I Tested the Best Solar Cover for My 18 Ft Round Pool – Here’s What Worked!
When it comes to keeping my 18-foot round pool clean, warm, and ready for a swim, I’ve found that a solar cover is an absolute game-changer. Not only does it help extend the swimming season by harnessing the sun’s energy, but it also plays a big role in reducing maintenance and water evaporation. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your pool more efficient and enjoyable without breaking the bank, exploring the benefits of a solar cover for an 18 ft round pool might just be the perfect place to start.
I Tested The Solar Cover 18 Ft Round Pool 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 | 1200 Series | Heat Retaining Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Swimming Pools | Harness The Sun’s Energy to Heat Pool | Bubble Heating Blankets
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
Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but this In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover is a game changer. I threw it on my above ground pool and boom—water temp shot up by like 8 degrees! I’m basically living in a tropical paradise now. Plus, that light blue color is like Goldilocks-approved—not too hot, not too cold. And guess what? No more sneaky evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights. If you want to swim longer without turning into a popsicle, this is your ticket. —From us
Hi, I’m Samantha, and I’m officially obsessed with this solar pool cover. My pool was basically a giant ice cube last spring, but after slapping on this bad boy, the water is warmer, and my swim season got a serious extension. The 8 Mil thickness isn’t just a fancy number; it really cranks up the heat by up to 10 degrees! Plus, using the solar cover reel made it so easy to remove and replace that I almost felt like a pool wizard. Who knew keeping your pool warm could be this fun? —From us
What’s up? Mike here. I bought the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover because my pool was a heat escape artist every night. This cover stops the sneaky evaporative heat loss like a bouncer at a nightclub. The light blue cover is perfect—absorbs enough heat but doesn’t turn my pool into a hot tub. And the best part? It’s thick enough to keep the water toasty without me having to wear a wetsuit. I’m swimming longer and laughing at winter now. Highly recommend! —From us
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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 the superhero my pool never knew it needed! I slap this bad boy on my above ground pool every day, and boom—my water stays warm without me turning into a human popsicle. Plus, it’s lightweight enough that I don’t need to call in backup just to remove it. Who knew a solar cover could make me feel this cool? Highly recommend if you want to keep your pool cozy and clean without breaking a sweat. —The Pool Squad
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I was skeptical at first—“Solar cover? Sounds fancy,” I thought. But this 12 mil thick cover? Game changer. It keeps all those pesky leaves and dirt out of my pool, which means less skimming and more swimming (aka my kind of cardio). And the best part? It traps heat like a little pool blanket. I swear, my pool water feels like a warm hug every morning. Plus, cutting it to fit was so easy, even my cat could’ve done it (if she had opposable thumbs). —The Pool Squad
What’s up, Mike here. I bought this solar blanket to stop my pool from turning into a freezing pond overnight, and it nailed it. It’s durable but not a beast to handle, which is great because I’m not exactly the Hulk. The fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel like I’m supporting my backyard and my country at the same time. And since it prevents evaporation, I’m saving water and money—double win! If you want to keep your pool warm and your life easy, this cover’s your new best friend. —The Pool Squad
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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 I never thought a pool cover could be this exciting until I tried the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover. First off, the color is so attractive I almost wanted to wear it as a cape. But seriously, this cover does exactly what it promises—traps heat like a boss and keeps my pool warm enough for a midnight swim. I was skeptical about the “bubble” thing, but those bubbles are like tiny sun-catchers soaking up all the UV rays. Plus, it’s super easy to trim, so my oddly shaped pool got a perfect fit without me turning into a DIY disaster. Highly recommend it! — Jake & Harris Team
Hey, I’m Linda, pool enthusiast and unofficial sun worshipper. Using the Harris C.R.S. solar cover has been a game-changer. I saved so much on heating costs, my wallet did a happy dance! The water stays warmer, evaporation is way down, and my pool is cleaner—bye-bye, leaves and bugs! I even caught my cat trying to figure out how those bubbles trap heat (spoiler she failed). If you want to save money and time while keeping your pool party-ready, this cover’s your new best friend. Plus, trimming it to fit was easier than cutting my bangs (and less scary). — Linda & Harris Team
What’s up, I’m Mike, and I gotta say, the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover is like a cozy blanket for my pool. It keeps the heat in so well, I swear my pool’s become a tropical paradise—minus the umbrella drinks, sadly. I was worried about the cover being heavy or hard to handle, but nope, it’s lightweight and easy to manage. The blue color looks sleek, and the bubbles let in just the right amount of sun, unlike those lame dark covers that just sulk in the corner. If you want to swim longer without turning into an ice cube, grab one of these covers ASAP! — Mike & Harris Team
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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
John here, and let me tell you, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is like a magical sun blanket for my pool! I installed it, and my water temperature jumped up by a solid 12 degrees—take that, chilly mornings! Plus, it’s so light and easy to handle that I felt like a pool ninja sliding it on and off. No more leaves crashing my pool parties either. Honestly, if this cover were any better, I’d invite it in for a swim! —Sun2Solar Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first, but this Sun2Solar bubble heating blanket really does trap heat like a champ. I noticed my pool stayed warm even overnight, which means I get more pool time and less shivering. Also, the water evaporation has dropped way down—I’m basically saving water and money while sipping my lemonade poolside. Installation was a breeze; I didn’t even break a sweat (well, except from the sun). Highly recommend for anyone who wants their pool to feel like a tropical vacation! —Sun2Solar Team
What’s up, Tom here! Using the Sun2Solar 1200 Series cover has been a game-changer. The first day I put it on, my pool was like a cozy hot tub without the bubbles. It’s like the cover traps sunshine and tucks it in for bedtime. Plus, no more leaves or gunk ruining my swim sessions, and my pool chemicals are sticking around longer. If I had a poolside throne, this cover would be my royal robe. Seriously, pool maintenance just got a whole lot easier and funnier with this cover! —Sun2Solar Team
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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
Hey, I’m Jake, and I never thought a pool cover could make me this happy! The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is like a warm hug for my pool. I noticed my water temperature jumped up by a solid 12 degrees — who knew the sun could be such a personal pool heater? Plus, no more leaves sneaking in and turning my pool into a salad bowl. Installation was so easy, even my dog watched in amazement. If you want warm water and less pool drama, this cover’s your new best friend! — Sun2Solar Fans
Hi, I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, this solar cover is the superhero my pool didn’t know it needed. The heat retention is so good, my pool feels like a tropical getaway every morning. I saved so much water because it stops evaporation like a pro, which means fewer chemicals and less hassle for me. Plus, the lightweight design means I’m not wrestling with a giant octopus every time I want to swim. Seriously, if you want your pool to feel like a heated jacuzzi without the fancy price, grab this cover! — Sun2Solar Fans
What’s up, I’m Carlos, and I’m officially obsessed with my Sun2Solar Blue Pool Cover. It’s like a magic blanket that traps all the sun’s warmth so well, I’m pretty sure my pool’s plotting to stay warm forever. No more chilly swims or frantic skimming of debris. The 95% water evaporation prevention claim? Totally legit—I’m seeing fewer refills and my wallet is thanking me. Plus, the installation was so simple I almost felt guilty for not making it harder. If you want to keep your pool cozy and clean, this cover’s the way to go! — Sun2Solar Fans
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Why My Solar Cover for 18 Ft Round Pool Is Necessary
I’ve found that using a solar cover for my 18 ft round pool is absolutely essential for maintaining a comfortable swimming temperature without breaking the bank. The cover traps the sun’s heat, warming the water naturally during the day and keeping it from cooling off too quickly at night. This means I can enjoy my pool longer into the season without relying heavily on electric heaters.
Another reason I rely on my solar cover is that it helps reduce water evaporation. I noticed that before using the cover, I had to refill the pool more often due to water loss. Now, with the cover on, evaporation is significantly minimized, saving me both time and money. Plus, it keeps debris like leaves and dirt out, which means less cleaning and maintenance.
Overall, my solar cover has been a simple yet effective way to improve my pool experience. It’s eco-friendly, cost-efficient, and keeps my water warm and clean, making every swim more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on ‘Solar Cover 18 Ft Round Pool’
When I decided to invest in a solar cover for my 18 ft round pool, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the perfect solar cover for your pool.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover for My Pool
I wanted an easy and eco-friendly way to keep my pool warm and reduce water evaporation. A solar cover uses the sun’s energy to heat the water and also keeps debris out, which saved me time on maintenance. It’s a simple solution that helped me extend my swimming season without increasing energy bills.
Size and Fit Matter
Since my pool is an 18 ft round shape, I had to make sure the solar cover matched those exact dimensions. A cover that’s too small won’t protect the entire surface, and one that’s too big can be hard to manage and may not seal properly. I measured my pool carefully and looked for covers specifically labeled for 18 ft round pools to ensure a snug fit.
Material Quality and Thickness
The thickness of the solar cover plays a big role in durability and heat retention. I found that covers between 12 to 16 mil thickness offered a good balance of toughness and flexibility. Thicker covers last longer and provide better insulation but can be heavier to handle. I also checked that the material was UV-resistant to avoid quick degradation in the sun.
Bubble Design for Heat Retention
Most solar covers have a bubble-wrap texture on one side, which traps heat effectively. I made sure the bubbles faced down towards the water, as this design maximizes heat absorption and reduces evaporation. Some covers even have a dual-layer bubble system for extra insulation, which is a great feature if you want to keep your pool warmer during cool nights.
Ease of Use and Storage
Handling an 18 ft cover can be tricky, so I looked for lightweight options. I also considered whether the cover came with a reel system, which makes putting it on and taking it off much easier. Storage is important too – some covers fold compactly, while others need more space. I chose a cover that was easy to roll up and store when not in use.
Budget and Longevity
I compared prices but focused on long-term value. A cheaper cover might save money upfront but wear out quickly, costing more over time. Investing in a quality cover with good reviews and a warranty gave me peace of mind. Remember, a durable solar cover not only saves money on heating but also protects your pool better.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always remove the cover during heavy storms to prevent damage.
- Clean the cover regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
- Use a pool cover pump if water collects on top of the cover.
- Check compatibility if you have any pool accessories or features that might interfere with the cover.
By keeping these points in mind, I found the perfect solar cover that keeps my 18 ft round pool warm, clean, and ready for a swim whenever I want. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed choice for your pool as well!
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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