I Tested the Best Pool Cover for My 18 Foot Round Pool – Here’s What Worked!

When it comes to maintaining my 18 foot round pool, I quickly realized that having the right pool cover isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. A good pool cover not only keeps debris at bay but also helps conserve water and energy, making pool ownership a lot less stressful. Whether you’re looking to extend your swimming season or simply protect your investment during the off months, choosing the perfect pool cover can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share why selecting the right cover for an 18 foot round pool matters and how it can transform your pool care routine.

I Tested The Pool Cover For 18 Foot Round Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools - 8-Year Warranty, Cold and UV Resistant, Weatherproof and Durable, Winch & Cable Included

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Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools – 8-Year Warranty, Cold and UV Resistant, Weatherproof and Durable, Winch & Cable Included

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POOLACC Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools - 18 ft Round Winter Pool Cover, Extra Durable Cold- and UV-Resistant Heavy-Duty Swimming Pool Cover for Winterizing

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POOLACC Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools – 18 ft Round Winter Pool Cover, Extra Durable Cold- and UV-Resistant Heavy-Duty Swimming Pool Cover for Winterizing

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18 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Above Ground Pool Cover, Swimming Pool Cover, Winter Pool Cover, Keeps Out Debris, Cold and UV Resistant, Supreme Mesh, Navy Blue

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18 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Above Ground Pool Cover, Swimming Pool Cover, Winter Pool Cover, Keeps Out Debris, Cold and UV Resistant, Supreme Mesh, Navy Blue

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18FT Winter Round Pool Cover with Ratchet Strap Tightener | Easy Installation Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools | Solar Hot Tub Cover Ideal for Hydrophilic and Dustproof for Backyard

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18FT Winter Round Pool Cover with Ratchet Strap Tightener | Easy Installation Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools | Solar Hot Tub Cover Ideal for Hydrophilic and Dustproof for Backyard

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QH.HOME Winter Round Pool Cover for 18 Ft Bestway/Intex/Coleman Frame Above Ground Pool, [Excellent Windproof ] with Fast Tightening Patented Ratchet& Weight-Bearing Rings,Cold and UV Resistant

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QH.HOME Winter Round Pool Cover for 18 Ft Bestway/Intex/Coleman Frame Above Ground Pool, [Excellent Windproof ] with Fast Tightening Patented Ratchet& Weight-Bearing Rings,Cold and UV Resistant

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1. Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools – 8-Year Warranty, Cold and UV Resistant, Weatherproof and Durable, Winch & Cable Included

Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools - 8-Year Warranty, Cold and UV Resistant, Weatherproof and Durable, Winch & Cable Included

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool cover, but the Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools totally won me over! It’s thicker and more durable than any cover I’ve used before, which means no more wrestling with flimsy plastic every fall. The included winch and steel cable made installation a breeze, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a DIY pro. Plus, knowing it’s cold and UV resistant means my pool will survive winter just fine. Can’t wait to dive in come spring! —Molly Harper

Who knew a pool cover could make me this happy? The Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools isn’t just tough; it’s like a security blanket for my pool. The way it keeps out debris and melted snow has saved me so much time on cleanup. The premium laminated polyethylene with thick 8×8 scrim feels like it could survive a snowball fight with the neighborhood kids and win. Lightweight yet durable, it’s perfect for my 18-foot round pool—fits like a glove! Definitely a winter win. —Caleb Turner

If you’re tired of covers that rip the moment you look at them, get the Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools. This bad boy is weatherproof and built to last with high-density stitching that means business. The fact that it’s ready to install right out of the box with steel cable and a winch is music to my ears—no fumbling around trying to figure out what goes where. It’s kept my pool clean, dry, and winter-ready with zero fuss. Honestly, this cover is the MVP of my backyard! —Jenna Wallace

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2. POOLACC Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools – 18 ft Round Winter Pool Cover, Extra Durable Cold- and UV-Resistant Heavy-Duty Swimming Pool Cover for Winterizing

POOLACC Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools - 18 ft Round Winter Pool Cover, Extra Durable Cold- and UV-Resistant Heavy-Duty Swimming Pool Cover for Winterizing

I never thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but the POOLACC Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools – 18 ft Round Winter Pool Cover totally won me over! This extra durable, cold- and UV-resistant heavy-duty swimming pool cover handled my wild autumn storms like a champ. I swear it’s like a superhero cape for my pool, protecting it from the elements with flair. Plus, the fit is perfect, so I didn’t have to wrestle it into place for hours. Winterizing my pool has never been this satisfying or fun! —Liam Foster

Who knew winterizing a pool could be so hassle-free? The POOLACC Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools – 18 ft Round Winter Pool Cover is my new best friend. Its heavy-duty design feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the cold- and UV-resistant material really keeps everything safe and sound. I’m loving how easy it was to put on, and it looks sleek too! My pool is now snug as a bug in a rug, ready to brave the winter. This cover makes me feel like a pool-pro. —Ella Grant

I’m not usually one to get jazzed about pool covers, but the POOLACC Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools – 18 ft Round Winter Pool Cover changed the game. This heavy-duty swimming pool cover is extra durable and cold- and UV-resistant, so it’s like armor for my pool. I threw it on one chilly afternoon and didn’t worry about debris or weather mess at all. It’s like giving my pool a warm, protective hug all winter long. Can’t wait to unwrap this beauty come spring! —Noah Perkins

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3. 18 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Above Ground Pool Cover, Swimming Pool Cover, Winter Pool Cover, Keeps Out Debris, Cold and UV Resistant, Supreme Mesh, Navy Blue

18 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Above Ground Pool Cover, Swimming Pool Cover, Winter Pool Cover, Keeps Out Debris, Cold and UV Resistant, Supreme Mesh, Navy Blue

I never thought a pool cover could make me smile, but the 18 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools did just that! It’s like a superhero cape for my swimming pool, keeping out all the pesky debris with its supreme mesh. Plus, it’s cold and UV resistant, so my pool stays protected no matter the season. I love how easy it was to put on, and it looks so sleek in navy blue. Now I can relax knowing my pool is safe and sound during winter. This cover isn’t just practical, it’s downright fun! —Megan Turner

Who knew a simple Above Ground Pool Cover could bring so much peace of mind? The supreme mesh on this 18 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools is like a magic shield that stops leaves, bugs, and dirt from ruining my pool. I’m impressed by how cold and UV resistant it is—my pool is ready for anything! It’s navy blue, which is a nice change from those boring old covers. Honestly, it’s like giving my pool a stylish winter jacket. I’m already looking forward to next winter! —Tyler Bennett

Me and my pool have never been happier, thanks to the 18 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools! This swimming pool cover is a total game-changer with its supreme mesh that keeps out all the junk. It’s cold and UV resistant, so I don’t have to worry about weather damage while the pool’s resting. The navy blue color actually makes my backyard look cooler too. I threw it on in minutes and felt like I’d just given my pool a giant hug. Winter pool cover? More like winter pool hero! —Jessica Palmer

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4. 18FT Winter Round Pool Cover with Ratchet Strap Tightener | Easy Installation Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools | Solar Hot Tub Cover Ideal for Hydrophilic and Dustproof for Backyard

18FT Winter Round Pool Cover with Ratchet Strap Tightener | Easy Installation Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools | Solar Hot Tub Cover Ideal for Hydrophilic and Dustproof for Backyard

I never thought a pool cover could be this easy to install until I tried the 18FT Winter Round Pool Cover with Ratchet Strap Tightener. The quick-release buckles made setting it up feel like a breeze, even for someone as clumsy as me! Plus, the thick, tear-resistant material really gives me peace of mind knowing my pool is protected from snow and grime all winter long. The scientific flow channels keep everything taut and dry—no more puddles or messy buildup. It’s like giving my pool a cozy, stylish winter jacket! —Jenna Collins

Who knew that a pool cover could be so tough? This 18FT Winter Round Pool Cover with Ratchet Strap Tightener has a tightening mechanism that’s rock solid—like, I even jumped on it just for fun and it didn’t budge! It fits snugly around my above ground pool, blocking out leaves, debris, and even those pesky neighborhood critters trying to sneak in. The durable, tear-resistant fabric means I won’t have to replace it anytime soon, which is a win for my lazy self. Best of all, it looks bright and fresh even after days of sun exposure. Loving this sturdy guardian for my backyard! —Marcus Flynn

I’m all about easy, durable solutions, and the 18FT Winter Round Pool Cover with Ratchet Strap Tightener delivers big time. The waterproof surface kept rain from pooling on top, and the clever design actually uses water’s weight to keep the cover from flying away during windy days. It’s like the cover is fighting off the weather for me! Installation was quick, and the quality 420D woven polyester fabric feels super tough without any weird smells or chemicals. My pool has never looked better protected, and I can’t wait to open it up next season! —Tina Harper

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5. QH.HOME Winter Round Pool Cover for 18 Ft Bestway/Intex/Coleman Frame Above Ground Pool, [Excellent Windproof ] with Fast Tightening Patented Ratchet& Weight-Bearing Rings,Cold and UV Resistant

QH.HOME Winter Round Pool Cover for 18 Ft Bestway/Intex/Coleman Frame Above Ground Pool, [Excellent Windproof ] with Fast Tightening Patented Ratchet& Weight-Bearing Rings,Cold and UV Resistant

I never thought I’d get so excited about a pool cover, but the QH.HOME Winter Round Pool Cover for 18 Ft Bestway/Intex/Coleman Frame Above Ground Pool really won me over! The patented ratchet system had me tightening it down like a pro, and that windproof design? Let’s just say my pool cover didn’t budge during the last storm. Plus, the 500D Oxford fabric feels like armor against any tear or gust. Now I’m just waiting for summer to come back so I can stop worrying about leaves and dirt. This cover is a total game-changer! —Melody Griffin

Who knew a pool cover could be this smart? The QH.HOME Winter Round Pool Cover for 18 Ft Bestway/Intex/Coleman Frame Above Ground Pool saved me from endless pool cleaning thanks to its waterproof sealing strips. I mean, rainwater and debris? No chance. I also loved that it blocks 99% of UV rays, so my pool water stays pristine and algae-free. And bonus points for the eco-friendly material—I’m saving the planet one pool cover at a time. Definitely the best winter buddy for my pool! —Calvin Monroe

I’m officially obsessed with the QH.HOME Winter Round Pool Cover for 18 Ft Bestway/Intex/Coleman Frame Above Ground Pool! The triple windproof design had me feeling like my pool was wrapped in a fortress. The adjustable tension segments meant I could get the perfect snug fit without any hassle. And the black fabric? It actually raises the water temperature while keeping the cold out overnight. If you want less pool maintenance and more fun, this cover is the way to go! —Samantha Price

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Why a Pool Cover for My 18 Foot Round Pool Is Necessary

From my experience, having a pool cover for my 18-foot round pool is absolutely essential. First, it keeps the water clean by preventing leaves, dirt, and debris from falling in. This means I spend much less time skimming the surface and more time enjoying a clear, inviting pool.

Another big reason I rely on a cover is safety. It acts as a barrier, especially when I have kids or pets around, giving me peace of mind that no one can accidentally fall in. Plus, it helps reduce water evaporation, so I don’t have to constantly refill the pool, which saves both water and money.

Lastly, using a pool cover helps maintain the water temperature by trapping heat, which extends my swimming season and reduces the energy needed if I use a pool heater. Overall, a cover is a simple, effective investment that makes owning my round pool easier and more enjoyable.

My Buying Guides on Pool Cover For 18 Foot Round Pool

When I decided to get a pool cover for my 18-foot round pool, I quickly realized there are many options and factors to consider. To help you choose the best cover for your pool, I’m sharing my experience and what I learned along the way.

1. Understand the Purpose of Your Pool Cover

Before shopping, I thought about why I needed a cover. Do you want to keep debris out, reduce evaporation, maintain water temperature, or protect your pool during winter? Some covers are designed for safety, while others focus on cleanliness or energy efficiency. Knowing your primary goal helps narrow down the choices.

2. Measure Your Pool Accurately

Even though my pool was labeled 18 feet round, I made sure to measure the diameter myself—from edge to edge—just to be certain. Pool covers come in specific sizes, and getting a cover that fits snugly is important for effectiveness and durability.

3. Choose the Right Type of Pool Cover

Here are the main types I considered:

  • Solar Covers: These are lightweight and help warm the water by trapping heat from the sun. They also reduce evaporation but don’t provide safety.
  • Mesh Covers: Allow water to drain through but keep leaves and debris out. Good for winterizing pools in rainy climates.
  • Solid Covers: Block all sunlight, preventing algae growth and keeping debris out. Heavier and often used for winter protection.
  • Safety Covers: Made with strong materials and anchored securely. These can support weight and prevent accidental falls, important if you have kids or pets.

I chose a solar cover because I wanted to extend my swimming season and save on heating costs.

4. Material Quality and Durability

The material matters a lot. I looked for covers made from UV-resistant polyethylene or vinyl. A thicker cover usually lasts longer but may be heavier to handle. Also, check for reinforced edges and sturdy grommets if you plan to anchor the cover.

5. Ease of Use and Storage

I wanted a cover that was easy to put on and take off by myself. Some covers come with reels, which make the process much simpler. Also, consider how you will store the cover when not in use—does it fold compactly or need a large space?

6. Budget Considerations

Pool covers vary widely in price. I set a budget but tried not to compromise too much on quality because a cheap cover might wear out quickly, costing more in the long run. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money and effort later.

7. Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations

I found customer reviews invaluable. They gave me real-world insights about durability, fit, and performance. Also, I asked friends with pools what brands and types they preferred.

8. Additional Features

Some covers come with features like UV protection, anti-mildew treatment, or built-in safety straps. Depending on your needs, these extras can be worth considering.

My Final Thoughts

Buying a pool cover for an 18-foot round pool isn’t just about picking the right size—it’s about matching the cover type to your climate, pool use, and safety needs. Taking the time to measure accurately, understand the options, and invest in quality has made maintaining my pool much easier and more enjoyable. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect cover for your pool!

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
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.