Pool covers serve a variety of purposes, but they all have one thing in common: they’re a must-have necessity!
Whether you’re worried about your little ones falling into the pool, the leaves and debris dirtying the water, or keeping it buttoned up for winter, you’ll be happy to know there are dozens of different pool cover options being made today.
Unfortunately, reading endless pool cover reviews in search of the pool covers can be a real chore.
That’s where we come in. From strength and durability to design and ease of use, we’ve put in countless hours using and testing all of today’s most popular pool covers according to these criteria to uncover the best of the best. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Best Pool Covers:
1. Blue Wave 20-ft x 40-ft Rectangular In-Ground Pool Safety Cover
Designed to protect your children, pets, and pool, the Blue Wave 20-ft x 40-ft Rectangular In-Ground Pool Safety Cover is one of the covers being made today. This durable pool safety cover is strong enough to support a ton of weight yet light enough to easily put on and take off in just a few minutes.
The premium cover is constructed of super-strong two-ply mesh rated to withstand 4,000 pounds of force. The stitching is also double-seamed for added durability and longevity. Meanwhile, brass concrete anchors secure it to the pool deck and allow it to sit nice and flush.
Although the mesh design of this Blue Wave pool cover may seem like a disadvantage at first, it’s designed to keep out virtually everything but rainwater and sunshine to protect against mildew and bacteria growth.
With a 12-year warranty as well, it’s easy to see why many pool pros put it at the top of their pool screen cover lists.
If you’re searching for above-ground pool safety covers, the Blue Wave 20-ft x 40-ft Rectangular In-Ground Pool Safety Cover isn’t for you.
However, for rectangular in-ground pools, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option. It’s simply one of the all-around pool covers your hard-earned money can buy.
Pros
- Excellent materials, craftsmanship, and design
- Easy to use
- Made to last
- Excellent insulation
- Very strong and able to support plenty of weight
- Great warranty
Cons
- Not much material overlap
- Customer service could be improved
2. 20 x 40 Rectangle Loop-Loc Safety Pool Cover
Loop-Loc is known for outfitting its covers with ultra-strong, super-dense mesh, so to say the Loop-Loc 20 x 40 Rectangle Safety Pool Cover is well-made and tough as nails may be an understatement.
While it isn’t the solar pool cover or even the pool deck cover your money can buy, it’s certainly one of the toughest. It’s been proven strong enough to support the weight of an elephant!
Despite the strength of this Loop-Loc, its new dense weave is still able to let rain and snow drain through. This makes it a perfect option for anyone wanting to keep out as much debris as possible and not worry about puddles of water collecting on top and caving it in.
This Loop Loc pool cover is the strongest mesh cover available and an excellent choice for any pool owner willing to pay a little more for the best. It will button up any large rectangular pool and provide years of premium protection.
Pros
- Very well-made
- Extremely tough and durable
- Can handle a lot of weight
- Great warranty
Cons
- A little more expensive than most non-retractable covers
- Only designed for 20 x 40-foot rectangular pools
3. WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20′ x 40′, Rectangle
The Water Warden 20x 40 Pool Safety Cover is another great option for anyone searching for pool covers. Its lightweight mesh is triple-stitched and double-strapped on both the top and bottom for ultimate toughness and durability.
This design also keeps out almost all dirt and debris. The Water Warden is designed to only let air and rain through. While this makes it perfect for warm climates or spring and summertime use for those living up north, it lets some cold air through, so it may not be ideal if you’re looking for the winter pool cover.
Beyond its premium mesh cover, other components that make this Water Warden a standout in its class include its solid brass concrete anchors and heavy-duty aluminum and stainless steel D-ring springs. You won’t find it mentioned in many pool cover reviews, but with so much quality and a competitive price tag to boot, this nifty well-made mesh pool cover deserves a second look.
This Water Warden Pool Safety Cover is durable, well-made, and easy to use. In other words, it offers a trifecta of sought-after benefits, making it an excellent choice for pool owners interested in long-term safety and protection from the elements.
Pros
- Very well-made
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Comes with all installation hardware
- Simple and easy installation
- Great at blocking out debris
- Anchors sit flush to your pool deck
Cons
- Installation is easy but takes some time
- Runs a little small
- No warranty
4. YARD GUARD DG183658S Deck Lock System Safety Cover for 18 x 36 Foot Pools
Yet another high-quality mesh pool cover, this YARD GUARD is right up there with the others in terms of being one of the pool cover options being made today.
Unlike a hard pool table cover, it’s made of a two-ply mesh material that allows water to flow right through, yet it blocks out leaves, twigs, and any other debris. The YARD GUARD also has reinforced triple-stitch seams with unique rub strips to protect your pool decking.
If that weren’t enough, the mesh itself is also mildew, rot, and UV-resistant. It’s also designed to withstand years of exposure to harsh pool water.
Another interesting aspect of this nifty cover is its size. At 18 x 36 feet, it’s slightly smaller than many other rectangular covers and has little to no overlap for a super streamlined look.
The YARD GUARD 18 x 36 + 8′ Center End Steps Pool Safety Cover is a quality product by a quality manufacturer. With an easy-to-use design and craftsmanship that’s second to none, it’s a great choice for any rectangular in-ground pool owners looking to protect their children, pets, and investments.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Great quality
- Made in Canada (not China)
- Good value
Cons
- Not designed to handle a ton of weight
- No warranty
5. In the Swim Swimming Pool Safety Cover 20 x 40 Foot
The Meyco 20 x 40 Rectangle Safety Pool Cover is strong enough to support the weight of several children yet lightweight and easy to as pie to put on and take off. It’s so easy to use that many pool owners report using this Meyco throughout the winter and the swimming season for year-round protection against accidental drownings.
It features a special two-ply Meycolite mesh with a 4,000-pound break of strength rating. Like other top-quality mesh covers discussed in our expert pool cover reviews, the mesh is resistant to UV rays, mildew, rot, and chlorine damage.
Aside from its strength and durability, another great aspect of this Meyco cover is its brass spring-loaded pop-up anchoring system, which is easy to use and provides a flush recessed fit when not in use. When you factor in its generous 12-year warranty, it’s hard not to rate it as one of the pool covers on the market.
If you’re searching for a cheap inflatable pool cover or an above-ground pool winter cover, the Meyco 20 x 40 Rectangle Safety Pool Cover probably isn’t for you. However, if you want a high-quality mesh safety cover for a traditional rectangular in-ground pool, there’s no better option around.
Pros
- Very strong mesh
- Able to support a ton of weight
- Offers excellent protection
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not the easiest cover to install
- A bit pricier than other mesh safety covers
6. Blue Wave BWC704 Bronze 8-Year 18-ft Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover
The Blue Wave Bronze 18-Foot Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover is designed to protect against the sun, wind, snow, ice, and more, making it a solid option for thousands of above-ground pool owners. Made of rugged polyethylene, it’s designed to withstand winter’s worst.
This Blue Wave is 22 feet round and features a four-foot overlap, allowing it to easily fit a variety of 18-foot round above-ground pools. The exterior is a nice-looking navy blue, while the underside of the cover is black to minimize algae growth and allow you to enjoy beautiful crystal clear waters come spring.
Although it doesn’t feature an above-ground pool cover reel, it’s equipped with an easy-to-use, heavy-duty winch and cable tightening system, which creates a super tight fit and makes the Blue Wave an above-ground pool cover you can walk on.
With an affordable price tag, an eight-year warranty, and thousands of positive pool cover reviews as well, it’s easily one of the above-ground pool covers your hard-earned money can buy.
The Blue Wave Bronze 18-Foot Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover is well-priced, incredibly popular, and made to withstand the worst winter has to offer.
While it’s not the most durable pool cover around and a cover reel system would make it easier to use, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better winter cover for an 18-foot above-ground pool than this Blue Wave.
Pros
- Well-made for the wear and tear of winter
- Inexpensive and a great value
- The winch tightening system keeps it pulled tight and in place in high winds
- Terrific warranty
Cons
- Only lasts a few seasons
- The Winch system works great but can be a bit difficult to use
7. In The Swim 24-Foot Round Pool Value Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools
Designed for slightly smaller round above-ground pools, the In The Swim 24-Foot Round Pool Value Winter Cover is 27 feet in diameter and features a three-foot overlap, allowing it to keep debris and water out and crystal clear water in.
Similar to other above-ground pool covers, it’s made of a nylon/polyethylene material. However, it’s super tightly woven and features an 8 x 8 filament scrim for extra protection against the elements.
With a double-stitched border, all-weather aluminum grommets, aluminum winch, and vinyl-coated steel cable, it’s able to withstand windy winter conditions without tearing. The one-year full and eight-year pro-rated warranties are simply the icing on the cake.
The In The Swim 24-Foot Round Pool Value Winter Cover is a great all-around cover for any 24-foot round above-ground pool. It’s inexpensive, tightly woven, and guaranteed to provide top-notch protection against the elements for months on end.
Pros
- Very popular and affordable
- 8 x 8 scrim is a nice touch
- Able to handle wind and tough winter conditions
- Good warranty
Cons
- The cover seems thin and flimsy
- Grommets could be better secured
- Only made to last a season or two
8. Pool Mate 3230-4-PM Heavy-Duty Winter Round Above-Ground Cover 30-ft. Pool
If you have a large round above-ground pool, chances are the Pool Mate 3230-4-PM Heavy-Duty Winter Round Above-Ground Pool Cover will be a perfect fit. The solid, 5mm cover is made of UV-protected, triple-laminated polyethylene with reinforced edges and heat-treated seams for ultimate durability and toughness.
Meanwhile, a large 28-foot cover needs a solid tightening system to keep it in place during windy and snowy winter conditions, so the Pool Mate features a winching system with a vinyl-coated steel cable, which does the trick just fine. Just like a pool table hardcover, it’s designed to strap the cover down tight and offer protection in the harshest blizzard conditions.
The Pool Mate also comes with a one-year full warranty and an eight-year limited warranty as well. While the cover material is strong and durable, its thinness makes it susceptible to wear and tear, so the warranty is a nice touch.
The Pool Mate 3230-4-PM Heavy-Duty Winter Round Above-Ground Pool Cover is an excellent option for any large round above-ground pool owner. While the material seems thin, which can make it less than ideal for Nor’easter-like conditions, it’s triple-laminated and made to provide superior wintertime protection, at least for a season or two.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Large enough to fit a 30-foot round above-ground pool
- Offers complete wintertime protection
- Vinyl-coated winching cable adds extra safety and durability
Cons
- Material seems thin
- Not great for super windy conditions
9. Polarshield 18-Foot Round Above Ground Swimming Pool Leaf Net Top Cover
It may not be a great winter pool cover or feature above-ground pool solar cover reels, and it’s lightyears from being a retractable pool cover, but the Swimline 18-Foot Round Above Ground Swimming Pool Leaf Net Top Cover makes leaf collection and removal easy as can be.
Similar to the mesh covers made for in-ground pools, this Swimline cover is made of durable woven mesh, allowing water to flow through and leaves and debris to collect like a dream. Rather than the brass anchor systems used for in-ground pools, however, it utilizes a ratchet and cable tightening system just like other great above-ground pool covers being sold today.
If you live in a warm climate, don’t need the extra protection of a solid safety or winter cover, and are sick of leaves and bugs dirtying up your above-ground pool, this Swimline cover may be the perfect match for you and your pool.
The Swimline 18-Foot Round Above-Ground Swimming Pool Leaf Net Top Cover is an excellent breathable mesh cover for any 18-foot above-ground pool. It’s lightweight, easy to put on and take off, and designed to keep large leaves and debris from making a mess of your pool and clogging its filter. In other words, it gets the job done.
Pros
- Good quality
- Fits great
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Doesn’t block all small bugs and debris
- Despite the overlap, sizes run a little small
10. Buffalo Blizzard Deluxe Winter Cover
The Buffalo Blizzard Deluxe Blue/Black Reversible Winter Cover is far better than the inflatable pool cover could ever dream of being. How so?
Well, for starters, the solid winter pool cover is made of tightly woven weatherproof, and puncture-resistant nylon. The hems are also triple the normal thickness and the seams are double-stitched for even more durability. Plus, it’s reversible with blue material on one side and black on the other.
This quality pool cover also features a three-foot overlap, winch, and vinyl-coated cable for ultimate protection from freezing temps and harsh winter elements.
Unfortunately, the Buffalo Blizzard Deluxe Reversible Winter Cover is only available for 16 x 24-foot oval above-ground pools, which is a bit limiting. However, if you happen to own such a pool, you can’t go wrong with this rock-solid cover.
Much more than a cool name, the Buffalo Blizzard Deluxe Blue/Black Reversible Winter Cover is made to keep your oval above-ground pool buttoned up and protected from everything winter can dish out. While it doesn’t have a ton of pool cover reviews, this little-known gem of a cover is tough to beat.
Pros
- Very well-made
- Excellent design
- Very sturdy and great for winterizing
- Includes cable, ratchet, and everything needed for installation
- Nice warranty
Cons
- Works great but is a little thin for a winter cover
- Only made to last a few seasons
Tips on Choosing
From in-ground pools costing $20,000 or more to above-ground pools costing $500, any type of pool is an investment worth protecting. If you have children, their protection is priceless.
The writing’s on the wall: you need a pool cover. However, with so many great options to choose from, choosing the right one is easier said than done.
Have no fear. Here are a few helpful tips to pick the best one for your pool, and more specifically, your needs.
Tip #1 – Functionality Is Key
When shopping for pool covers, the first order of business is deciding why you want a cover. Do you need a pool safety cover to protect your little ones from falling in?
Do you have trees near your pool and need a cover to keep the leaves and bugs out? Do you need a solid winter pool cover to keep it covered and protected from the snow, ice, and freezing temps?
Your answers to these questions will help you determine the type of pool cover you need and narrow down your list of options.
Tip #2 – Consider Your Climate
If you live up north in cooler climates, you may want to invest in a winter cover or a solar cover to help keep the water warm. If you live closer to the equator in a warmer climate, a mesh safety cover may be the way to go. In any case, the climate of your area should play a significant role in the type of pool cover you choose.
Tip #3 – Pay Attention to the Type and Size of Your Pool
It may seem obvious, but it’s important to pick a pool cover that will fit your pool. If you have an above-ground pool but purchase an in-ground pool cover, you’re going to be disappointed when it arrives, and vice versa.
You should also pay attention to the size of the cover. It should go without saying, but if you have a 20 x 40 rectangular in-ground pool, a 12 x 30 rectangular cover or 16-foot round cover simply won’t work.
Factors to Consider
Selecting the pool cover for your pool, budget, and needs isn’t easy. The good news is there are certain factors to keep in mind when making your decision to help you make the right one.
Type and Size of Your Pool
There are a variety of pools and even more pool covers of all types and sizes. If you have a 24-foot round above-ground pool, you need a pool cover designed to fit it. You need a 24-foot round above-ground pool cover. This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised at how many new pool owners get hung up on features and forget to check the basics.
Durability
Unless you don’t mind useless spending, chances are you want your pool cover to last as long as possible. The pool covers feature not one but two or more layers of tough, durable nylon or polyethylene for maximum protection. Double or triple-stitched seams, durable metal grommets, and solid anchoring systems are also a big plus.
Ease of Use
You don’t want to spend hours fumbling around outside in the hot sun, so it’s important to choose a pool cover that’s easy to put on, take off, and store.
Aesthetics
The looks of a pool cover may not be a big deal to some, but the aesthetics of a pool cover can make a big difference in the look and feel of your backyard. After all, you don’t want a bunch of visible rails surrounding your pool or five inches of ugly foam on top.
Price
The price of a pool cover is another factor to consider. Typically, a standard-size winter cover will be much less than a custom safety cover. The key is to determine your budget and find a cover with the right balance of features and materials that lie within it. The good news is there are several terrific pool covers out there with terrific price tags as well.
FAQ
As experts on pool covers and everything pool-related, we receive many questions about pool covers. However, some questions are more common than others and seem to pop up time and time again.
Can a rectangle cover fit a non-rectangular pool?
No. For proper safety and protection, you should always use a cover that fits the dimensions of your pool.
Do pool covers require professional installation?
Not at all. Many top-quality pool covers can be installed and removed in no time at all by anyone with a few tools and a little common sense.
Can you walk on a pool cover?
Yes and no. Some pool covers are designed to support considerable weight, but none of them are made to be walked on. Doing so may damage the cover or result in injury.
How long do pool covers last?
Pool covers last anywhere from one season to several years. Some pool covers have warranties for as long as 12 years!
Making the Decision
If you’ve refilled your coffee and managed to read this entire guide, then you can feel confident you now know enough about the topic to choose the very pool covers for you and your pool.
With the safety of your children and the protection of your pool on the line, there’s no time like now to purchase a great pool cover and protect the people and things you love.
So, think about your pool, consider your needs, and buy a top-quality pool cover to protect your pool, ensure the safety of your little ones, and keep your pool clean and ready for summer fun!
