Easy Winter Pool Care…
Easy Winter Pool Care…It’s been a long summer.
You had a lot of pool parties, barbeques, and get-togethers.
Best of all, plenty of fun in the swimming pool.
But now, with winter coming, it’s almost too bad that it’s time to close the pool.
Maybe while the pool temperature isn’t too cold for swimming, you can squeeze in a couple more parties before you cover it until spring.
I know the feeling…
About Pool Covers
One of the biggest problems many pool owners have each year when they roll out their winter pool cover is finding it damaged.
They unwrap or un-roll it to find it covered with mildew or mold.
This happened because it wasn’t cleaned well enough when you stored it away.
Or you didn’t let it dry off before it was folded or rolled up and stored away.
So while it was baking in the shed or all summer, mold ruined it.
The same thing will happen with camping tents and tarps – you have to clean them and let them dry off before you store them.
This is a bigger problem if you live where it’s humid.
In Arizona, our problem is dry rot…
Heavy Duty & Sturdy Covers Work Best
It doesn’t take long for vinyl or canvas to dry rot if left in the sun or a hot shed all summer.
That said, I guarantee you’ll only get a few uses from a cheap cover – especially if you don’t take care of it.
My first few years with a pool sucked because I had no idea what to do during the wintertime with my pool.
But worse is that my pool isn’t square or rectangular – it’s shaped like a kidney bean.
So, finding a way to cover it wasn’t easy.
That’s not a problem anymore because I figured it out.
Covers come in all sizes, shapes, and colors.
The local pool shop doesn’t carry covers in many sizes or shapes.
So I was stuck trying to make a cover that’s not long enough or wide enough to fit.
That’s right. And you might have to buy more than one cover because they don’t have the size you need.
Forget that hassle, I can help you find a cover that will fit your pool perfect and you’ll probably save money, too.
Taking care of my pool for more than 10 years has taught me a few things.
- How to Save Time and Money – Don’t buy costly supplies or waste time because you don’t know how to shop at the big-name pool supply store.
- How NOT to Get Ripped Off – Avoid getting ripped off or paying too much for parts and repairs.
- How to Do It Yourself – Do your pool care or know who to call when you need an expert.
If this sounds like something that interests you, it is worth all the time I spend working on this DIY pool care website.
Let’s get to why you’re reading this: you’re looking for the best pool covers for winter, and here they are.
Best Selling In-Ground Pool Covers
Here’s a list of the 5 best winter covers for inground pools.
- SUPERIOR STRENGTH AND DURABILITY - Crafted from high-quality polyethylene, the Blue Wave/Arctic Armor 12-year Solid Winter Cover is built to last. The 10x10 scrim count provides enhanced strength and durability.
- MAINTAINS CLEAR AND CLEAN WATER - A black underside and heat-sealed seams work together to block out sunlight and prevents leaves, sticks, and other debris from decaying in your pool all winter.
- GENEROUS OVERLAP FOR SECURE FIT - Designed with a 5-ft overlap, this cover provides a secure and proper fit for your above-ground pool. The extra material allows for better coverage.
- SECURE FASTENING SYSTEM - Each cover features integrated water tube loops that are spaced every four feet, providing additional security and stability (water tubes sold separately).
- 12-YEAR WARRANTY - Backed by an 12-year warranty, this solid winter cover offers reliable, long-term protection for your pool. The first year is fully covered and each following year is prorated.
- Inground Pool Safety Cover with Center Step : This pool cover measures 22 x 42 ft with 4x8ft center end step area, suitable for pool size: 20 x 40 ft, center step size: 4x8 ft. The in ground pool cover size is 2ft larger than your pool, ensuring a perfect fit without stretching. Please measure your pool dimensions before purchasing. Versatile and suitable for various inground pools, it's an ideal choice for home, garden, or hotel pools.
- Premium and High Strength PP Material: Our 20x40 pool cover with center step tands out for its durability, designed to withstand aging, high temperatures, and abrasion. The 20x40 winter pool cover features double strapping, triple stitching and anti-slip rubber strip, providing maximum strength and ensures long-term protection for your swimming pool.
- Powerful Tight Mesh Design : Our heavy duty 20x40 inground pool cover with center step features a tight mesh construction, facilitating efficient water drainage while effectively blocking falling leaves, snow, and debris, ensuring a pristine pool come spring. The design of safety pool covers minimizes sunlight penetration, thereby ensuring a cleaner pool environment for the upcoming season.
- Complete Hardware Kit for Effortless Installation : iCOVER safety pool cover is equipped with instruction manual and high-quality brass anchors, resilient stainless-steel springs & sleeves, and includes all necessary installation tools for effortless setup. This winter safety cover comes with an effective drill and tamp anchoring system, it boasts secure and reliable placement, ensuring peace of mind for years to come.
- Pool Covers for Inground Pools with Enhanced Safety and Durability : iCOVER inground pool cover 20x40 is meticulously crafted to endure harsh weather conditions, UV rays, everyday wear and tear. Our pool safety covers are designed to serve as a critical safety barrier, preventing accidental drownings, and effectively excluding debris such as leaves, snow, dust, ensuring a clean pool next spring.
- Winter pool cover to be used with traditional above ground swimming pools - Mesh material will let water pass through
- Pool Size: 15 x 21 Foot Oval - Cover Size: 18 x 24 Feet (includes overlap in total)
- Extra heavy-duty perimeter binding - 3 foot overlap (Includes 3 feet of extra material beyond pool size, included in cover size above)
- Includes winch and cable, which should be used to secure the cover through the grommets - 10 Year Warranty
- Cover should be able to float loosely in the water, consider going up a pool size if you have large top rails - Ice equalizer pillow sold separately
- Pool size: 20 feet x 40 feet
- Cover size: 25 feet x 45 feet
- Number of 8-Feet water tubes needed: 16
- Integral cover loops to secure water tubes
- 5 foot overlap to ensure there is no stretching or ripping
- 8-YEAR RECTANGULAR IN-GROUND WINTER COVER – Designed for in-ground rectangular pools, this inground pool cover provides reliable, season-long protection. Durable polyethylene construction offers strength and a solid barrier against winter elements.
- PROTECTS POOL FROM SUN, SNOW & DEBRIS – The solid design of this rectangle pool cover keeps out leaves, dirt, and other debris, while the black underside reduces algae growth by limiting sunlight exposure. Perfect for maintaining pool cleanliness.
- DURABLE MATERIALS & HEAT-SEALED SEAMS – Built with a rugged 7x7 scrim count and precision heat-sealed seams, this rectangular pool cover resists tearing, sun damage, and harsh winter weather, helping extend its lifespan over multiple seasons.
- 4-FT OVERLAP FOR A SECURE FIT – The overlap design allows the pool winter cover to be securely fastened while minimizing stretching. Metal grommets with steel cable and locking winch are placed every 2 feet for even tension and easy installation.
- 4-FT OVERLAP FOR A SECURE FIT – The overlap design allows the pool winter cover to be securely fastened while minimizing stretching. Metal grommets with steel cable and locking winch are placed every 2 feet for even tension and easy installation.
Best Selling Above Ground Pool Covers
And here’s a list of the 5 best winter covers for above-ground pool care.
- EASY TO USE – Installation is a breeze by using the 10-inch overhang and the included rope to secure your cover around the top of the metal frame; preventing the cover from blowing away in the wind
- PROTECTS POOL FROM DEBRIS – Intended for a 15-foot round pool, this pool cover will minimize debris, leaves, and trash from getting into your pool; while also protecting the pool from sun, snow, and ice damage
- SUPER-TOUGH – Made with puncture-resistant PVC material and drain holes to prevent water accumulation; this cover is meant to last multiple summers to help keep your pool free from debris
- SAFETY, QUALITY and VALUE – Intex designs, builds, and tests all its products to the highest standards with safety the first order of business; our affordable and innovative products are built to last
- CUSTOMER SATISFACTION – Our dedicated customer service team is available via phone, chat, or email to help with any questions you may have on use, installation, or service needs
- Extra Durable Construction: Our above ground pool covers are made of supreme mesh material with an industry-leading polyethylene scrim and coating, ensuring exceptional strength and resilience. Built to withstand harsh winter conditions, they provide unparalleled durability for reliable protection throughout the season.
- Ultimate Winter Protection: Experience the best winter pool cover that shields your pool from precipitation, debris, and even heavy snowfall. With its robust construction, this cover is engineered to endure extreme cold as low as −10° F (−25° C), ensuring your pool remains immaculate and ready for use when the weather warms up.
- Year-Round Sun and UV Protection: Our pool cover is designed to provide exceptional protection against sunlight and harmful UV rays, not just during the summer but also throughout the winter months. The cover also features heat sealed seams.
- Effortless Installation: Includes clear and comprehensive installation instructions, making the process quick and easy. Additionally, we provide a heavy-duty, vinyl-coated cable and tightening winch, secured by rip-proof metal grommets spaced 30 inches apart, ensuring a secure and snug fit for optimal protection of your pool.
- Ideal Fit: Custom-made to perfectly cover 18 ft round above ground pools with a 3-foot overlap, providing full protection and coverage.
- Winter pool cover to be used with traditional above ground swimming pools - Mesh material will let water pass through
- Pool Size: 12 Foot Round - Cover Size: 15 Feet (includes overlap in total)
- Extra heavy-duty perimeter binding - 3 foot overlap (Includes 3 feet of extra material beyond pool size, included in cover size above)
- Includes winch and cable, which should be used to secure the cover through the grommets - 10 Year Warranty
- Cover should be able to float loosely in the water, consider going up a pool size if you have large top rails - Ice equalizer pillow sold separately
- WINTER POOL COVER – The Winter Block Winter Pool Cover is great for keeping your aboveground pool in good condition during the cold winter months and makes it easier for you to get the pool back in shape in the spring
- EASY TO INSTALL – This lightweight, yet durable winterizing pool cover is easy to install It comes with perimeter grommets, steel cable and winch so it’s ready for installation right out of the box
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - This aboveground pool winter cover is treated for resistance to damaging sunrays It’s made of laminated polyethylene sheeting woven with thick, high-density polyethylene stitching for superior tensile strength & durability
- KEEPS OUT DEBRIS – Designed to keep out debris, rainwater and melted snow, you can rest assured that next summer your pool will be ready for another season of family fun! This pool cover is extremely durable to withstand even the harshest winters
- FITS 24’ ROUND POOL – This Winter Block Winter Pool Cover measures 27’ in diameter to fit a 24’ round pool without any issues
Now for the plan.
First, you need to measure your pool so you don’t buy the wrong cover and send it back.
Make sure you measure from the widest points from end to end, just in case your pool is like mine, shaped like a kidney bean, or has curves.
Next, depending on where you live, you might consider the material you need.
If your pool gets covered with snow, you might want to read what verified customers have to say in their reviews. Which reminds me, take a few minutes to check out the reviews on serval covers before you buy one. Once again, it saves you from having to send it back.
Finally, when you’ve found the cover that works, order it so you have enough time in case you need to send it back because it’s not the right item or you don’t like it.
Give yourself at least 2 – 3 weeks extra time before using your cover.
That’s a simple plan anyone can follow…
Oh, and if you need to buy chemicals for treating the pool when you close it, it’s probably a good time to get them when you order your cover.
Make it happen.
Look, order your winter cover now – before you forget and end up stuck with all the other pool owners who waited until the last minute.
Picture yourself waiting in long lines, picking through the leftovers at the pool store…because that’s what will happen.
I’ve learned my lesson…
Believe me, you don’t want to wait and pick a cover from the leftovers.
When you’ve dealt with as many winters as I have, you know it’s better to get your pool supplies before the rush begins.
Being early is better than dealing with everyone stressing out and standing in long lines.
Or – you guessed it – waiting for a replacement cover to arrive because you sent back the first cover because it was the wrong size.
Sorry if this sounds rash. I’m telling you like it is.
Now, follow this plan, and you’ll be watching football while your neighbors are still messing with their pool covers.
Wrap-up
As we come to the end of this guide, let’s review what we’ve discussed.
- You’re here because you’re looking for the best pool cover for winter to protect your pool when it’s closed. ✔
- You’re a new pool owner looking for advice on avoiding wasting time and money when purchasing a pool cover. ✔
- And finally, you want help deciding which pool cover to buy that fits well and will last. ✔
P.S.
If you found this guide about the best winter care pool cover useful, here are a couple more guides for DIY pool care.
- Your Eyes Won’t Burn Anymore When You Use The Best Solar Pool Ionizer
- Avoid Costly Pump Repair With The Best Automatic Pool Water Leveler
Product information was last updated on 2025-06-02.