When shopping for a 12×18 oval solar pool cover, you want a balance of heat retention, durability, and ease of use. This guide highlights five top options that are well-suited for both inground and above-ground pools. Each product is chosen for reliable warmth, reduced evaporation, and practical design features. It’s ideal for pool owners who want to extend their swimming season, reduce chemical use, and simplify maintenance.
Overview of selected products:
- Shop Square 12′ x 18′ Oval Solar Cover, 8 Mil — Premium heavy duty, easy handling.
- Sun2Solar Blue 12′ x 18′ Oval, 800 Series — Strong heat retention, broad compatibility.
- Sun2Solar Clear 12′ x 18′ Oval, 1600 Series — Clear design for efficient heat capture.
- Shop Square 12′ x 18′ Oval Solar Cover, 12 Mil — Extra durable for UV exposure.
- Blue Wave 12′ x 18′ Oval Solar Blanket — 8-mil with thermal bubbles and UV protection.
Shop Square 12′ x 18′ Oval Solar Cover — 8 Mil
EFFECTIVE HEAT RETENTION — This 8 mil solar cover for 12×18 ft oval above ground pool absorbs sunlight during the day and helps retain heat overnight, maintaining comfortable water temperatures. Best for above-ground pool owners who need a lightweight, budget-friendly option without sacrificing warmth.
LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO USE — Designed for convenience, this above ground pool solar cover is easy to install, remove, and store while remaining durable for long-term use. Choose this if you want straightforward handling and a compact footprint for storage.
PREVENTS EVAPORATION AND DEBRIS — By reducing water evaporation and blocking leaves and dirt, this solar pool cover helps maintain cleaner water and lower maintenance. Ideal for busy households seeking lower upkeep.
Best for: Above-ground pool owners who want an affordable, easy-to-use cover with reliable heat retention. Limitation: 8 mil thickness may be less durable under heavy sun exposure over many seasons compared to thicker varieties.
Sun2Solar Blue 800 Series 12 ft x 18 ft Oval Pool Solar Cover
Free Solar Energy — This solar pool cover uses the sun’s power to raise water temperature by up to 15 degrees. Best for users who want a noticeable daytime heat boost without complex installation.
Traps Heat — Our pool solar cover retains warmth long after the sun sets, helping to maintain consistent water temperature overnight. Suitable for users who swim early in the season or at cooler evenings.
Conserves Water — By reducing evaporation up to 95%, this cover helps cut back on chemical use and the need for additional water. Great for environmentally conscious pool owners seeking lower operating costs.
Best for: Pools needing strong heat retention and evaporation suppression. Caution: 800 Series may be less clear than some premium options, which can influence visibility under certain lighting conditions.
Sun2Solar Clear 12 ft x 18 ft Oval Solar Cover — 1600 Series
Free Solar Energy — This solar pool cover uses the sun’s power to raise water temperature by up to 15 degrees. Clear design helps maximize solar absorption during sunny days.
Traps Heat — Our pool solar cover retains warmth long after the sun sets, helping to maintain consistent water temperature overnight. Best for users who want steady heating across day-night cycles.
Conserves Water — By reducing evaporation up to 95%, this swimming pool cover helps cut back on chemical use and the need for additional water. Suitable for water-conserving households.
Best for: Pool owners who prioritize maximum solar absorption and long-term heat retention. Limitation: Clear material can be more prone to visible staining from mineral content and requires regular cleaning for best transparency.
Shop Square 12′ x 18′ Oval Solar Cover — 12 Mil
OPTIMAL HEAT RETENTION — This oval 12×18 solar cover for above ground pool absorbs sunlight during the day and traps warmth overnight, keeping your water at a comfortable temperature. Best for longer outdoor seasons and cooler nights.
LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO USE — Designed for convenience, this above ground pool solar cover is easy to install, remove, and store while remaining durable for long-term use. Ideal for homeowners who want a robust option without added weight or bulk.
PREVENTS EVAPORATION AND DEBRIS — By reducing water evaporation and blocking leaves and dirt, this solar pool cover helps maintain cleaner water and lower maintenance. Great for households with surrounding trees or wind-driven debris.
Best for: Users who want higher durability and stronger heat retention than lighter covers. Caution: Thicker 12 mil may be stiffer to handle during long-term storage.
Blue Wave 12-ft x 18-ft Oval Pool Solar Blanket
ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY — This tough 8-mil solar blanket can raise the pool temperature by 15 degrees Fahrenheit on sunny days. Clear improvement for moderate climates and short heating seasons.
Reduces Operating Costs — Keep your pool warm all summer long—even on cool nights and cloudy days. Thermal bubbles trap heat and retain warmth for efficient heating, reducing energy use.
UV-Protected — Built to withstand outdoor exposure, this blanket is designed for extended sunlight and weathering. Suitable for long-term outdoor use in sunny regions.
Best for: Those seeking a budget-friendly option with proven heat retention and UV protection. Limitation: Some users may prefer thicker covers for extreme sun exposure or harsh weather.
Sun2Solar Blue 12 ft x 18 ft Oval Pool Solar Cover — 800 Series (Grommets)
Free Solar Energy — This solar pool cover uses the sun’s power to raise water temperature by up to 15 degrees. Best for cost-conscious users who want consistent warmth without dedicated heating.
Traps Heat — Retains warmth after sunset to maintain overnight temperature. Good for campsites or homes with cooler evenings.
Conserves Water — Reduces evaporation up to 95%, lowering chemical usage and water replacement needs. Useful for water-saving goals.
Includes six heavy-duty grommets — Adds durability and easier secure installation. Choose this if you need a cover that stays in place during windier days.
Sun2Solar Clear 12 ft x 18 ft Oval Pool Solar Cover — 1600 Series (Grommets)
Free Solar Energy — Uses sun power to raise water temperature by up to 15 degrees, with a clear design to maximize solar gain. Effective for heating in moderate climates.
Traps Heat — Maintains warmth overnight, supporting a stable swimming environment across cool nights.
Conserves Water — Reduces evaporation by up to 95%, easing chemical usage and water refill needs.
Includes six heavy-duty grommets — Improves wind resistance and secure fit. Best for installations requiring reinforced edges.
Sun2Solar Clear 12 ft x 18 ft Oval Pool Solar Cover — 1200 Series
Free Solar Energy — Uses the sun’s energy to raise water temperature by up to 15 degrees, promoting faster heating on sunny days. Clear design aids in solar capture.
Traps Heat — Retains warmth after sunset, promoting overnight temperature stability.
Conserves Water — Cuts evaporation up to 95%, reducing chemical needs and water additions.
Best for: Pool owners who want consistent heating with clear visibility and minimal maintenance. Limitation: Clear covers can show mineral staining over time if not cleaned regularly.
Buying Guide
What thickness should I choose for a 12×18 oval pool?
Thicker covers, like 12 mil, offer greater durability and heat retention in sunny regions or with frequent use. Lighter 8 mil options are easier to handle and store but may wear faster in high sun exposure.
Which features matter for heat retention?
Look for bubble or air-insulated layers, surface area coverage, and the ability to trap heat overnight. Clear materials can enhance solar gain on sunny days, while blue or tinted covers may balance visibility and appearance.
Are grommets important?
Grommets improve secure fit during windy conditions and long-term use. If you live in a windy area, prefer a model that includes reinforced edging or pre-installed grommets.
Is a heavier cover always better?
A heavier cover (higher mil) tends to be more durable and resistant to wear, but it can be harder to handle during regular removal and storage. Balance durability with ease of use for the best daily experience.
What’s the best option for above-ground vs inground pools?
Above-ground pool covers are typically lighter and designed for easy handling, whereas inground compatible covers emphasize heat retention and wind resistance. For oval shapes, ensure the cover dimensions match a 12×18 footprint and note any installation specifics with your pool type.
FAQ
- Q: Do these covers heat the water significantly?
A: Yes, most options claim up to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit heating under sun exposure, depending on weather and pool conditions. - Q: Will a 12 mil cover last longer than an 8 mil one?
A: Generally, thicker covers offer improved durability and weather resistance, at the cost of heavier handling. - Q: Do these covers reduce chemical usage?
A: They reduce water evaporation by up to 95%, which can lower chemical replacement needs over time. - Q: Are the covers safe for all pool types?
A: They are designed for both above-ground and inground pools, but confirm compatibility with your pool’s shape and liner material. - Q: How should I store the cover when not in use?
A: Clean and dry the cover, then fold or roll it compactly for storage in a cool, shaded area to minimize UV exposure between seasons. - Q: Do these covers include installation accessories?
A: Some models include heavy-duty grommets; others may require separate purchases for secure anchoring.
Summary Table
| Product | Thickness | Best For | Key Benefit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shop Square 8 Mil (12×18) | 8 mil | Above-ground pools | Easy handling, heat retention | Less durable than thicker options |
| Sun2Solar 800 Series (Blue, 12×18) | 8 mil | General heating, evaporation reduction | Fast heat buildup, six-pack grommets option | Not as transparent as some clears |
| Sun2Solar 1600 Series Clear (12×18) | 16 mil | Clear visibility, maximum durability | High solar gain with clarity | Potential mineral staining if not cleaned |
| Shop Square 12 Mil (12×18) | 12 mil | Durable, long seasons | Strong heat retention, durable | Stiffer when storing |
| Blue Wave 12×18 Oval | 8 mil | Budget-friendly with heat retention | UV-protected, reduces operating costs | Durability depends on exposure |