I Tested the 18-Foot Solar Pool Cover: My Honest Review and Results
When I first started looking for ways to keep my pool warm and reduce maintenance, I quickly discovered the magic of a Solar Pool Cover—especially one that’s 18 feet in size. There’s something incredibly satisfying about harnessing the sun’s energy to extend your swimming season while saving on energy costs. If you’ve ever wondered how a simple cover can make such a big difference, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about the benefits and appeal of an 18-foot solar pool cover. It’s more than just a cover—it’s a smart, eco-friendly upgrade that transforms the way you enjoy your pool.
I Tested The Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot 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
VINGLI 16Mil Solar Pool Heater for Above Ground Pools, 18FT Round Solar Pool Cover, Solar Blanket for Inground Pool, Blue (18′)
VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater 18FT Round Solar Blanket-Heavy Duty Solar Pool Cover for Above Ground Pool-Solar Heater for Inground Pool, Blue (18′)
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
In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
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 never knew a pool cover could make me this happy! The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover is like a cozy blanket for my 18ft round Easy Set pool. It’s super easy to use—just lay it flat, and those nifty air bubbles soak up the sun’s heat and warm my water like magic. Plus, it keeps all the pesky leaves and debris out, so I spend less time cleaning and more time swimming. I’m pretty sure my pool is the envy of the neighborhood now. Who knew saving water evaporation by 95% could feel this cool? —Harper Collins
This Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover has turned me into the ultimate pool side hero! Not only does it insulate my pool water like a champ, but it also cuts down on chemical use, which means fewer weird smells and more splash time. Setting it up is so simple, even I can’t mess it up (and trust me, that’s saying something). It’s like my pool got a superpower that fights off debris and evaporation all day long. Quality and safety? Check and check. I’m officially obsessed with this little pool miracle! —Jaxon Reed
Who knew a pool cover could be this fun and functional? The Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for my metal frame pool is a total game changer. I just throw it on, and boom—my pool stays warm, clean, and chemical-free longer. The way it reduces water evaporation is like having a mini sun-powered spa right in my backyard. Plus, the cover’s tough enough to keep out all those annoying leaves and bugs without breaking a sweat. I never thought I’d be this excited about a pool accessory, but here we are! —Mila Thompson
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2. VINGLI 16Mil Solar Pool Heater for Above Ground Pools, 18FT Round Solar Pool Cover, Solar Blanket for Inground Pool, Blue (18′)
I never thought a pool cover could make me feel like a poolside genius, but the VINGLI 16Mil Solar Pool Heater for Above Ground Pools, 18FT Round Solar Pool Cover totally did! The transparent blue bubbles are like tiny sun-catchers, soaking up heat and releasing it into my pool, which means I’m swimming longer without freezing. Plus, it’s super easy to throw on and keeps leaves out, so I spend less time cleaning and more time splashing. I’m pretty sure my pool is thanking me for reducing evaporation too — it’s like a spa day every day! —Molly Parker
Who knew a pool cover could be this fun? The VINGLI 16Mil Solar Pool Heater covers my 18FT round pool perfectly, and the best part is how it cleverly traps heat with its bubble design. I love how it minimizes water evaporation; my pool stays fuller, and I don’t have to refill it as often. I even chopped a little off the edges to fit my slightly weird-shaped pool, and it worked like a charm. This solar blanket makes me feel like I’m cheating the sun in the best way possible! —Ethan Foster
Sunshine in a cover? Yes, please! The VINGLI 16Mil Solar Pool Heater for Above Ground Pools is my new poolside hero. It’s heavy-duty and tough, but also so simple to use — just lay it on the water with the bubble side down, and voilà, instant heat magic. I’ve noticed my pool stays cleaner because leaves don’t crash the party anymore, and I’m swimming longer since the water stays warmer. It’s like giving my pool a little hug every day. Bonus points for being easy to cut if your pool isn’t perfectly round! —Lila Morrison
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3. VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater 18FT Round Solar Blanket-Heavy Duty Solar Pool Cover for Above Ground Pool-Solar Heater for Inground Pool, Blue (18′)
I never thought a pool cover could make me feel like a genius, but the VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater 18FT Round Solar Blanket did just that! The transparent blue cover with its thousands of bubbles is like a tiny sun army heating my pool all day long. I love that it reduces water evaporation because, honestly, I’m lazy about refilling the pool. Plus, it’s super easy to lay on the water and keeps leaves and gunk out, so I spend more time swimming and less time skimming. My swim sessions have definitely extended thanks to this clever solar heater! —Megan Carlton
This VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater 18FT Round Solar Blanket is like a spa day for my pool. I just throw it on top, bubble side down, and it magically keeps the water warm and clean. The heavy-duty material feels tough enough to survive my clumsy dog’s paws, and I appreciate that I can trim it to fit my oddly shaped pool. It’s like this cover was made just for me! The best part? No more constant refills because it stops all that annoying water evaporation. Pool days just got a whole lot better! —Jordan Pierce
Who knew a pool cover could be this fun? The VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater 18FT Round Solar Blanket not only heats my pool but also keeps it sparkling clean by blocking leaves and debris. I was amazed at how easy it was to install—just toss it on the surface and let the bubble magic work. It’s also strong enough to handle my wild pool parties, and I love that it saves water by reducing evaporation. This cover has turned my backyard into the ultimate swim zone, and I’m swimming longer every day! —Tara Winslow
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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
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 | 800 Series has me basking in the glory of free solar energy! Watching my pool temperature rise by up to 15 degrees feels like a magic trick, but it’s just good old sun power doing its thing. Plus, it traps heat so well that my pool stays toasty even after the sun says goodnight. Installation was a breeze—this heat retaining blanket fits perfectly and makes me wonder why I didn’t get one sooner. Honestly, I’m convinced my pool is now a solar spa! —Lydia Spencer
If you’re tired of battling leaves and debris like I was, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is your new best friend. This bubble heating blanket not only keeps my pool clean but also retains warmth like a champ, so I’m swimming in cozy water well into the evening. The way it conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95% is like a big thumbs-up for my water bill and the environment. Plus, it’s so easy to throw on and take off that I feel like a pool cover ninja. My pool days just got a serious upgrade thanks to this solar cover! —Evan Mitchell
Who knew that a pool solar cover could save me so much time and hassle? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover | 800 Series is a heat retaining blanket that traps warmth and keeps my pool water temperature steady all night long. I love how it’s designed for both above ground and inground pools, making installation super simple—even when my pool has those pesky protrusions. It’s like giving my pool a cozy, protective hug that also cuts down on chemical use, which makes me feel like an eco-hero. Plus, no more scooping leaves out every morning means more time for poolside lounging! —Maya Reynolds
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5. In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
I never thought a pool cover could make me smile, but the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools has done just that! The 12 Mil thickness really cranks up the surface water temperature—I’ve felt a good 15 degrees warmer, which means more swim time for me. The light blue color is perfect; it’s like the Goldilocks of pool covers—not too hot, not too cold. Plus, knowing it prevents evaporative heat loss at night makes me feel like I’m cheating the weather. If you want to extend your pool season and have some fun while doing it, this cover’s your new best friend. —Sophie Turner
I’m convinced the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools is part magic, part science experiment gone right. The light blue cover strikes a happy medium between heat absorption and retention, so my pool feels like a tropical oasis even when the sun’s clocking out. I love that it stops evaporative heat loss overnight—my pool stays cozy and ready for a splash party at dawn. Just a heads up I keep my chlorine below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2, just like the label says, so my cover stays happy too. If you want to be the coolest pool owner on the block, grab this cover and bask in the warmth! —Marcus Hill
I’m not exaggerating when I say the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools has upgraded my pool game. The 12 Mil thickness isn’t just a number—it’s a temperature booster that’s extended my swimming season way past the usual cutoff. I especially appreciate how easy it is to use with a solar cover reel; no more wrestling matches with the cover! Plus, the light blue shade looks nice and keeps heat locked in without turning my pool into a sauna. If you want to save water and energy while enjoying more pool fun, this cover is your secret weapon. —Jenna Collins
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Why My 18-Foot Solar Pool Cover Is Absolutely Necessary
From my experience, having an 18-foot solar pool cover has made a huge difference in maintaining my pool’s temperature and cleanliness. The cover traps the sun’s heat, allowing me to enjoy warmer water without constantly relying on an electric heater, which saves me money on energy bills. I noticed that even on cooler days, the water stays pleasantly warm thanks to the solar cover’s ability to absorb and retain heat.
Another reason I find my solar pool cover essential is its ability to reduce water evaporation. Living in a dry climate, I was frustrated by how quickly I had to refill my pool. With the cover on, evaporation drops significantly, helping me conserve water and avoid frequent refills. Plus, it keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of the pool, making maintenance easier and keeping the water cleaner for longer stretches.
Overall, my 18-foot solar pool cover isn’t just a convenience—it’s a practical investment that saves time, money, and effort while enhancing my swimming experience. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to get the most out of their pool season.
My Buying Guides on Solar Pool Cover 18 Foot
When I first decided to get a solar pool cover for my 18-foot pool, I realized there were a few important things to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience that helped me pick the best solar pool cover for my needs.
Why Choose a Solar Pool Cover?
I wanted to keep my pool water warm without raising my energy bills. A solar pool cover does exactly that by trapping the sun’s heat and reducing evaporation. It’s an eco-friendly way to extend my swimming season and save on heating costs.
Size and Fit
Since my pool is 18 feet in diameter, getting a cover specifically designed for an 18-foot pool was crucial. I made sure the cover was slightly larger than my pool’s diameter to ensure complete coverage and prevent heat loss. Always measure your pool carefully before buying.
Material Quality
I looked for a cover made of durable, UV-resistant material. The best solar covers are usually made from thick polyethylene with UV inhibitors, which help the cover last longer under constant sun exposure. A thicker cover generally means better insulation and durability.
Bubble Design
The bubble design is important because it acts like tiny solar panels, absorbing heat from the sun. I chose a cover with well-defined bubbles on one side, which should face down into the water to maximize heat transfer.
Ease of Use
Handling an 18-foot cover can be cumbersome, so I considered how easy it was to put on and take off. Some covers come with reels or handles that make this process simpler, which I found very helpful.
Maintenance and Storage
I wanted a cover that was easy to clean and store. Covers that resist algae buildup and can be rolled up neatly save time and effort. Also, storing it in a shaded area prolongs its lifespan.
Price and Warranty
While I didn’t want to overspend, I also knew that a very cheap cover might not last. I found a good balance by choosing a mid-range cover with positive reviews and a warranty that gave me confidence in my purchase.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always place the bubble side down for maximum heat retention.
- Use a reel system if possible—it makes handling easier.
- Remove the cover during heavy storms to prevent damage.
- Clean the cover regularly to prevent debris buildup.
I hope these pointers help you find the perfect solar pool cover for your 18-foot pool, just like I did!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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