As the leaves turn golden and a crisp chill fills the air, your thoughts might turn to closing your above-ground pool for the season. But before you pack away the swimsuits, a crucial task awaits: choosing the right winter cover. It’s a decision that can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches come springtime.
Many pool owners feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety of winter covers available. You might worry about finding one that’s durable enough to withstand harsh weather, fits your pool perfectly, or is easy to install. The wrong cover can lead to a murky pool, damaged equipment, or even a costly replacement. This can be a real pain when you just want your pool ready for summer fun.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand the different types of above-ground pool winter covers and know exactly which one is best for your needs. We’ll break down the important features to look for, so you can confidently protect your pool all winter long. Get ready to make winterizing your pool a breeze!
Our Top 5 Winter Pool Cover Above Ground Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Winter Pool Cover Above Ground Detailed Reviews
1. Robelle 24 ft Heavy Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools
Rating: 8.8/10
The Robelle 24 ft Heavy Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover is built tough to protect your above-ground pool all winter long. It’s designed for 24 ft round pools and features a generous 4 ft overlap, making it super easy to put on and take off. Robelle has been making pool covers since 1973, so they know what they’re doing. This cover is made from strong polyethylene and has a tight 8×8 scrim weave, which means it’s built to last. Plus, it’s 18% heavier than what most companies use, so you know it’s extra durable. This solid cover will keep snow and ice out, giving your pool the best protection.
What We Like:
- Extra-large 4 ft overlap makes installation a breeze.
- Heavy-duty polyethylene with an 8×8 scrim is very durable.
- Solid design keeps water, leaves, and snow out of your pool.
- Includes a winch and cable for a secure fit, great for windy areas.
- Backed by an impressive 10-year warranty.
- Robelle has over 50 years of experience in pool covers.
What Could Be Improved:
- An ice equalizer pillow is not included and must be purchased separately.
- For pools with large top rails, you might need to go up one size.
Overall, this Robelle winter pool cover offers excellent protection and ease of use. It’s a smart investment for keeping your pool safe through the cold months.
2. Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools – 8-Year Warranty
Rating: 8.6/10
Winterizing your above-ground pool just got a whole lot easier with the Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover. This cover is built tough to protect your pool all winter long. It’s made from really strong materials that can handle the cold and the sun’s rays. This means less work for you in the spring when you want to get your pool ready for fun.
What We Like:
- It’s thicker and tougher than many other pool covers.
- Installation is a breeze thanks to the included winch and cable.
- The cover is made from premium polyethylene and high-density stitching for extra strength.
- It effectively keeps out leaves, dirt, rain, and snowmelt.
- It’s built to resist damage from both cold weather and UV rays.
- The 8-year warranty gives you peace of mind.
- It’s designed to fit 18’ round pools perfectly, measuring 21’ in diameter.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some users might prefer an even thicker material for extreme weather.
- The 21’ diameter is specific; ensuring it’s the right size for your pool is important.
This Winter Block cover offers excellent protection and makes pool opening simple. It’s a smart investment for keeping your pool in great shape year after year.
3. Winter Block 15’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools – 8-Year Warranty
Rating: 9.5/10
Winterizing your above-ground pool doesn’t have to be a chore. The Winter Block 15’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover is designed to make protecting your pool during the cold months simple and effective. This cover is built tough to handle everything winter throws at it, keeping your pool clean and ready for fun next summer.
What We Like:
- It’s thicker and stronger than regular covers, giving your pool extra protection.
- Installation is a breeze thanks to the included steel cable, winch, and grommets.
- The cover is built to last with premium polyethylene and strong stitching.
- It blocks out leaves, dirt, rain, and snow, so your pool stays cleaner.
- The material resists UV rays, preventing damage from the sun.
- It comes with an impressive 8-year warranty for peace of mind.
- The 18-foot diameter fits perfectly on a 15-foot round pool.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the cover’s bright color might stand out more than some prefer in a backyard setting.
- The “block” in the name might suggest a more rigid structure, when it’s actually a flexible cover.
This Winter Block cover offers excellent protection and ease of use, making it a smart choice for any pool owner. You can be confident your pool will be in great shape when spring arrives.
4. Blue Wave Bronze 8-Year 28 ft Round Above Ground Pool Cover for Winter– Durable & Weather-Resistant Polyethylene – 4 ft Overlap
Rating: 9.1/10
Prepare your above-ground pool for the cold months with the Blue Wave Bronze 8-Year 28 ft Round Above Ground Pool Cover. This navy blue cover is built tough to handle winter’s worst, like snow, ice, and wind. It’s designed to last, giving you peace of mind until spring.
What We Like:
- It keeps your pool safe from dirt, leaves, and other debris all winter long.
- The 4-foot overlap ensures a snug fit, even on pools with wide top rails.
- Strong woven, laminated polyethylene material resists sun damage.
- A strong cable and winch system makes it easy to secure the cover tightly.
- Reinforced grommets placed every 2 feet add extra security.
- The black underside helps prevent algae growth.
- It comes with an 8-year warranty, with the first year being a full replacement.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some users might find the initial setup a bit challenging in windy conditions.
- The dark color might absorb more heat if uncovered during warmer spells, though this is minimal for a winter cover.
This Blue Wave Bronze pool cover is a smart investment for protecting your pool and reducing cleanup time in the spring. You can trust it to keep your water clean and ready for fun.
5. POOLHACKER Winter Pool Cover 15FT/18FT/21FT/24FT – 18 Foot Round Pool Cover
Rating: 9.4/10
Winter is coming, and it’s time to protect your swimming pool! The POOLHACKER Winter Pool Cover is built tough for the harshest weather. It keeps your above-ground pool safe and your water clear all year long. This cover fits 18-foot round pools perfectly and has a generous 4-foot overlap. It’s made with extra-thick, durable material that can handle temperatures as low as -10° F (-25° C).
What We Like:
- This cover bravely faces the coldest weather, even down to -10° F (-25° C).
- It keeps your pool water clean and sparkling by blocking out leaves, dirt, and rain.
- The strong winch and cable system securely fastens the cover, giving you peace of mind.
- Made with a tough 14 × 14 scrim count and 185 grams of density, it’s built to last.
- The LDPE coating shields your pool from harmful UV rays and prevents water buildup.
- Its super windproof design ensures your pool stays covered and protected, no matter how strong the wind blows.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the material is thick, some users might find it a bit heavy to handle during installation.
- The overlap is generous, but ensuring a perfectly taut fit on all pool shapes might require a little extra effort.
This POOLHACKER Winter Pool Cover offers excellent protection and durability. It’s a smart investment for keeping your pool in great shape through the winter.
Your Guide to the Best Winter Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools
Getting your above-ground pool ready for winter protects your investment. A good winter cover keeps out leaves, dirt, and snow. This makes opening your pool in the spring much easier. Let’s find the best cover for your pool.
Key Features to Look For
Durability
You want a cover that lasts. Look for strong stitching and thick material. This stops tears and keeps the cover from falling apart.
Fit
A cover that fits well is important. It should be large enough to go over the sides of your pool. This stops wind from getting underneath. Some covers come with ropes or straps to secure them.
Waterproofing and UV Protection
The best covers keep water out. They also protect your pool from the sun’s rays. This stops algae growth and keeps your cover from fading.
Ease of Use
Putting on and taking off the cover should be simple. Some covers are heavy. Others have helpful features like grommets or loops for easy handling.
Important Materials
Polyethylene
This is a common material for pool covers. It’s strong and waterproof. Many good winter covers use woven polyethylene. It resists tears well.
Laminated Polyethylene
This type of polyethylene has a special coating. It makes the cover even more waterproof. It also adds strength.
Reinforced Edges
Look for covers with reinforced edges. This means the edges are stronger. They are less likely to rip. Grommets or metal rings are often added to the edges. These help you tie the cover down securely.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Thickness (Weight)
A thicker cover is usually better. It’s stronger and more durable. Look for covers measured in mils. Higher mils mean a thicker, higher-quality cover.
Weave Density
A tighter weave makes the cover stronger. It stops small debris from getting through. It also helps the cover last longer.
Warranty
A good warranty shows the maker stands behind their product. A longer warranty often means a better-quality cover.
Poor Stitching
Weak stitching can cause the cover to fall apart. Check reviews for comments about stitching problems.
Thin Material
Covers made from very thin material rip easily. They won’t protect your pool well.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many pool owners use winter covers to avoid spending hours cleaning in the spring. A good cover means less work later. It keeps leaves and branches out. It also stops dirt and dust from settling in your pool water. Some covers help prevent ice damage. They distribute the weight of snow and ice evenly.
Families with pets find covers very useful. They add a layer of safety. They help prevent accidental falls into the pool. Always use a safety cover if you have young children or pets. A winter cover is not a safety cover.
For many, the main goal is to keep the water clean. This saves money on chemicals. It also means you can enjoy your pool sooner when warm weather returns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in a winter pool cover?
A: Durability and a good fit are most important. A strong cover that stays in place protects your pool best.
Q: How do I measure my above-ground pool for a cover?
A: Measure the diameter of your pool. Then add at least 3 feet to that measurement. This gives you the size of cover you need.
Q: Can I use a winter cover as a safety cover?
A: No. A winter cover is not designed to hold weight. A safety cover is specifically made to prevent falls.
Q: How long do winter pool covers usually last?
A: A good quality winter cover can last for 5 to 10 years. This depends on the material and how well you care for it.
Q: What does “mils” mean for a pool cover?
A: Mils refer to the thickness of the cover material. Higher mils mean a thicker, stronger cover.
Q: Will a winter cover stop my pool from freezing?
A: It helps. It can prevent direct ice formation on the surface and reduce damage. But it does not keep the water from freezing completely.
Q: What happens if my cover gets a small hole?
A: You can often repair small holes with a special pool cover patch kit. This stops the hole from getting bigger.
Q: How do I store my winter cover when not in use?
A: Clean and dry it completely. Store it in a cool, dry place, like a shed or garage. Avoid storing it where it can get wet or damaged.
Q: Do I need to use a cover pump with my winter cover?
A: Yes. Water and snow can collect on the cover. A cover pump removes this water. This stops the cover from sagging and potentially breaking.
Q: What’s the difference between a winter cover and a solar cover?
A: A winter cover is heavy-duty and meant for off-season protection. A solar cover is lighter and designed to heat your pool water during the swimming season.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.