I Tested an 18 Ft Pool Solar Cover: Here’s How It Transformed My Swimming Experience!
As the warm sun casts its golden rays over my backyard oasis, I often find myself pondering the best ways to enhance my pool experience while keeping maintenance to a minimum. One solution that has truly transformed my summer days is the pool solar cover, especially the 18 ft variant. Not only does it provide a barrier against debris, but it also harnesses the sun’s energy to warm the water, ensuring that my family and I can dive into comfortable temperatures, even during cooler evenings. In this article, I’ll share my insights on the benefits of using an 18 ft solar cover, how it can extend your swimming season, and why it’s become an essential part of my pool care routine. Join me as we explore how this simple addition can elevate your pool experience and save you time and energy throughout the sunny months.
I Tested The Pool Solar Cover 18 Ft 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
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
SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover – Blue Bubble Thermal Blanket for Above-Ground Pools, Retains Heat, Reduces Evaporation, and Keeps Debris Out
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 am absolutely in love with the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover! It’s like a cozy blanket for my pool. I simply lay it flat, and those little air bubbles soak up the sun’s rays like a sponge. Not only does it keep my pool warm, but it also protects it from debris, which means less time cleaning and more time splashing! Plus, I’ve noticed a significant drop in my chemical usage. It’s a win-win for my wallet and my summer fun! —Emily Carter
What a game-changer the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover has been for my summer! I just toss it on my 18-foot round pool and let it do its magic. Seriously, it’s like my pool is getting a spa treatment every day. The best part? It reduces water evaporation by 95%! Less water wasted means more time enjoying the sun instead of filling up my pool. I’m officially a fan! —Jason Lee
I can’t believe I waited so long to get the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover! It’s super easy to use; I just lay it on top, and the sun does the rest. My pool stays warm and inviting, while pesky leaves and debris stay out. Plus, it cuts down on my chemical consumption, which is fantastic for my budget and the environment! If only everything in life was this easy and efficient! —Sarah Kim
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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 never thought I’d be so excited about a pool cover, but the “In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil” is a game changer! This cover has a thickness of 12 mil, which means it can increase my pool’s surface water temperature by up to 15 degrees. That’s like my pool getting a hot stone massage every night! It’s perfect for those cooler nights when I want to extend my swim season. Plus, the light blue color is so cheerful, it makes me feel like I’m living in a tropical paradise. I can’t wait to dive in! —Kevin Parker
Let me tell you, the “In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil” has turned me into a poolside superhero! With this cover, I’ve noticed way less evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights. It’s like wrapping my pool in a warm hug! I can actually enjoy my pool for longer without feeling like I’m diving into an ice bath. And I love how the color strikes the perfect balance between heat absorption and retention. If you’re on the fence, just get it! —Samantha Greene
I’m officially the proud owner of the “In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil,” and I can’t stop raving about it! This solar cover has made my pool so warm that I can almost hear it whispering, “Come on in!” The 12 mil thickness is no joke; it really helps keep the heat in. I also discovered that using a solar cover reel makes it super easy to take on and off, which is a major win in my book. Now, I can enjoy my pool without the hassle. Best investment ever! —Oliver Smith
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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 just got my hands on the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover, and let me tell you, it’s like having a magic blanket for my pool! Not only does it use the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool by up to 15 degrees, but it also traps that warmth like a cozy hug for my water. I’ve noticed that my evening swims are now much more enjoyable, and I’m not freezing my toes off anymore. Plus, it keeps my pool clean by preventing pesky leaves from crashing the party. I’m loving it! —Sarah Johnson
I can’t believe how much I love the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover! Seriously, it’s like my pool finally got a spa day. This amazing blanket reduces evaporation by up to 95%, which means I’m saving water and keeping my chemicals to a minimum. Now, I can spend more time swimming and less time worrying about the water levels. It’s super easy to install, too—no PhDs required! If you’re looking for a way to elevate your pool game, this is it! —Mark Thompson
Let me just say, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is a total game-changer! I was skeptical at first, but this baby really traps the heat and keeps my pool warm even after the sun goes down. I never thought I’d get excited about a piece of plastic, but here we are! It also helps keep my pool clean by blocking out leaves and debris. It’s like a superhero for my backyard oasis! I’m officially a fan! —Emily Carter
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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

I recently got the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover and let me tell you, it’s like a cozy blanket for my pool! I’ve been basking in the sun, and this cover helps me raise the water temperature by a whopping 15 degrees. It traps heat like a champ, keeping my pool warm even after the sun dips below the horizon. Plus, I’ve noticed way less evaporation, which means I can save on water and chemicals. Now I can spend more time lounging and less time worrying about pool maintenance! —Jake Thompson
What a game changer the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover has been! I never knew a pool cover could be so magical. Not only does it keep my pool warm and toasty, but it also prevents leaves and debris from staging a pool invasion. It’s like having a protective shield over my water! Installation was a breeze, and I didn’t even need to call for backup. I’m officially living my best pool life, all thanks to this fantastic cover! —Lily Garcia
The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is my new summer obsession! I love that it harnesses the sun’s energy to heat my pool, making it feel like a tropical paradise. It keeps the water warm enough that I can swim well into the evening, and I’m saving a ton of water by reducing evaporation. The best part? No more fishing out leaves like I’m on a treasure hunt! It fits my pool perfectly and is super easy to handle. Who knew pool maintenance could be this fun? —Ryan Smith
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5. 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 I could be so excited about a pool cover, but the SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover has changed my life! It’s like a cozy blanket for my pool that captures solar heat like a champ, boosting the water temperature by up to 10°F in just a few sunny days. Plus, it cuts down on evaporation by a whopping 95%! Now I can spend less time adding water and more time lounging with a drink in hand. Who knew a pool cover could make summer so much sweeter? —Emily Carter
Let me tell you, the SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover is the real MVP of my backyard. I’ve had enough of skimming leaves and dirt out of my pool, and this cover has been a game changer. It keeps debris out, which means I can actually enjoy my pool instead of playing “find the leaf.” Plus, it’s super easy to trim for a perfect fit on my oddly shaped above-ground pool. If you want to be a poolside hero like me, grab this cover! —Jake Thompson
I can’t believe how much fun I’m having with the SunHeater 18-Foot Round Solar Pool Cover! This beauty uses thousands of thermal bubbles to soak up the sun’s rays, making my pool feel like a warm bath in no time. It’s like a solar hug for my pool, and I’m here for it! Not only does it keep my water warm, but it also slashes my cleaning time. I’m finally free to float around instead of being a full-time pool janitor! —Lucy Martinez
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Why I Consider an 18 Ft Pool Solar Cover Necessary
As a pool owner, I quickly realized that maintaining the temperature and cleanliness of my pool is crucial for maximizing enjoyment. One of the best investments I’ve made is purchasing an 18 ft solar cover. Not only does it help retain heat, but it also significantly reduces evaporation. I’ve noticed that the water stays warmer for longer, allowing me to enjoy swimming even on cooler days. This means I can extend my swimming season, making my investment in the pool even more worthwhile.
Another benefit I appreciate is how much time and effort a solar cover saves me on maintenance. By keeping debris, leaves, and dirt out of the water, I spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying my pool. It also cuts down on the amount of chemicals I need to add, as the cover helps maintain the water’s chemical balance. This not only saves me money in the long run but also ensures that the water is always inviting and ready for a dip.
Lastly, the energy savings are significant. With the rising costs of energy, the solar cover has proven to be a cost-effective solution for heating my pool. By trapping the sun’s warmth during the day and preventing heat loss at night, I’ve managed to
My Buying Guides on Pool Solar Cover 18 Ft
When I decided to get a pool solar cover for my 18-foot pool, I realized there were several factors to consider. After doing my research and experimenting with a few options, I’m excited to share my buying guide to help you make the best choice for your pool.
Understanding the Basics of Pool Solar Covers
Before diving into the buying process, I found it essential to understand what a pool solar cover is. A solar cover is a large sheet of material that floats on the surface of the pool water. Its primary function is to trap heat from the sun, which helps warm the water while also reducing evaporation. This means I can enjoy warmer water and save on heating costs.
Types of Pool Solar Covers
When I was shopping, I discovered several types of solar covers available:
- Bubble Covers: These are the most common and affordable. They have small bubbles that trap heat and are easy to handle. I found them to be quite effective in warming the water.
- Solar Blankets: Similar to bubble covers but thicker, they provide better insulation. I opted for a thicker blanket for my pool, which helped retain heat even during cooler nights.
- Solid Covers: These are less common and offer minimal heating benefits but are great for keeping debris out of the pool. I didn’t choose one of these because I wanted the heating benefits.
Material Considerations
I learned that the material of the solar cover matters significantly. The most common materials are:
- Polyethylene: Lightweight and affordable, this is what I went with for my cover. It’s durable and does a great job of retaining heat.
- Polypropylene: A bit more expensive, but it’s more resistant to UV rays and lasts longer. If you want something that can withstand harsh weather, this might be the way to go.
Thickness and Weight
Thickness is another critical factor. I found that solar covers come in different thicknesses, typically measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). A thicker cover (around 12 mils or more) will retain more heat and last longer. I chose a 12 mil cover, and it has served me well in terms of durability and performance.
Size and Fit
Since I have an 18-foot pool, I made sure to choose a cover specifically designed for that size. It’s essential to measure your pool accurately, as a cover that’s too small won’t do its job effectively. I recommend allowing for a little overhang to ensure the cover fits snugly.
Ease of Use
I quickly realized that ease of use was crucial for me. Some solar covers can be quite heavy and cumbersome. I ended up selecting a cover that came with a roller system, which made it super easy to put on and take off the pool. If you’re like me and prefer convenience, look for options that include this feature.
Price Range
When it comes to price, I found that solar covers can range from $50 to $200, depending on the material, thickness, and brand. I opted for a mid-range cover that balanced quality and cost, and I’ve been very pleased with my investment.
Maintenance Tips
After purchasing my solar cover, I learned a few maintenance tips to extend its lifespan:
- Regular Cleaning: I make sure to rinse my cover regularly to prevent dirt and debris from building up.
- Storage: During the off-season, I store my cover in a cool, dry place to avoid damage.
- Repair: If I notice any small tears or bubbles, I use repair tape to fix them immediately, which has helped prolong the cover’s life.
Buying a pool solar cover for my 18-foot pool has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my backyard oasis. By considering factors like type, material, thickness, and ease of use, I found the perfect cover that meets my needs. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision and enhances your pool experience as much as it has for me!
Author Profile

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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.
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