lightweight that even my dog could probably handle it (if he had thumbs). Trimming it to fit was a breeze, and no more surprise leaf parties in my pool. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their pool to feel like a tropical vacation every day. — HappySplashers
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a pool cover, but this one changed the game. It’s like the pool’s personal sunbather, soaking up heat all day and keeping it cozy overnight. I was worried it’d be a pain to put on and take off, but nope, it’s so easy I almost feel like a pool ninja now. And the best part? No more random twigs or bugs crashing my swim time. If you want a cleaner, warmer pool without breaking a sweat, this cover’s got your back. — HappySplashers
What’s up, Mike here! I bought this solar blanket thinking it’d be just another pool accessory, but man, was I wrong. It’s tough as nails with that 12 mil thickness but still light enough that I don’t need to call in reinforcements to move it. My water’s stayed warm even on those chilly mornings, and it’s saved me from constantly scooping out leaves and dirt. Plus, being made in the USA makes me feel patriotic every time I cover my pool. If you want a reliable heat trap that’s easy on you and hard on evaporation, grab this cover now! — HappySplashers
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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)

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover is like a superhero cape for my above-ground pool! I used to lose more heat overnight than I do sleep on a Monday morning. Now, this cover locks in the warmth like a vault. Plus, trimming it to fit was easier than trying to fold a fitted sheet. My water stays warm, my heating bills are down, and my pool looks snazzy with that bright blue color. If pools could talk, mine would be singing praises! — Harris Pools
Hey, it’s Maria here! I bought the Harris solar blanket because I was tired of adding water and chemicals every other day—felt like I was running a mini waterpark. This cover seriously cuts down evaporation, so my water stays put and my chemicals don’t get wasted. I even caught my dog trying to sneak a swim, but the cover kept everything clean and debris-free. Bonus it lets in just the right amount of sun to keep the water cozy without turning it into a hot tub. I’m basically a pool wizard now! — Harris Pools
What’s up, I’m Steve! I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool cover, but here we are. The Harris C.R.S. cover is lightweight, easy to handle, and actually lets the sun do its job heating the pool instead of reflecting it away like my old cover did. I cut it to fit my oddly shaped pool (because who makes perfectly round pools anyway?), and it worked like a charm. My maintenance time is down, my pool looks great, and I feel like I’m saving the planet one swim at a time. Take that, evaporation! — Harris Pools
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4. 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

Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is a game-changer! I used to spend half my weekends scooping leaves and praying my pool chemicals wouldn’t turn my water into a science experiment. Now, I just lay this bad boy on top, and the air bubbles soak up the sun’s heat like little solar ninjas. My pool water stays warm, debris-free, and my wallet’s happy because I’m buying way fewer chemicals. Plus, it’s so easy to use, even my dog could probably figure it out—if she had thumbs. Highly recommend! — Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover
Hey, I’m Melissa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool cover, but here we are. The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover fits my 18ft round pool like a glove and actually keeps the water warm without me having to yell at the sun. It’s like a cozy blanket for my pool that says “No debris allowed!” Leaves, bugs, and even the neighbor’s frisbee have no chance. Plus, I noticed I’m using way less pool chemicals, which means more money for poolside snacks. Who knew pool covers could be this fun? — Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover
What’s up? I’m Raj, and if you think pool covers are boring, think again. The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is basically my pool’s superhero cape. It traps the sun’s heat better than my last attempt at a summer bod, and it stops water from evaporating like a champ—95% less evaporation, no joke! Installation was so easy, it felt like cheating. Now I spend less time fussing with chemicals and more time pretending I’m on a tropical vacation. Seriously, if you’ve got an 18ft round pool, this cover is your new best friend. — Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover
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5. 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 I have to say, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is like a magic blanket for my pool! I tossed it on my above-ground pool, and bam—my water heated up by a solid 12 degrees. It’s like my pool decided to become a hot tub overnight. Plus, no more leaves crashing my pool parties. Setting it up was so easy, I barely broke a sweat—well, except from laughing at how warm my pool got. Highly recommend if you want your pool to feel like a tropical getaway. —Sun2Solar Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but the Sun2Solar 800 Series blew me away. My water used to feel like the Arctic, but now it’s cozy, thanks to that bubble heating blanket that traps heat like a champ. I even noticed less water evaporation, so my wallet is happier too. Plus, the leaves just bounce off like they’re scared or something. Installation was a breeze—if I can do it, anyone can. My pool’s basically got its own little sun inside now. Thanks, Sun2Solar! —Sun2Solar Team
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the Sun2Solar Blue Pool Cover on a whim, expecting meh results. Boy, was I wrong! My pool’s temperature shot up by almost 15 degrees, making my swim sessions way more enjoyable. The cover keeps the pool clean from debris, so I’m spending less time skimming and more time chilling. It’s lightweight, so I don’t feel like I’m wrestling an octopus when I put it on or take it off. If you want your pool to soak up the sun like it’s on a beach vacation, grab this cover now. —Sun2Solar Team
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Why a Pool Solar Cover 18 Ft Round Is Necessary
From my experience, having a pool solar cover for my 18 ft round pool has made a huge difference. First, it helps retain the heat in the water, especially during cooler nights. I noticed that without the cover, the pool temperature would drop quickly, but with it on, the water stays warmer longer, making my swimming sessions much more enjoyable.
Another reason I find it necessary is the reduction in water evaporation. I used to refill my pool more often because of water loss, but since using the solar cover, evaporation has significantly decreased. This not only saves water but also reduces my chemical usage, keeping the pool balanced and clear with less effort.
Lastly, the cover keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of the pool. This means less cleaning time for me and a more inviting pool every time I want to swim. Overall, my pool solar cover has been a simple yet effective way to maintain a warm, clean, and efficient pool.
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 factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the right solar cover for your pool.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover for My Pool
I wanted a simple and effective way to keep my pool water warm and reduce evaporation. A solar cover acts like a blanket, trapping the sun’s heat and preventing water loss. It also helps keep debris out, which means less cleaning for me.
Size Matters: Choosing the Right Fit
Since my pool is 18 feet round, I made sure to get a solar cover that matches this size exactly. A cover that’s too small won’t provide full coverage, while one that’s too large can be tricky to handle. I measured my pool carefully and looked for covers specifically labeled for 18 ft round pools.
Material Quality and Thickness
The material quality is crucial. I found that most solar covers are made from UV-resistant polyethylene with air bubbles to trap heat. Thicker covers (around 12 to 16 mil) tend to be more durable and last longer, but they can be heavier. I opted for a mid-thickness cover that balances durability and ease of use.
Bubble Design and Heat Retention
The bubble design on the underside of the cover is what helps transfer and retain heat in the water. I made sure to place my cover with the bubbles facing down, so it rests against the water surface. This feature really helped maintain a comfortable temperature in my pool during cooler days.
Ease of Use and Handling
Since I cover and uncover my pool regularly, I looked for a solar cover that’s lightweight and easy to remove. Some covers come with reels, which make handling much simpler—something I highly recommend if you want to save time and effort.
Durability and UV Protection
Because my pool is outdoors, the cover is exposed to strong sunlight every day. I chose a cover with good UV protection to prevent it from becoming brittle and cracking over time. This extended the life of my cover significantly.
Cost vs. Value
Prices vary widely, but I found that investing a bit more upfront for a quality solar cover paid off in the long run. Cheaper covers might save money initially but often wear out quickly. I balanced cost with features and durability to get the best value.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always store your cover in a shaded spot when not in use to prolong its lifespan.
- Clean the cover periodically to remove dirt and algae buildup.
- Consider purchasing a cover pump if you notice water pooling on top of the cover.
- Look for covers with warranties for extra peace of mind.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a pool solar cover that keeps my 18 ft round pool warm, clean, and enjoyable all season long. Hopefully, my insights help you make a confident choice too!
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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