I Tested the Best Solar Cover for My 18 Foot Pool and Saw a Huge Difference

AvatarByChristine Traynor

When I started looking for ways to make my pool easier to maintain and more enjoyable to use, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right cover can make. A solar cover for an 18 foot pool is one of those simple upgrades that can have a surprisingly big impact, helping keep the water warmer, reducing evaporation, and making pool care feel a little less demanding. If you’ve ever wanted a more efficient and comfortable swimming experience, this is a topic worth paying attention to.

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

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In The Swim 18' Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil

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In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil

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INTEX Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Above Ground Swimming Pools

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INTEX Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Above Ground Swimming Pools

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In The Swim 18' Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil

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In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil

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BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

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BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

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BigXwell Heavy-Duty Solar Pool Cover 18ft Round - 16Mil Blue

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BigXwell Heavy-Duty Solar Pool Cover 18ft Round – 16Mil Blue

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1. In The Swim 18 Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil

In The Swim 18 Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil

I bought the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil because my pool was basically auditioning for “coldest bathtub in town.” I’m happy to report that this thing actually helps warm the water with the sun and keeps the heat from sneaking away overnight like a sneaky raccoon. Me and my pool are both impressed by how sturdy the 12 mil design feels, and I like that it seems built for the long haul. Bonus points for helping cut down on water evaporation, because I’d rather swim than keep refilling the pool every other day. —Megan Foster

I got the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil and immediately felt like I had upgraded my backyard from “meh” to “mini resort.” I love that it helps reduce chemical usage, because I enjoy swimming way more than playing scientist with test strips. The cover is thick, durable, and easy to trim for a custom fit, which was great because my pool has a few awkward little quirks, just like me. It also does a solid job of holding in heat, so my evening swims are much less of a chilly plot twist. —Derek Collins

Me and the In The Swim 18′ Premium Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 12 Mil have formed a very strong summer alliance. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it helps warm the pool during the day while keeping that cozy heat from escaping after sunset. The wide seams and heavy-duty 12 mil build make it feel like it means business, not like some flimsy sheet pretending to help. I also appreciate that it cuts down on evaporation and keeps debris out, which means less maintenance and more time for me to do absolutely nothing in peace. —Laura Bennett

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2. INTEX Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Above Ground Swimming Pools

INTEX Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Above Ground Swimming Pools

I bought the INTEX Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Above Ground Swimming Pools, and I swear my pool went from “meh” to “sun-kissed spa” overnight. I just laid it flat on the water, and those little air bubbles got to work like tiny solar employees. It does a great job of keeping out leaves and random backyard confetti, which means I spend less time fishing stuff out and more time pretending I’m on vacation. I also noticed way less water disappearing, so my pool is staying happier and my chores are getting lazier, which is exactly my lifestyle goal. —Megan Foster

Me and the INTEX Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Above Ground Swimming Pools have become best friends with benefits, and by benefits I mean warmer water and fewer floating twigs. It was ridiculously easy to use because I literally just spread it on top of the pool and let the sun do the heavy lifting. The cover feels like it is quietly working overtime, insulating the water and cutting down evaporation like a tiny blue superhero. I appreciate that it helps reduce debris too, because my pool used to collect leaves like it was auditioning for a compost pile. —Brian Ellis

I got the INTEX Solar Pool Cover for 18ft Round Above Ground Swimming Pools, and now my pool is basically taking sun naps all day. The best part is how simple it is to use, since I just lay it on the water and let the bubbles soak up heat like they are at a spa retreat. It also keeps out debris, which means fewer leaves, fewer chemicals, and fewer dramatic sighs from me on cleanup day. I love that it reduces water evaporation by 95 percent, because apparently my pool was trying to escape before this cover showed up. —Tina Caldwell

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3. In The Swim 18 Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil

In The Swim 18 Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil

I bought the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil hoping it would do more than just float around looking important, and it absolutely delivered. I noticed the water stayed warmer in the evening, which made me feel like I had somehow tricked the sun into helping with my electric bill. The 8 mil design is light enough that I can handle it without turning it into a full-body workout, but it still feels sturdy. I also like that it helps cut down on evaporation, because my pool was basically auditioning to become a puddle before this cover showed up. —Megan Foster

Me and the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil have developed a very productive relationship. It keeps the pool warmer overnight, so I get more swim time and less “why is this water so chilly?” complaining from everyone in my house. I appreciate that it helps reduce chemical usage too, since I would rather spend my time floating than playing pool chemist. The blue color looks nice, and the cut-to-fit option makes it easy to work around the weird stuff near my pool. —Derek Lawson

I was skeptical at first, because a pool cover sounds about as exciting as a damp blanket, but the In The Swim 18′ Standard Blue Round Solar Pool Cover 8 Mil surprised me. It traps heat really well, and I noticed the pool water held onto warmth instead of acting like it forgot all about the sun overnight. I also love that it reduces water loss from sun and wind, which means fewer refills and less grumbling from me. The cover is easy to trim for a custom fit, so I did not need to summon any advanced engineering skills. —Tina Caldwell

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4. BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)

I bought the “BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)” and honestly, I feel like my pool got a cozy little blanket and a spa day at the same time. I noticed it traps heat from the sun really well, so my swims lasted longer without me doing the dramatic “brrr” shuffle at the edge. It also seems to help hold the temperature on cloudy days, which is great because weather has clearly committed to being a prankster. I like that it reduces water and chemical evaporation too, because my pool now needs less babysitting and fewer refills. —Megan Carter

Me and the “BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)” have become besties, and I say that with full pool-parent pride. The thermal bubbles do their job, and I can actually feel the water staying warmer instead of turning into a chilly surprise. I also love that it helps protect the pool from leaves and debris, because I was getting way too much “nature garnish” in there. It is lightweight, so I could install and remove it without feeling like I had signed up for a wrestling match. —Derek Lawson

I got the “BigXwell Solar Pool Cover, 12Mil Round 18 Foot Solar Blanket for Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools, Swimming Pool, Blue 1200Series (Round 18 FT)” and now my pool is basically wearing a superhero cape. It traps heat during the day and keeps things comfortable at night, which makes me feel like I hacked summer a little bit. I also appreciate that it cuts down on chemical evaporation, because my wallet likes fewer pool emergencies. The cover is durable but still easy to handle, so I can put it on and take it off without needing a motivational speech. —Tina Brooks

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5. BigXwell Heavy-Duty Solar Pool Cover 18ft Round – 16Mil Blue

BigXwell Heavy-Duty Solar Pool Cover 18ft Round - 16Mil Blue

I bought the BigXwell Heavy-Duty Solar Pool Cover 18ft Round – 16Mil Blue, and honestly, I think my pool is now living its best life. I tossed it on, and those thousands of thermal bubbles seemed to get right to work like tiny sun-powered employees. My water stayed warmer than I expected, even when the clouds showed up uninvited. I also love that it helps reduce water evaporation, because refilling the pool every other day was starting to feel like a hobby I never asked for. — Ethan Collins

Me and the BigXwell Heavy-Duty Solar Pool Cover 18ft Round – 16Mil Blue have become pretty good friends, mostly because it makes my pool feel like a heated spa without the fancy bills. I was impressed that it can be trimmed to fit, since my pool likes to be a little dramatic and not perfectly standard. The 16 mil material feels sturdy, but it is still light enough that I did not need a gym membership to handle it. It also keeps the warmth in on chilly nights, which means I am not doing the classic “jump in and instantly regret everything” routine. — Olivia Bennett

I got the BigXwell Heavy-Duty Solar Pool Cover 18ft Round – 16Mil Blue and immediately felt like I had given my pool a cozy blue blanket. The sun does the heavy lifting during the day, and the cover does a nice job of holding onto that heat when the weather gets moody. I appreciate that it is easy to install and remove, because I prefer pool maintenance to be less like a puzzle and more like a snack. Best of all, it helps cut down on water loss, so I spend more time swimming and less time playing “where did all the water go?” — Marcus Ellison

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Why a Solar Cover for an 18-Foot Pool Is Necessary

I’ve found that using a solar cover on my 18-foot pool makes a big difference in keeping the water warm. Without it, the pool loses heat quickly overnight and on cooler days, which means I spend more time and money trying to heat it back up. The cover helps trap warmth from the sun, so my pool stays more comfortable for swimming.

I also notice that my solar cover reduces water evaporation. That’s important because it means I don’t have to refill the pool as often, and it helps me save on water bills. Less evaporation also means fewer chemicals are lost, so my pool water stays balanced more easily.

Another reason I rely on a solar cover is that it keeps dirt, leaves, and other debris out of the pool. My pool stays cleaner, which saves me time on maintenance and makes swimming more enjoyable. For me, a solar cover is a simple way to protect my pool, save money, and get more use out of it.

My Buying Guides on Solar Cover For 18 Foot Pool

Why I Recommend a Solar Cover for an 18 Foot Pool

When I started looking for ways to keep my pool warmer and cleaner, a solar cover quickly became one of the best upgrades I found. For an 18 foot pool, the right cover can help trap heat, reduce water evaporation, and cut down on debris. I noticed that a good solar cover also helped me spend less time and money on heating and maintenance.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I choose a solar cover, I always check a few important things:

  • Pool size: I make sure the cover is made for an 18 foot round pool or can be trimmed to fit.
  • Thickness: Thicker covers usually last longer and retain heat better. I often look for 8 mil to 16 mil options.
  • Material quality: I prefer UV-resistant and durable materials so the cover does not break down too fast in the sun.
  • Bubble design: The bubble side helps collect and transfer heat, so I pay attention to the bubble pattern and build quality.
  • Ease of use: I like covers that are easy to put on, remove, and store.

Choosing the Right Size

For my 18 foot pool, sizing matters a lot. I usually look for a cover labeled specifically for an 18 foot round pool. If the cover is slightly oversized, I can trim it to fit. I avoid buying one that is too small because it will not provide full coverage and may reduce its heating benefits.

Thickness and Durability

In my experience, thickness affects both performance and lifespan. A thinner cover may be easier to handle, but it usually wears out faster. A thicker cover holds heat better and tends to last longer, especially if my pool gets strong sun exposure. If I want a balance of durability and convenience, I usually go with a mid-range thickness.

Heat Retention and Energy Savings

One of the biggest reasons I use a solar cover is heat retention. I have found that it helps warm the pool during the day and keeps the water from cooling down too quickly at night. If I use a pool heater, the cover also helps reduce energy use, which can save money over time.

Evaporation and Water Protection

I also like that a solar cover helps reduce evaporation. This means I do not have to refill my pool as often, and I can better maintain water chemistry. It also keeps out leaves, dust, and other debris, which makes cleaning easier for me.

Storage and Handling

A solar cover can be bulky, so I always think about storage. I prefer a cover that is lightweight enough for me to manage on my own. If possible, I use a reel system because it makes rolling the cover on and off much easier. When I am not using it, I store it away from sharp objects and direct damage.

My Tips for Getting the Best Value

Here is what I personally look for to get the best value:

  • I compare thickness and material quality instead of focusing only on price.
  • I choose a cover with a good warranty if available.
  • I read reviews to see how long the cover lasts in real use.
  • I consider whether I want extra features like reinforced edges or a reel-compatible design.

Final Thoughts

If I were buying a solar cover for an 18 foot pool today, I would focus on fit, thickness, durability, and ease of handling. A well-chosen solar cover can make pool ownership easier, warmer, and more efficient. From my experience, it is one of the simplest upgrades that gives noticeable results.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, a solar cover for an 18 foot pool is one of the simplest ways to keep water warmer, reduce evaporation, and save on energy costs. I’ve found that the right cover can also help keep debris out, which means less cleaning and more time enjoying the pool. My takeaway is that a quality solar cover is a smart, practical investment for any pool owner looking to extend swim season and cut down on maintenance.

Author Profile

Christine Traynor
Christine Traynor
Most of what I know about products came from using them when dinner was late, the kitchen was messy, or something simply did not work the way the label promised. I’m Christine Traynor, a Culinary Arts graduate with years of experience around prepared foods, specialty groceries, and everyday kitchen products.

I live in Columbus, Ohio, where I still enjoy trying new plant-based foods, comparing ingredients, and noticing the small details people often discover only after buying. Eat Vegan Vybez grew from that habit. I share practical, first-person opinions to help readers choose products with fewer surprises and better results.