10 Best Winter Pool Covers
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In order to protect your in-ground or above-ground pool from harsh winter weather you will need a quality winter pool cover. Winter pool covers not only protect your pool from the winter weather but also make your pool easier to clean when you open your swimming pool in spring.
Winter pool covers for your pool can provide other benefits as well, like preventing damage to your pool liner during the winter. Pool covers come in all shapes and sizes, for both in-ground and above-ground pools, to protect against harsh elements.
If you are researching pool cover options, keep reading to learn what we found for the best winter pool covers, as well as their pros and cons.
Quick Look at Our Top Picks for 10 Best Winter Pool Covers:
- Best Overall Winter Pool Cover – Blue Wave Silver Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover
- Best Budget Winter Pool Cover – Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover
- Best Above Ground Winter Pool Cover – Pool Mate Winter Pool Cover for Oval Above Ground Swimming Pools
- Best In Ground Winter Pool Cover – Robelle Super Winter Pool Cover for In-Ground Swimming Pools
- Best Intex Winter Pool Cover – Intex Round Metal Frame Pool Cover
How We Researched Best Winter Pool Covers
- We spent several days researching the Best Winter Pool Cover
- We considered over 25 Winter Pool Cover’s 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
Why You Should Trust Us
For this review, we interviewed certified pool maintenance technicians as well as pool specialists across the country. We also talked to pool parts suppliers, and spent several days in pool retail stores as well as online, researching pool covers and their features.
For many years, I myself have purchased and owned in ground and above ground pools. I currently own an in ground pool and maintain it myself.
Best Winter Pool Cover Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall Winter Pool Cover
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 | Best Budget Winter Pool Cover
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 | Best Above Ground Winter Pool Cover
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 | Best In Ground Winter Pool Cover
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 | Best Dual Speed Pool Pump
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
The 10 Best Winter Pool Covers Reviewed
- 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
Above-Ground Winter Cover with 12-Year Warranty. The Defender cover comes with a 12 year warranty to ensure years of winter protection. Made with heavy woven polyethylene scrim and coating makes it more tolerable to withstand wind, sleet and snow. 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 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 in sizes from 12 to 30 feet.
- 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.
- 10 year warranty
- Comes in many colors & sizes
- Comes with water bag loops
- Thin material
- For in-ground pools only
- Sizes run small
- 10 year warranty
- Comes in many colors & sizes
- Comes with water bag loops
- Thin material
- For in-ground pools only
- Sizes run small
Robelle covers are made with UV resistant polyethylene material and designed for in-ground pools. The topside of solid covers are treated to inhibit damaging UV rays, and the bottom is black to prevent algae growth. It also comes with a 10 year warranty.
This cover offers five feet of overlap with grommets at all four corners. The top of this cover comes in 17 different colors and the bottom side is black to prevent algae growth. It is available in thirteen different rectangular sizes.
- 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.
Other Winter Pool Covers We Reviewed
- Stops algae growth
- 12 year warranty
- Heat sealed seams
- Thin material
- Tends to sink into pool
- Hard to install and remove
- Stops algae growth
- 12 year warranty
- Heat sealed seams
- Thin material
- Tends to sink into pool
- Hard to install and remove
This cover features rugged U.V. stabilized woven polyethylene and claims to be tear resistant. This cover is backed by a 12 year warranty. It comes in a light brown color with a black underside to retard algae growth.This cover features a 4 foot overlap to fit pools with wider top rails as well as heat sealed seams.
This cover is held in place with vinyl coated cable and tightener that is anchored to the cover with rip-proof metal grommets. This Defender cover comes 12 sizes for in-ground pools.
- 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 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 Defender 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.
What to Consider When Buying a Winter Pool Cover
Purpose – Besides prevent leaves from falling into your pool winter 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 your winter chemicals and protect soft and shiny surfaces.
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 winter cover. After computing the surface area, choose a cover that offers an allowance for anchoring or tie downs.
Budget – The cost of a winter 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 the more expensive a cover will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cover my in-ground pool for winter?
If you live in a climate where you close your pool during the winter months, having a winter pool cover is a must. You do need to choose a cover that fits your pool and with the features you want. When you are getting your pool ready for winter, you may need to lower the water level below the skimmer level and returns. You will want to add things like algaecide, rust protection, and shock treatment to ensure that your pool is protected all season long.
How long does a winter pool cover last?
The life of a pool cover varies greatly depending on which brand and type of cover you buy. The less expensive covers may only last one season. Pricier brand pool covers may last 3-7 years. You will want to check the warranty periods before you buy.
Is it OK to leave my pool uncovered for winter?
Winter pool covers protect your pool from stains, algae growth and poor water balance that could damage your pools surface. Pool covers block both debris and sunlight, to conserve your winter chemicals and protect soft and shiny surfaces.
Do I need a winter pool cover or can I just use a tarp?
The problem with tarps is they are not secured and can get heavy and pulled right into the pool along with everything on top of them. Covers are usually anchored firmly and can hold an extreme amount of weight. You won’t often see a pool cover in the pool if it fits and was installed correctly.