Nothing beats having your pool ready swim-ready at any given go. But let's face it: Most of the time is easier said and done. However in fall and winter, soon enough unwanted debris always seems to find a way into our pools. And nobody wants to bathe in dirty water, and that’s where the top pool covers come in.
The most effective solution to keep your swimming pool (almost) always on deck is pool covers. Some even keep your pool warmed up, and some stop algae growth, by blocking out the sun's rays. This guide will give you a good insight into the best inground pool covers available to help you find the perfect one for your particular needs.
Types of Inground Pool Covers
Before we get to our comprehensive guide, it's important to go over the different types of pool covers:
a). Solar Covers
If you want to heat your above and in ground swimming pools efficiently and cheaply, these are the best pool covers. Solar pool covers keep the sun’s heat in your pool, keeping it warm. That is mostly bubble covers.
Pros:
Cons:
b). Safety Covers
Also known as security covers, these are used specifically to prevent people or animals from accidentally falling into the pool. Usually, they are strongly constructed, enclosing an anchor system along the edges of the pool to prevent them from moving in the water. Safety pool covers come in two kinds: Mesh and solid.
c). Standard Winter Covers
These are the most basic type of cover, also called as tarp covers. They are commonly used by pool owners to put on the pools for the winter seasons.
Pros:
Cons:
d). Automatic Covers
Normally, automatic pool covers are made of vinyl material, and they are expensive. Probably their biggest appeal is the 'set it and forget it' capability.
Pros:
Cons:
Now let's get right into our top picks for the best inground pool covers:
1. Best Overall: Blue Wave Bronze In Ground Pool Winter Cover
Pros:
Cons:
2. Best Budget: Pool Mate 351632RPM
- Winter pool cover to be used with in-ground swimming pools -...
- Pool Size: 16 x 32 Foot Rectangle - Cover Size: 21 x 37 Feet...
- Heavy-duty polyethylene material - All seams are heat sealed for...
- Cover should be able to float loosely on the water, consider...
For those of you on a budget, Pool Mate's Winter Pool Cover is extremely affordable, though it does the job nicely. It's heavy duty polyethylene to stop UV rays, but it's well built. It’s effective at stopping the growth of algae. This design keeps dirt and debris out of your pool in harsh winter conditions. But it also means that the snow can't melt though, which can result in puddles forming on the cover.
They come in many sizes so that they fit for almost any pool. All pools covers come with a 5 foot overlap to cover most copings to make for an easier installation regardless of size. It also has water tube loops, however the tubes will require purchase separately. Pool Mate Winter Pool Cover is light, easy to bring in and out of a storage.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Best Mesh Cover: Blue Wave NS405 12-mil Solar Blanket for Rectangular In-Ground Pools
- WARMTH FROM THE SUN - Insulating thermal bubbles use passive...
- SOLAR SAVINGS - Save time and money by using a solar blanket on...
- SWIM MORE, SKIM LESS - Get back to the fun part of owning an...
- CUT TO FIT AND BUILT TO LAST - Created with durable, 12-mil...
- YOUR PEACE OF MIND, COVERED - This solar cover is backed by a...
Pros:
Cons:
4. Best Leaf Net Cover: WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 16' x 32'
- SUPERIOR THICKNESS AND STRENGTH – Made of thick and durable...
- ADDED SAFETY AND DURABILITY – This swimming pool cover features...
- HIGHEST QUALITY STANDARDS – In addition to its 15-year...
- INSTALLATION HARDWARE INCLUDED – A tamping tool, installation...
- FITS A 16’ X 32' POOL – This WaterWarden pool cover features...
The WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover is a premium choice for 16' x 32' rectangular pool. This pool cover is designed for safety and durability in high strength blue mesh and is triple stitched for it's strength, and meets ASTM F1346 classification pool safety rating. Year round, your pool is covered providing it safe and clean.
With the WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover you get an excellent combination of safety, durability, as well as ease of maintenance for your inground pool. And because of its robust construction, safety certification and warranty, it makes an excellent investment to keep your pool clean and secure all year round.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Best for Winter: Robelle 353050R
- Winter pool cover to be used with in-ground swimming pools
- Solid material will not let water pass through
- Pool Size: 30 x 50 Foot Rectangle - Cover Size: 35 x 55 Feet...
- Heavy-duty 8 x 8 scrim
- Heavy-duty polyethylene weighs 2.36 oz./yd2
The Robelle 353050R is possibly the best in-ground pool winter cover, excelling at keeping your pool free of dirt and grime during the in between season.
A heavy duty polyethylene cover which does a great job of keeping the dirt and debris out. In addition, it stops UV light from passing through, and it protects from algae growth as much as it protects your pool from it. Since it is waterproof, the cover can puddle when it rains or as snow melts.
You will have lots of different sizes to choose from to get the right size for you with the Robelle 353050R. The pool cover comes in several colors, so you are sure to be able to get a cover that pleases the eyes. Additionally, each size includes water bag loops every 4 feet, 5 foot overlap and 8x8 inch scrim fabric.
Pros:
Cons:
Factors to Consider in the Best Inground Pool Cover
1. Solid Vinyl vs Mesh
a). Solid Pool Covers
Solid covers tend to be more expensive and less durable than mesh covers. For starters, they could be able to collect water on top. This also means that you will need a pump to clear the water off before the cover will sink off of the weight and pressure.
But a solid pool cover is very effective at keeping dirt and debris from slipping through so that you have a clean swimming pool all the time. In fact, they are created from opaque materials so light cannot go through them and, as a consequence, they don’t allow algae to grow. Some don't allow light or heat to penetrate the tank but others do, allowing the light and heat to pass through and trap it inside to lengthen your 'swimming season'.'
b). Mesh Pool Covers
Mesh covers allow water and smaller particles to pass through, which can lead to dirty swimming pools over time. Therefore, you will probably have to thoroughly clean your pool upon reopening. They also allow light through, for the sake of fostering algae growth.
On the flip side, mesh covers are porous, meaning that water can’t collect on top. They are safe for people and pets and are also stronger and more durable than their counterparts.
2. Size
In the case that you are buying a cover, well it’s pretty obvious that you should buy one that fits your pool. So if you do know how large your pool is, make sure that you get the right fit. If you prefer you can opt for a trimmable meat cover that you can cut down to your desired size.
3. Shape
Like pools, swimming pool covers have different structures. You need to take care that you get the right shape for your pool just as you do with size. If your scoop is shaped uniquely, a trimmable cover of your own design works best. But you can alternatively choose a square or rectangular pool cover that hovers over the pool area, as long as the entire pool is covered.
4. Climate
For best in ground pool covers you should have them tailored for the geographical location and its climate. Covers fit some seasons better than others. As an example, leaf net cover is best for use in fall, when leaves fall to the ground on an ongoing basis. A solar cover is also wonderful for the fall because it lets you swim in a season you wouldn't be swimming in otherwise and also ensures the pool is kept warm.
5. Quality and Durability
Pool covers don't exactly have a flattering rep for durability and some can even break down after one season. If so, you would probably do best to spend a little more on a quality cover that will hold up over the years. An inground pool cover should be good for at least 3 years.
6. Ease of Installation
The best pool cover should not be too difficult to install. Solar covers are the simplest to install, usually, you simple lay them on the pool and that’s it. Anchoring or securing with water tubes is used for winter covers. However, it’s the safety cover covering through which you will have to spend the most time as you will need to drill the ground and fit bolts.
Frequently Asked Questions on Inground Pool Covers
1. How do I remove the debris trapped on my swimming pool cover?
For both in-ground and above ground pool covers, you can use one of the following methods:
- A leaf blower can be used or collect the debris on one side of the cover and take it off.
- To get the dirt and debris out of the cover, use a leaf rake skimmer.
You should never use a yard rake to remove debris from your swimming pool cover.
2. Does a solar pool cover really work?
Yes, they do. However, that depends on how hot your area is and exactly which type of solar cover you have. With a bubble style solar pool cover and lots of sun, you can keep in or above ground pools at 90 degree temperatures. The reason plain solar covers are not as efficient is that they only retain the heat the water has collected from the sun.