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 unroll 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 before folding or rolling it and storing it 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 in a humid place.
In Arizona, our problem is dry rot…
Heavy Duty & Sturdy Covers Work Best
I
t doesn’t take long for vinyl or canvas to dry-rot if left in the sun or in 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 with it in the wintertime.
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 overpaying 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.
In-Ground Pool Covers
Here’s a list of the 5 best winter covers for inground pools.
- Stop Leaves, Snow & Debris: Stop leaves, snow, and dirt from entering your inground pool. Dual-layer LDPE coating blocks rainwater and fallen debris—pool water stays crystal-clean all season with less skimming
- Less Spring Cleaning Hassle: Premium LDPE outer coating blocks UV light from reaching the pool bottom. Less sunlight means less dirt buildup—so you skip strenuous deep cleaning when opening the pool in spring
- Easy One-Person Install: 4ft extra overlap fully covers your pool to prevent wind blow-off. Rustproof aluminum grommets and wide PE webbing let you finish the full setup solo in under 20 minutes. Note: The cover size you select already includes the 4ft extra overlap, so the actual cover is 4ft larger than the listed pool size in total perimeter (e.g., 40x22ft cover for 36x18ft pool). (If your pool is not rectangular, please make sure the pool cover can cover the pool before purchasing)
- Heavy-Duty Built to Last: 185GSM fabric with tight 14×14 weaving delivers high tear resistance. Stands up to repeated freeze-thaw cycles and prolonged sun, resisting fabric damage season after season
- Withstands Harsh Weather: Stable from -10°F to 180°F—stands up to snow, intense heat, and varied outdoor conditions. A reliable cover for year-round inground pool protection
- 1. **Pool Covers for Inground Pools – Easy Winter Pool Care by VEVOR**: Our VEVOR pool covers for inground pools are sized at 18x34 ft, perfect for 16x32 ft pools. This in ground pool cover is 2ft larger than your pool for a snug fit without stretching. Always measure your pool dimensions before ordering. Ideal for a variety of pool settings, including homes, gardens, hotels, and engineering projects, it offers exceptional pool protection.
- 2. **Inground Pool Cover – Superior Durability and Safety**: Crafted from robust polypropylene, our inground pool cover boasts resistance to aging, high temperatures, and abrasion. The double-strapped, triple-stitched design provides enduring protection for your pool. Enjoy the assurance of VEVOR, abrasion resistance, and included hardware. Choose our VEVOR pool cover inground for reliable pool safety and long-lasting protection of your in ground pool cover.
- 3. **16x32ft Winter Pool Cover Inground – Reliable Inground Pool Safety**: Our VEVOR winter pool cover is specifically designed for 16x32ft pools, providing effective protection during colder months. This pool cover serves as a dependable safety pool cover for inground pools, preventing debris and maintaining pool cleanliness. To keep your pool secure and ready for spring, our pool cover for inground pools ensures efficient winter care and extends your in ground pool cover's lifespan.
- 4. **Pool Safety Cover with Complete Installation Kit – Easy Setup for Inground Pools**: Our pool cover comes with brass anchors, stainless-steel springs, and installation tools for easy setup. The effective drill and tamp anchoring system ensures secure placement, while the adjustable rope (17.7-25.6 ft / 45-65 cm). Compatible with both rectangle and kidney-shaped pool covers, our in ground pool covers provide a secure fit and hassle-free installation.
- 5. **Versatile Pool Cover Options – Solid Covers by VEVOR**: Enhance your in ground pool cover with VEVOR pool safety covers for inground pools. Choose from a solid pool cover or upgrade to a motorized pool cover inground for effortless operation. Our versatile pool covers for inground pools include options like 20x40 pool cover, kidney shaped pool cover, and solid pool cover, adapting to your pool safety needs. Trust VEVOR pool covers for inground pools for reliable and flexible protection.
- Heavy Duty winter pool cover for 20 x 40 ft. in-ground pools. This pool cover has a 5 foot overlap, which is the material included beyond the pool size, making this pool cover easier to install. Since 1973 Robelle has been offering the best pool covers for pool owners. This cover has more than twice as much overlap as other brands, making it the easiest pool cover to install. Including overlap, the cover size is: 25 x 45 feet.
- This Heavy Duty pool cover is constructed with heavy duty polyethylene that weighs 2.36 ounces per square yard (80 grams per square meter). The material is woven with a 8 x 8 scrim. Scrim is the number of threads per square inch. Material weight and scrim are the best indicators of the overall durability and expected longevity of your pool cover.
- With over 50 years of experience, Robelle has designed this Heavy Duty winter pool cover with an exceptional focus on quality for this season and years to come. Constructed 18% heavier than industry standard. Backed by a 10-Year Warranty that is the best in the industry. We are real swimming pool experts that are here to help with all of your swimming pool needs.
- This is a solid winter pool cover that will not allow water to pass through. More pool owners have trusted Robelle for their pool closing needs than any other brand. Exceed your expectations when you choose a Robelle brand pool cover.
- This pool cover will protect your pool from winter elements throughout the offseason. Designed for superior protection against snow and ice.
Above-Ground Pool Covers
And here’s a list of the 5 best winter covers for above-ground pool care.
- Heavy Duty winter pool cover for 24 ft. round pools. This pool cover has a 4 foot overlap, which is the material included beyond the pool size, making this pool cover easier to install. Since 1973 Robelle has been offering the best pool covers for pool owners. This cover has twice as much overlap as other brands, making it the easiest pool cover to install. Including overlap, the cover size is: 28 feet. Includes winch and cable for easy installation.
- This Heavy Duty pool cover is constructed with heavy duty polyethylene that weighs 2.36 ounces per square yard (80 grams per square meter). The material is woven with a 8 x 8 scrim. Scrim is the number of threads per square inch. Material weight and scrim are the best indicators of the overall durability and expected longevity of your pool cover.
- With over 50 years of experience, Robelle has designed this Heavy Duty winter pool cover with an exceptional focus on quality for this season and years to come. Constructed 18% heavier than industry standard. Backed by a 10-Year Warranty that is the best in the industry. We are real swimming pool experts that are here to help with all of your swimming pool needs.
- This is a solid winter pool cover that will not allow water to pass through. More pool owners have trusted Robelle for their pool closing needs than any other brand. Exceed your expectations when you choose a Robelle brand pool cover.
- This pool cover will protect your pool from winter elements throughout the offseason. Designed for superior protection against snow and ice.
- 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 which enhances its resistance against UV radiation.
- 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 24 ft round above ground pools, providing full protection and coverage.
- EXTRA THICK AND SUPER DURABLE. The key to an effective above-ground pool winterizing kit is the material quality. This winter pool cover boasts a 14 × 14 scrim count (the industry’s top standard) and the density of 185 GSM. Also important in pool covers for above-ground pools are the seams: poorly done, they will let dirt through. Our 24 foot round winter pool cover prevents and keeps the water inside uncontaminated until spring.
- PROTECTION FROM SUNLIGHT AND OVERGROWING. A pool closing kit for above ground must protect the pool from UV radiation that stays high in winter. Our pool closing kit has LDPE coating on it that withstands solar UV. The BLACK UNDERSIDE of the oval pool cover won’t let the water overgrow.
- HIGHLY RESISTANT TO COLD. You want your winter pool cover 24 ft round above ground pool protection to survive low temperatures. Unlike a simpler pool tarp, this swimming pool cover will cope with the cold as bad as −10° F (−25° C) and the heat as high as 180° F (80° C).
- STRONG FASTENINGS FOR A STURDIER GRIP. To make sure that your pool winter cover won’t collapse, our swimming pool covers for above ground pools have a steel-core cable that goes into reinforced metal grommets, so you can consider your pool wrap neatly tucked. A specially molded winch turns smoothly and makes it easy to really tighten the cable.
- PREMIUM SAPPHIRE SERIES. Our pool covers, pool water bags, and pool pillows for above-ground pools rank highest on Amazon for a reason: we focus on critical characteristics like sturdiness and durability, but we also like to add little extras, like the generous 4-foot overlap on this above-ground 24 foot round winter pool cover to make winterization easier for you. Pool Pillow is not included and is sold separately.
- 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 features heat-sealed seams which enhances its resistance against UV radiation.
- 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 28 ft round above ground pools, providing full protection and coverage.
![UIRWAY 500D Winter Pool Cover 18FT Round [Upgraded Heavy Duty Thick Fabric] | New Super Windproof Gel-Coated Tarp Straps, Fit Round Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools, Snug Fit, Tear & UV Resistant](https://www.poolserviceall.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TkRGalZGbE5VUzA1ZVV3dWFuQm58MTc5MjMzOTk3NA=)
- 【2026 New Upgraded Sustainable Fabric】UIRWAY pool cover 18ft round is Amazon Climate Friendly Certified and made with high-density 500D fabric. Tested to achieve a tear strength of 780N, which is strong enough to withstand the pulling force of a weightlifting champion! Reinforced double stitching and waterproof adhesive strips ensure secure seams, providing long-lasting, durable protection for your pool
- 【Triple Windproof Design】The solar pool cover features new gel-coated anti-slip straps, ensuring stability in harsh weather without the need for additional weights. Unlike the common steel-wire designs, our straps are softer, preventing wear and tear, and making the pool cover more resistant to damage. Dual drawstrings at the bottom and adjustable straps on both sides provide a tight, secure fit and all-around protection, easily withstanding hurricane-force winds
- 【UPF50+ Protection】The pool covers for above ground pools effectively block 99.9% of harmful UV rays, preventing pool discoloration. It also reduces pool water evaporation by 90% and slows chlorine evaporation by 70%-90%, helping maintain water levels and keeping the water clear. This minimizes water wastage, saving time, money, and effort
- 【Unique Thoughtful Design】 Featuring multiple reflective strips, our round pool cover enhances nighttime visibility, reducing the risk of collisions and drowning. Side handles allow for easy storage and drying. With an increased height of 18 inches, the cover provides superior protection against dust, leaves, and sun exposure, helping to prevent brittleness and extend your pool’s lifespan
- 【Product Design Scope】The UIRWAY 500D Pool Cover is a flat, sheet-style cover made for seasonal, temporary above-ground pools — typically snap-set or inflatable-ring pools with a smooth, accessory-free rim. It rests evenly across the water and rim, so it is not built to seal around permanently installed fixtures such as a skimmer, nor is it suited to pools surrounded by a deck, where the rim is not accessible for a flush fit
Now for the plan.
First, measure your pool so you don’t buy the wrong cover and have to 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 reviews of several 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 of extra time before using your cover.
That’s a simple plan anyone can follow…
Oh, and if you need to buy chemicals for winterizing and closing the pool, 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 winter pool cover 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. ✔
- 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.
- chlorine-first sanitizer strategy for winter water
- Avoid Costly Pump Repair With The Best Automatic Pool Water Leveler