It can be tough to ensure pool water is clean. Finding the right cover can be difficult. This review will help you find what is the best pool cover for winter.
Reviews of the 10 Best Winter Pool Covers of 2020
The following buyer’s guide is intended to help you find a cover for inground pools and for above ground pools. It is a collection of the 10 best winter pool covers we found available in 2020.
1. Blue Wave In Ground Pool Cover
The Blue Wave pool cover fits pools rectangular pools that are 20 feet by 40 feet. Because its size is 24 x 44 feet and provides four feet of an overlay. This overlay allows easy set up with little to no stretching or tearing. The leaf nets of the Blue Wave ground pool cover are made of strong, Polyethylene, woven mesh fabric. Gone are the days when decaying leaves create a mess in your pool. The Blue Wave pool cover promises to eliminate this.
Pros
- 4-foot overlap fits most copings
- Rids messiness caused by dying leaves
- Fits rectangular pools 20 x 40 feet
Cons
- Smaller size than is claimed
- Material it is made from appears cheap
2. Blue Wave In-Ground Pool Winter Cover
This is an entry-level pool cover with the similar durability and power that more expensive covers have. The Blue Wave pool cover has an additional five feet of overlay and will withstand the worst winter conditions with its powerful polyethylene scrim coating. This is an excellent pool cover if you need a pool cover for snow. The defender covers are made with protection against ultraviolet rays, which allows for many years of use in direct sunlight.
Pros
- Gives protection in all winter conditions
- A 5-foot overlap ensures no rips or stretching
- Covers a rectangular pool 25 x 45 feet
- Has an 8-year warranty
Cons
- Tubes were not durable
- The cover is a thin material
3. Pool Mate Winter Pool Cover
This heavy-duty pool cover made by Pool Mate is made for in-ground pools 16 x 32 feet in size. Constructed from polyethylene material with superior strength and power. This material halts the growth of algae by averting the entrance of ultraviolet rays into the pool. It is sturdy enough to prevent any debris and dirt from getting inside when it is in place. If you use the proper chemicals with your PoolMate pool cover you will have a sparkling clean pool come spring.
Pros
- 5-foot overlap allows simple installation
- The warranty lasts for 10-years
- Polyethylene, material for durability
Cons
- Product may leak upon receipt
- May not be long-lasting
4.Swimline In-Ground Swimming Pool Cover
This pool cover made by Swimline is the ideal winterizing equipment for your 25 x 45 size in-ground pool. It will also help you get your pool back in the swimming condition in very little time. This happens because it is deterring the entrance of any wind-blown dirt or debris while the cover is on.
The Swimline pool cover allows for ultimate ultraviolet ray protection by being treated to combat degradation and advance endurability.
Pros
- Guards against sun damage with UV inhibitors
- Larger than the actual size of the pool
- Has strong polyethylene 7×7 weave
Cons
- Shipping may compromise the tarp
- Poor quality control
5. Pool Mate Winter Pool Cover
This is an in-ground pool cover made by Pool Mate. The 571632R Sandstone promises to guard your pool against any conditions winter may have to offer. It deters the growth of algae by hindering the amount of UV rays that may infiltrate your pool. When closing your pool for the winter, all you need to do is apply chemicals and your pool is protected until spring. You will have a pristine, sparkling clean pool to start off the swimming season.
Pros
- Has a 5-foot overlap
- Warranty lasts for 12-years
- Better performing, heat-sealed seams
Cons
- Poor quality control
- Material is very thin
6. Blue Wave Bronze Above Ground Pool Winter Cover
The Blue Wave Bronze pool cover is the ideal winterizing tool for your 24-foot, round pool. It has the same powerful strength of a cover that costs much more. It has a coating and scrim made from polyethylene to ensure it will last throughout the winter. This pool cover has an additional four feet of an overlay, making easier set up and less chance for rips or tears. Ensuring years of guarding against the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Pros
- Covers a 28 foot round pool
- Guards against snow, wind, sun, and ice
- Ensures no ripping/stretching with 4-foot overlap
Cons
- Warranty isn’t what it claims
- May not last 8 years
7. Blue Wave Silver Above Ground Pool Winter Cover
This pool cover made by Blue Wave has a 12-year warranty. It fits above ground pools that are 24 feet. You are promised years of winter protection with this mid-priced, powerfully strong Defender. This cover has a strong polyethylene scrim and coating giving it the ability to handle sleet, wind, and even snow.
This cover guards against the sun’s harming effects with the use of an ultraviolet stabilizer. It also slows the growth of algae with a black underside. In addition, you are guaranteed a crystal clear pool next spring because of the seams which are heat-sealed. You will be assured there is no ripping or stretching with this 4-foot overlap as the smaller 3-foot ones do.
Pros
- Rip-proof metal grommets ensure a stable anchor
- Has a 12-year warranty
- Protection against all winter conditions
Cons
- Poor quality control
- Cover tears easily
8. Robelle Winter Pool Cover
Robelle makes this pool cover UV resistant for 24foot round above-ground pools. It has a scrim that is 8 x 8 and made with superior quality. You are afforded four additional feet of overlap making it much simpler to anchor it. A winch and cable are included with this cover ensuring the ability to reinforce it securely through the metal grommets.
The bottom of the pool cover is a black color to deter the growth of algae. Cover made from a polyethylene material weight 2.36 ounces per yard. An excellent indication of the durability of a pool cover is the weight of material and scrim count.
Pros
- 10-year warranty
- Made from durable polyethylene material
- The overlap allows 4 additional feet
Cons
- Winch does not work well
- Size isn’t accurate as claimed
9. Blue Wave Bronze Above Ground Pool Winter Cover
This pool cover made by Blue Wave is made to fit an above-ground pool that is 15 x 30 feet. The cover is actually 19 x 34 feet to allow a 4-foot overlap to prevent ripping and stretching. It is an entry-level defender cover with the same strength and abilities of a cover twice its costs.
The Blue Wave pool cover comes with an 8-year warranty. It is dark blue on the top side with a black underside, this dark underside deters the growth of algae.
Pros
- Has 4-foot overlay to prevent ripping/stretching
- Guards pool from ice, sun, snow, and wind
- Dark underside protects against algae growth
Cons
- Cheap material
- Grommets may not be secure
10. Intex Deluxe Round Pool Cover
Intex Recreation makes this deluxe 18-foot pool cover for an above-ground pool. The Intex Deluxe also includes drain holes that deter the build-up of water. In addition, there are rope ties included for easier setup and secure anchoring of the pool cover. This cover fits most circular pools with an 18-foot diameter.
The Intex Deluxe gives extreme protection to a metal framed round pool. It is made from polyethylene material that is resistant to the ultra-violet rays of the sun. This pool cover offers protection that is all-purpose to a metal-framed, round above-ground pool.
Pros
- Guards against the sun’s UV rays
- Secure simply with rope ties included
- Fits a circular pool, 18 feet diameter
Cons
- Grommets pull out easily
- Plastic material shreds easily
Value Section
The purpose of this buyer’s guide is to help you find the best rated pool covers available in 2020. Therefore, it is our belief that the pool covers provided in this buyer’s guide are the best winter pool covers money can buy.
Mesh vs Vinyl Covers
A mesh pool cover is less costly than vinyl, longer lasting (usually 10-15 years) and requires no maintenance or a pump. Yet, these covers do not keep out the debris and dirt; plus they do not deter algae growth. The vinyl covers are more costly, require a pump to operate. However, vinyl covers keep the pool’s water clean and algae-free. Vinyl covers last between 7-11 years; a pool needs less maintenance come time to re-open in the spring.
The Importance of Covering a Pool
It is important to cover your pool once the season is over. The reason is to protect the inside from the damage of debris, leaves, dirt, and other falling debris. In addition, the elements of winter weather–rain, snow, wind, and ice.
If ice accumulation is ½ inch or more during winter; place some form of padding between the water and cover. Any type of floating device will work–such as an inflatable pillow, a beach ball, or other items made from foam. Doing this will prevent any damage to your pool liner the ice might cause. Do not use these items to “tent up” the pool cover. Doing so can expose it to being damaged by the wind, which could void the warranty.
Taking off the Cover in Spring
This is possibly the worst part of spring, before taking the cover off the pool, you have to get rid of the accumulated water on it. You can use a garden hose to siphon the water away, or a bucket to scoop it off. However, the most effective method is to use a pool cover pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to Cover an Above Ground Pool for Winter?
A: When placing a cover over your above ground pool for the winter you will need a winch and a cable. The cable is covered with nylon. You will need to thread the steel cable through both ends–first through the cover’s grommet then through the winch–tightly pull the cable by using the hand crank.
If ice accumulation is ½ inch or more during winter; place some form of padding between the water and cover. Any type of floating device will work–such as an inflatable pillow, a beach ball, or other items made from foam. Doing this will prevent any damage to your pool liner the ice might cause. Do not use these items to “tent up” the pool cover. Doing so can expose it to being damaged by the wind, which could void the warranty.
Q: Why Cover a Swimming Pool in Winter?
A: If you do not cover your swimming pool in the winter all the falling leaves and other debris will end up in it. All this debris will sit at the bottom of the pool, rotting away. You will be forced to shovel all this collected debris from the pool’s bottom, which can also create an ugly stain.
Q: What is the Best Type of Winter Pool Cover?
A: The best type of winter pool cover is constructed of a material similar to what tarps are made from. A pool cover is made to keep out any debris, sunlight, and dead leaves during the months when it is not in use.
The purpose of this buyer’s guide is to help you find the best rated pool covers available in 2020. Therefore, it is our belief that the pool covers provided in this buyer’s guide are the best winter pool covers money can buy. We hope this guide helps you in learning what makes a pool cover one of the best.
Q: How to Clean Winter Pool Cover?
A: As a pool owner, you want to ensure that when you buy something to protect your pool it remains in good condition. Therefore, keeping your winter pool cover clean is an important thing to know. Keeping the pool cover clean will aid in protecting your investment.
How to clean a solid pool cover: Spray the cover with a garden hose while it is lying flat on the ground. Take the pool cover to another location and put several drops of liquid soap on it. Using a broom–or a brush with a handle– gently brush the liquid soap all over the surface of the pool cover. Now spray away all the soap using the garden hose; allow it to lie flat and dry out completely before folding it up and storing it away.
Q: How to Remove Water Collected on a Winter Pool Cover?
A: It is imperative to remove excess pool water that accumulates on the cover. Though it may only be a few inches on the surface, it can be several gallons across the pool. This can add up to several gallons of water. Because a gallon weighs more than 8.3 pounds, it will be difficult to attempt “balling” up the cover and lifting it off.
This is possibly the worst part of spring. Removing the water that has collected on the pool covers all winter long. Before taking the cover off the pool, you have to get rid of the accumulated water on it. You can use a garden hose to siphon the water away, or a bucket to scoop it off. However, the most effective method is to use a pool cover pump.
Conclusion
In concluding this review round-up, we would like to state that the above 10 pool covers are the best rated winter pool covers available in 2020.
We hope that this buyer’s guide has been helpful in searching for the best winter pool cover of 2020 that meets your needs. Here’s to a crystal clear pool when you open it up for the spring/summer season of 2021.
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