swimming pool during golden hour

Keep Leaves and Debris out with the Top 7 Best Pool Covers

Now that summer’s over, it’s time to start thinking about closing down your pool for the winter. There are a few tasks that you must perform to make sure that your pool remains healthy even during the off-season. You should clean the pool water and add winter chemicals. But you have to cover your pool too. So let’s take a look at some of the best pool covers you can get this year.

Types of Pool Covers

While you’re searching for the best pool covers, there are a few types that you should know about.

Solar pool covers

Automatic pool covers

Thermal pool covers

Winter pool covers

Hidden swimming pool covers

How We Revied

Our goal is to help you find the best pool covers to meet your needs. In our review process, we took a look at top-selling covers. We then narrowed down our list by researching professional and consumer reviews. We also compared the features and price of each cover. All of the covers on our list meet our standards for top quality products.

The Top 3 Best Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools

Here are our top three picks for the best pool covers for above ground pools this year.

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1. Pool Mate 351632RPM Heavy-Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover


Pool Mate 351632RPM Heavy-Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover for In-Ground…

  • Heavy-duty, polyethylene
  • Stops algae growth
  • 5-Foot overlap for easy installation

Our first contender for the best pool covers for above ground pools comes from Pool Mate. This cover will protect your pool during harsh winter conditions.

One of the things that we love about this cover is that its heavy-duty polyethylene material stops algae growth. It does this by preventing UV rays from entering the pool.

This is a solid pool cover, so it will block out dirt and debris.

If you use this cover and close your pool with proper winterizing chemicals, you will have an easy time opening a clean pool in the spring. We recommend opening your pool by mid-May to prevent algae growth.

This cover is available in many different sizes. And it features a 5-foot overlap. It should float comfortably on the water.

The Pool Mate cover comes with water tube loops. You should use the loops with water tubes, which you can purchase separately.

We also love the lightweight material that is more durable than other covers because all of the seams are heat-sealed for optimal performance.

This cover also comes with a 10-year warranty.

PROS

  • Comes with a long warranty

  • Great entry-level cover

  • Easy to install and remove

  • Easy to store

CONS

  • The cover can leak

  • Not as durable as some of the others

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2. Blue Wave NS110 8-mil Solar Blanket


Blue Wave NS110 8-mil Solar Blanket for Round Above-Ground Pools,…

  • RETAINS HEAT – Insulating thermal cells trap heat and retain warmth on cool cloudy days allowing you to swim in warmer…
  • LONG-LASTING – Created with UV-protected polymer, our solar blankets are resistant to the deterioration caused by…
  • EXTENDS THE SEASON – This high-quality 8-mil solar blanket uses passive heating to raise your swimming pool’s…

The next spot on our list of the best pool covers goes to Blue Wave. The first thing that we love about this one is that it retains heat. This cover features insulating thermal cells that trap heat and retain warmth even on cool cloudy days.

This solar blanket uses UV-protected polymer, which means that the cover is resistant to deterioration caused by pool chemicals and UV radiation.

This cover’s innovative technology can raise the temperature of your pool by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

And the thermal bubbles will retain the warmth even after the sun goes down. That means that you can swim comfortably even at night or on cloudy days.

The Blue Wave cover optimizes heat retention thanks to the opaque, blue color, which allows the most sunlight to reach your pool.

It also reduces evaporation. This cover will prevent up to 95 percent of chemical and pool water evaporation. This means that it’s not only environmentally friendly, but it will also save you time and money.

This cover is available in many different sizes, and it comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty.

PROS

  • Circle shape

  • Warms the water and keeps the pool warm

  • Very durable

  • Lightweight

CONS

  • The bubbles can burst over time

  • The cover may be too thin for some people

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3. Intex Solar Cover for Easy Set and Frame Pools


Intex Solar Cover for 16ft Diameter Easy Set and Frame Pools

  • Pool cover helps keep pool water warmer
  • Helps protect pool from debris
  • Designed with central drainage holes to prevent rainwater from pooling on cover

No conversation about the best pool covers would be complete without mentioning Intex. This solar pool cover will help to keep your pool water warmer.

The Intex cover is solid and will protect your pool from dirt, leaves, and debris.

One unique thing about this cover is that it is designed with central drainage holes. This is especially nice because it keeps rainwater from pooling on the cover.

Another thing that we love about the Intex solar cover is that it is lightweight and super easy to use. You just place the cover inside the walls of your pool and let it float to the surface.

When it comes to sizing, this one comes in many different options, but they are all circular and meant to fit Easy Set and framed pools.

This cover will also reduce evaporation by up to 95 percent.

We also love that this cover comes with a convenient carrying bag, which makes storing and transporting a breeze. You should always make sure that you dry the cover before putting it in the carrying bag.

PROS

  • Circle shape

  • Solar blanket

  • Comes with a carrying bag

  • Lightweight and easy to install

CONS

  • Not as high of quality as some of the others

  • Not as durable as some of the others

  • The holes in the cover can let some debris in

The Top 4 Best Pool Covers for In-Ground Pools

Here are our top four picks for the best pool covers for in-ground pools this year.

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1. Blue Wave Rectangular In-Ground Pool Safety Cover


Blue Wave 20-ft x 40-ft Rectangular In Ground Pool Safety Cover – Blue

  • Select cover based on your pool size. Actual cover measures approximately 2-ft wider and 2-ft longer
  • Comes complete with all hardware to install on concrete decking
  • Includes: brass anchors, stainless-steel springs, buckles, installation tools, and storage bag

When it comes to the best pool covers for in-ground pools, you should consider this one by Blue Wave. This cover is durable and strong enough to support your whole family. However, it’s light enough to install or remove in about five minutes.

Blue Wave makes this premium cover out of super-strong two-ply mesh that has a break strength of more than 4,000 pounds.

Another thing that we love about this one is the safety features. When this cover is in use, it’s held in place with brass anchors that lay flush with the pool deck when you’re not using the cover.

The drill and tamp style brass anchoring system will permanently secure the anchors to the concrete.

This cover also offers great winter protection for your pool.

Multi-seamed stitching not only ensures safety, but it also prevents wear and tear. The reinforced wear strips on the underside of the cover guard against fraying and abrasion.

The mesh on this cover will allow rainwater through, but it will stop leaves and other debris. It also makes spring clean up a breeze because no water collects on the cover.

The Blue Wave cover also comes with a storage bag. And it is backed with an incredible 18-year warranty.

PROS

  • One of the most durable on the market

  • Looks great

  • Comes with a long warranty

  • High quality

CONS

  • The mesh will allow some debris in

  • Some complained that they received missing parts

  • Expensive

2

2. Loop-Loc Safety Pool Cover


20 x 40 Rectangle Loop-Loc Safety Pool Cover

  • 20 x 40 Rectangle Loop-Loc Safety Pool Cover
  • Size Listed is Pool Size – Cover will be 2′ larger
  • All hardware for cement installation included

Loop-Loc is the next contender on our list of the best pool covers this year. This cover will fit a 20-foot by 40-foot pool. The cover will be slightly larger.

All of the hardware required for cement installation comes with this cover.

One of the things that we love about this cover is that it is made of a new, thicker weave, which blocks nearly all of the sun’s rays from reaching your pool water.

But even as it blocks out the sun, it will still let in rainwater and snow, so you don’t have to worry about the cover breaking. You should consider this cover if you’re looking for less light and debris getting into your pool.

This cover system is strong enough to support the weight of your whole family.

The Loop-Loc cover is one of the strongest and most durable on the market this year. It’s also one of the safest.

PROS

  • Comes with all of the installation hardware

  • Super strong mesh that blocks the sun

  • Can hold a lot of weight

CONS

  • Only available in one size

  • You may need a pump to drain excess water

3

3. Water Warden Pool Safety Cover


Intex Solar Cover for 16ft Diameter Easy Set and Frame Pools

  • Pool cover helps keep pool water warmer
  • Helps protect pool from debris
  • Designed with central drainage holes to prevent rainwater from pooling on cover

Water Warden makes another of the best pool covers this year. The first thing that we love about this cover is that it is super safe. It’s triple-stitched and double-strapped on the top and bottom. That double strapping adds a second layer of durability and protection.

We love that this cover protects your in-ground pool from harsh winter conditions in just one step.

This cover features a lightweight mesh along with two-ply webbing. That means that it will trap all twigs, leaves, and other debris, while still allowing rainwater to seep through.

Another thing that we love about this cover is that it comes with a heavy-duty hardware kit. The hardware comes from finely crafted materials, including stainless steel, solid brass, and heavy-duty aluminum.

Water Warden designed the D-ring springs to eliminate the need for buckles.

You’ll also love that this pool safety cover can block out almost 100 percent of the sunlight. That means that you won’t get algae growth in your swimming pool. You’ll be very happy about that when you open your pool in the spring!

This cover will fit a pool that measures 20 feet by 40 feet.

PROS

  • Easy to remove and install

  • Comes with all of the needed hardware like springs and hooks

  • Easy to store

CONS

  • Only available in one size

  • It could require new anchors to be drilled into your pool

  • On the pricey side

4

4. Yard Guard Green Mesh Inground Safety Pool Cover


YARD GUARD 18’x36′ Green Mesh – CES Rectangle Inground Safety Pool…

  • High-quality in-ground pool safety cover with porous, tight mesh that keeps out silt and debris
  • Resistant to rot, mildew, UV, and damage caused by pool water
  • White thread is triple-stitched at all perimeter stress points

Last up on our list of the best pool covers this year is the cover by Yard Guard.

This high-quality in-ground pool safety cover features porous, tight mesh that keeps out all debris and silt, while still allowing rainwater and snow to seep through.

One of the things that we love about this one is that it is resistant to mildew, rot,

UV, and damage that can be caused by your pool water.

This cover also features triple-stitched white thread at all of the perimeter stress points. For added strength, straps run on both the top and bottom of the cover.

And on top of that, reinforced webbing on the top and bottom of every seam assure that it is super safe and strong. The rub strips on the seams will also protect your pool’s surface.

This cover is built to withstand many years of wear and tear.

Another thing that we love about this cover is that it features modern cover technology with a computerized shaping and cutting system that assures the best quality.

This cover also comes with a 15-year warranty.

PROS

  • Easy to install and remove

  • Comes with a 15-year warranty

  • Instructions are easy to follow

CONS

  • Straps can stretch a bit

  • Not as durable as some of the more expensive covers

The Bottom Line on the Best Pool Covers

That’s not all, here are a couple tips for those of you with above ground pools!

Hopefully, we’ve helped you narrow down your search for the best pool covers today. We highly recommend all seven of the covers on our list this year. We especially love the four in-ground pool cover options.

Now we want to hear from you! Let us know in the comments section below what you think about our list this year. Do you have any great tips for finding the best pool covers? Share those with our readers too!

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