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Summer is just around the corner, the temperatures are rising constantly, so it’s the best time to reactivate the pool in your garden and fill it with water. If you want to go swimming and enjoy the well-kept pool, this bathing fun can be disrupted by leaves or other dirt in the water.
A pool cover can maintain the cleanliness of the pool, keep leaves and debris out of pool. But there are various types of pool covers and models on the market, which is why many pool owners like you are often not sure which would be the best pool cover for them. The various types, their importance, installation tips, the best pool covers on the market, and tips on choosing them are explained in-depth in the review.
Pool Cover Types
Basically, there are various types of pool safety covers and each type has its strengths and weaknesses. Below, you’ll find out what the most popular and practical types are:
Bubble/Solar Pool Covers
Bubble or solar pool covers are among the most popular pool accessories on the market today. Most people use them for their convenience and their excellent value for money. Solar pool covers combine built-in UV protection and high strength with their aluminum foil design. They are thermal regulated as they trap heat from the sun on the water surface, maintain the water temperature, and reduce evaporation of water.
The bubble pool covers are ideal for pool users with small needs, as they adapt perfectly to all sizes. Also, it is not necessary to replace this type of pool cover every year because they are very durable and most of them are designed to withstand wind loads of up to 130 mph.
The pool covers are also designed with leak-proof features and seals, making them perfect to be used even in extreme weather conditions.
Pros
- They retain heat
- Save money on heating
- Ideal for leaves and debris invasion
- Long-lasting pool cover
- Suitable for windy areas
Cons
- More expensive than other types
- Not compatible with all pools
Winter Pool Covers
In summer, pool covers are not used as often. However, as soon as winter arrives, they become essential because in winter, when temperatures begin to drop below freezing point, swimming in frozen pool waters is dangerous and this can even lead to serious injury or even death if a person is not careful when entering and exiting the pool during winter.
Depending on where you live, the cover should be snow-resistant, which means that it has to withstand a certain amount of snow.
The same applies to UV protection. Swimming pools that are only protected with tarpaulin cannot guarantee crystal-clear water in spring due to the lower UV protection.
Trapezoidal sheets are available as winter covers. Large snow loads and high sun rays protection characterize the pool cover and are particularly suitable for people looking for safety pool covers that will be ideal for larger pools.
The cover must be ideally attached over the winter months. The tension ropes and straps must be tightened well at the edge of the pool.
Pros
- Ideal winter protection
- Can also be used in bad weather in summer, depending on what you want to cover
- Crystal clear water in spring
- Long lifetime
Cons
- Can sometimes be costly
- Usually only partially winter-proof
Automatic Pool Covers
Automatic covers can come in slats or in roller forms with tarps that are designed to lie on the water. The slats are, for example, drawn in by a winding station, and depending on your preference, this device can be set up above ground or underwater.
Automatic pool covers can also be used in round and oval pool covers, because the roll covers are custom-made.
However, you should note that an electric pool cover is associated with high costs. Oftentimes, just the retractor starts at a price of around $1,500 upwards. With the installation and the slats, the costs are often more than $2,000.
Pros
- Comfortable and practical
- Can be used all year round
- Robust and offers protection
- Made to measure
Cons
- Very expensive
- Installation requires calling an expert
Hidden Pool Cover
A pool cover helps to save energy consumption, reduce the need for water and is protective. However, a pool cover can ruin the pool’s aesthetics. Considering this downside, manufacturers are responding with a type of automatic model known as the hidden pool cover.
Also called the downunder covers, they have roller mechanisms which are installed in one side end of the pool and are covered with a lid. When not in use, the cover will be hidden in the cavity and when in use, the lid will stay flush to the deck of the pool.
Regarding the hidden pool covers, it should be noted that they are only suitable for rectangular or square swimming pools.
Pros
- Winter proof and ideal for inground pools
- Good UV protection
- Stylish and aesthetically pleasing
- High-quality materials
- Storm resistant
Cons
- Installation can be expensive
- Not storm resistant
- Only suitable for rectangular pool
What is the Purpose of a Pool Cover?
A pool cover serves many purposes and usually offers pool owners great value for money. Some of the purposes they are used for are explained below:
For the safety of children and pets
First of all, the pool cover – a walk-on pool cover especially – is the best child safety measure around a pool as children can only access the pool if it is open.
The pool safety cover can therefore function as a security measure to avoid incidents with the smallest of the family, and even with our pets.
For ensuring a clean pool
A pool cover limits dirt and sediment deposits in the pool and makes your pool easier to maintain. The use of pool covers is especially indicated for the autumn months, in which you have to prevent your pool from continuously getting dirty with the falling leaves of the trees. It will always be much easier and more hygienic to clean fallen leaves from the deck surface than from the pool itself.
Pool temperature maintenance
Even if the pool is not heated, the fact of using a cover will ensure that the water is always kept at a good temperature for swimming. If, for example, you cover the swimming pool during the night, the cover will prevent the water from dropping a few degrees, and the next day, it will be perfect for taking a bath first thing in the morning.
Thanks to the protection, the pool cover considerably reduces water evaporation and saves water costs. In addition, by keeping the pool sheltered from the elements (especially from the wind), it preserves the temperature of the water and thus allows the bathing season to be prolonged. And if you want to raise the water temperature even more, you can improve your comfort by using a solar pool heater.
Top 8 Best Pool Cover Reviews
As we have shown you, a swimming pool cover comes in various types, models, and designs. After analyzing their various features and designs, here are what we feel are the best pool covers on the market. Let’s heck them out!
1. Sun2Solar 1200 Series Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover
Built to minimize evaporation while heating the pool using UV light, the 1200 Series solar cover from Sun2Solar is arguably the most practical type of pool cover on the market.
We like how much the rectangular solar cover saves water; the brand says it can save up to 95% of water evaporation. While there’s no way to prove this fact, many users noticed that the water level of their swimming pool remained the same and that the pool water changed in temperature. One user reported finding that the swimming pool increased in temperature from 86 degrees to 93 degrees Fahrenheit.
The solar cover reduces heat loss during the day while the summer sun shines and, overnight, it keeps the pool warm.
All bubble covers retain heat, reduce heat loss to a minimum, but on the other hand, also achieve a certain heating effect if the solar cover is also used during the day. The cover measures 16 feet by 32 feet, is designed in an attractive blue design, and rectangular shape.
For better ease of use, it is most convenient if a retractor is installed on the swimming pool. However, this only really makes sense with in-ground pools such as oval or rectangular pools with straight long sides.
Pros
- For heat retention, increasing water temperature
- Prevents the evaporation of water
- Solar cover can be used with a retractor
- Easy to install
Cons
- The material could be thicker and more durable
2. Blue Wave BWC752 20 by 40 ft Rectangular In-Ground Pool Winter Cover
A very useful cover that will serve you to cover large pools with no complications, the Blue Wave model is a winter cover. Rectangular in shape and designed for in-ground pool owners, the cover measures 25 by 45 feet but will fit a pool size of up to 20 by 40 feet.
The rectangular cover manages to cover a wide space, although if your swimming pool is smaller it will fit in too as you can adapt it to fit into any pool dimension under the standard cover size.
It has a reinforcement hem around the entire canvas and is around 5 feet wider than most pool sizes. The Blue Wave cover is made from polyethylene material and can be used for protecting against rain, snow, and sun. This, therefore, is the best winter pool cover. It’s treated with ultraviolet inhibitors that ensure durability even when used directly to protect sunlight.
Pros
- Up to 8 years of warranty
- 5 feet in-ground overlap
- Heavy-duty polyurethane material
- Treated with UV inhibitors
- Ideal for large in-ground pools
Cons
- The warranty process is costly
3. Blue Wave Bronze 15-ft Round Winter Cover for Above Ground Pool
The new pool cover from Blue Wave is one of the most sold online and one of the best pool covers on the market. Also treated with ultraviolet inhibitors that will ensure you get several years of service life, the cover is the round version of the rectangular in ground pool cover earlier reviewed. Similarly, it is made of rugged polyethylene scrim and has a diameter of 15 feet, which equals 4.5 meters.
You can use the Blue Wave Bronze to cover above ground round pools from Intex, Bestway, or any other pool that measures up to 15 feet in diameter. It comes with 4 feet overlap that fits most to rails and also included is a winch tightener as well as a cable.
The winter cover consists of 100 percent polyethylene, is coated on both sides. In addition, the inner coating prevents algae growth because the sun’s rays are almost entirely absorbed. Finally, the tarpaulin is temperature-resistant and UV-resistant and also comes with 8 years of warranty.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- The installation is easy to carry out
- Metal eyelets give the tarpaulin more stability
- You’ll get the value for your money
Cons
- Doesn’t withstand many winters
4. Robelle Round Above Ground Winter Swimming Pool Cover
Backed by a 10-year warranty, the round winter tarpaulin from Robelle is a robust and, in particular, weatherproof pool cover. Thanks to the heavy-duty and resistant polyethylene, the pool cover is stable and tear-resistant. Thus, it can protect the pool from rain not only in summer but also your pool from snow and frost in winter.
The tarpaulin is suitable for a pool size with a common diameter of 24 feet. It’s a heavy-duty and resistant polyethylene material that weighs around 2.36 ounces per yard square. Similarly, the cover product comes with 4 feet overlap and also comes with a winch tightener as well as a cable.
For additional securing, note that you may need to get cover wraps and cover clips separately for the closing of the pool.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Well made and solid pool cover
- Lasted for many winters for many users
- 10 years of warranty
Cons
- Algae growth problems in some cases
- The cable tensioner could be more durable
5. Happybuy 16x30ft Rectangle Winter Safety Cover for In-Ground Swimming Pool
With the Happybuy product, we find a cover that will be ideal for use on a rectangular in-ground pool. The cover has a tight green mesh that is well sealed, retaining heat in your pool water, reducing water evaporation, corrosion, and prolonging service life.
The mesh cover is made of a polypropylene material that stretches a dimension of 18 feet by 32 feet while the tension spring is made of 304 stainless steel. So, the model will be most suitable for pool size of up to 16 feet by 30 feet.
The polypropylene canvas is designed so that neither leaves nor grass enter the water, as well as to preserve the water much better while protecting kids who don’t know how to swim from entering the water. Although the manufacturer says that it is ideal for winter, you can also make use of this cover in summer when not in use.
Pros
- Made of quality materials
- Can also fit an odd-shaped trapezoid pool
- Mesh cover that provides resistance from evaporation
- Easy to install and remove
Cons
- May not last several seasons where there are heavy snowfalls
- Instructions could be made clearer
6. Robelle Super Winter Cover for In-Ground Swimming Pools
Robelle 352040R is a cover that is made with a polyethylene material that weighs 2.36 ounces per yard square, ensuring you can safely protect your pool.
The material that has been used is polyethylene and thanks to the element, you will have good protection from the sun’s rays, ensuring that the pool remains in perfect condition.
Polyethylene is a very resistant and high-quality cover material and this one specifically is designed to be used in small pools. The actual cover measures around 12 by 24 feet, although, as you can see, when you check the description of the product, you will also have other sizes. The pool is available in 13 size ranges; from 12 feet by 24 feet to 30 feet by 60 feet. So, you can select the size that fits your pool size best. However, we recommend that you choose a larger size that leaves an extra space of at least two feet by the edges.
Pros
- Different size ranges
- Ideal for small to large in-ground swimming pools
- 100% waterproof
- Lightweight
Cons
- Water tubes required for installation; sold separately
7. INTEX Round 15ft Metal Frame Pool Cover
The first Intex product here is a sturdy round pool cover. The product has a series of small drain holes so that you can drain all the water that remains on your canvas. Therefore, due to the accumulation of liquid, as it can be when watering or even when it rains, the cover will not collapse with the weight and break.
The Intex pool cover has been made with very resistant vinyl. So, with the rope that it has at its end, the cover can be held tightly so that nothing can get inside and get trapped. In addition, the vinyl is resistant to UV rays, thus allowing it to maintain its initial color.
One way the product could offer better compatibility is if it was made available in different sizes so that you can get the one that goes best for yours. So, we advise that you measure the diameter of your pool and ensure it is below 15 feet.
Pros
- Includes holes for draining rainwater
- Ideal for round pools
- Fairly priced
- Ideal for Intex round pool
- Rope tie keeps pool from blowing off
Cons
- The drawstring could be better
8. Blue Wave 20-ft x 40-ft Rectangular In-Ground Pool Safety Cover
Built for in-ground pools with 12 years of warranty, the Blue Wave is a high capacity pool cover with a high capacity. Made available in 20 feet by 40 feet, it’s around 2 feet by 2 feet larger in size.
The cover is the best for pool owners and families with kids always playing around. It’s a walk-on pool cover that can hold weights of kids and pets safely without crashing under.
The secret of its over 4000 lbs break strength is thanks to the product’s stainless steel hardware; this also resists damages from natural elements. Also equipped with the needed installation components such as brass anchors, buckles, steel springs, a storage bag, and installation tools, Blue Wave has packed a complete set so that pool owners wouldn’t have to purchase other installation components separately.
Pros
- Complete installation tools
- Two-ply mesh with 4,000 lbs break strength
- Walk-on pool cover that is ideal for kids and pets
- Seamlessly fitting for an in-ground pool
- Lightweight and strong material
Cons
- Could be better sewn but this is not a deal-breaker
How to Choose a Pool Cover
To prevent the water in your garden pool from being polluted when it is not in use, you should protect it with a solar cover or a regular pool cover. Below, you’ll find some of the criteria and features to consider before choosing a pool cover.
The shape of the pool cover
While an oversized cover can still be usable, choosing the wrong shape can make you end up with an unusable product, especially if the pool is round and you have a rectangular pool. First, you must buy a cover that fits your pool shape; whether what you have is a round, oval, rectangular, square, or geometric shape pool. Rectangular and round pool covers are the most common as these are the most common pool shapes for in-ground and above ground pools.
There are several pool covers that you can buy for your rectangular shape, but there are a few things to consider before making your purchase.
First of all, you need to make sure you buy one that is made specifically for your pool or is at least the same dimensions as your pool. This is to avoid any sizing issues later.
The right size
Basically, the best pool cover can be found for every pool. Pool covers are available, for example, in standard sizes (244cm – 457cm diameters), but also made to measure in various online shops.
Swimming pool covers do not have to be bought from the same manufacturer of your pool as long as they have the same dimensions! If you are unsure when ordering the size, you should choose the next larger tarpaulin option as your pool. In the case of an inflatable pool, for example, the protruding ends can simply be tucked under the edge and the tarpaulin can be tightened accordingly using the cords.
We recommend a swimming pool cover that is big enough. This also applies if you want to build a pool yourself. Make sure that the tarp overhangs about 25 to 30 centimeters on each side of a square pool. If you choose a round pool, it should be about a third larger than the diameter of the pool.
Material
Many pool safety covers mean many different materials. In general, the best pool covers must have good UV rays protection. The same can be said about the insulation. Only with efficient material can the operating costs of the pool be reduced in the long term.
Experts agree that the robustness of polycarbonate makes it particularly good for hail and snow. Winter-proof pool blankets should consist of PEB films.
Note that plastic particles can get into your water through plastic covers!
In the case of roll covers, it is recommended to work with as many crossbars as possible to stabilize the tarp so that heavier loads can also be carried.
If you are unsure about ordering the pool cover, you should always opt for a larger version. Especially for swimming pools that do not have standardized dimensions.
PVC covers make solid blankets and are used in hidden designs and keep dirt out. PEB pool covers are ideal for inflatable pool covers made of PVC. Polycarbonate materials are also used for slat covers or double-wall sheets and trapezoidal sheets.
If there are holes in a pool blanket, the product is in no way defective. In fact, the mostly small openings serve to allow rainwater to run off effectively.
The right material for a pool tarp often depends on personal needs or the roofing chosen for the swimming pool. While high-end pool safety covers in particular are usually made of wood or plastic glass, most classic pool liners are made of sturdy truck tarpaulins.
In general, we recommend a product that is made of robust PVC plastic for the winter. This material insulates the swimming pool very well and therefore offers sufficient protection at low temperatures and frost. So that the material is not damaged by solar radiation, the surface should also be UV-resistant.
Safety
If you have kids and pets around, then safety is a key criterion for you. This is why many are willing to know how (child) safe pool covers are. The simple calculation here is correct dimensions + correct fastening = secure cover.
The (child) safest variant is of course the roofing of the pool. But tarpaulins and roll covers also offer good protection for the pool and children.
To ensure the safety, the most important criterion when buying a cover is that the entire pool is covered and that no corners are left open.
The security of a swimming pool cover can also be guaranteed by the nature of the cover. This means that especially with tarpaulins, care must be taken that there are no unwanted holes in the cover. It is therefore advisable not to buy used covers in particular.
Read the product description carefully. How much weight can the cover take? The entire pool must be covered! Tripping hazards such as strings or eyelets should be avoided as far as possible.
Common Questions and Answers
Do pool covers stop evaporation?
Yes, but not all! Pool covers with a black coating on the underside and a solar cover will stop pool water from evaporating. With underside coating or air bubbles, sun rays will not penetrate.
How clean pool cover?
You can clean a cover with dirt all over by simply rinsing with water and scrubbing gently with a brush and mild detergent. However, if you have lots of dirt on it, you can power wash the cover.
Does pool cover cause algae?
Swimming pool covers with no strong protection on the underside can attract algae. A solar cover that warms the water can also be an algae attractant. Algae can grow at the opposite end of the water, on top of the cover. However, to prevent algae growth, you need to add chemicals and perform regular cleaning of the cover.
When to remove pool cover?
Remove the cover when you are ready to use the pool. However, regardless of the season, you can keep the pool cover on all day when the pool is not in use to prevent leaves and debris while keeping the water warm.
Can pool covers shrink?
While pool covers can shrink in length, mostly not more than 1%, they won’t shrink in width. If it shrinks in width, then that’s because it has been stored on the cover roller for long without using the cover.
Conclusion
If you own a pool and want to protect it from dirt or heat loss, then it is advisable to purchase a pool cover. A cover can provide reliable protection for the pool in summer and winter.
Not all swimming pool covers are the same. In addition to the classic pool liner, there are all sorts of other options on the market to cover the swimming pool in the garden and thus protect it from dirt. Make sure that the respective product fits your pool type and is suitable for the intended use. Because not all pool tarpaulins are recommended for winter, for example.
By picking from the best pool covers reviewed in this article based on your pool type, be rest assured you will not make a wrong choice.