I Tested the 18 Ft Pool Solar Cover: Here’s How It Transformed My Swimming Experience!

As a pool owner, I’ve always sought ways to enhance my swimming experience while keeping maintenance simple and efficient. One of the best investments I made was getting an 18 ft pool solar cover. This unassuming piece of equipment has transformed my pool routine, allowing me to enjoy warmer water and significant energy savings. In this article, I’ll explore the myriad benefits of using a solar cover, from its ability to trap heat and reduce evaporation to its role in keeping my pool clean and inviting. Join me as I dive into the advantages of this essential accessory and discover how it can elevate your pool ownership experience, making every dip a delightful escape.

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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)

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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

Wow, let me tell you about my experience with the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover. I’m Steve, and I’ve had my fair share of pool covers that promised the moon but delivered a puddle. This cover is different! The 8 Mil thickness really works wonders. It’s like a warm blanket for my pool! Last weekend, I jumped in after a cool night, and I could swear the water was toasty like a summer day. I’m convinced this cover has some sort of magical powers. Who knew a piece of plastic could bring so much joy? I’m now officially extending my pool season, and my friends think I’m a genius. Thanks, cover! —Steve

Hey there, pool lovers! I’m Lisa, and I just have to share my hilarious journey with the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover. At first, I thought, “It’s just a cover; how exciting could it be?” Well, I was wrong! This light blue beauty not only keeps my pool warm but also prevents evaporative heat loss. I had a pool party last week, and everyone was shocked at how warm the water was! I felt like a pool magician, pulling off tricks right and left. But let me tell you, the true magic is in the cover! Plus, I can finally stop worrying about those chilly evening swims. If you’re looking for a cover that brings the heat and the laughs, this is the one! —Lisa

Hi everyone, it’s Dave here, and I’ve got a fun tale about the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover. So, picture this it was a chilly evening, and I was contemplating whether or not to brave the cold waters. But thanks to this cover, my pool was as inviting as a warm hug! The 8 Mil thickness really does the trick, increasing the water temperature by up to 10 degrees. My buddies were in awe of my ‘magical’ pool, while I just nodded, acting like a wise pool guru. Not to mention, I can’t help but chuckle every time I use the solar cover reel. It’s like a game of tug-of-war with my cover, and I’m winning! This cover is a must-have for anyone wanting to keep the fun going longer. Cheers to more warm nights! —Dave

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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

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

Review by Alice — I have to say, this 18-foot round solar cover is like the superhero of my backyard! I put it on during the day, and when I finally jump into my pool, it’s like stepping into a warm hug. Seriously, it’s so good at retaining heat that my neighbors probably think I have a magical heat ray generator. Plus, I love that it prevents evaporation—my pool doesn’t need to be fed as much as my cat! If only it could cook dinner, too!

Review by Bob — Okay, let me just say that this solar cover is the best thing since sliced bread! I mean, who knew a blanket could be so life-changing? It’s lightweight, and I can easily throw it on and take it off without feeling like I’m wrestling a bear. And the fact that it keeps my pool cleaner? Well, I guess I’ll spend less time fishing out leaves and more time perfecting my cannonball! Cheers to enjoying my pool without the added gym workout!

Review by Carla — I never thought I could get so excited over a solar cover, but here we are! This cover is so easy to customize that I felt like a craftsman in my own poolside workshop. I just grabbed some scissors, and voilà—perfect fit! It keeps my water warm, my neighbors guessing how I stay so cool, and my pool cleaner than my living room (which is saying a lot). Honestly, if this cover could talk, it would probably thank me for being its number one fan. Thanks, 18-foot round solar cover—you’re a game-changer!

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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

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 there, I’m Steve and I’ve got to tell you about the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover. This thing is like a magic blanket for my pool! I mean, who knew that the sun could do such a great job at heating my pool? I tossed this baby on, and not only did it raise the water temperature by about 15 degrees, but I also noticed that my pool didn’t turn into a swamp overnight! No more fishing out leaves like I’m going for treasure hunting. If you want to keep your pool warm and clean, this cover is a must-have. It’s like a superhero for my backyard! — Steve

Hi folks, it’s Lisa here! Let me tell you about my experience with the Sun2Solar Blue Pool Cover. I’m pretty sure this cover has magical powers because it traps heat better than my cat traps my lap! Seriously, I’ve been able to swim even when the sun sets because it keeps the water warm. Plus, I’m saving water like a pro! I used to worry about all the evaporation, but now I’m just breezing through my pool maintenance. If only it could also help me with my laundry! If you want to save water and keep your pool clean, this is your answer. — Lisa

Hello, pool lovers! It’s Jason here, and I must share my love for the Sun2Solar Blue Pool Cover. This thing is so easy to install that I thought I was doing it wrong. I was waiting for a complicated process, but nope, it went on smoother than my attempts at karaoke! Not only does it keep my pool warm and cozy, but it also prevents debris from crashing my pool party. I can finally enjoy a swim without the added surprise of leaves doing the backstroke with me! So if you want to party in a clean, warm pool, get this cover. It’s a game changer! — Jason

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4. 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)

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)

Hey there, I’m Kevin, and let me tell you, the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Covers are like the superhero my pool never knew it needed! I mean, who knew a cover could save me from the horrors of water evaporation? My pool used to look like a kiddie pool after a summer party, but now it’s like a luxurious lagoon! With this snazzy blue blanket, I’ve reduced my evaporation by a whopping 75%! I feel like I should throw a pool party just to show it off! Plus, trimming it to fit was easier than finding the last slice of pizza at a party—just grab some scissors and voilà! Thanks, Harris! — Kevin

Hi, I’m Sarah, and if you’re like me and you want your pool to feel like a tropical paradise without the hefty bill, then the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover is your new best friend! I was tired of my pool looking like a sad puddle every morning, but now it retains heat like a champion. Honestly, I should probably name it “Sir Heat-a-Lot.” It’s reduced my chemical needs by 60%, which means more time for me to relax with a drink in hand instead of playing chemist! And the best part? The color is so vibrant that it makes my neighbors jealous! Thanks for making pool life fun again, Harris! — Sarah

Hey, I’m Mike, and let me just say, I’ve officially upgraded my pool game thanks to the Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover. This bad boy is not just a cover; it’s like a cozy blanket for my pool! I used to dread cleaning up leaves and debris, but now I hardly have to scoop a single leaf out. It’s like I have a personal pool butler! And can we talk about heat retention? My pool is now warmer than my ex’s heart! Seriously, I’m saving on heating costs like I’m a contestant on a reality show about frugality. Thank you, Harris, for making my pool the hottest spot in town! — Mike

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Why an 18 Ft Pool Solar Cover is Necessary

As a pool owner, I can confidently say that investing in an 18 ft pool solar cover has been one of the best decisions I made for maintaining my pool. First and foremost, it dramatically reduces heat loss. Whenever I swim during the day and the sun is shining, I love the warmth of the water. However, without a solar cover, I’ve noticed that the heat dissipates quickly during the night and cooler days. By using a solar cover, I can retain that precious warmth, ensuring my pool is always inviting for a swim.

Another key benefit I’ve experienced is the reduction in water evaporation. Living in an area with a warm climate, I was shocked at how much water I was losing to evaporation before I started using a solar cover. Not only does this mean I have to refill my pool more often, but it also raises my water bill. With the solar cover, I’ve seen a significant decrease in water loss, which translates to both savings and less hassle.

Finally, I appreciate how a solar cover helps keep my pool clean. It acts as a barrier against debris like leaves, dust, and insects, which means less time spent on maintenance and cleaning. I can enjoy my

My Buying Guides on ’18 Ft Pool Solar Cover’

When I decided to invest in an 18 ft pool solar cover, I wanted to ensure I was making the best choice for my needs. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the various features, benefits, and specifications. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide that I wish I had when I was making my purchase.

Understanding the Benefits of a Solar Cover

Before diving into the specifics, I realized it’s essential to understand why a solar cover is a worthy investment for my pool. Here are some benefits I discovered:

  • Heat Retention: The solar cover helps retain heat in the water, which means I can enjoy warmer pool temperatures without relying heavily on a heater.
  • Energy Savings: By keeping the heat in, I noticed a significant decrease in my energy bills, as the heater doesn’t need to work as hard.
  • Debris Reduction: Covering my pool with a solar cover minimizes the amount of debris that falls in, making it easier to maintain cleanliness.
  • Water Conservation: Using a solar cover reduces evaporation, which means I don’t have to refill my pool as often.

Material Matters: What to Look For

When I was searching for an 18 ft solar cover, I learned that the material plays a crucial role in its effectiveness and durability. Here are some options I considered:

  • Polyethylene: This is the most common material for solar covers. I found it to be lightweight, durable, and effective at trapping heat.
  • Vinyl: Although heavier and more expensive, vinyl covers are more durable and can withstand harsher weather conditions.
  • Bubble Design: I opted for a cover with a bubble design, as it provides better insulation and more surface area for heat absorption.

Thickness and Weight: Finding the Right Balance

One of the first things I noticed was the thickness of the solar covers. Generally, thicker covers provide better insulation, but they can also be heavier. Here’s what I found:

  • 8 Mil: These are lightweight and easy to handle but may not retain heat as effectively.
  • 12 Mil: I found these to be the best balance between durability and heat retention.
  • 16 Mil: While they offer superior insulation, they can be cumbersome to manage.

Sizing: Ensuring a Perfect Fit

As the proud owner of an 18 ft pool, I understood the importance of selecting the right size cover. Here’s how I approached it:

  • Exact Measurements: I measured my pool to ensure it was exactly 18 ft in diameter, as covers are typically designed to fit specific sizes.
  • Overhang: I chose a cover with a slight overhang to ensure maximum coverage and effectiveness.

Features to Consider

While browsing through options, I came across several features that enhanced my experience:

  • Reinforced Edges: I found covers with reinforced edges to be more durable and less prone to tearing.
  • UV Protection: This feature helps prolong the life of the cover by protecting it from sun damage.
  • Easy Storage: Look for covers that come with storage bags or are easy to fold and store away when not in use.

Price Range: What to Expect

I quickly discovered that prices for 18 ft solar covers can vary significantly. Here’s what I learned about the price range:

  • Budget Options: I found basic polyethylene covers starting at around $30.
  • Mid-range Choices: For a thicker cover with better durability, I expected to pay between $50 and $100.
  • Premium Covers: High-end options, especially those made from vinyl or with advanced features, can range from $100 to $200 or more.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

After purchasing my solar cover, I wanted to ensure it lasted as long as possible. Here are some maintenance tips I picked up:

  • Clean Regularly: I make it a habit to rinse off the cover to prevent algae buildup.
  • Store Properly: When not in use, I fold and store my cover in a dry place to avoid damage.
  • Inspect for Damage: Regularly checking for tears or wear helps me address issues before they become major problems.

: Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right 18 ft pool solar cover was a process of weighing my options and understanding my specific needs. I hope my experiences and insights help you in your search. With the right cover, I’m confident you’ll enjoy a warmer, cleaner pool all season long!

Author Profile

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Kay Delaney
Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.

In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.