Pool covers play the vital role of keeping stuff and people out of your in-ground or above-ground pool. However, not all covers are the same. Some are designed to keep people out, some are designed to keep warmth in, and some are just used to keep small debris out.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing the best pool covers on the market and we’ll teach you about the different types and materials of pool covers.
Two color options and strong warranty
Highest thickness by Sun2Solar at 16mil available in blue or clear
One of the biggest perks of owning a pool is being able to go swimming whenever you want. Unfortunately, many pool owners find themselves cleaning leaves out of the pool before being able to enjoy a swim. Also, when the pool isn’t in use it presents a potential drowning hazard to children and animals. For these reasons, it’s important to practice proper pool hygiene and utilize appropriate safety precautions.
Best Pool Safety Covers 2020
Winter pool covers and safety pool covers look very similar, but they are not intended for the same uses! The main difference is that winter covers merely provide pools with protection from the elements and debris that would otherwise affect them during the out-of-use months of the year, and are not designed to withstand a load of weight from someone or something falling onto them.
The components and construction of safety covers are meant to resist tearing or breaking upon impact of a sudden load of weight, like when a child or pet falls on top. They conveniently usually double as a winter cover however, so customers concerned with both of these issues do not need to purchase both.
Two color options and strong warranty
Blue Wave Rectangular In-Ground Pool Safety Cover
Features:
- Available in 5 sizes: (14′ x 28′) (15′ x 30′) (16′ x 32′) (18′ x 36′) (20′ x 40′)
- Colors: Blue and Green
- Warranty: 12 Years
Blue Wave’s in-ground pool safety cover is made of two-ply mesh with multi-seamed stitching which allows water to pass through, but not debris. The spring and anchor hardware is stainless-steel to resist corrosion and wear. When installed correctly, Blue Wave claims that it can hold up to 4,000 lbs before tearing or breaking.
This cover comes available in 5 different rectangular sizes and is 2ft wider/longer than the indicated measurements. It comes with all the tools required for installation apart from a power drill and a 3/4” hammer drill bit that must be used to make holes in the deck to house the anchors.
This safety pool cover is backed by an impressive 12 year warranty.
- Various sizes available.
- Provides safety from accidents as well as winter exposure.
- Strong warranty.
- Requires power drill and 3/4” drill bit for installation.
Bottom Line
This pool safety cover provides protection for children and pets as well as for the pool when the winter arrives with cold temperatures and debris.
Happybuy In-ground Pool Safety Cover
Features:
- Available in 5 sizes: (14′ x 26′) (16′ x 30′) (16′ x 32′) (18′ x 36′) (20′ x 40′)
- 2 Sizes with available end-step add-on: (18′ x 36′ w/ centered 4′ x 8′) (20′ x 40′ w/ centered 4′ x 8′)
Happybuy’s in-ground pool safety cover is cheaper than some other models available for purchase. It is made of polypropylene mesh which is tight enough to block debris, but still allow water to pass through. The spring and hook system is made of 304 stainless steel and the anchors are brass.
This cover comes available in 5 different rectangular sizes as well as two sizes that include a 4 foot by 8 foot section centered on one end for pools that have recessed steps. The cover is 2ft wider/longer than the indicated measurements to allow full coverage over the edges of the pool. It comes with tools required for installation and maintenance, but not a power drill and a 3/4” hammer drill-bit that must be used to make the holes for the anchors. It also apparently does not include instructions for installation, though those are readily available through online searches.
This pool cover does not come with a warranty, which compared to some of the alternatives on this list that do, may dissuade some customers from choosing this particular model, especially given its required function and price.
- Cheaper than its competitors.
- Various sizes available.
- End-step section availability.
- No included instructions.
- Requires power drill and 3/4” drill bit for installation.
Bottom Line
This pool safety cover protects in-ground pools from debris as well as children and pets from drowning.
Best Solar Pool Covers 2020
If you find your pool is a little too cold in the morning or the day after a chilly night, you can use one of these solar pool covers (separate article) to keep warmth in the pool and absorb the heat of the sun.
Highest thickness by Sun2Solar at 16mil available in blue or clear
Slightly more expensive 12mil option with 7-year limited warranty
The go-to 12mil thick solar blanket available in blue or clear
16 mil Solar Heating Cover Blanket – 20 x 40 ft Rectangle Sheet
This solar cover blanket from Sun2Solar is a bit thicker at 16 mil, which gives it the ability to absorb more heat. This one is equipped with a quick drain grommet system that makes it easy to pour off excess rainwater after a summer shower. On average it raises the pool temperature by about 5-10 degrees while also helping to maintain warm temps throughout the night and during cloud days. Like other solar sheets it’s not sturdy enough to support much more than a twig but it will keep the most common small debris like dirt and leaves out of the pool. It’s backed by a 7-year limited/2-year full warranty.
14 Mil Blue Wave Rectangular Solar Blanket
Blue Wave makes this solar blanket with a medium thickness of 14 mil but it’s easily one of the most popular brands of solar blanket pool covers sold online.
It comes in 7 easily selectable size variations: 12 x 24 ft, 14 x 28 ft, 16 x 32 ft, 18 x 36 ft, 20 x 40 ft, 20 x 44 ft, and 30 x 50 ft.
Combine the wide range of sizes with a 6-year warranty and tough 14-gauge material and it’s easy to see why this product has been reviewed by hundreds of buyers. Keep in mind you can usually trim the blanket to fit your pool size. However, if you buy a sheet that’s too small, you can’t easily combine sheets to achieve full coverage of the water surface. Thus, you should only consider a solar blanket if it’s big enough to comfortably cover your pool’s surface.
12 Mil Solar Blanket Cover – 16 x 32 ft Rectangle Sheet
These are an inexpensive yet affordable way to keep the warmth in your pool while also keeping out most small debris. The sheet can be easily cut to fit the shape of your pool and it’s flexible enough to accommodate any configuration. It’s backed by a 7-year warranty, which is somewhat impressive for something that looks a lot like fancy bubble wrap. The bubbles help transfer solar heat into the water, thereby increasing the temperature of the pool.
12 Mil Rectangle Supreme Blue
Sun2Solar’s 12 mil solar cover has a uniquely colored blue design that gives it an appealing look on the water. Like other blankets with similar specifications, it can cause water temps to rise 5-10 degrees and prevents up to 95% of evaporation.
Best Winter Pool Covers 2020
When it’s time to close down the pool for the winter, you need something that’s going to stay put and last through the season. Here are some of the leading options in this category.
Most popular winter cover for above-ground pools
Blue Wave Bronze 20 x 40 ft In-Ground Winter Pool Cover
Once again Blue Wave delivers with a strong and well-anchored winter protection system that comes in a variety of sizes and manages to compete with every alternative in terms of price. It’s designed to protect the pool from snow, rain, ice wind, and sun. However, it’s not meant to stop people or pets from falling in.
We mentioned this brand’s winter cover first because it had the most abundant and accessible sizing options, and it has maintained a decent star rating despite having many reviews. Each cover also comes with 5 feet of extra room on each edge to allow for optimal fitting, so this 20 x 40 ft package actually includes 25 x 45 feet of material.
Blue Wave makes it easy to order the same exact cover for all of these pool sizes: 12 x 20 ft, 12 x 24 ft, 14 x 28 ft, 16 x 24 ft, 16 x 32 ft, 16 x 36 ft, 18 x 36 ft, 20 x 40 ft, 20 x 44 ft, 25 x 45 ft, and 30 x 50 ft.
Pool Mate Heavy-Duty Above Ground and In-Ground Winter Covers
With a 10-year warranty and ultra-durable polyethylene material, this is a strong selection for almost any kind of pool. We didn’t pick a specific size to review because Pool Mate offers this product in virtually every size or shape your pool would need.
These are the in-ground sizes they have: 16 x 32 ft rectangle, 20 x 40 ft rectangle, 30 x 50 ft rectangle, and 30 x 50 ft rectangle.
These are their above ground pool options: 12 x 18 ft oval, 12 x 21 ft oval, 15 x 30 ft oval, 18 x 24 ft oval, 18 x 33 ft oval, 15 ft round, 18 ft round, 21 ft round, 24 ft round, and 28 ft round.
That makes 14 size variations, so if other brands don’t have yours in stock, Pool Mate is definitely worth checking out. You get 4 feet of overlap material on all sides to allow for easy installation without stretching or tearing. The seams of the cover are heat sealed to better protect the pool from cold temperatures and prevent algae growth.
Blue Wave Silver Above Ground Winter Pool Cover
This product comes with a 12-year warranty and is known as one of the best winter covers for above ground pools up to 24-feet round. The material is actually 28 feet in diameter, giving you about 4 feet of clearance around the edges. Like Blue Waves other products, the Silver winter pool covers comes in a variety of sizes: 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, and 30 feet. You also get a winch tightener for easier installation and heavy duty cable for additional support.
Best Automatic Pool Covers 2020
In this section, we’re going to talk about automatic pool covers, or rather pool cover reels = mechanisms allowing pool owners to reel up their solar covers instead of having to take them off and put them back flat. Some of the featured cover reels are manual and some are motorized, powered from the outlet or even from the sun! Both versions however make operating a solar blanket significantly more comfortable.
Powered from the sun, aluminium tubes must be purchased separately
Automatic Remote Controlled Solar-powered Pool Cover Reel
Features:
- Size: Intended for 40′ x 20′ pool covers.
- Power: Solar-charged battery-powered.
- Accessories: Remote control, and AC/DC cord for out-of-season charging.
This expensive pool cover reel is automatic and controlled via a provided remote control. It is powered by a battery which is charged by an attached solar-panel. It can reel in and wind up 70lbs of water-logged pool cover making it useful for the physically impaired who might have trouble with a manual-wind alternative.
While solar-powered, it also comes with an optional power cord for standard charging through a wall outlet, which is useful in cases of bad weather where the panels cannot accumulate enough charge to run the device.
This system does not come with either the aluminum tubes required or a pool cover to wind around them. Those must be purchased separately, though the seller links options that work with the system on the product page.
- Completely Solar-powered.
- Has cable to charge battery through grid.
- Comparatively expensive.
- Does not include aluminum tubes or a solar cover.
Bottom Line
Expensive but useful system to wind and unwind a pool cover for those that might have trouble with manual crank models.
Pool Boy Powered Solar Blanket Reel
This is definitely one of the most expensive option on this list, but for someone who frequently finds themselves struggling to put on and remove their solar blanket cover, it’s certainly worth consideration. It’s compatible with pools up to 20 feet in width and includes a 40-foot cable and 115 volt transformer that can be plugged into any standard outlet. It’s remote activated but features a manual override feature as well.
Kokido Stainless Steel In-Ground Cover Reel Setup
This interesting contraption can turn any pool cover into an automatic cover with a simple installation that is compatible with just about every pool. It comes in two sizes to accommodate the majority of pool widths – one expands up to 18.7 ft and the other expands up to 21.1 ft. Technically this is a semi-automatic cover reel because a manual cranking action is required.
Best Above Ground Pool Covers 2020
These covers are designed to be used with above ground pools, some specifically with above ground pools by Intex.
Super popular cover with large selections of sizes, colors and grades
Robelle Round Above-ground Winter Pool Covers
Features:
- Available in eight circular sizes: 12ft, 15ft, 18ft, 21ft, 24ft, 28ft, 30ft, and 33ft.
- 4 foot overlap.
- Accessories: Winch, cable, and grommets.
- Warranty: 8-20 years depending on model.
Robelle provides a wide assortment of different winter pool covers designed for above-ground pools. These heavy-duty polyethylene covers keep your pool water safe from debris and extreme temperatures in the off-season.
Each cover comes with a winch, cable, and grommets to firmly secure the cover of the edge of any circular above-ground pool. These covers are solid and do not allow water to pass through them, completely separating pool-water from exposure for the duration of their use.
- Assortment of sizes to fit any circular pool.
- Long warranty.
- Price varies a lot from model to model.
- Some models appear to be currently out of stock.
Bottom Line
A varied assortment of different-sized winter pool covers that range in prices to fit all budgets.
Blue Wave Gold Above Ground Winter Cover
Blue Wave is known for offering a wide range of covers to accommodate the sizes of all pools, and the brand has delivered on that expectation with their gold above ground winter cover. This cover is available in 8 sizes: 12 ft, 15 ft, 18 ft, 21 ft, 24 ft, 28 ft, 30 ft, and 33 ft. The tarp is designed to withstand the elements of winter throughout the season and is backed by an industry-leading 15-year warranty.
Buffalo Blizzard Deluxe Plus Winter Cover
Snow2Winter’s 24 foot above ground winter cover has quickly become one of the most popular covers online thanks to its reasonable price and 12-year limited/3 year full warranty. Although designed for 24 ft pools, the cover size is actually 28 ft in diameter, giving you 4 extra feet of overhang for easy installation. Double grommets are installed every 3 feet to ensure a tight fit around every corner. The tarp also inhibits ultraviolet light, thereby protecting the interior of the pool from sun damage.
Intex Round Metal Frame Cover
This cover from Intex is surprisingly cheap yet effective at keeping 15-foot Intex above ground pools clean. It has built-in drain holes to prevent water buildup and the metal supports ensure a snug fit every time. This product is designed to lengthen the swimming season and save the pool owner money by preventing premature cleanings and treatments.
Best Mesh Pool Covers and Leaf Nets 2020
Mesh pool covers distinguish themselves from other types of covers by allowing water and melting snow to pass through them while catching debris like leaves and other detritus that falls into pools throughout the year. They are not usually used as winter covers as they do not provide the layer of insulation needed to protect the pool from the elements in the off-season.
We also feature leaf nets which are used to catch leafs and other debris before it gets to your winter cover.
True fine mesh cover for above-ground pools
Popular leaf net over your in-ground pool winter cover
In the Swim’s 24 ft Round Fine Mesh Winter Cover
This 24 ft cover from In the Swim is made of ultra-strong weave fabric and is designed to accommodate up to 18 inches of rain or snowfall. This product is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Robelle Leaf Net
This leaf net from Robelle is actually made of netting and is primarily intended to keep leaves out of your pool as the name suggests. It’s ideal for yards that experience heavy leaf fall. A 5-year warranty is included.
Blue Wave Rectangular Leaf Net for In-Ground Pool
Once again Blue Wave provides a well-reviewed, affordable product that can accommodate most in-ground pool sizes. This loose mesh leaf net effectively protects your pool from leaves, twigs, dirt and other small debris.
It’s available in 11 sizes: 12 x 20 ft, 12 x 24 ft, 14 x 28 ft, 16 x 24 ft, 16 x 32 ft, 16 x 36 ft, 18 x 36 ft, 20 x 40 ft, 20 x 44 ft, 25 x 45 ft, and 30 x 50 ft.
Important Pool Cover Accessories
Brass Anchor 10 Pack
If you’re going to be buying a pool cover that uses brass anchors, it would be a good idea to get a backup 10-pack to have around just in case you lose or break one of the anchors that came with your cover.
Loop Loc Mesh Patch Kit
Although some pool covers will include a proprietary patch kit, it’s a good idea to have an extra one laying around just in case.
Pool Tree System Above-Ground Winter Cover Support System
This setup is designed to keep your above-ground pool cover form floating on the surface of the water,which can reduce performance. It can be used on pools up to 27 feet round. The cover rests atop the supports, which are secured to a floating ball.
Pool Covers Buying Guide: Types and Materials
Let’s take a look at the different design variations and features that make each type of pool cover unique. This information will help you decide which kind of cover(s) would be most suitable for your current pool setup and conditions.
Types of Pool Covers
Simply searching for “pool covers” online will yield a broad range of results, leaving you wondering which kind is “the best” or “the right kind” for you. As is often the case with comparisons, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions here. The kind of pool covers you should buy will depend on what you’re trying to achieve. With that said, let’s look at the main types of pool covers available and how they’re used:
Safety Covers
Safety covers are typically made from durable materials that are capable of supporting the weight of one or more humans. They’re designed to keep children, animals, and large debris from falling into the pool. Out of all the pool cover types, these tend to be the sturdiest and most reliable. However, they’re often constructed of solid or heavy components and can be difficult to maneuver, so they’re not the easiest to put on and take off. Most safety covers are made for in-ground pools but there are a few durable options for above-ground pool owners as well.
- Strong enough to keep people and animals from falling in pool
- Durable materials last a long time
- Firmly anchored and can withstand bad weather
- Keeps everything out if properly installed
- Very heavy and not easy to put on
- Can be expensive in comparison to other types
Solar Pool Covers
Nobody likes having to go swimming in a cold pool. Unfortunately, in many places temperatures drop significantly after the sun goes down, causing the pool to lose heat overnight. Solar pool covers are made of bubbly material designed to keep absorb warmth from the sun and trap it in the water beneath the cover, thereby maintaining a consistently comfortable pool temperature.
- Specifically designed to stabilize and increase water temperature
- Practically eliminates water loss due to evaporation, which also keeps pool chemicals from evaporating and reduces time between treatments
- Effectively keeps dirt, leaves, and other small debris out of the pool
- Flimsy, bubbly, and difficult to handle
- You may need to buy a solar cover roller to assist in putting it on and taking it off
- Lightweight material can easily be blown around by the wind if not firmly secured
Thermal Pool Covers
Thermal pool covers are similar to solar covers in that they are designed to prevent evaporation and keep the pool warm. However, being that they’re efficient insulators they don’t allow the sun’s warmth to penetrate the cover, so they won’t raise the temperature of the pool like a solar cover. These are useful for areas where excessively hot day temperatures would make using a solar cover undesirable.
- Blocks UV rays and keeps pool temperature stable
- Eliminates almost all evaporation
- Prevents algae growth
- Last longer than solar covers
- Easy to put on and take off
- Very expensive compared to other pool types
- Requires difficult installation
- Not easy to find online
- Doesn’t allow the water to heat up, so it must be taken off during the day to allow temps to increase
Winter Pool Covers
Winter pool covers are perhaps the most popular because they serve the important function of preserving the pool throughout the roughest months of the year. Left uncovered, a pool can suffer wind and frost damage during the winter. However, many pool owners choose to use this kind of cover year-round because of their many advantages.
- Blocks sunlight to reduce algae growth
- Can withstand precipitation, freezing temps, and other harsh weather
- Easy to put on and take off
- Lightweight yet durable
- One of the most popular kinds of pool covers
- Requires the installation of anchor points surrounding the pool
- Doesn’t effectively reduce evaporation
- Doesn’t retain heat or increase water temperatures
Hidden Swimming Pool Covers
As the name implies, this kind of pool cover can be hidden away in a sunken compartment at the edge of the pool when not in use. The roller and the cover itself stow away out of sight for a more aesthetically pleasing pool area. These are often custom jobs that require modifications to install on existing pools.
- Can’t see the pool cover when it is put away
- Doesn’t take up extra space in the pool area
- Available in automatic, semi-automatic, and manual cranking designs
- Not easy to install on pre-existing pools
- Repairs can be more difficult
- One of the most expensive options
Automatic Pool Covers
If you’ve got a larger budget and are looking for something more automated, consider an automatic pool cover that opens and closes with just a button push. These are ideal for elderly people and busy moms who don’t have the time or ability to repeatedly remove and replace the pool cover when needed.
- By far the easiest kind of pool cover to use
- Can support the weight of one or more adults
- Greater control and security
- Sturdy installation can withstand harsh weather
- Highly expensive compared to other options – costs range from $2,000 – $8,000 depending on the model.
- Doesn’t increase pool water temperature, so to achieve that affect a solar cover would need to be used in conjuction with one of these.
Materials Matter: Mesh vs. Solid
Mesh pool covers are essentially tightly woven canvases made of ultra-durable fabrics. Solid pool covers are, as the name suggest, made of hard materials. Here are some of the pros and cons of each type of material to help you decide which would be most suitable for your pool cover:
Mesh Pool Covers
- Much lighter and easier to maneuver than a solid pool cover
- The fabric has small spaces that allow snow and rain water to drain through, so a pump is not needed to remove water from the cover
- Leaves and other debris that collect on the surface of the cover typically blow away in the wind after drying, so you won’t have to clean the cover much
- Rainwater and melted snow will be in your pool along with some dirt and small debris
- Pools with mesh covers need to be cleaned more often
Solid Pool Covers
- Effectively seals the pool to keep rainwater, melted snow, and debris out of the pool
- Gives you the comfort of knowing that the pool will be clean and ready to use as soon as you pull the cover off
- A pool cover pump must be used to drain water from the surface of the cover after rain or snowfall
- Heavier materials make it more difficult to put on and remove
There’s no clear winner in this comparison, as each type of material presents its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it’s up to the pool owner’s preference to decide which perks would best accommodate their needs.
Additional Considerations
Now that you know what to look for and have been introduced to some of the best options in each category here are a few extra things you might want to consider:
All Safety Covers are Not Safe
Don’t let the name “safety cover” fool you, as it is commonly overused and misused in this industry. All pool safety covers are not capable of supporting the weight of an adult. Many are simply meant to protect your pool from wear and tear. Furthermore, don’t rely solely on a pool cover to keep your pool area safe. Having an enclosure and alarms setup at the entrance and on the surface of the pool are also good ideas. It’s up to you to use your discretion and thoroughly review a product’s description before entrusting it to protect your pool and family.
Reasons to Have More than One Kind of Pool Cover
As you can see by examining the above information, there’s definitely a reason to have more than one kind of pool cover. In the spring a solar cover would work well to keep chilly night temps from cooling your pool water, while in the fall you might want something more sturdy to keep the wind and leaves from littering the surface. Ideally, if you live in an area that experiences stark contrasts in weather, it would be a good idea to have one of each type handy.
Ensuring a Proper Fit and Optimal Compatibility
Before you decide on any of the above products, be sure to become familiar with the installation and size requirements to ensure that your pool will be compatible with the cover. If your pool has any obstructions within one foot of the edge of the pool, such as a ladder or slide, this should be taken into consideration when measuring and planning the construction of your pool or the installation of a new cover. Taking all this into consideration beforehand will save you the hassle of having to return the cover or being stuck with one that doesn’t fit right.
Don’t Forget the Warranty!
Generally a good pool cover will include a warranty of some sort. However, it should be noted that certain actions could void the warranty, so be sure to examine the terms and conditions before buying. Some pool covers are relatively expensive, so you don’t want to be caught in the horrible position of having to buy a replacement.
What about your Jacuzzi?
Having taken care of your pool, is your hot tub well insulated and well protected? We’ve written a piece on the best hot tub covers, both supplementary protective covers and replacement heat covers.