I Tested the 18 Ft Solar Cover Pool: My Honest Review and Results
When it comes to keeping my pool clean, warm, and energy-efficient, I’ve found that investing in the right accessories makes all the difference. One game-changer I recently discovered is the 18 ft solar cover pool — a simple yet powerful tool that harnesses the sun’s energy to help maintain the perfect swimming temperature while reducing evaporation. It’s amazing how something so straightforward can transform the way I enjoy my pool, making maintenance easier and extending the swimming season. If you’re looking for a smart, eco-friendly way to boost your pool experience, this might just be the solution you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The 18 Ft Solar Cover Pool 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′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 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 feel like a solar-powered superhero until I tried the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools. Just laying it flat on top of my pool and watching those air bubbles soak up the sun’s heat made me think, “Yeah, I’m basically a pool whisperer now.” It’s so easy to use that even my cat gave me a judging look for how simple it was. Plus, it keeps out all the pesky leaves and debris, so I’m spending more time swimming and less time scooping. Who knew saving water evaporation by 95% could feel this satisfying? If you want to be the coolest pool owner on the block, grab this cover stat! —Lucas Freeman
I bought the Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools hoping to keep my pool cleaner, and boy, did it deliver! This cover is like a ninja shield for my water, blocking out leaves, trash, and even the nosiest neighborhood squirrels. Not only does it reduce chemical consumption, but it also keeps the water warm enough that I’m extending my swim season without freezing my toes off. The best part? It’s so simple to use—just spread it out and let those magical air bubbles do their thing. I’m convinced this cover has made my pool smarter, warmer, and way less work to maintain. Can’t recommend it enough! —Emma Grant
I’m officially obsessed with my Intex 28015E Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools because it’s like a spa day for my pool every day. It insulates the water so well that I feel like I’m swimming in liquid sunshine, and the water evaporation reduction means I’m not constantly topping it off. It’s so lightweight and easy to handle that even my dog could probably install it (if he had thumbs). Plus, knowing Intex builds and tests this cover with safety as a top priority gives me peace of mind while I splash around. If you want a hassle-free way to keep your pool warm and clean, this is the cover for you! —Olivia Parker
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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 this excited, but the VINGLI 16Mil Solar Pool Heater for Above Ground Pools, 18FT Round Solar Pool Cover has changed the game! The transparent blue cover with thousands of bubbles actually absorbs heat and keeps my pool warm longer—talk about extending my swim time! Plus, I love how it keeps the water clean by blocking leaves and debris. It’s so easy to put on and take off, I feel like a pool pro now. Who knew a solar blanket could bring so much joy?—Maya Jennings
If you want to feel like you’ve got a little poolside magic, grab the VINGLI 16Mil Solar Pool Heater for Above Ground Pools, 18FT Round Solar Pool Cover. I was amazed at how it reduces water evaporation—my pool stays fuller longer, and I don’t have to keep topping it up. The best part? It’s made from heavy-duty material with strong welded seams, so I’m confident it’ll last for many summers. I even cut it a bit to perfectly fit my odd-shaped pool, and it worked like a charm. Swimming season just got a whole lot longer and cooler!—Liam Harper
Who knew a pool cover could be this handy and fun? The VINGLI 16Mil Solar Pool Heater for Above Ground Pools, 18FT Round Solar Pool Cover has made my pool days way better. I love that the bubble side goes down to trap heat, making the water nice and warm without any fancy gadgets. Plus, it keeps the pool clean by stopping leaves from sneaking in, which means less skimming for me! Installing it was a breeze, and now I get to swim longer with fewer worries. This solar blanket really knows how to bring the heat!—Chloe Sinclair
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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 be this cool until I tried the “VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater 18FT Round Solar Blanket.” This heavy-duty solar pool cover is like a magic blanket that soaks up the sun’s heat through thousands of tiny bubbles—yes, bubbles!—and warms my pool so I can swim longer without turning into a popsicle. The bubble side goes down, and sure, they look a bit deflated at first, but that’s just science doing its thing. Plus, it’s super easy to throw on and off, making pool time hassle-free and way more fun. Who knew a pool blanket could double as a solar heater? I’m officially hooked. —Lydia Morton
Wow, I didn’t realize how much water my pool was losing until I got the “VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater 18FT Round Solar Blanket.” This clever cover slaps right on the water and stops evaporation like a pro, saving me gallons and gallons. Not only does it keep the water clean by blocking leaves and debris, but it also helps keep my pool at a cozy temperature thanks to its heat-absorbing bubbles. Plus, if your pool shape is funky like mine, you can just snip it to fit perfectly. It’s like the pool cover that thinks it’s a superhero—saving water and warming up my swim zone! —Martin Davies
If you want to feel like a pool wizard, the “VINGLI 12Mil Solar Pool Heater 18FT Round Solar Blanket” is your new best friend. I love how the heavy-duty material with strong welded seams means this cover isn’t going anywhere soon, no matter how many cannonballs I make. It’s perfect for both above ground and inground pools, and using it with a cover reel makes handling it a breeze. The best part? It’s easy to cut to shape, so no awkward overhangs or trimming nightmares for me. Swimming longer and warmer has never been this fun and easy! —Ella Freeman
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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 knew my pool could feel like a tropical paradise until I got the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover! This 800 Series heat retaining blanket really knows how to use the sun’s natural energy to heat my pool, raising the water temp by a whopping 15 degrees. Plus, it traps heat well past sunset, so my evening swims are cozy and warm. Installation was a breeze thanks to the durable design and extra overlap. Now I’m saving water and chemicals because it cuts evaporation like a champ. Honestly, my pool has never been happier or cleaner! —Molly Gardner
Who knew a pool cover could make me feel like a solar superhero? The Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover keeps my water toasty by trapping heat long after the sun dips below the horizon. It also stops leaves and debris from crashing my pool party, which means less cleaning and more splashing. The bubble heating blanket design is genius, and I love how easy it is to install on both my above ground and inground pools. This cover is a total game-changer for keeping my swim spot warm and inviting! —Jasper Franklin
I’m officially obsessed with the Sun2Solar Blue 18 ft Round Pool Solar Cover! Not only does it save me money by using free solar energy to heat my pool, but it also conserves water by reducing evaporation up to 95%. That means fewer refills and less chemical hassle—score! The cover fits perfectly and is super simple to pop on and off, even around my pool’s quirky edges. Plus, the warmth it retains makes my morning swims feel like a dream. I’m never going back to a naked pool again! —Lena Mitchell
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5. In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil for Solar Heating Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools

I never thought a pool cover could make me this happy, but the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil really proved me wrong! The 8 Mil thickness isn’t just a fancy number—it actually boosted my pool’s water temperature by nearly 10 degrees. I feel like I’m swimming in a hot tub without the hassle. Plus, the light blue color strikes a perfect balance between soaking up the sun and keeping that heat locked in. Now I’m extending my swim season like a pro, and my neighbors are jealous. —Sophie Langley
Who knew a pool cover could be so clever? The In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil is my new best pool buddy. It prevents evaporative heat loss during those chilly nights, so I wake up to a pool that feels like a warm hug. I just make sure the chlorine is below 2.5 ppm and pH above 7.2, like it says, and then boom—pool perfection. This cover has me feeling like the ultimate poolside guru! —Marcus Ellison
Handling my pool cover used to be a workout, but not anymore thanks to the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil. When I use a solar cover reel, removing and applying the cover is a breeze, and I’m not stressing about wear and tear. The light blue color is like the Goldilocks of covers—not too hot, not too chilly. Honestly, it’s made pool maintenance feel less like a chore and more like a splashy game. Can’t recommend it enough! —Tina Bradford
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Why an 18 Ft Solar Cover for My Pool 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 needed it was to keep the water warm. The solar cover traps the sun’s heat, which means I can enjoy a comfortable swim without relying heavily on my heater. This not only saves energy but also cuts down on my monthly utility bills.
Another reason I find the solar cover necessary is that it helps reduce water evaporation. Since my pool is exposed to the sun and wind, water loss was a constant issue. With the cover on, evaporation is minimized, so I don’t have to refill the pool as often, saving both water and money.
Lastly, the solar cover keeps debris like leaves and dirt out of my pool. This means less time spent cleaning and more time enjoying the water. Overall, the 18 ft solar cover has made maintaining my pool easier, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
My Buying Guides on 18 Ft Solar Cover Pool
When I decided to get an 18 ft solar cover for my pool, I realized there were a few important factors to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
Understanding What an 18 Ft Solar Cover Is
An 18 ft solar cover is designed to fit pools roughly 18 feet in diameter or width. It’s a special type of pool cover made from a durable plastic material embedded with tiny air bubbles that trap heat from the sun. This helps keep my pool water warmer and reduces evaporation, which also saves me money on water and chemicals.
Why I Chose a Solar Cover
I wanted a cost-effective way to extend my swimming season without investing in expensive pool heaters. Solar covers are eco-friendly and easy to use. Plus, they’re great at maintaining water temperature during cooler nights.
Key Features I Looked For
- Size and Fit: Since my pool is about 18 feet, I made sure the cover was labeled for 18 ft pools to ensure a proper fit. A cover that’s too small won’t provide full coverage, and one that’s too large can be cumbersome.
- Material Quality: I opted for a thicker cover (around 12 mil thickness) because it’s more durable and lasts longer against wear and tear.
- UV Protection: Since the cover sits under direct sunlight, UV resistance is crucial to prevent it from breaking down quickly.
- Bubble Design: Larger bubbles tend to trap more heat, but smaller bubbles are more durable. I found a balance by choosing a cover with medium-sized bubbles.
- Ease of Handling: Some covers come with reels or handles, making it easier to put on and take off. This was a big plus for me to avoid the hassle.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Measure Your Pool Accurately: Before buying, I measured my pool’s diameter carefully, including any curves or irregular shapes.
- Consider Seasonal Use: If you live in a cooler climate, a solar cover can still help, but you may want to combine it with a pool heater for best results.
- Maintenance: I regularly clean my cover with mild soap and water to prolong its life and prevent algae buildup.
- Storage: When not in use, store the cover in a shaded area or use a cover reel to avoid damage from prolonged sun exposure.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 18 ft solar cover pool made a noticeable difference in my pool’s temperature and maintenance costs. By focusing on size, material quality, and ease of use, I found a cover that suits my needs perfectly. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision for your own pool!
Author Profile

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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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