Best Overall
Vevor Inground Pool Safety Cover
- This rectangular cover is durable, meant to be used as a safety cover, and comes with all the hardware you’ll need to install it.
This rectangular cover is durable, meant to be used as a safety cover, and comes with all the hardware you’ll need to install it.
- The tight mesh material may allow rain to fall in, which could disrupt the pool’s chemistry.
The tight mesh material may allow rain to fall in, which could disrupt the pool’s chemistry.
We named this pool cover from Vevor the best overall because it offers multiple benefits, including safety. This cover is for in-ground pools with a rectangular shape and additional sizes are available. When ordering the size meant for a 16- x 30-foot pool, the cover itself measures 18 x 32 feet. The additional 2 feet on each side ensure the pool cover doesn’t stretch. It also means it’s big enough to protect your swimming pool.
The cover is made from high-strength polypropylene and resists both aging and scratching. It’s triple-stitched for added durability, something that helps with ensuring the pool cover is safe for pets or little ones who may try to step on it. It also is excellent in cutting back on evaporation. Plus, you’ll enjoy a cleaner pool since it effectively keeps debris out.
You’ll need to install the cover, but all of the hardware is included, so no last-minute trips to the store are necessary. The hardware resists corrosion, which is a huge bonus since it will often be wet from splashing around in the pool and the rain or snow. One thing to note is the tight mesh design allows the rain through, so you may need to keep a closer eye on your pool’s chemistry when you’re ready to open it for the season.
Product Details: Type: Safety | Size: 16 sizes from 12 x 24 feet to 20 x 40 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Recommended Pool Type: Rectangular in-ground
Best Budget
Winter Block Aboveground Pool Winter Cover
- If you want a low-cost, lightweight option, this is one of the best pool covers to purchase.
If you want a low-cost, lightweight option, this is one of the best pool covers to purchase.
- The lighter material makes it easy to install, but it may not hold up as well as thicker pool covers.
The lighter material makes it easy to install, but it may not hold up as well as thicker pool covers.
Sometimes, you just want a no-fuss pool cover that won’t blow the budget. In that case, this round pool cover is a good go-to. The cover is meant for an above-ground pool and is sold in nine different sizes, including this 18-foot option. The cover size itself is 21 feet, allowing it to fit neatly over an 18-foot pool.
Made out of laminated polyethylene sheeting with high-density polyethylene stitches, it will keep out falling leaves in the autumn, snow in the winter, and rain in the spring and summer months. It’s lightweight and treated to resist UV rays. However, since the material is lightweight, it may not be as durable for pools in climates that receive tons of snow.
Still, installation is easy. The grommets for the perimeter and the steel cable and winch are all included with the pool cover itself, so you won’t need to guess at the correct hardware to use.
Product Details: Type: Winter | Size: Nine sizes from 10-foot to 33-foot pools | Material: Plastic | Recommended Pool Type: Round, above-ground
Best Solar
Sun2Solar Blue Rectangle Solar Cover
- This solar cover soaks in and holds heat from the sun, so it’s great for outdoor pools that aren’t heated.
This solar cover soaks in and holds heat from the sun, so it’s great for outdoor pools that aren’t heated.
- It isn’t meant to be a durable safety cover, so it’s not a great option for homes with young children.
It isn’t meant to be a durable safety cover, so it’s not a great option for homes with young children.
If you have an outdoor pool but don’t have it heated, try going solar. Solar covers, or solar blankets, use light from the sun to heat the pool water.
This pool cover from Sun2Solar comes in 29 different sizes and works for in-ground and above-ground pools, meaning you’re highly likely to find a cover size that works for whatever size pool you have. Plus, the covers are trimmable if you have a pool with a slightly different shape.
It’s made up of thousands of bubbles in a resin material and promises to absorb and hold onto heat from the sun’s UV rays. This means you can cover up the pool after a day of fun in the sun, and the water will stay warm for your next dive (or belly flop). However, it’s not a safety cover, so you may want to skip it if you have little ones around the pool regularly.
The brand also advertises that this cover can cut back on as much as 95% of the evaporation that can happen to uncovered pools. This pool cover will also block leaves and other dirt or debris from falling into your pool, saving you time on cleanup—meaning you have more time for enjoying the pool.
Product Details: Type: Solar | Size: 30 sizes from 4 x 8 feet to 30 x 50 feet | Material: Resin | Recommended Pool Type: Rectangular pools
Best for Above-Ground
Robelle Winter Round Above-Ground Pool Cover
- When you want a heavy-duty cover for your above-ground pool, this cover is the way to go with its 10-year warranty.
When you want a heavy-duty cover for your above-ground pool, this cover is the way to go with its 10-year warranty.
- You’ll need to purchase cover clips and a cover wrap separately to create a secure fit.
You’ll need to purchase cover clips and a cover wrap separately to create a secure fit.
These are the best pool covers for outdoor above-ground pools that are round in shape. The polyethylene material is durable and stands up to harsh weather. The pool cover itself is solid rather than mesh or another porous material. It will keep out snow during the winter and rain in the springtime, so you won’t need to worry about your pool’s chemistry altering because of precipitation.
The cover size measures 28 feet, designed to fit a 24-foot pool. The additional 4 feet allow the pool cover to install easier. Buying this cover also means you receive a winch and cable along with grommets to securely cover your pool for the colder months. You could opt for cover clips and a cover wrap if you want to be sure the cover is extra secure, but those are sold separately.
Choose from eight different pool cover sizes, all meant for outdoor, above-ground, round pools. Each size offered comes with a 10-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Product Details: Type: Winter | Size: Eight sizes from 12-foot to 33-foot diameter | Material: Polyethylene | Recommended Pool Type: Round, above-ground
Best for Safety
Blue Wave In-Ground Safety Pool Cover
- If you have pets or small children around the pool often, it’s smart to invest in this safety cover.
If you have pets or small children around the pool often, it’s smart to invest in this safety cover.
- The cover is strong, but its mesh material will let water into the pool.
The cover is strong, but its mesh material will let water into the pool.
Keeping people and pets safe by the pool should be a top priority if you have a pool in your backyard. Part of staying safe means investing in a quality safety cover for the pool, and this one does the job. It’s designed for in-ground pools and holds up to a whopping 4,000 pounds of weight, also known as its break strength. As a plus, it’s also available in several sizes, ranging from 14 x 28 feet to 20 x 40 feet.
The cover is a polyethylene, two-ply mesh material that’s made for safety. Keep in mind that the mesh material does let water into the pool, though it fends off falling leaves and other debris you don’t want to see floating in your pool.
While the cover is over the pool, it’s held tight with brass anchors. The anchors sit level with the pool deck when you take the cover off. Ordering this cover means you also receive everything you need to install it, including the brass anchors, stainless steel springs, a specially designed installation tool, and a bag to keep everything handily in one place.
It’s easy to remove the cover when you want to take a dip or relax on a floatie—you can cover or uncover your pool in just five minutes or so. The pool cover comes with a 12-year warranty as a bonus.
Product Details: Type: Safety | Size: Five sizes from 14 x 28 feet to 20 x 40 feet | Material: Polyethylene | Recommended Pool Type: In-ground
Best Mesh
In The Swim Pool Leaf Net Cover
- Use this mesh pool cover to keep debris out of the pool during your pool’s busy season or to layer on your winter cover for easy clean-up of falling leaves.
Use this mesh pool cover to keep debris out of the pool during your pool’s busy season or to layer on your winter cover for easy clean-up of falling leaves.
- The cover is specifically meant to keep leaves out of the pool, so the mesh doesn’t provide any safety protection or protection against the weather.
The cover is specifically meant to keep leaves out of the pool, so the mesh doesn’t provide any safety protection or protection against the weather.
Keeping your pool clean can feel like a part-time job during the warmer months. Having a mesh cover, like this one from In The Swim, to keep out as much debris as possible can be an incredible time saver. It’s made out of polyethylene knitted together to create the mesh material. This highly porous mesh material is specifically meant to help you keep leaves out of the pool.
It’s not going to hold up to anyone standing on it, and it won’t keep out precipitation. Because of this, the cover may not be for you if you’re concerned about keeping out the rain or preventing the pool water from evaporating. Still, you can pair it with a winter cover as soon as autumn approaches to provide double protection for your pool.
This cover is for in-ground pools and comes in 10 sizes, from 12 x 20 feet to 30 x 50 feet. It’s backed by a two-year limited warranty and a one-year full warranty should any problems arise.
Product Details: Type: Mesh | Size: 10 sizes from 12 x 20 feet to 30 x 50 feet | Material: Polyethylene | Recommended Pool Type: In-ground
Best for Inflatable Pools
Intex Rectangular Pool Cover
- The cover’s drawstrings make it easy to install and remove, plus it’s a budget-friendly option.
The cover’s drawstrings make it easy to install and remove, plus it’s a budget-friendly option.
- The cover may be larger than you need, depending on the size of your pool.
The cover may be larger than you need, depending on the size of your pool.
It’s important to keep inflatable pools covered, too, and fortunately there are some excellent options available. This cover from Intex is generously sized and can fit inflatable pools of up to 120 x 72 inches.
It can cover smaller pools, too, but there will be extra material. However, you can tuck the excess under the pool to keep things more secure on blustery days. Plus, drawstrings are included with the cover, so you can securely attach it to your inflatable pool without worrying about the wind taking it away.
The cover itself will help keep debris like falling leaves out of your pool water, keeping it nice and clean when you’re not enjoying a dip in the pool. The cover is easy to install and take off since there are no anchors or other permanent fasteners to contend with. It’s also a budget-friendly option, although that may mean its thinner PVC material may not hold up for multiple seasons.
Product Details: Type: Winter | Size: 72 x 120 inches | Material: PVC | Recommended Pool Type: Inflatable pools
Best In-Ground
Pool Mate Heavy-Duty Winter Pool Cover
- If you don’t want rain or water to pass through your pool cover during winter, this is the best choice for in-ground pools.
If you don’t want rain or water to pass through your pool cover during winter, this is the best choice for in-ground pools.
- You’ll need to buy water tubes to install the cover.
You’ll need to buy water tubes to install the cover.
Pool safety is important, and so is keeping your pool clean. This includes preventing rain and snow from entering the swimming pool, knocking its chemistry off balance. If you don’t have little ones at the pool very often, then this winter cover is going to be a great option for you.
Use this cover during the winter when you’re not swimming in or otherwise enjoying the pool. This polyethylene pool cover is solid rather than woven or mesh, so it won’t let water through it. Plus, its seams are sealed with heat, providing even more protection from precipitation. The top of the cover is treated with a coating that resists damage from the sun’s rays.
Though the cover comes complete with water tube loops for easy installation, the water tubes that hold the cover in place must be purchased separately. (It’s designed to work with the water tubes because the cover floats on the water.) To that end, be sure to go up in size if your pool has steps or a seat to allow the cover to float on the pool water. The 12 different cover sizes make it easy to find something that will cover your pool.
Product Details: Type: Winter | Size: 14 sizes from 12 x 14 feet to 30 x 60 feet | Material: Polyethylene | Recommended Pool Type: In-ground