When shopping for a pool cover, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. Namely, the size, material, and type of pool it’s compatible with (in-ground or above-ground). Michael Dean, founder of Pool Research, cautions, “There are companies that design covers specifically for one or the other, so read the details carefully to make sure it lines up with the pool you have.” To create this list of the best pool covers, we reviewed dozens of options with these features in mind. The Happybuy Pool Safety Cover is our best overall pool 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. Read on to discover the best pool covers, backed by our research. Keep In Mind: The tight mesh material may allow rain to fall in, which could disrupt the pool’s chemistry. 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. Price at time of publish: $410 Size: 16 x 30 feet | Material: Polypropylene | Recommended Pool Type: Rectangular in-ground Keep In Mind: The lighter material makes it easy to install, but it may not hold up as well as thicker pool covers. 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. Price at time of publish: $32 Size: 18 feet | Material: Plastic | Recommended Pool Type: Round, above-ground Keep In Mind: It isn’t meant to be a durable safety cover, so it’s not a great option for homes with young children. 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. Price at time of publish: $195 Size: Varies from 4 x 8 feet up to 30 x 50 feet | Material: Resin | Recommended Pool Type: Rectangular pools Keep In Mind: You’ll need to purchase cover clips and a cover wrap separately to create a secure fit. 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. Price at time of publish: $90 Size: Varies from 12-foot up to 33-foot pools | Material: Polyethylene | Recommended Pool Type: Round, above-ground Keep In Mind: The cover is strong, but its mesh material will let water into the pool. 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. Price at time of publish: $785 Size: Varies from 14 x 28 feet to 20 x 40 feet | Material: Polyethylene | Recommended Pool Type: In-ground Keep In Mind: 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. 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 measures 20 x 40 feet. It’s backed by a two-year limited warranty and a one-year full warranty should any problems arise. Price at time of publish: $107 Size: 20 x 40 feet | Material: Polyethylene | Recommended Pool Type: In-ground Keep In Mind: The lifespan of the cover is only three to five years. The cover is easy to install because of the elastic built right into it. The elastic grips the corners of an inflatable pool, somewhat similar to how a fitted sheet grips the corners of a bed. Depending on the size of your pool, you could tuck any excess cover underneath the pool for added security against gusty winds. It lasts for about three to five years, which typically works well with inflatable pools. If you’re looking for a longer-lasting cover, this might not be one of the best pool covers for you. On the other hand, the cover resists tearing, and it’s even resistant to UV rays. The reasonable price and the installation that takes about 20 seconds make this a great choice for inflatable pools. Price at time of publish: $38 Size: 135 x 108 inches | Material: Polyethylene | Recommended Pool Type: Inflatable pools Keep in Mind: You’ll need to buy water tubes to install the cover. 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. Price at time of publish: $140 Size: Varies from 12 x 14 feet up to 30 x 60 feet | Material: Polyethylene | Recommended Pool Type: In-ground
What to Know About Pool Covers Before Shopping
Size
When it comes to the size of your pool cover, Michael Dean, Founder of Pool Research, says it’s “pretty straightforward.” Choose a pool cover that fits both the size and the shape of your pool. Those with freeform-shaped pools “may need multiple covers, a custom cover, or just one big enough to cover all the freeform edges.”
Material
Several materials exist for pool covers. Dean tells us the least expensive option will be a “thin, tarp-like material, and it’s cheap for a reason.” It’s not very durable, so he advises against it if you’re looking for a safety cover or pools located in “extreme climates.” Dean adds that mesh covers are popular; they’re more durable than tarp-style covers, and they protect from debris. He says they can be a decent option for pools indoors. However, he adds that they don’t offer much protection from the sun, and they let water through, “which can mess with your pool chemistry pretty badly.” Vinyl pool covers are another common cover material, and they come in varying thicknesses. Depending on how thick the material is, vinyl covers are typically used in higher quality winter and safety covers. Dean says, “I recommend it for most pool owners since it will save you safety headaches and some maintenance costs over time.”
Recommended Pool Type
You’ll want to pay attention to whether a cover is meant for above-ground or in-ground pools, Dean says. “There are companies that design covers specifically for one or the other, so read the details carefully to make sure it lines up with the pool you have.”
Your Questions, Answered
When should you use a pool cover?
Dean says that pool covers can be used all year. He recommends “leaving it on when your pool isn’t in use, at night, during windy weather, and in the winter.” Dean adds, “Using it often reduces water evaporation, helps retain heat, adds safety, keeps out debris, and helps with cleaning and maintenance (all of which saves you money).” He also notes it’s important to remove the cover once in a while during pool season to let the water “breathe” and to “perform regular maintenance.”
How much does a pool cover reduce evaporation?
As noted, pool covers can help reduce evaporation. Dean explains, “Your pool can lose anywhere from 2 millimeters to 2 inches of water every week because of evaporation (depending on the size of the pool and climate).” In fact, he says having a pool cover in place could “reduce water evaporation up to about 90% when in use.”
What is the difference between a safety cover and a winter cover?
A safety cover is “physically anchored to your pool deck,” according to Dean. He notes they’re one of the safer choices if you have children at the pool. Winter covers, on the other hand, are generally designed to block UV light, protect against harsh weather, and keep out debris when the pool isn’t in use.
Who We Are
This article was written by Brittany VanDerBill, a freelance lifestyle and travel writer whose work has been published with several Dotdash Meredith brands. To create this list, she researched various types of pool covers with high ratings and contacted Michael Dean, Founder of Pool Research.
