Best Pool Covers 2024

Pool covers are essential for maintaining a clean, safe, and energy-efficient swimming environment. They minimize debris, reduce evaporation, and help retain heat, ensuring your pool remains the inviting oasis it’s meant to be. Invest in a pool cover and enjoy the benefits of a well-protected aquatic retreat.

Intex Round Easy Set Pool Cover

Easy to use and highly effective, the Intex Round Easy Set Pool Cover is your go-to solution for hassle-free pool maintenance. Measuring 8 feet in diameter, this cover is crafted from puncture-resistant Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, ensuring durability that lasts for multiple summers. The 12-inch overhang facilitates a seamless installation, effortlessly securing the cover around the top of the inflatable ring to prevent any windy-day mishaps.

Designed for an 8-foot round pool, this cover acts as a reliable shield, minimizing the intrusion of debris, leaves, and unwanted trash. The pool’s sturdy design, coupled with strategically positioned drainage holes, ensures that water does not accumulate, resulting in a contaminant-free swimming experience. Protect your investment from the elements—be it harsh sunlight, snow, or ice—while preserving the pristine quality of your pool.

Intex, a brand synonymous with safety, quality, and value, delivers a product meticulously tested to the highest standards. Affordability meets innovation, ensuring this pool cover becomes an indispensable part of your pool care routine. Indulge in carefree relaxation, knowing that the Intex Round Easy Set Pool Cover ensures your pool’s safety. Create cherished memories without worry! Create cherished memories without a care in the world!

Pros:

• Easy installation with a 12-inch overhang and included rope
• Protects an 8-foot round pool from debris, leaves, and trash
• Puncture-resistant PVC material ensures durability
• Drain holes to prevent water accumulation
• Shields pool from sun, snow, and ice damage
• Rigorously tested for safety, quality, and value

Cons:

• Designed specifically for 8-foot-round pools
• May not fit other pool shapes or sizes

Intex Round Metal Frame Pool Cover

Transform your pool into a sanctuary of cleanliness and longevity with the Intex Round Metal Frame Pool Cover. Crafted with precision for a 15-foot round pool, this pool cover is your guardian against debris, leaves, and unwanted elements. The installation is a breeze with a 10-inch overhang and a secure rope, ensuring a snug fit around the top of the metal frame—bid farewell to covers blowing away in the wind.

Constructed from super-tough, puncture-resistant PVC material, this cover is a stalwart defender against pool hazards. Drain holes prevent water accumulation, contributing to its durability over multiple summers. Shield your pool from the harsh effects of the sun, snow, and ice with a cover designed for longevity and reliability.

Intex, a name synonymous with safety, quality, and value, adheres to the highest standards. Rigorously tested, this pool cover guarantees safety as its top priority. Affordable and innovative, the Intex Round Metal Frame Pool Cover is your go-to solution for a hassle-free, debris-free pool experience. Maximize your pool’s lifespan with this essential addition.

Dimensions: 180 inches in length by 180 inches in width. Color: Blue. Material: Plastic. Elevate your pool maintenance game effortlessly with this indispensable pool cover.

Pros:

• Easy installation with a 10-inch overhang and included securing rope
• Protects a 15-foot round pool from debris, leaves, and external elements
• Durable, puncture-resistant PVC material with drain holes
• Shields pool from sun, snow, and ice damage
• Rigorously tested for safety, quality, and longevity
• Affordable and innovative design for lasting performance

Cons:

• Limited to 15-foot round pool size

Blue Wave Round Above Ground Pool Cover

The Blue Wave Round Above Ground Pool Cover offers robust protection for your pool during the winter months. Crafted from durable woven polyethylene strands, this cover is designed to endure harsh weather conditions and resist sunlight degradation. The 18-foot size, in a sophisticated Dark Navy Blue color, ensures a snug fit for your above-ground swimming pool.

Securing the cover is a breeze with the included vinyl-coated cable and metal winch, providing a tight and efficient hold. Metal grommets spaced every 2 feet further contribute to the cover’s stability, keeping your pool shielded throughout the season. The black underside adds an extra layer of defense against the elements.

Say goodbye to tedious spring maintenance as this solid cover, boasting heat-sealed seams, prevents dirt, leaves, and branches from infiltrating your pool. With dimensions of 264 inches in length and 264 inches in width, this cover ensures comprehensive coverage for your pool, guaranteeing it stays pristine and ready for countless hours of aquatic enjoyment come spring. Invest in the reliability and durability of Blue Wave to safeguard your pool and make winter care a worry-free experience.

Pros:

• Durable woven polyethylene construction
• Easy and secure installation with vinyl-coated cable and metal winch
• Metal grommets spaced every 2 feet for added stability
• Sunlight-resistant treatment and black underside for extended longevity
• Heat-sealed seams prevent debris accumulation, reducing spring maintenance
• The sophisticated dark navy blue color adds a touch of style
• The 18-foot size ensures a snug fit for above-ground pools

Cons:

• Designed specifically for winter weather, may not be suitable for year-round use
• Requires proper measurement to ensure a precise fit for your pool size

Sun2solar Blue Solar Cover

Dive into the warmth of your pool with the Sun2Solar Blue Solar Cover, a sleek 4′ x 8′ rectangle crafted from resilient resin. This solar blanket boasts an eye-catching blue design that not only adds a stylish touch but also harnesses the sun’s rays to heat your pool effectively. As you confidently plunge in, relish the warmth retained by the thousands of tiny bubbles that make up this cover.

Efficiency meets conservation, as the Sun2Solar minimizes water evaporation by an impressive 95%, ensuring that you spend less time refilling your pool and more time enjoying it. When the sun sets, trust the solar blanket to guard against temperature drops, preserving the day’s accumulated warmth. Installing and removing the cover is a breeze, granting you more time to showcase your pool rather than struggle with maintenance.

Customizing the fit is a cinch; simply trace and trim with confidence, knowing that adjusting the size won’t compromise the manufacturer’s warranty. Size matters, and with the Sun2Solar Blue Solar Cover, your pool stays invitingly warm, making every swim a delightful experience.

Pros:

• An attractive blue design enhances pool aesthetics
• Efficiently retains and collects heat with thousands of bubbles
• Reduces water evaporation by up to 95%
• Easy to install and remove, saving time for enjoyment
• Customizable fit for uniquely shaped pools
• Durable resin material for long-lasting performance

Cons:

• Limited to a specific size (4′ x 8′ rectangle)
• Requires trimming for custom fitting
• Effectiveness may vary based on local climate conditions

Prepare your pool for winter with the Robelle Above-Ground Pool Cover, a reliable shield designed for traditional above-ground swimming pools. Crafted from a robust 2.36 oz./yd2 density solid polyethylene material with an 8 x 8 scrim, this cover ensures that not a drop of water passes through. Tailored for 24-foot round pools, the cover boasts a generous 28-foot size, incorporating a smart 4-foot overlap for hassle-free installation.

The heavy-duty construction extends to the included winch and cable, providing a secure fit through the durable grommets. This pool cover is engineered to float gracefully on the water with consideration for large top rails, making it a breeze to adapt to your unique pool features. The package also includes an ice equalizer pillow for added convenience (sold separately).

Elevate your winter pool care routine with the Robelle Above-Ground Pool Cover. Embrace worry-free protection that effortlessly weathers the elements, ensuring your pool remains in top condition when warmer days return. Dive into a season of tranquility and reliability—order your pool cover now for a stress-free winterizing experience.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty 2.36 oz./yd2 solid polyethylene material
• 8 x 8 scrim for enhanced durability
• 4-foot overlap for easy installation
• Includes winch and cable for a secure fit
• Floats loosely on water, accommodating large top rails
• Designed for 24-foot-round pools

Cons:

• An ice equalizer pillow sold separately

Best Pool Covers Buying Guide

Pool covers are an important accessory for any pool owner. Not only do they help retain heat and keep debris out of the water when not in use, but they can also save on chemical costs and reduce water evaporation. With many types of pool covers on the market, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each to find the right solution for your needs and climate. This comprehensive buying guide breaks down the key considerations when shopping for the best pool cover.

Types of Pool Covers

Solid Covers

Solid covers, as the name suggests, are made from a solid sheet of material that sits directly on top of the water’s surface. The most common materials used are polyethylene and polypropylene, woven into a mesh-like design. This allows natural pressure from rainwater and melting snow to drain through small holes in the mesh. Solid covers are lightweight, easy to install, and very affordable. They also provide an effective barrier against debris, dust, and leaves. However, they don’t offer substantial heat retention or evaporation prevention. Solid covers can work well for short-term winterization in warmer climates.

Winter Covers

For colder climates, winter covers offer more insulating protection. Materials like closed-cell foam and bubble wrap trap air to help retain heat in the pool water. The underside is also coated in a heat-absorbing color to capture more of the sun’s warmth. Water tubes along the sides help weigh down the cover. This prevents wind from getting underneath, which would accelerate heat loss. While more expensive than solid covers, winter covers can lead to big cost savings by maintaining comfortable swimming temperatures. Less chemical treatment is also required.

Automatic Covers

Automatic pool covers provide the ultimate in convenience. At the push of a button, the cover rolls out or retracts on a track system. This allows the pool to be opened or closed quickly without unstacking and handling a heavy tarp. The reel system also ensures that the cover forms a tight seal across the entire water surface. This prevents evaporation almost completely, saving water in dry climates. Automatic covers are typically made from vinyl or mesh-reinforced material. An aluminum slat system helps prevent sagging over time. While automatic covers demand a significant upfront investment, they can save thousands over a solid or winter cover in the long run through energy, chemical, and water savings.

Inground vs. Above Ground

Both inground and above-ground pools can benefit from a pool cover. Inground covers are custom-measured to fit the exact dimensions of your pool. This ensures maximum coverage and efficiency. For above-ground pools, there are options available in a few standard sizes that typically provide sufficient coverage. Above-ground pools also have the option of lower-cost bubble covers that float directly on the pool’s surface rather than resting on top.

Key Considerations

When weighing the pros and cons of different pool covers, here are some of the most important factors to consider:

• Climate. Colder regions need covers with better-insulating properties. Warmer, sunnier areas can focus more on evaporation prevention.
• Types of debris and storms. Areas with lots of trees may need to allow drainage through the cover. Regions with heavy snow or high winds require stronger attachment systems.
• Frequency of use. Occasional swimmers may prefer manual covers. Frequent swimmers will appreciate the convenience of automatic covers.
• Budget. Less expensive covers can still provide value. But for maximum savings on chemical, heating, and water costs, higher-quality covers offer quicker payback.

No matter your climate or pool type, investing in the right pool cover is one of the best ways to protect your pool while saving money at the same time. Taking the time to understand the different material properties and installation considerations will ensure you choose the optimal cover to meet your needs.

Conclusion

The range of pool covers on the market makes selecting the right product an important decision. By understanding the unique advantages of solid covers, winter covers, and automatic covers, pool owners can determine which best fits their climate, landscape, usage requirements, and budget. Seeking out brands that offer warranties and reusable or recyclable materials can also provide great long-term value. With proper regular maintenance, a quality pool cover should last for many seasons of reliable protection and cost savings. Taking the time to assess your needs against the key considerations outlined will steer you toward the best pool cover and the benefits that come with it.

Frequently Asked Question

Why use a pool cover?

Pool covers save energy by retaining heat, reducing water evaporation, keeping the pool clean, and enhancing safety.

What types are available?

Types include solar covers for heat retention, winter covers for seasonal protection, safety covers for security, and automatic covers for convenience.

How to choose the right one?

Consider pool size, climate, budget, and specific needs like heat retention or safety requirements.

How to maintain a pool cover?

Regularly remove debris, clean with mild detergent, store properly, and promptly repair any damage.

Is professional installation necessary?

While some covers can be DIY-installed, others, especially safety and automatic covers, may require professional help for proper fitting and functionality.