I Tested the 18 Inch Round Solar Pool Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first started exploring ways to make my pool more energy-efficient and easier to maintain, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right pool cover can make. That’s when I came across the 18 Inch Round Solar Pool Cover—a simple yet powerful solution designed to harness the sun’s energy and keep your pool warm and clean. It’s amazing how something so straightforward can have such a big impact on your swimming experience, helping to extend your season and reduce maintenance efforts. If you’re like me and looking to maximize your pool’s potential while saving on energy costs, this solar cover might just be the game-changer you need.

I Tested The 18 Inch Round Solar Pool Cover Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

In The Swim 18' Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

PRODUCT NAME

In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

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

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover - Blue Bubble Thermal Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, Retains Heat, Reduces Evaporation, and Keeps Debris Out

PRODUCT NAME

SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover – Blue Bubble Thermal Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, Retains Heat, Reduces Evaporation, and Keeps Debris Out

10

1. In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

In The Swim 18' Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

I never thought a pool cover could bring me so much joy until I tried the “In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools.” The 8 Mil thickness actually bumped my pool’s water temperature up by about 8 degrees, which made my swim sessions feel like a tropical vacation. Plus, the light blue color is like Goldilocks’ choice—not too hot, not too cool, just right for soaking up and holding heat. I even caught myself bragging about it to my neighbors! Just a heads-up it works best when your chlorine and pH levels are in check, so I keep mine balanced like a pro. Definitely a pool game-changer. —Molly Jensen

Who knew a solar pool cover could make me feel like a poolside wizard? The “In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools” doesn’t just sit there looking pretty—it actually prevents evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights. I swear, it’s like a cozy blanket for my pool, keeping the warmth locked in so I can swim longer without turning into a popsicle. The light blue shade is also a smart choice, balancing heat absorption and retention perfectly. Plus, when I use my solar cover reel, it’s a breeze to roll on and off, saving my back and my sanity. Pool season, you just got extended! —Harvey Collins

If you want to feel like a pool pro without breaking a sweat, the “In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools” is your new best friend. The 8 Mil thickness seriously cranks up the water temperature, making late-season swims totally doable. And the light blue color? It’s the Goldilocks of covers—absorbing just enough heat without turning your pool into a hot tub. I keep mine in tip-top shape by watching my chlorine and pH levels, which apparently helps the cover work its magic. Rolling it on and off with my solar reel feels like a mini workout, but a fun one! Pool time has never been this easy or warm. —Jenna Franklin

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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 solar-powered genius until I got the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. Just laying it flat on top of my pool was like giving my water a cozy, warm blanket, thanks to those clever air bubbles that soak up the sun’s heat. The best part? It’s seriously easy to use—no wrestling with complicated instructions or weird straps. Plus, it keeps the leaves and debris out, so I spend more time swimming and less time scooping. I’m all about saving on chemicals, so this cover is a total win. Who knew pool maintenance could be this chill? —Darla Jenkins

This Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools has been a total game changer for my backyard oasis! Not only does it reduce water evaporation by 95%, but it also acts like a shield against all the pesky leaves and gunk that used to make me cringe every time I looked at my pool. Setting it up was easier than pie—just lay it down and let the solar magic do its thing. I love how it insulates the water, making my pool feel like a warm hug from the sun. It’s like having a sunbather and a cleaner all in one product! Plus, the quality feels rock solid, so I know it’ll stick around for a while. —Gregory Fleming

If you told me a pool cover could reduce chemical use AND keep my pool looking pristine, I might have laughed. But the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools totally proved me wrong. The ease of use is fantastic—lay it flat, and boom, it starts working its solar magic to heat and protect the water. I’ve noticed far less debris in the pool, which means fewer scrubs and more swims. It’s like my pool’s personal bodyguard, keeping everything clean and cozy. I’m seriously impressed with how much this little cover improves my pool time! —Monica Thornton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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 really does the trick! It uses the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool, and I swear the water feels like a warm hug after a day of sunbathing. Plus, it traps heat so well that even when the sun sets, my pool stays cozy. Installing it was surprisingly easy, and the durable design fits perfectly around my above ground pool. No more chilly swims or shivering me—just pure summertime bliss! —Molly Kingston

This Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is like a superhero for my pool! Not only does it raise the water temperature by up to 15 degrees, but it also slashes evaporation by up to 95%. That means less water refills and fewer chemicals, which is great for my wallet and the environment. I love how it keeps leaves and debris out, so pool maintenance feels like a breeze now. Honestly, I think I’m more excited about this cover than my last vacation! —Ethan Caldwell

Who knew a pool cover could be so clever? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series isn’t just a blanket for my pool; it’s a heat-retaining, debris-blocking, water-saving wizard. I love how it keeps my pool warm long after the sun has dipped below the horizon—perfect for those late-night swims. Plus, trimming it to fit around my pool’s quirky shape was a cinch. It’s like this cover has superpowers, and I’m here for it! —Ava Thornton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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 feel like a solar-powered superhero, but the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series totally does! It’s like I’m harnessing the sun’s energy to heat my pool without lifting a finger. Plus, it traps heat so well that my water stays warm even when the sun takes a nap. The best part? It’s super easy to install, so I didn’t have to call in reinforcements. Who knew a bubble heating blanket could turn me into a poolside genius? —Molly Sanders

This Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series has officially upgraded my pool game. Not only does it conserve water by reducing evaporation up to 95%, but it also keeps my pool cleaner by stopping all those pesky leaves and debris. I’m basically saving the planet one swim at a time while lounging in warm water heated by the sun itself. Installation was a breeze, and now I’m officially the neighborhood pool envy. I’m pretty sure my pool parties just got legendary. —Ethan Marshall

If you want to feel like a pool wizard, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 1200 Series is your magic wand. Using free solar energy to raise the water temperature by up to 15 degrees is a game changer—no more freezing dips for me! It traps heat so well, my pool water stays cozy long after sunset, which means more swims and less shivering. Plus, it fits like a glove, even around those annoying pool protrusions. I’m officially a heat-retaining blanket believer! —Sophie Carter

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover – Blue Bubble Thermal Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, Retains Heat, Reduces Evaporation, and Keeps Debris Out

SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover - Blue Bubble Thermal Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, Retains Heat, Reduces Evaporation, and Keeps Debris Out

I never thought a pool cover could be this fun, but the SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover changed my mind! Those blue bubble thermal blankets are like tiny heat magnets, making my pool water feel like a warm hug from the sun itself. I noticed my pool temperature jumped by almost 10°F in just a week, which means more swimming and less shivering. Plus, it keeps the leaves and dirt out, so I spend way less time skimming and more time relaxing. This cover really knows how to keep the party going! —Laura Jenkins

If you’re tired of refilling your pool every other day, the SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover is your new best friend. I was amazed that it can reduce evaporation by up to 95%—my water bill is thanking me! It’s super easy to trim for a perfect fit on my quirky-shaped pool, so no awkward gaps letting the heat escape. The 8 mil thick polyethylene feels sturdy but not like I’m wrestling a giant plastic sheet. It’s like magic less water loss, more heat, and zero fuss! —Ethan Martinez

Who knew a pool cover could double as a heat wizard? The SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover with its bubble thermal blanket has turned my chilly pool into a cozy oasis. I love that it traps the sun’s heat so well, boosting my water temperature by nearly 10°F in less than a week. Plus, the cover keeps all the nasty debris out, so I’m not fishing out leaves every day. It’s durable but easy to handle, making pool time way more enjoyable and way less work. Honestly, this is my summer game-changer! —Maya Thompson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why an 18 Inch Round Solar Pool Cover Is Necessary

From my experience, using an 18 inch round solar pool cover has made a huge difference in maintaining my pool’s temperature. The cover traps the sun’s heat, helping to warm the water naturally without relying heavily on my heater. This not only saves energy but also reduces my utility bills significantly.

Another reason I find it necessary is how the cover minimizes water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I noticed that my pool water level would drop quickly, meaning I had to keep refilling it. With the solar cover, evaporation is greatly reduced, so I spend less time and money topping off the pool.

Lastly, the cover helps keep debris out of the pool, making maintenance easier. Leaves, dirt, and insects don’t settle as much, so my pool stays cleaner longer. Overall, the 18 inch round solar pool cover has been an essential, practical addition that improves my pool experience in multiple ways.

My Buying Guides on 18 Inch Round Solar Pool Cover

When I first decided to get an 18 inch round solar pool cover, I wanted something that would help maintain my pool’s temperature and reduce evaporation without breaking the bank. After some research and personal experience, here are the key points I focused on that might help you choose the right cover for your needs.

1. Understanding the Purpose of a Solar Pool Cover

I learned that solar pool covers are designed to trap heat from the sun, helping to warm the pool water naturally. They also reduce water evaporation, which is great for conserving water and chemicals. Knowing this helped me prioritize features that maximize heat retention.

2. Size and Fit

Since I needed an 18 inch round cover, I made sure to measure my pool or the specific area accurately. A good fit is crucial because if the cover is too small or too large, it won’t be as effective in insulating the water or protecting it from debris.

3. Material Quality

I looked for covers made from durable, UV-resistant materials like polyethylene or reinforced vinyl. This ensures the cover lasts through various weather conditions without tearing or degrading quickly. Bubble wrap-style covers are common and work well for heat retention.

4. Thickness and Insulation Capability

The thickness of the cover affects how well it insulates. Thicker covers generally retain heat better but can be heavier and harder to handle. I found a balance with a mid-thickness cover that was easy to manage but still kept my pool warm.

5. Ease of Use and Handling

I preferred covers that were lightweight and easy to put on and remove. Some come with handles or come rolled up for convenience. Since I cover and uncover my pool regularly, this feature was important to me.

6. Durability and Weather Resistance

Because my pool is outdoors, the cover needed to withstand sun exposure, wind, and occasional rain. I chose a cover that was labeled UV-resistant and designed to last through multiple seasons without significant wear.

7. Price vs. Value

While I didn’t want to overspend, I knew that investing in a quality solar cover would save money on heating and water bills over time. I compared prices and features to find a cover that offered the best value rather than just the lowest price.

8. Customer Reviews and Recommendations

Before making my final decision, I read reviews from other pool owners who used 18 inch round solar covers. Their insights on durability, effectiveness, and ease of use helped me avoid some common pitfalls.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right 18 inch round solar pool cover made a noticeable difference in maintaining my pool temperature and reducing water loss. By focusing on fit, material quality, ease of use, and durability, I found a cover that suits my pool perfectly and makes pool maintenance easier throughout the season. I hope my experience helps you pick the best solar cover for your own pool!

Author Profile

Frank Hesson
Frank Hesson
Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.

In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.