Best Winter Pool Cover for All Backyard Swimming Pools

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.
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Getting your pool ready for winter is an important step to keep it clean and protected until warmer weather returns. A good winter pool cover is key to keeping out debris, preventing algae growth, and shielding your pool from harsh weather. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right one, but the best covers offer durability, ease of use, and reliable protection for your backyard pool.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best winter pool covers for all types of swimming pools. Whether you need a simple tarp-style cover or a secure safety cover, there’s an option that fits your needs. Let’s help you find the perfect cover to keep your pool in great shape through the colder months!

Best Winter Pool Covers

1. Blue Wave BWC752 Bronze 8-Year 20-ft x 40-ft Rectangular In Ground Pool Winter Cover

Sale
Blue Wave BWC752 Bronze 8-Year 20-ft x 40-ft...
  • PROTECTS YOUR IN-GROUND POOL - Made from high-quality...
  • EFFECTIVE DEBRIS BARRIER - The cover features a black underside...
  • GENEROUS OVERLAP FOR SECURE FIT - With a generous 5-foot overlap,...
  • COMPREHENSIVE SECURING SYSTEM - Each cover includes a metal winch...
  • 8-YEAR WARRANTY - Backed by an 8-year warranty, this solid winter...

If you are getting ready to cover your backyard pool for the winter, the Blue Wave BWC752 Bronze Winter Pool Cover will do the job to secure it from bad weather and trash. This cover is designed for rectangular in ground pools that measure 20 ft x 40 ft, and it is built to last and function well, which makes it a dependable choice for pool owners.

The Blue Wave BWC752 Winter Pool Cover is a good investment to protect your pool during the off season. The extra heavy duty material and secure design meant that our pool has remained free of debris and algae and the opening in the spring goes without a hitch.

But since the cover is heavy, you may need two people to install the cover, and a pool pillow or pump can prevent water from accumulating.

Overall, the Blue Wave BWC752 Winter Pool Cover is a professionally built product for winter protection of pool investments. It stands the test of time; an excellent value with peace of mind for future seasons.

Pros:

  • The cover is crafted from a strong, tear-resistant material designed to withstand harsh winter conditions
  • Protects your swimming pool from external contamination.
  • Affordable.
  • Comes with the installation cable and winch.
  • The package includes a durable cable and winch system that keeps the cover tightly in place

Cons:

  • The cover is heavier than some alternatives and may require an extra hand for installation

2. Robelle 352545R Pool Cover for Winter, Super, 25 x 45 ft Inground Pools

Sale
Robelle 352545R Pool Cover for Winter, Super, 25 x 45...
  • Winter pool cover to be used with in-ground swimming pools
  • Solid material will not let water pass through
  • Pool Size: 25 x 45 Foot Rectangle - Cover Size: 30 x 50 Feet...
  • Heavy-duty 8 x 8 scrim
  • Heavy-duty polyethylene weighs 2.36 oz./yd2

The Robelle 352545R Super Winter Pool Cover is a reliable choice for keeping your 25 x 45 ft inground pool protected throughout winter. Built with durability and convenience in mind, it offers peace of mind by keeping debris, dirt, and harsh weather from affecting your pool during the colder months.

When we tried out the Robelle 352545R, we appreciated how well it performed under tough conditions. It’s made from thick material that gave us confidence the pool would stay clean and protected throughout the season. Installing it was straightforward, but having help was useful since the weight of the cover made the process easier. Adding a pool pillow was a game-changer for preventing water from collecting in the middle.

For a pool cover made of durable material that is as easy as it is unbreakable to secure in place, the Robelle 352545R Super Winter Pool Cover is a sound purchase. It’s especially great for large inground pools, making sure they remain protected until you are ready to reopen in the spring.

Pros:

  • Its UV-resistant coating ensures the cover remains in good shape for years
  • Comes with a strong cable and winch.
  • Easy to install and remove.
  • Protects your pool from algae growth and other environmental elements.
  • Available in different sizes and colors.

Cons:

  • Prolonged exposure to sunlight might cause some fading.

3. Watayo 800 Ft Winter Pool Cover Seal for Above Ground Pools

Watayo 800 Ft Winter Pool Cover Seal for Above Ground...
  • Keep Pool Cleaning: The winter pool cover seal can effectively...
  • Easy to Use: Simply wrap the winter cover saver tightly around...
  • Long Size: With a total length of 800 ft and a width of 11.6...
  • Reliable Material: Our winter pool cover film is made of PE,...
  • Widely Used: It is mainly used for sealing the above-ground...

The Watayo 800 Ft Winter Pool Cover Seal is a reliable option for protecting your above-ground pool during the colder months. It prevents debris, dirt, and water from getting into your pool, ensuring it stays in top condition for the next season.

In our experience, the Watayo 800 Ft Winter Pool Cover Seal does a solid job of keeping the pool protected and clean throughout the winter. It’s easy to install and feels durable enough to handle the elements. However, larger pools might need additional support for an ideal fit.

Overall, this cover seal is a great, hassle-free, and effective way to keep your above-ground pool safe over the winter. It brings peace of mind and makes spring opening your pool a lot easier.

Pros:

  • At 800 ft, it fits most above-ground pools, even larger ones.
  • Ideal for above-ground pools.
  • Protects your pool water from external elements.
  •  Easy installation.
  • Affordable.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for very large pools

4. Pool Mate 5721-4 Winter Pool Cover, Extra Heavy-Duty Sandstone, 21 ft Above Ground Pools

Pool Mate 5721-4 Winter Pool Cover, Extra Heavy-Duty...
  • Winter pool cover to be used with traditional above ground...
  • Pool Size: 21 Foot Round - Cover Size: 25 Feet (includes overlap...
  • Extra heavy-duty polyethylene material - All seams are heat...
  • 4 foot overlap (Includes 4 feet of extra material beyond pool...


The Pool Mate 5721-4 Winter Pool Cover is an excellent choice for anyone with a 21-foot above-ground pool who wants to keep it in top shape during the winter months. This cover is designed with extra durability so you can be sure that your chain will survive the harsh winter conditions.

After testing this Pool Mate 5721-4 Winter Pool Cover, we’ve found it to be exactly what’s needed to prevent the winter elements from causing damage to your pool. The installation was easy and it does a fantastic job of keeping debris and water out of your pool, making it healthy until you’re ready to open it back up.

All in all, this is a superb cover for 21 ft above-ground pools. The Pool Mate 5721-4 is a durable, easy to use winter cover that also provides great protection if you are looking for just that.

Pros:

  • The cover provides superior protection against snow, rain, and debris.
  • It is easy to install and untie during spring.
  • Affordable.
  • Durable design
  • The sandstone color blends well with your backyard

Cons:

  • May fade over time

5. iBirdie Winter Pool Cover for 17, 18, 19 Feet Above Ground Round Pools

Sale
iBirdie Winter Pool Cover for 17, 18, 19 Feet Above...
  • Fit for Your Pool: Select the ideal cover size with a diameter of...
  • All-Weather Protection: Experience year-round relax with our 500D...
  • Long-lasting and Reliable: Enjoy the lasting quality of...
  • Superior Waterproof Performance: Stay carefree regardless of the...
  • Secure Installation: Tie knot at drawstring clasps to prevent...

If you need a reliable pool cover to protect your above-ground pool during winter, the iBirdie Winter Pool Cover is an excellent option for pools sized 17 to 19 feet in diameter.

We’ve tried the iBirdie Winter Pool Cover and found it to be a durable and effective solution for seasonal pool care.

The cover itself also performs a great job in protecting the pool from the worst of the winter weather as it is made of very sturdy material, and the protection from UV rays prolongs the lifespan of the cover. Fortunately, the cable and the winch sit comfortably in this groove, although it can become somewhat challenging to wrench it back into a tighter position. It is well suited to mid-grade above ground swimming pools, which means that it is suitable for keeping your swimming pool clean and available as soon as the sun comes out.

If you’re looking for reliable winter protection, the iBirdie Winter Pool Cover offers great value and peace of mind.

Pros:

  • Durable material
  • Custom-fit design for 17 to 19-foot round pools, ensuring full coverage.
  • Features a cable and winch tightening system to keep the cover securely in place.
  • Quick + Easy Installation
  • Weather-Resistant

Cons:

  • May require two people for setup due to its size and weight.

Factors to Help You Choose the Best Winter Pool Cover

1. Pool size

You need to understand your pool size to get a pool cover that will keep debris, kids, adults, and all other elements away. The best winter pool cover needs to fit your pool properly.

When buying the best pool cover, measure your pool from edge to edge, i.e., L x W dimensions. When you have the correct pool dimensions, choose a winter cover with enough room for the ideal overlay.

Most pool covers provide enough overlay, so it is best to research the exact measurements of the cover. For instance, if your backyard pool measures 16 feet by 32 inches, you can pick a cover with a 4-inch overlay that would measure 20 feet by 32 inches.

2. Pool shape

The shape of your pool plays a significant role in keeping contaminants away when buying your best pool cover. If you have a round pool, getting a round safety cover would be best. Likewise, you should buy a rectangular pool cover if you have a rectangular pool.

If your pool sports a freeform shape, the best winter pool cover must be rectangular to cover the longest and widest widths.

3. Types of winter pool covers

There are several types of pool covers you can choose from.

a) Solid vinyl pool covers

When buying the best pool covers, solid woven types are the most standard. They feature a tightly woven material that is also laminated to keep all external elements away. They protect your swimming pool from stains, sunlight, and water pH imbalance.

However, since this insulating cover is waterproof, it can collect water at the top, which would require a swimming pool pump to remove after the winter months are over.

b) Mesh pool covers

A mesh winter cover is constructed the same way as a solid cover, the only difference being that the material used here is mesh. Even when tightly woven, mesh covers allow in water and only keep coarse debris out of your pool.

This type of winter pool cover is best for you when you want to keep the debris away. However, you must vacuum the pool before you can swim again.

c) Winter pool safety covers

When anticipating the coldest winter, you need a safety cover to protect your pool and prevent accidents. A safety cover is ideal for inground and above-ground pools and requires professional installation around the pool deck.

It uses brass anchors after you drill holes around the pool perimeter to ensure the cover stays in place even when large heaps of snow sit on it. Ideally, a safety cover should carry weights of up to 4000 pounds. They protect your pool from all contaminants, and you have less maintenance to do in spring.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Winter Pool Covers

a) Why do I need a pool cover during winter?

A winter pool cover protects your swimming pool from contaminants and accidental drownings and helps you save money on maintenance and chemicals.

An uncovered pool can breed bacteria, algae, and even insects. A pool cover during cold months will also simplify your summer fun preparation.

b) Can I empty pool water instead of buying a pool cover?

No, this would damage the insides of your pool. Since a pool is finished off with plaster material, emptying the water would cause the plaster to peel and erode when it freezes.

c) How do I install the best winter pool cover?

You can install your pool cover in these simple steps.

  1. Prepare the pool. Clean all debris like leaves and twigs first. These can clog the skimmer if you leave them in the water for too long. Also, reduce the water to below the skimmer level, so it does not get clogged when the water freezes.
  2. Balance the chlorine levels. Add your pool chemicals to balance the chlorine and pH levels. Use your swimming pool chemical test kit to ensure the water is balanced; note you can only do this again during spring, so ensure the water won't damage the pool during winter.
  3. Remove all equipment like pumps, filters, and even the heating systems. Once you cover the pool, these tools will not be required, and you will also not open the pool until winter is over.
  4. Install the pool cover. If you do not need a professional to install, make sure you spread the overlap evenly on all sides. Then, secure the cover using your thread and grommets. Tighten enough so it can stay put for months.
  5. Place your wall bags along the pool perimeter to guarantee it stays in place through high-speed winter winds.
  6. Leave the covered pool until spring when you want to resume swimming.

d) How do I clean the pool cover?

Once the cover is installed, you can run routine maintenance to remove any excess water that gathers at the centre. Use a pool pump to suck the water so it does not get too heavy for the cover to sag and stop being effective. You can also blow leaves, twigs, and debris away so your cover can stand more use.

When you want to resume swimming in spring, you can clean your pool cover at home. Spray water with a hose to moisten it, then gently scrub with mild soap to remove all dirt. When done, rinse it with clean water and let it dry out in 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.
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