Best Winter Pool Covers: Fit & Protection

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

It 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.

Robelle 20 x 40 ft Heavy Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover for Inground Pools, 5 ft Overlap (25 x 45 ft Cover Size), Solid 8 x 8 Scrim, 2.36 oz/yd2, 10-Year Warranty, Style: 352040R

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.

Doheny’s Commercial-Grade Economy 4 Year Winter Pool Cover for Inground Pools – 20' x 40' – Includes Heavy-Duty Water Bag Loops Every 4 Ft to Prevent Water Bag Roll Away

DOHENY’S OFFERS ALL TYPES OF WINTER POOL COVERS - IN ALL DIFFERENT PRICE POINTS TO FIT ANY BUDGET! Choose from our inexpensive Economy-Grade cover to our huge selection of finer covers - we have the right cover for you!
WE OFFER THREE DIFFERENT SYLES OF WINTER COVERS! Our SOLID COVERS come in several different grades - while all featuring our triple-laminated construction that includes an extra-tight weave to resist tearing and are coated with an extra-thick polyethylene for durability. They also feature an industry leading 5’ overlap to accommodate an adequate water drop while allowing perfect water tube placement.
Our ECONOMY COVERS provide a “Best In Value” In-Ground Winter Cover and include aluminum grommets placed every 4 ft. for easy tie-down.
Our MESH COVERS are available in two different styles - STANDARD MESH and the state-of-the-art MICRO MESH. Both are designed to allow excess water to drain back into the pool - just vacuum the fine silt from the bottom of the pool in the Spring! The MICRO-MESH cover’s top fibers are coated with a reflective silver compound that helps melt snow more rapidly to reduce cover wear and tear!
ALL COVERS COME COMPLETE WITH HEAVY-DUTY WATER BAG LOOPS (no water bags included) stitched approximately every 4 feet around the covers perimeter. Loops help keep bags firmly anchored preventing roll away.

VEVOR Inground Pool Safety Cover, 16 ft x 32 ft Rectangular Winter Pool Cover, Triple Stitched, High Strength Mesh PP Material with Good Rain Permeability (Fit 16x32ft Pools)

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.

Robelle 20 x 45 ft Heavy Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover for Inground Pools, 5 ft Overlap (25 x 50 ft Cover Size), Solid 8 x 8 Scrim, 2.36 oz/yd2, 10-Year Warranty, Style: 352045RA

Heavy Duty winter pool cover for 20 x 45 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 50 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.

Robelle 18 x 36 ft Heavy Duty Green Winter Pool Cover for Inground Pools, 5 ft Overlap (23 x 41 ft Cover Size), Solid 8 x 8 Scrim, 2.36 oz/yd2, 10-Year Warranty, Style: 321836RA

Heavy Duty winter pool cover for 18 x 36 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: 23 x 41 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.

Robelle 24 ft Heavy Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, 4 ft Overlap (28 ft Cover Size), Solid 8 x 8 Scrim, 2.36 oz/yd2, 10-Year Warranty, Style: 3524-4

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.

Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools - 8-Year Warranty, Cold and UV Resistant, Weatherproof and Durable, Winch & Cable Included

PREMIUM WINTER POOL COVER – Thicker and more durable than the regular winter pool covers, this cover will keep your aboveground pool in good condition during the cold winter months and make it easier 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 install right out of the box
DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - This aboveground pool winter cover is treated for resistance to damaging sunrays. It’s made of premium laminated polyethylene sheeting woven with thick 8x8 scrim, 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 up is extremely durable to withstand even the harshest winters
FITS 18’ ROUND POOL – This Winter Block Winter Pool Cover measures 21’ in diameter to fit a 18’ round pool without any issues

24 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Above Ground Pool Cover, Swimming Pool Cover, Winter Pool Cover, Keeps Out Debris, Cold and UV Resistant, Supreme Mesh, Navy Blue

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.

21 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Above Ground Cover for Winter, Keeps Out Debris, Cold and UV Resistant, Supreme Mesh, Navy Blue

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 21 ft round above ground pools, providing full protection and coverage.

QH.HOME 12x24ft Rectangular Pool Cover,[Ultimate Windproof & Tear-Resistant Fabric],Snug Fit with Patented Ratchet & Weight Rings,Solar Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Blocks Leaves &Waterproof

【Choose the right size and style for a snug fit】The QH.HOME 12x24 ft Rectangular pool cover is designed for Bestway/Intex/Coleman and most other brands of 12x24 ft Rectangular above-ground metal frame pools. Please do not select this option if your pool is oval in shape.Alternatively, you can consult customer service for a recommended size for the best fit.
【2026 Upgraded Windproof Design】 Our rectangular pool cover has two patented tightening ratchets inside to help users quickly install and remove, with the pool cover edge load-bearing hanging rings (can hang sandbags/heavy objects), you can tie it directly to the frame or hang heavy objects at the edge of the pool, so that the cover is always in a stable condition, no need to worry about the windy weather!
【Safer & Eco-Friendly Material】Our pool cover is Amazon Friendly Climate Certified and made of odourless, eco-friendly PU clear material that is safe for children and pets in hot environments, won't melt or leave a black residue, and is safer and more environmentally friendly than traditional PVC. Let you and your family enjoy the whole summer.
【Upgraded Tear Resistant Design】The edges of our rectangular pool cover are designed with a lay-flat seamless design (no risk of edge cracking compared to traditional double stitching). Upgraded 500D Oxford fabric has a tear strength of 330 lbs (lab test), which increases the durability by 3 times, far more than 420D/210D fabrics, ensuring the pool cover is stable for long-term use.
【Always Keep Pool Water Clean】 This pool cover is made of upgraded 500D high quality waterproof material, with waterproof sealing strips on all the top seams, which effectively blocks rainwater from seeping in and pool water from overflowing, keeps dirt and leaves away from the water, makes the pool water cleaner, reduces the number of times you need to clean and the use of chemicals, lowers the cost of maintenance, and saves you money and effort.

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.

The Best Winter Pool Covers: Protection, Fit, and Seasonal Care Comparison