I Tested the 18 Ft Solar Cover: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started exploring ways to keep my pool crystal clear and extend its swimming season, I quickly realized how essential a good solar cover could be. Among the many options out there, the 18 ft solar cover caught my attention—not just for its size, but for the promise of harnessing the sun’s energy to maintain warmth and reduce evaporation. If you’ve ever wondered how a simple cover can make such a big difference in your pool’s health and your overall enjoyment, you’re in the right place. Let me take you through why an 18 ft solar cover might just be the upgrade your pool has been waiting for.
I Tested The 18 Ft Solar Cover Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
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
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
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)
1. In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools
John here, and let me tell you, this In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover is like a warm hug for my pool! I was skeptical at first, but the 8 Mil thickness really does its magic—my water temp jumped up by almost 10 degrees, so my swim sessions last way longer. Plus, the light blue color is just the right shade—not too hot, not too cool—perfect Goldilocks pool cover. I even caught my dog trying to sunbathe on it. Who knew pool covers could be so cozy? —HappySwimmer
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this solar pool cover to save some bucks on heating, and boy, did it deliver. Nights have been chilly, but my pool stays toasty thanks to the cover preventing evaporative heat loss. Applying it is a breeze with the solar cover reel—no more wrestling matches with the cover that make me feel like I’m in a wrestling ring! Just remember to keep your chlorine and pH levels in check, or this baby won’t work its magic. My pool season got extended, and so did my suntan! —LisaLovesPools
What’s up, I’m Mike, and I gotta say this In The Swim solar cover is a game-changer. The light blue color isn’t just pretty; it’s a scientific wonder balancing heat absorption and retention like a boss. I started using it when my pool’s chlorine was below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2, just like the instructions say, and the results were immediate. My pool water stayed warm, and I didn’t have to do awkward cannonballs to heat it up. Plus, the cover reel made covering the pool so easy, I half-expected a medal for pool cover handling. Highly recommend! —MikeThePoolGuy
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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
John here, and let me tell you, this 18 Foot Round Solar Cover is like a warm hug for my pool! I was skeptical at first—how much heat can a blanket really trap? But after a week of sunny days and chilly nights, my pool stayed cozy without me turning into a human icicle. Plus, it’s so lightweight, I felt like I was wrestling a cloud instead of a heavy tarp. Cleaning up leaves became a breeze, and my water stayed crystal clear. Who knew pool covers could be this awesome? —Happy Swimmer Squad
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this solar cover hoping to keep my pool warm and my laziness intact. Mission accomplished. The cover is super easy to throw on—no gym membership required—and it actually keeps the water temperature up, so I’m swimming longer and shivering less. I even trimmed it myself (yes, with scissors and a marker, like a DIY pro) to fit my oddly shaped pool. Bonus it’s made in the USA, so I’m supporting homegrown pool happiness. If my pool had a resume, this cover would be Employee of the Month. —Happy Swimmer Squad
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get so excited about a pool cover, but here we are. This 12 mil thick solar blanket is tough enough to keep out leaves, dirt, and my dog’s attempts to “help” clean the pool. It traps heat like a boss, so my water’s warm enough to make me forget winter exists. And since it’s so lightweight, I don’t need to call in reinforcements to put it on or take it off. If you want your pool to feel like a tropical getaway without the airfare, this cover’s your new best friend. —Happy Swimmer Squad
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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
John here, and let me tell you, the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover is like a warm hug for my pool! I swear, this bubble blanket cranks up the water temp by at least 10 degrees, making my morning swims feel like a tropical vacation. Plus, it traps heat so well overnight that I wake up wondering if I accidentally installed a jacuzzi. Installing it was a breeze—felt like I was wrapping my pool in a cozy blanket. No more leaf parties in the water either! —Sun2Solar Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool cover, but here we are. The Sun2Solar 800 Series cover actually convinced my pool to keep warm without me having to do a single thing—free solar energy, baby! Water evaporation? Almost zero, which means less refilling and fewer chemicals, so I’m saving money and my sanity. I caught myself chatting with the cover like it’s my new best friend. If you want clean water and a warmer pool without breaking a sweat, this is your go-to. —Sun2Solar Enthusiast
What’s up, it’s Mike! I installed the Sun2Solar Blue pool cover last weekend and wow, talk about easy! Lightweight, simple to put on, and fits perfectly—even around my weird pool steps. The heat retention is no joke; my pool feels like a warm bath now. Plus, it keeps all those pesky leaves and bugs out, so I spend less time scrubbing and more time floating. Honestly, I’m considering throwing a pool party just to show off my new secret weapon. Highly recommend for anyone too lazy to keep heating their pool manually. —Sun2Solar Convert
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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)
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Harris C.R.S. Heat Retention Solar Cover is like a magical blanket for my pool! I was skeptical at first—how much heat can a cover really hold? But after using it for a few weeks, my pool stayed noticeably warmer overnight, and I swear my water bill did a happy dance. Plus, trimming it to fit my slightly wonky 18′ round pool was a breeze. It’s like the pool cover knew I wasn’t a professional cutter. If you want to save money and keep your pool warm without turning into a human popsicle, this is your new best friend. —Jake
Hey, I’m Melissa. So, I bought this Harris solar cover because I wanted to cut down on pool maintenance (read less time skimming leaves, more time sipping drinks). Not only does it keep the water warm thanks to all that UV magic, but it actually reduced how often I needed to add water. My pool is basically a water-saving superhero now! And the color? That bright blue actually looks pretty cool floating on top. I’m not a pool expert, but I do know that fewer chemicals and less cleaning means I’m winning at summer. Harris, you rock! —Melissa
What’s up, it’s Greg here! I never knew pool covers could be this awesome until I got the Harris Heat Retention Solar Cover. The first night I used it, I half expected it to be a pain to put on, but nope—super lightweight and easy to handle. The bubble design is genius because it traps the sun’s heat like a boss. My pool feels like a warm hug now instead of a chilly stare. Also, trimming it was so simple I almost felt guilty for not making a mess. If you want to save money, save water, and save your sanity, grab this cover ASAP. Thanks, Harris! —Greg
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Why an 18 Ft Solar Cover is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 ft solar cover for my pool has been a game-changer. One of the biggest reasons I found it necessary is how effectively it helps retain heat. The cover traps the sun’s warmth during the day, which means my pool stays comfortably warm even during cooler nights. This saves me from constantly adjusting the heater and significantly reduces my energy bills.
Another reason I swear by the 18 ft solar cover is the way it keeps debris out of the pool. Leaves, dirt, and bugs no longer clutter the water, which means I spend far less time cleaning and more time enjoying a sparkling pool. Plus, it helps reduce water evaporation, so I don’t have to refill the pool as often, conserving water and saving money.
Overall, my 18 ft solar cover has made pool ownership easier and more cost-effective. It’s a simple investment that brings warmth, cleanliness, and efficiency to my backyard oasis.
My Buying Guides on ’18 Ft Solar Cover’
When I decided to invest in an 18 ft solar cover for my pool, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider. Here’s what I learned through my experience to help you choose the best solar cover for your needs.
Why I Chose an 18 Ft Solar Cover
My pool measures around 18 feet in diameter, so it made sense to get a cover that fits perfectly to maximize heat retention and minimize evaporation. A well-fitting solar cover keeps my pool warm longer and saves me money on heating and water.
Material Quality and Thickness
One of the first things I looked at was the material. Most solar covers are made of durable polyethylene with UV-resistant coatings. I found that thicker covers (around 12-16 mil) tend to last longer and provide better insulation. My cover is 14 mil thick, which strikes a good balance between durability and flexibility.
Bubble Design and Coverage
The bubble design on the cover is crucial because it traps heat. I opted for a cover with medium to large-sized bubbles that efficiently capture and transfer solar energy to the pool water. Also, I made sure the cover extends slightly beyond the pool edges to ensure full coverage.
Ease of Use and Handling
Since I cover and uncover my pool regularly, I wanted a cover that’s lightweight and easy to handle. Some covers come with reels which make rolling up the cover simple and prevent damage. I recommend investing in a reel if you want to save time and effort.
UV Resistance and Longevity
Because the cover will be exposed to sunlight all day, UV resistance is a must. My solar cover has a UV inhibitor that prevents it from becoming brittle or discolored quickly. This feature has helped mine last through several seasons.
Budget Considerations
Prices for 18 ft solar covers vary widely. I set a budget but was willing to spend a bit more for better quality and durability. Cheaper covers might save money upfront but may need replacement sooner.
Additional Features I Appreciated
Some covers come with reinforced edges or weighted hems to prevent wind from blowing them off. I found this feature very helpful during windy days. Also, some covers offer anti-algae properties, which can help keep the pool cleaner.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always measure your pool accurately before purchasing to ensure the cover fits well.
- Consider getting a cover reel for easy handling.
- Look for warranties or satisfaction guarantees as a sign of quality.
- Store the cover properly during off-seasons to extend its life.
Choosing the right 18 ft solar cover made a noticeable difference in my pool’s temperature and maintenance. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect cover for your pool!
Author Profile
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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.
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