The best pool cover is easy to use, affordable, covers your pool completely, and comes with a reel for effortless storage. You do not need to spend lots of money getting the top-of-the-line pool cover when an affordable one can be found easily. But why do you need a swimming pool cover? It offers different functions, like securing your pool as safety shield or lowering the maintenance of your facility by warding off contaminants or debris.
Several types of swimming pool covers exist out there and each has its primary uses and benefits. With that said, let’s look at how to buy the ideal pool cover and review some of the top brands on the market today.
Types of Pool Covers
There are different types of pool covers with every cover having its unique features. They key is to understand what every cover does so as to make an informed decision on which one to purchase. Below are the five main covers that you will find on the market today.
Solar Pool Covers
Solar pool covers are also called bubble covers and are the least expensive when you compare to the other four. During the day, they absorb the sun’s heat and help to prevent this heat from escaping during the night.
Pros
- They are the only covers that heat your pool – saving you on heating bills.
- They reduce evaporation by up to 99 percent – saving you on water bills.
- They keep debris and dirt out of your pool.
- They are easy to use and lightweight.
Con
- They can’t withstand even your kid’s or pet weight.
Automatic Pool Covers
Automatic pool covers alleviate safety and are very easy to use. As their name suggests, they open and close automatically at the push. They are extremely easier to operate and are quite secure, than the other four types of cover.
Pros
- They are quite safe – prevent pets and kids from falling into your pool.
- They reduce water evaporation.
- They are easy to install and uninstall.
Con
- They are quite expensive.
Read more: Robotic Pool Cleaner
Thermal Pool Covers
Thermal covers are amongst the best types of swimming pool blankets. They keep the sun’s ray out of your pool, preventing algae from developing. They also trap the heat better than the other four pool covers.
Pros
- They reduce evaporation up to 98 percent.
- They keep out debris, dirt, and leaves from your pool.
- They block the sun’s harmful UV rays – preventing the growth of the annoying algae.
Con
- They don’t warm your pool water.
Winter Pool Covers
In most situations, people who purchase these types of pool covers want to close their swimming pool for the winter months, however, these covers can be used 365 days. Constructed of polyethylene fabrics, winter covers keep out extreme winter temperatures, precipitation, and winds that can lead to frost damage.
Pros
- They reduce evaporation.
- They reduce effective sun rays, hence limiting algae development.
- They are easy to roll out and up and are lightweight.
Con
- They require anchor points to be present around your pool.
Hidden Pool Covers
If your pool requires aesthetics, hidden pool covers are the way to go. They have an extra bonus of being easy to install on an existing and new pool, and the one under renovation. These covers come automatic, semi-automatic, and manual, which make them quite easy to use while offering all the protection and savings you would want from a pool cover.
Pros
- They are perfect for all pool shapes.
- They roll directly into your pool manually, semi-automatically, or automatically by the use of an easy hand crank.
- Ascetically pleasing – you cannot notice them like the other pool covers.
Con
- They are difficult to install in older swimming pools.
Deciding which pool cover to get might be the difference between enjoying your pool and having a hard time with it.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Pool Cover
Here are five factors that you should consider when choosing a pool cover that will offer you the services you require.
The functionality of the cover
What is your primary aim of buying a pool cover? For pool owners with children, they might require a cover that will keep their children away from the pool, hence inventing in a good mesh cover might the best option. A mesh cover is also recommended for areas with heavy rainfall and for an in-ground swimming pool as it allows the water to seep through it. If you have a backyard swimming pool surrounded by trees, then you should consider getting a leaf pool cover to catch dead leaves that might drop into your pool. However, this cover isn’t the ideal product for pool safety net as it’s made of lightweight material.
Climate
The climate in your location is a critical factor you should consider when selecting a cover for your pool. Some swimming pools might be situated in an area prone to harsh weather, which would make you buy a mesh cover, also known as a winter pool cover. This cover features a sturdy mesh, which is strengthened on its edges using straps. It also uses anchors that secure it tightly to your swimming pool. Due to this, the cover is able to protect your pool against harsh weather.
Warranty period
Generally, you should invest in a swimming pool cover that has a warranty. A warranty means that the manufacturer trusts in their product and it will last longer. You should only go for covers that have specific warranties and with favorable terms and conditions to replace defective covers.
Pool cover should match your pool
Consider the shape and size of your pool when buying your pool cover. Costs for a huge freeform shaped swimming pool with obstructions surrounding it and elevation changes will be more than that of a small single-level rectangle. After computing the surface area, buy a product that offers an allowance for anchoring. The cost of installing a pool cover will depend on the size of your pool, the kind of cover you want, and the complexity of installation project.
Your pool type
There are two types of pools: above-ground and in-ground pools. An in-ground pool is situated in the surface and uses a pool cover that is attached to anchors tied by your poolside. An above-ground pool uses winches to fasten its cover around its rim. Hence, you need to choose the right cover for your swimming pool.
Note: If you are not sure how to go about choosing your pool cover or you are unfamiliar with this kind of project, consider hiring a professional contractor to choose the right cover for your pool and even install it. This will help to minimize your liability in case of an accident. In fact, the two main benefits of hiring a professional are:
- They understand the law that governs swimming pool covers and hence follows it to the letter.
- They would install a sturdy cover while advising you on which is the perfect material for your swimming pool.
Benefits of Pool Covers
A swimming pool cover is an interesting addition to your pool. There are hundreds of mixed opinions around pool covers although there are thousands of benefits they bring.
Keep your swimming pool clean
Using or installing a pool cover is highly effective and simple way of keeping your swimming pool free of bugs and garden debris. By keeping your facility water clean, a cover drastically reduces the number of times you will need to wash it, hence reduce the cleaning cost.
Prevent evaporation by up to 95 percent
A pool cover is an important addition to your pool and it will save you money and time when it comes to swimming pool maintenance. A cover prevents pool evaporation by at least 95 percent.
Reduce the amount of chemical required
In addition, keeping your facility covered lowers the amount of chemical you need to treat your pool as the cover prevents the chemical from evaporating.
Saves about 50 percent of the heating cost
An effective pool cover also saves you about 50 percent of the heating cost. Again, evaporation is the number one cause of heat loss for your pool, which happens mainly during the night when the temperature is low.
Extend your swimming season
For those pool owners who don’t have a pool heater, a cover will actually extend your swimming season by trapping heat, hence increasing your pool temperature.
Top 7 Pool Covers on the Market Today
Here are the best pool covers on the market today.
Pool Safety Cover for a 20 by 40 Pool, Green Mesh
This is one of the best pool covers you will get on the market today as it protects your in-ground pool from harsh winter in just a single step. Its lightweight mesh, as well as the 2-ply webbing, enables the rain to seep into your pool while trapping all leaves, twigs, and other debris. This cover for leaves includes heavy-duty hardware kits and is made of finely crafted elements, including heavy-duty aluminum, stainless steel, and solid brass.
Another thing that you will love about pool safety cover is its ability to block almost 100 percent of the sunlight. This eliminates algae development in your swimming pool, making spring pool opening much easier.
Pros
- Easy to install and remove.
- Easy to store.
- Comes with all hardware such as hooks and springs.
Con
- It might require new anchors to be drilled on your pool.
Blue Wave Bronze 8 Years 18 Feet Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover
The blue wave bronze cover has the durability and strength of pool covers that cost twice as much. Its coating and rugged polyethylene scrim mean that this product can withstand the harshest of winter. The other great benefit of this cover is that it’s U.V protected so it will last for decades in direct sunlight. Its black underside prevents algae development and the heat-sealed seam means you will get a clean pool next spring.
Another notable feature of this product is the big four-foot overlap that ensures the right fit for your above ground swimming pool, unlike covers with three-foot overlap. The cover is held tightly on your swimming pool with a heavy-duty, coated cable and tighteners which are anchored by metal grommets spaced 30-inch apart.
Pros
- 8 years warranty.
- Four-foot
- V protected.
Con
- Warranty is only one year fully rated.
16 by 32 Rectangle Safety Pool Cover
This pool cover is made in America from a heavy-duty reinforced rugged material that ensures you will enjoy its service for years to come. It’s a top quality rectangular solid pool cover that combines extra strong vinyl with superb sewing methods giving the cover improved durability that will withstand decades of bad weather conditions. The product resists wear and tear and offers superior strength which non-reinforced pool covers cannot duplicate.
This solid pool cover is meant to keep rainwater and melting snow out of your swimming pool, leaving treated water clear till spring. The product also comes with a mesh drain for people who love its benefits but don’t wish to pump off the trapped water.
Pros
- Chemical resistant product.
- Comes with a 20 years warranty.
- Made in America.
Con
- Brief installation instructions.
Blue Wave 20-ft by 40-ft Rectangular In-Ground Pool Safety Cover, Blue
Blue wave 20ft by 40ft enables you to guard your kids and pets as it keeps your pool out of reach of harsh weather. It is a durable, long-lasting pool cover that is strong enough to withstand heavy weight, yet still light enough to install or remove from your swimming pool in just 5 minutes. The product is made of heavy-duty 2-ply mesh that can withhold up to 4,000-pounds.
During use, the product is held in place by brass anchors that bay flush with your swimming pool deck when the cover isn’t in use. The other great feature of this cover is its ability to protect your pool from harmful sunlight and its fine, lightweight mesh enables rain to get into your pool but traps debris and leaves. The best thing is that the cover comes complete with the necessary hardware for easier installation on concrete.
Pros
- Easy to install and remove.
- Protects against the V light.
- Very durable.
Con
- Doesn’t come with a warranty.
Intex Deluxe 18-Foot Round Pool Cover
Intex Deluxe offers all-purpose protection of your swimming pool. You can use this product to shield and protect your swimming pool metal frame from the harmful sunlight and ensure that it lasts longer. The cover is made of U.V resistant polyethylene material, comes with inbuilt drain holes to prevent rainwater from accumulating, and is easier to fasten with rope ties.
Intex prevents leaves and other debris from falling into your pool and it boasts of an 8 inches overhang that is perfect for your swimming pool. The best thing about this product is that you can tighten it to prevent the wind from blowing it off.
Pros
- Comes with drain holes.
- Comes with rope ties for securing it.
- It is UV resistant.
Con
- Tears easily.
Meyco 20 by 40 Ft Rectangle Safety Pool Cover
The 20 feet by 40 feet Meyco safety pool cover is made to last for years. It’s constructed from durable 2-ply microlite mesh that comes in jungle green color. This flexible but strong product can support a weight of up to 4,000 pounds and is resistant to sunlight, rot, chlorine, and mildew. The manufacturer has designed a spring-loaded brass anchoring system which keeps the cover tightly secured during the summer.
The installation of this product is pretty easy and it comes with installation tools, a storage bag, springs, and stainless steel buckles. The lightweight nature of this material eliminates stagnant water by allowing snow and rain to seep through.
Pros
- Holds thousands of pounds without breaking.
- Secure tightly to your pool.
- Protects kids and pets from falling into the pool.
Con
- Suitable for pools with square corners.
20 by 40 Rectangular Loop-Loc Safety Pool Cover
This Loop-Loc safety swimming pool cover is made of new, thicker weave that almost blocks all the sun rays from reaching your pool. However, it still enables rain and snow to easily get through to avoid breaking the cover. If you want less light and debris in your swimming pool, this is the perfect product for you. The unit is strong enough to support the weight of adults and other pets.
This cover meets the standard needed for all commercial swimming pool cover and is by far one of the strongest and the safest products on the market today.
Pros
- Comes with installation hardware.
- A strong mesh that blocks sunlight.
- Withstand a lot of weight.
Con
- You might need a pump to drain excess water.
Recommendation for the Best Pool Cover
We would recommend you to try the Pool Safety Cover for a 20 by 40 Pool, Green Mesh as it has most of the features of what the perfect pool cover should have. It is lightweight, perfect for leaves, easy to install, easy to store, and comes with all the required hardware for installing and removing it during spring. It also protects your swimming pool from harmful UV light and prevents algae from developing in your pool.
Must-Have Swimming Pool Accessories
Best Choice Products Swimming Pool Cover Reel 21 Inches
The best choice is a 21 feet long, durable, and lightweight pool cover reel that also happens to be rust-resistant, to ensure that you get years of service without needing to replace it. It’s an easy to assemble, easy to carry, and easy to store product. Its major con is the breakage of the installation software.
Doheny’s Deluxe Above-ground Solar Pool Cover Reel System
This is a one person, easy to operate reel system that allows the user to roll up all pool solar blankets. With this product, you will get an easy to operate, low priced, and heavy-duty machine. However, it is will take you time to assemble this unit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pool Covers
Here are some of the FAQ about pool covers and their answers:
Does a pool cover save water in my swimming pool?
Yes. Just like a roof, a pool cover can help to reduce the evaporation by up to 93 percent. This will not only save water but also energy and money.
Does a pool cover help to heat my pool?
Yes. Some pool covers help to heat your swimming pool by taking the advantage of the sun’s heat. They also help to maintain the heat inside your swimming pool.
Is a cover kid safe?
Although these covers will prevent a kid from directly falling into your swimming pool and might even support the weight of pets and kids, they aren’t rated as children safe and they aren’t guaranteed to do that.
Can a pool cover completely shut my pool?
Because rainwater can easily pass via the cover, a complete shutdown isn’t possible.
Can I install a swimming pool cover myself?
Yes. It is very easy to install these covers. The only things you will need are a concrete drill bit and a hammer drill.
How should I store my pool cover?
Unlike a pool blanket, you don’t need a pool roller in order to store your pool cover. You only need to fold it and then keep it in a dry place – out of the sun.
Conclusion
What is the best pool cover for winter? We hope you have gotten an idea of what to look for when you visit the market to buy the best pool cover for your swimming pool. It was a delight to offer you our advice and we hope you will get your dream pool cover that fits seamlessly into your pool.