10 Best Pool Covers Reviewed & Tested in 2024
Brian Price
Part of the responsibility of owning a pool in your yard is keeping it safe and protecting others from getting in it when no one is around. So many fatal drowning accidents happen every year from children falling into swimming pools when others were not near. They are curious and want to explore things that are interesting, such as swimming pools. Kids have no idea the danger they are in, so pool owners must assume that responsibility and cover their pools, especially in the winter when they are not being used. We do feature a variety of covers in this informative buying guide. They can be used in combination or alone for the purpose which you are aiming for. A few of these are solar covers to warm the water, while others are to keep out debris, leaves, and dirt.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 30 hrs of research
Decreases water evaporation by 95%
Easy to use and remove
Can be cut to the perfect size
Cuts down on pool heating costs
Keeps out unwanted debris and dirt
10 Best Pool Covers
1. Sun2Solar 16-Foot-by-32-Foot
Decreases water evaporation by 95%
Easy to use and remove
Can be cut to the perfect size
Cuts down on pool heating costs
Keeps out unwanted debris and dirt
Did not last long for some buyers
A few claimed it was a bit thinner than expected
Offered in blue or clear colors and having an attractive design, the Sun2Solar Blue Rectangle Solar Cover keeps unwanted debris and dirt from entering the pool. It also cuts down on pool heating costs and is easy to use and remove.
Read moreDesign
This incredible cover will gather and retain heat from the atmosphere with the blanket of tiny bubbles as it uses the rays of the sun to warm the pool. It decreases water evaporation by 95% and can be cut to the perfect size without making the manufacturer’s warranty invalid. Use it as a protective night cover to trap the heat of the water in the day overnight for continued warm water well into winter.
Effectiveness
By putting this cover on after you have finished swimming for the day, you will save money in heating and water costs. The sun will not absorb the water as fast and it will not make it cold as quickly either.
Ease of Use
You can cut this cover to fit the exact size of your pool. The manufacturer made it larger than you need to allow for the ability of a precise fit by cutting it to the desired shape.
Price Range
With an above-average price, this Rectangle Solar Cover has the great qualities of saving water and pool heating costs, keeping out debris and dirt, and having an effective design.
2. Intex Solar for 12ft Diameter Easy Set
Includes a carry bag that is reusable
Has drain holes to eliminate water accumulation
Will retain the heat of the water
Decreases evaporation by as much as 95%
Allows you to enjoy a longer swimming season
Was not the form expected for a couple of customers
Did not last but one year for a few people
Made just for round above-ground pools, the Intex Solar Cover for Easy Set and Frame Pools that are above ground is easy to use and remove. It is offered in diameters of 10, 20, 15, 16, and 18-feet and includes a carry bag that is reusable for storage.
Read moreDesign
This fantastic cover has drain holes to eliminate water accumulation on top and will retain the heat of the water. It decreases evaporation by as much as 95%, it lightweight, and allows you to enjoy a longer swimming season.
Effectiveness
Save money on water evaporating and heating costs with this wonderful pool cover for above-ground round pools. It is the added expenses that put some people off about owning a pool.
Ease of Use
No one likes to jump into a cold pool even during the warmer months. This fabulous cover will keep the water warm for you until you return, plus keep out unwanted dirt and debris too.
Price Range
This is the product with the lowest cost. It has the wonderful features of being a perfect fit for above-ground round pools, lightweight and easy to handle, and a heat-retaining ideal cover.
3. Blue Wave 20-ft x 40-ft Rectangular
Over ten various sizes are offered
Keeps the leaves and debris out of pools
Made of sturdy woven mesh material
Has a four-foot overlap for securing
Comes with a four-year warranty
Can get very full of leaves if not cleaned out regularly
Did not work well for a few people
Over ten various sizes are offered for the Blue Wave Leaf Net In-Ground Pool Cover. Made just for in-ground rectangular pools, it is a leaf net that keeps the leaves and debris out of swimming pools. It comes with a four-year warranty and is made of sturdy woven polyethylene mesh material.
Read moreDesign
This incredible cover has a four-foot overlap for securing to the sides. It is meant to be used on top of the permanent winter cover to keep the leaves and debris from collecting on the solid cover until the following spring. It will not allow the leaves to be trapped to decay and cause a mess for spring cleanup the following year.
Effectiveness
The company made sure that these ideal covers have a four-foot overlap to allow for proper securing around the edges. This way, every inch of the pool top is covered nicely.
Ease of Use
The many sizes of covers that the manufacturer offers is wonderful for those with above-ground pools. For almost any size pool that you have, there is a cover to fit it perfectly.
Price Range
Of the items included in the price range, this one has the highest cost. it is valued for its many available sizes, fine holes for collecting even the tiniest of leaves, and sizes that overlap.
4. Water Warden Safety
Easy to install
Extremely durable
Made from high-quality materials
Lots of sizing options
Available with extra paneling for steps
Installation takes some time; you’ll need a day or so
You’ll need to rent an impact hammer drill to install initially
Water Warden’s Pool Safety Cover is a well of versatility. There are twenty-five total options for sizing and several of those sizes have the additional ability to customize the tarp to fit odd shapes. You can choose to accommodate center stairs, left, stairs, or right stairs. These pool covers come in two different colors and are made to be highly durable and withstand long seasons in the sun. You’ll find all of the necessary hardware to install your pool cover inside of your package, as well. If you want something easy to setup and take down but not so flimsy that it will be rendered quickly ineffective, you’ll probably like this option.
Read moreDesign
The Water Warden Safety Pool Cover is available in four different styles. There are options for Blue Mesh, Green Mesh, Solid Blue, and Solid Green. Sizes range from as small as 12’ x 20’ to as large as 30’ x 60’ (or 32’ x 50’ if you need a little more width). Some sizes include extra panelling for staircases in case your pool is not a perfect rectangle.
Effectiveness
Where the straps meet, you’ll find reinforced “X” tacking for additional durability. Water Warden is all about safety so they’ve ensured that their covers are highly reinforced. Triple stitching makes this cover tough. There are also double straps on both the top and bottom of every cover. Solid brass, stainless steel, and heavy duty aluminum hardware means this cover isn’t going anywhere without your permission, too.
Ease of Use
The cover is lightweight and easy to install. The anchors will lie flush in the pool deck so they’re not a tripping or toe-stubbing hazard. It takes mere minutes to install this cover and mere minutes to remove it so you can both protect your pool and enjoy it without extra hassle. Plan on either hiring someone to install it or checking some online tutorials (there are plenty) and renting a hammer drill.
Price Range
This is one of the pricier items on the list. It’s on-par with the Blue Wave and GLI Pool Products rectangular covers. The pricing varies on the size of your pool, but the smallest is still in the triple digits and the largest is in the quadruple digits.
5. Blue Wave Gold 15-Year 18-ft Round
Will protect the pool from wind, ice, sun, and snow
Has a four-foot overlap to prevent ripping or stretching
Prevent kids and pets from entering unsupervised
Has a dark underside to eliminate algae
Seams are heat sealed for the best protection
The cable did not work well for some buyers
Did not fair well in windy areas
This excellent pool cover will protect the pool from wind, ice, sun, and snow and is made of tear-resistant fabric. It has a four-foot overlap for properly securing and to prevent ripping or stretching. Eight sizes are available of this great cover that will prevent kids and pets from getting in the water unsupervised.
Read moreDesign
Just for above-ground round pools, this shield comes with a fifteen-year warranty and is built to last for many years. It has a black side underneath that will help eliminate algae growth, and the seams are heat sealed for the best protection. This ideal cover is held secure to the pool by the coated vinyl cable that is heavy-duty and anchored by the metal rip-proof grommets on the cover. This strong cable for securing is included with the cover.
Effectiveness
One big problem when overwintering a pool is the algae that can grow in the still water out of the sunlight under the cover. This magnificent cover prevents that with the black underside that aids in stopping algae growth.
Ease of Use
The cable comes with this terrific product for securing it around the edges of the above-ground round pool. Just thread the cord through the strong grommets and tighten in place.
Price Range
With an average cost, the Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover has the fantastic qualities of overlap for the best fit, high-quality fabric, and strong grommets and cable for securing.
6. Blue Wave Gold 15-Year 16-ft x 32-ft
Has an overlap to prevent ripping and stretching
Serves as a guard against kids and pets
Includes a dark underside to decrease algae
Has a fifteen-year warranty and is long-lasting
Comes with the cable that loops through the grommets
Did not fit tight enough for a few buyers
Might not have enough grommets
The Blue Wave Gold Oval Above Ground Pool Winter Cover is offered in ten oval sizes and made just for above-ground pools. It protects against the snow, ice, sun, and wind and serves as a guard against kids and pets getting in the pool without adults.
Read moreDesign
This ideal cover includes a four-foot overlap to prevent ripping and stretching while trying to get it over the pool edges. It has a dark underside to decrease algae from forming in the water during the winter and a fifteen-year warranty. This winter cover is made to last many years and comes with the cable that loops through the grommets and tightens the cover to the pool. Make sure your swimming pool is secure this winter to prevent unnecessary accidents from happening. Cleanup in the spring will also be much easier with a cover on the pool all winter.
Effectiveness
Kids and pets will not get in your pool over the winter as long as you have a fabulous cover such as this one. It fits securely enough around the perimeter that children will not be able to get in by themselves.
Ease of Use
This is a fairly simple cover to put on the outdoor pool that is above ground. Just unfold the cover placing it over the pool. Hold it down with small bricks all around while you loop in the cable and tighten.
Price Range
The price for this superb cover is above the average when compared. It is valued for its various size choices, enhanced protection against the weather, and the included grommets and cable for fastening.
7. Pool Mate 5724-4 Sandstone
Will prohibit the growth of algae in the water
Will deter pets and kids from entering
Keeps out debris, dirt, and leaf litter
Includes a cable for the grommets
Comes with a winch for tightening the cable
Some buyers experienced tears and stretching after a year
Complaints of needing more grommets placed closer together
Made of top-quality polyethylene material, the Sandstone Winter Pool Cover comes in eight different sizes and is for above-ground pools only. It has a twelve-year warranty and includes heat-sealed seams for enhanced performance.
Read moreDesign
This fabulous cover will prohibit the growth of algae in the water and has an overlap of four-feet for simple installation. It will deter pets and kids from entering unsupervised and keeps out debris, dirt, and leaf litter. Included is a cable for lacing through the strong durable grommets that are position around every four feet. This terrific product comes with a winch for tightening the cable around the pool.
Effectiveness
Kids and pets will not be able to get in the pool with this cover on, provided it is fastened properly. The spaces in-between the grommets should not be far enough apart to allow entry into the pool without supervision.
Ease of Use
You will not need anything extra to secure this magnificent cover to the pool. It comes with the tough securing cable and a winch to tighten it well once you have it threaded through the sturdy grommets.
Price Range
This beneficial pool cover has an above-average cost. it is derived from the many available sizes of the cover, the durable construction, and grommets, and the included hardware of the winch and securing cable.
8. Arctic Swimline
Catches large debris and keeps it out of pool
Lightweight
Super easy installation
Can be used in combination with winter or solar covers
Not fine enough to catch all smaller debris
Not reinforced; easier to rip than other pool covers
Above-ground pools are a fantastic way to enjoy the warmer weather without all of the headaches that accompany building and maintaining an in-ground pool for your home. The Arctic Swimline Pool Cover is an 18-foot cover for round above-ground pools. Protect your sacred swimming space from debris such as leaves and dirt, and keep it from being a hazard to animals and children who shouldn’t be around the water unsupervised.
Read moreDesign
Made from woven material, this leaf-net top cover is a low-maintenance solution to pool protection problems. It can even stretch over your winter pool covers or solar covers. It’s extremely lightweight but you’ll need assistance to put it over the pool properly due to its size.
Effectiveness
The holes in this woven material were larger than some customers expected. It will catch larger debris but smaller debris may still make it into the water. The larger holes also make it easier to tear. This is great for a few seasons of use but it won’t be a for-life product. It should be used in combination with a more solid tarp if you want full coverage.
Ease of Use
It’s lightweight and it doesn’t require any hardware-specific installation. Basically, you put this over the pool and any additional covers you’re using and use the cable and ratchet to hold it in place. You might want to order a little bigger than the size of your pool. As extra overhang allows you to secure it more easily.
Price Range
This is around the median price point of our guide. It’s mostly meant to catch debris, so if you’re looking for something solid that will also help regulate temperature, factor in that you’ll need to purchase an additional cover to work in tandem with this one.
9. Thermo-Tex 2831224 Blue
Lowers operating pool costs and extends the season
Will decrease water evaporation and chemical use
Made of UV-stabilized high-quality polymers
Will not be degraded by pool chemicals or the sun
Comes with a three-year warranty
Was too small for some buyers
Hard to handle said a few customers
The Thermo-Tex Swimming Pool Solar Cover lowers operating pool costs and extends the season for swimming by as much as two months. It is a solar cover that will warm the pool water and decrease water evaporation and chemical consumption.
Read moreDesign
Made of UV-stabilized high-quality polymers, this ideal cover will not be degraded by pool chemicals or the sun. It is easy to install and remove because of its lightweight, plus comes with a three-year warranty. Covering the swimming pool at home has never been easier than with this easy-to-use cover to keep things out and warm the water at the same time.
Effectiveness
As most pool covers can be quite an undertaking to unfold and put them on because of their heavyweights, this one is lightweight and simple to place on the pool whenever you want.
Ease of Use
This simple cover can extend the swimming season for you by as much as two months. This gives plenty of extra time to enjoy the pool into the falloff winter seasons.
Price Range
Having a below-average price, this solar cover derives its value from its ability to warm the pool, inhibit evaporation and chemical consumption, and not be broken down by the sun.
10. GLI Pool Products 16 x 32 Rectangle
Will not mildew, rot, or be harmed with chemicals or the sun
Keeps out unwanted large debris and leaves
Comes with all needed hardware and instructions
Has a 4,000-pound break strength
Comes with a twelve-year warranty
Quality was not adequate for a few people
Was not the type of coverage that some expected
This Rectangle Safety Pool shields an in-ground pool with its heavy-duty quality mesh two-ply material. It will not mildew, rot, or be damaged by chemicals or the sun and is rated ASTM safe.
Read moreDesign
Made just for pools with a rectangular shape and without a step section, it keeps out unwanted large debris and leaves but allows water drainage. It comes with springs of stainless steel, concrete deck brass anchors, a storage bag, and an installation tool to set up the forest green cover. It has a 4,000-pound break strength and a twelve-year warranty. protect pets and kids from getting in your pool unexpectedly with this durable and reliable cover for an in-ground pool.
Effectiveness
The mesh material of this cover will last for many years of use because it is so durable and strong. You will not have problems from the sun, chemicals, or mildew and rot with this great cover.
Ease of Use
Everything is included with this cover to install it for your pool. You will probably just need the tools, but all pieces of the necessary hardware come with it for easy setup.
Price Range
This is one of the higher-priced in-ground pool covers that are not part of the calculated price range. It has the features of completely covering a large in-ground pool, including all of the hardware needed for installation, and being of superior durable quality.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
Made of strong tarp-like materials, these covers are strong and will last for years. They come with manufacturer’s warranties that are for many years to ensure their high-quality. This substance can hold plenty of weight if something did get on top of the cover while it is in place on the pool. A few of them in the product details claimed to be able to support a maximum 4,000 pounds. This would be the solid covers that do not let in rainwater. When the leaves, debris, and rainwater accumulate on the tops of these covers all winter, it can be quite heavy to remove. It is best to periodically remove some on a good day that you can get out to the pool during winter.
Effectiveness
Kids and pets will try to play in and enter swimming pools when they are not in use. It is simply curiosity that attracts them to the pool. Unfortunately, some small children do not know how dangerous a swimming pool can be without adults. Most of these covers will deter such events from happening in your pool. A tight cover attached well will make them see that the pool is not something for them when it is covered. Even the covers that are for dirt, debris, leaves, and heating the pool will offer some deterrent to kids and pets poking around without adults.
Ease of Use
The hardware and tools are included with these great covers for installation. They should only require one person to put them on, but two people would be best. Most have grommets already in the cover, such as for the above-ground pools. The cables that come with them are simply threaded through the grommets and tightened with the winch that comes with it. for the in-ground pools, the covers are attached to anchors in the cement. These are not hard to install at all. Then just hook the cover to those anchors and you are set.
Price Range
We calculate an average of the online prices of these pool covers and use this figure in a comparison of each individual cost. We do not list the prices because they change often, and we do not want to advertise untrue data. In each cost and value section, we list the cost as either average, below-average, or above-average as it pertains to the others in this list. The features and qualities that make up the great value of the item are also given there. There are two covers in this list that would upset the price range of the others. This is because these two higher-priced covers are for in-ground pools and they are substantially more in price than the covers for smaller above-ground pools. Those two are the Blue Wave Rectangular in Ground Pool Safety Cover and the 16x32 Rectangle Safety Pool Cover. Of the other covers, the Blue Wave Rectangular Leaf Net Pool Cover is the highest in price, and the Intex Solar Cover for 12ft Diameter Easy Set and Frame Pools is the lowest.
Design Ease of Use Effectiveness Price Range 
By installing swimming pool covers, heating costs can be cut down to a large extent. Namely, the pool cover maintains and sometimes raises the water temperature.
The pool covers are a great protection from falling leaves and accidents. Your time cleaning the pool dramatically reduces.
Other Factors to Consider
Brand
We choose only the best-rated and the most-reviewed products of a category to feature in our informative buying guides. This list contains the absolute best pool covers currently that manufacturers have on the market. Customers overwhelmingly loved these and would buy them again. We supply you with the needed information to make the best decision about choosing one of these for yourself and your family in our summary sections. We use the product descriptions from the makers and the feedback from customers who really liked or disliked the items. In this way, you get a true picture of how great the product is and why. The pool cover with the most reviews is the Intex Solar Cover for round above-ground pools, and the one with the best rating is the Intex Solar Cover for rectangular above-ground pools. These are big hits with pool owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Is a pool cover or a pool fence safer to keep out kids and dogs?
Because pool covers actually cover the surface of the pool, they are much safer than the fences. A child or dog could get over the fence and still get in the pool. The covers for in-ground pools are stretch tight across the surface of the pool and anchored in the deck. These are not removable by kids and can hold incredible weights. For the above-ground pools, those are tight as well and not easily manipulated by children. These complete items make covers safer than fences in regard to kids and pets getting in the pool unexpectedly.
q: Can these pool covers be used in the summer too, or are they just for winter use?
You can use a cover for your pool anytime you want. During the summer if you have the patience to cover it each time you are not using it, that is great. They are terrific safety measures that can be taken to protect kids and pets. If you know that you will be out of town for a while or on vacation and away from the home, then it is a terrific idea to cover the pool securely. Pools can be covered for other reasons as well, such as during the fall when leaves from trees tend to fall and cause huge problems with cleaning a pool. Covers are for any time that you feel the need to keep things out and safe.
q: Can children easily get these covers off by themselves?
This depends on the type of cover you buy. The ones that are solar covers of leaf covers are not as secured to the pool as the solid tarp-like covers. The ones for winter storage are better for prevention of kids and pets entering the pool unsupervised. These cannot be taken off by a child so easily.
q: Do these covers come with everything needed to install them?
Yes, the tying cables, grommets, connectors, and tools are included with the covers when ordered.
q: How long should these covers last? What would be the first problem with them?
This depends on the care that is given to the cover from year-to-year. If it is well cared for, then it should last many years. Some customers complained that theirs only last one or two years, but they did not say how the covers were stored or cared for during the months of storage. the first problem would be leaks, cracks, or holes in the cover. Some people experienced tearing and rips probably from trying to stretch the cover over the pool.
q: What is the biggest complaint about these covers online by customers?
The biggest complaint currently is the covers not lasting for the duration of the warranty. Some of the warranties are for fifteen or twenty years. Some buyers claimed their covers were deteriorating after a few years of use. It is important that these covers be dried out well and stored in a dry area folded up when not in use.
Sources
- , 6 Reasons to Protect Your Pool this Fall with a Safety Cover, Online Article
- , 5 Important Reasons Why Homeowners Should Have Pool Covers, Online Article
- , Pool Safety Cover, Safety Net or Safety Fencing?, Online Article
