10 Best Above Ground Pool Covers
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An above ground pool cover is an investment that protects the larger investment, your pool. Above ground pool covers can provide benefits like keeping your pool warmer, reduction in evaporation, less use of chemicals and preventing damage to your pool liner.
Above ground pool covers come in all shapes, sizes and types to protect your pool against harsh elements and more.
If you are researching above ground pool covers then keep reading to learn what we found to be the best based on purpose, along with their pros and cons.
Quick Look at Our Top Picks for 10 Best Above Ground Pool Covers:
- Best Overall Above Ground Pool Cover – In The Swim 24 Foot Round Above Ground Pool Cover
- Best Budget Above Ground Pool Cover – Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover
- Best Above Ground Oval Pool Cover – Pool Mate Winter Pool Cover for Oval Above Ground Swimming Pools
- Best Above Ground Winter Pool Cover – Blue Wave Silver Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover
- Best Intex Pool Cover – Intex Round Metal Frame Pool Cover
How We Researched Best Above Ground Pool Covers
- We spent several weeks researching above ground pool covers
- We considered over 25 covers and fine tuned it down to the 10 reviewed in this article
- We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, watching videos and comparing the features of each
What to Consider When Buying an Above Ground Pool Cover
Purpose – Besides prevent leaves from falling into your pool, above ground pool covers protect your pool from stains, algae growth and poor water balance that could damage pool surfaces. Your pool cover should block both debris and sunlight, to conserve chemicals in the winter and prevent evaporation in the summer.
Warranty – It is ideal to invest in a pool cover that has at least a 5 year or longer warranty. Having a long warranty means that the manufacturer believes in their product and its longevity. Always look for covers that have detailed warranties, with favorable terms and offer to replace defective covers.
Shape & Size – Consider the size and shape of your pool before you buy your above ground pool cover. After computing the surface area, choose a cover that offers an allowance for anchoring or tie downs. Many covers fit tight and you may want to size up.
Budget – The cost of an above ground pool cover will depend on the size of your pool, the type of cover you want, and the level of installation needed. Of course the larger the pool and cover type you desire, the more expensive a cover will be.
Best Above Ground Pool Covers Comparison Chart
| PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|
 1 | In The Swim 24 Foot Round Above Ground Pool Cover Show more | ||
 2 | Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover Show more | ||
 3 | Pool Mate Winter Pool Cover for Oval Above Ground Swimming Pools Show more | ||
 4 | Blue Wave Silver Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover Show more | ||
 5 | Intex Round Metal Frame Pool Cover Show more | ||
 6 | Blue Wave 24-ft Round Leaf Net Above Ground Pool Cover Show more | ||
 7 | Blue Wave Gold 15-Year Oval Above Ground Pool Winter Cover Show more | ||
 8 | Winter Block Swimming Pool Winter Cover Show more | ||
 9 | Bestway Flowclear 10′ Pool Cover Show more | ||
 10 | Intex Solar Cover for 12ft Diameter Pools Show more |
The 10 Best Above Ground Pool Covers Reviewed
- 16 year warranty
- Seams are heat sealed
- Made with rip-stop material
- Material feels thin
- Size runs small
- 16 year warranty
- Seams are heat sealed
- Made with rip-stop material
- Material feels thin
- Size runs small
This pool cover features material with “Rip Stop” technology that prevents a puncture from becoming a tear. The cover is made with extra-wide fabric to reduce the number of seams, resulting in fewer stress-areas. All the seams are heat-sealed (not sewn) to prevent water from seeping through the cover into your swimming pool. This pool cover has a black underside to inhibit algae growth.
This light weight cover comes complete with heavy-duty vinyl coated cable and winch for easy installation. All covers have a 4 foot overlap to accommodate an 18-inch water drop and can be ordered according to pool size. This cover offers a 16 year warranty.
- Cut to the size of pool
- Uses the sun to heat
- Prevents evaporation
- Bubble parts wear off
- May not stay in place
- Hard to remove from pool
- Cut to the size of pool
- Uses the sun to heat
- Prevents evaporation
- Bubble parts wear off
- May not stay in place
- Hard to remove from pool
This solar cover can help reduce the cost of heating your pool by transmit UV rays into free heat for through air bubbles built in the cover. It also serves to keep unwanted dirt and debris from getting in your pool. It is made from resin material that helps prevent up to 95% of your pool water from evaporating.
This cover is a trim to fit type to accommodate uniquely shaped pools. It is available in blue and clear colors and is made to float on the top of your pools surface.
- Seams are heat sealed
- 12 year warranty
- Many sizes to choose from
- Material on the thin side
- Cable could be longer
- Sizes runs small
- Seams are heat sealed
- 12 year warranty
- Many sizes to choose from
- Material on the thin side
- Cable could be longer
- Sizes runs small
The Pool Mate Sandstone Above-Ground Pool Cover is made from polyethylene to keep dirt and debris out. It also prevents algae growth by blocking UV rays from entering your pool. It comes with a 12 year warranty.
This cover features a 4-foot overlap and grommets are placed every 4 feet for use with the included cable and winch. This cover comes in a light brown color and 13 oval shaped sizes for above ground pools.
- 12 year warranty
- Sizes from 12 to 30 feet
- Easy to install
- U.V. stabilized
- For above ground pools
- Need to order a size larger
- Tarp like texture
- 12 year warranty
- Sizes from 12 to 30 feet
- Easy to install
- U.V. stabilized
- For above ground pools
- Need to order a size larger
- Tarp like texture
The Defender cover comes with a 12 year warranty and is made with heavy woven polyethylene scrim and coating. This cover is U.V. stabilized to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun as well as a black underside to retard algae growth.
The seams of this above ground pool cover are heat sealed and this cover has a 4 foot overlap with metal grommets. This Defender cover comes in forest green with a black underside and is available in sizes from 12 to 30 feet.
- Drain holes on top
- Easy to install
- Fits snug on 15 foot pool
- Size specific
- Tears easily
- Debris gets in holes
- Drain holes on top
- Easy to install
- Fits snug on 15 foot pool
- Size specific
- Tears easily
- Debris gets in holes
The intex pool cover is a small round pool cover for 15 foot above ground pools. It is made from 7 gauge vinyl and has drain holes at the center to prevent water accumulation.
This cover has a 10 inch overhang and rope ties to keep it secure and in place. This cover is made only for 15 foot above ground pools.
Other Above Ground Pool Covers We Reviewed
- 3 foot overlap on sides
- Sizes from 12 to 30 feet
- 12 year warranty
- Need to buy a size larger
- Not good for pine tree debris
- 3 foot overlap on sides
- Sizes from 12 to 30 feet
- 12 year warranty
- Need to buy a size larger
- Not good for pine tree debris
The Blue Wave’s tight mesh traps leaves before they reach the pool or cover. It is made with rip proof metal grommets that are spaced 30 inches apart and include a cable and winch to hold it securely in place.
This above-ground pool leaf nets has an extra 3-foot overlap. It is available in a black mesh fabric and sizes from 12 to 30 feet. This cover offers a 12 year warranty.
- Thick material
- 4 foot overlap
- Comes in many sizes
- Sizes run small
- Installing takes two people
- Water collects on top
- Thick material
- 4 foot overlap
- Comes in many sizes
- Sizes run small
- Installing takes two people
- Water collects on top
This above ground winter pool cover is made from U.V. stabilized woven polyethylene with a black underside to retard algae growth. This pool cover is backed by a 15 year warranty.
The cover is reinforced with heat sealed seams and has a 4 foot overlap. This above ground pool cover is held secure by a heavy duty vinyl coated cable and tightener that is anchored to the cover by rip proof metal grommets. This cover comes in royal blue with a black underside and in 10 different sizes.
- Comes in several shapes and sizes
- Includes steel cable and winch
- Easy to install
- Doesn't stay down in wind
- Seams are not durable
- One year warranty
- Comes in several shapes and sizes
- Includes steel cable and winch
- Easy to install
- Doesn't stay down in wind
- Seams are not durable
- One year warranty
The Winter Block Above Ground Winter Pool Cover is made of laminated polyethylene sheeting woven with thick, high-density polyethylene stitching. It has also been treated to resist damaging ultraviolet rays. It does offer a one year warranty guarantee.
The cover is blue in color and comes with perimeter grommets, steel cable and winch. It is available in many sizes and three different shapes for above-ground pools.
- Ropes secure down cover
- Durable material
- 12 month warranty
- Fits very tight
- Hard to install
- Comes in one size
- Ropes secure down cover
- Durable material
- 12 month warranty
- Fits very tight
- Hard to install
- Comes in one size
The Best way pool cover has drain holes to prevent water from accumulating on the cover. It is made specifically for 10 foot, steel frame pro, above-ground pools. This cover comes with a 12 month warranty.
The pool cover includes ropes to secure the cover to the pool. The color is black and offered in one size.
- Decreases evaporation
- Uses solar power to warm pool
- Comes with re-usable storage bag
- Smaller than 12 feet
- Doesnt work well with in-ground pools
- 90 day warranty
- Decreases evaporation
- Uses solar power to warm pool
- Comes with re-usable storage bag
- Smaller than 12 feet
- Doesnt work well with in-ground pools
- 90 day warranty
Intex krystal clear solar cover floats in place on the surface of your pools water. Besides keeping debris out of the pool is uses solar power to keep it warmer. The warranty is for the first 90 days against factory defects only.
It includes a carry bag for storage when not in use. This cover can be cut to fit in size and is available in 12 foot only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should an above ground pool be covered?
Above ground pools need just as much protection as in ground pools. Pool covers can provide benefits to your above ground pool like protecting against the elements and preventing damage to your pool liner during the winter.
Should I cover my above ground pool every night?
Above ground pool covers block debris and sunlight, which can conserve your winter chemicals and protect surfaces. Pool covers also prevent evaporation during the summer months.
Can I use a winter pool cover in the summer?
A pool cover can keep heat in your pool, prevent evaporation, keep leaves out of the pool, and save your chemicals. It is also a safety measure. So, yes, a winter pool cover can be beneficial for all of these reasons and used year round.