Best Inground Pool Covers for Sparkling Warm Dips

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Get Smarter On Architecture and Design

Get the 3-minute weekly newsletter keeping 5K+ designers in the loop.

Enter your Email to Sign up

Side-bar-footer-forum

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.

Pros:

  • Save energy and minimize electricity bills
  • Prevent algae growth and debris build-up
  • Reduced evaporation means less use of pool chemicals
  • Reduces evaporation
  • Warmer water translates to a longer swim season

Cons:

  • Not designed as safety covers
  • Require replacing every few years

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:

  • Good for keeping out unwanted debris
  • Prefect for blocking out UV rays and minimizing evaporation

Cons:

  • Very little weight capacity
  • Have to be held down with water bags

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:

  • Heavy vinyl material is great at heating the pool
  • Great at keeping out debris
  • Safety cover

Cons:

  • Can make pool water too warm in hotter months
  • Expensive

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

Blue Wave Bronze 8-Year 25-ft x 45-ft Rectangular In...
  • Pool size: 25 feet x 45 feet
  • Cover size: 30 feet x 50 feet
  • Number of 8 feet water tubes needed: 18
  • Protects against sun, snow, ice and wind. Cover Material...
  • 5 foot overlap to ensure there is no stretching or ripping

The Blue Wave Bronze 8-Year 25-ft x 45-ft Rectangular In-Ground Pool Winter Cover works by keeping your pool covered during the off-season so that you’re avoiding some maintenance and preserving some of the quality of your water. Designed to be durable and weather resistant, it protects your pool from leaves, algae growth, and the fury of winter seasons.

The Blue Wave Bronze 8 Year Winter Cover is value and practical way to protect your in ground pool during winter. It won't last the life of its premium counterparts, but its features and reliability make it an excellent buy for homeowners on a budget seeking temporary protection of their landscaping.

Pros:

  • Made from a strong polyethylene material 
  • Includes a 5-foot overlap
  • 8-year warranty
  • Reduces sunlight penetration

Cons:

  • Regular removal of debris needed
  • Color fading

2. Best Budget: Pool Mate 351632RPM

Pool Mate 351632RPM Heavy-Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover...
  • 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:

  • Affordable
  • Available in various sizes
  • Opaque heavy-duty polyethylene to prevent algae growth
  • 5-foot overlap for easier installation

Cons:

  • Doesn't warm the pool
  • Puddles may form on the cover

3. Best Mesh Cover: Blue Wave NS405 12-mil Solar Blanket for Rectangular In-Ground Pools

Sale
Blue Wave NS405 12-mil Solar Blanket for Rectangular...
  • 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...
The Blue Wave NS405 12-mil Solar Blanket is a practical energy efficient way to help maintain the temperature of your 12 ft x 24 ft rectangular in-ground pool. Using solar energy to heat the water eliminates heating costs, and limits water evaporation and chemical loss.

If cost reduction for both heating and water loss is what you’re after, as well as keeping your own personal aquatic oasis warmer, the Blue Wave NS405 12-mil Solar Blanket is an excellent choice. Though a reel system is recommended for easier handling, its durability and heat retention features make it a practical, eco friendly option.

Pros:

  • Efficient heat retention
  • Reduces evaporation
  • Utilizes the sun’s energy to naturally heat the pool
  • Constructed from UV-resistant polyethylene

Cons:

  • Not ideal for winter
  • May degrade over time 

4. Best Leaf Net Cover: WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 16' x 32'

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:

  • UL-classified to ASTM F1346, providing enhanced safety for pets and children.
  • The blue mesh design effectively blocks leaves and debris.
  • Durable construction
  • Year-round use

Cons:

  • Requires precise installation
  • Installation can be time-consuming 

5. Best for Winter: Robelle 353050R

Robelle 353050R Super Winter Pool Cover for In-Ground...
  • 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:

  • Solid heavy-duty polyethylene build
  • Available in multiple sizes and colors
  • Doesn't allow light to pass through, preventing algae
  • 5-foot overlap for easy installation

Cons:

  • Rain and snow may puddle on the cover
  • Doesn't heat the pool

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.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Related Articles
best pump for above ground pools

Top 5 Best Pumps For Above Ground Pools

Besides the filtration system, a pool pump is another important part to ensure you always have a clean swimming pool. ...

Best Pool Filter for Inground and Above Ground Pools

Keeping your pool clean is crucial to how much you and your loved ones can enjoy a swim. No one ...

Swimming Pool Remodel Tips, Ideas, & Makeover Cost

Have you recently purchased a house with a concrete swimming pool in the backyard, or you already owned a property ...