Protecting your above ground pool during the off-season is crucial for maintaining its longevity and reducing springtime cleanup. A high-quality pool cover is your first line of defense against falling leaves, harsh UV rays, and heavy snow, ensuring your pool water stays cleaner and your equipment remains in top condition. With so many options on the market, from heavy-duty winter covers to solar blankets, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming.
This guide simplifies your search by reviewing ten of the best above ground pool covers available. We focus on key factors like material durability, scrim count, warranty length, and special features to help you find the perfect cover that will stand up to the elements season after season, saving you time, money, and effort.
Our Top Picks for Above Ground Pool Covers
- Robelle 24 ft Heavy Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover
- Pool Mate 18 x 33 ft Extra Strength Sandstone Winter Oval Cover
- INTEX 28041E Deluxe Pool Cover for 18ft Round Pools
- Blue Wave Silver 12-Year 24 ft Round Pool Cover
- Intex Solar Pool Cover for 18′ x 9′ Rectangular Pools
- Blue Wave Bronze 8-Year 24 ft Round Pool Cover
- QH.HOME Winter Rectangular Pool Cover for 16×32 Ft
- QH.HOME 24 Ft Round Pool Cover with Fast Tightening Ratchet
- 24 ft Round Pool Cover Supreme Mesh
- Intex 120v Easy Set Pool Cover 15ft
Robelle 24 ft Heavy Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover
Built with a legacy of quality since 1973, the Robelle Heavy Duty cover is a top contender for round pools. It features a generous 4-foot overlap, making installation significantly easier compared to covers with less material. The cover is constructed from a durable 2.36 oz/yd² polyethylene woven with an 8×8 scrim, providing a solid barrier against winter debris.
Robelle has constructed this cover to be 18% heavier than the industry standard, reflecting its focus on longevity. This commitment is backed by an impressive 10-year warranty, offering long-term peace of mind. The package includes a winch and cable system, providing everything you need for a secure and straightforward installation process.
Pool Mate 18 x 33 ft Extra Strength Sandstone Winter Oval Pool Cover
For oval pool owners seeking maximum durability, the Pool Mate Extra Strength cover is an excellent choice. It boasts a robust 3.7 oz/yd² material weight, which is 85% heavier than the industry standard, and a tight 12×12 scrim for superior strength. Like the Robelle, it includes a 4-foot overlap to simplify fitting over your oval pool.
This cover is designed to handle heavy snow loads and resist tearing season after season. Pool Mate supports its high-quality construction with a remarkable 15-year warranty, one of the longest available. The included winch and cable ensure you can get a tight, secure fit that will stay in place throughout the winter months.
INTEX 28041E Deluxe Pool Cover for 18ft Round Pools
Specifically designed for Intex Ultra XTR pools, this deluxe cover offers a custom, snug fit. The 8-inch overhang and included rope tie work together to secure the cover directly to the metal frame, preventing it from blowing away in windy conditions. It is made from puncture-resistant PVC material, providing reliable protection.
This cover effectively minimizes debris, leaves, and trash from entering the pool while also guarding against sun and ice damage. Integrated drain holes prevent water from accumulating on top of the cover, which can cause sagging and potential damage. It’s a practical and durable solution for preserving your specific Intex pool model.
Blue Wave Silver 12-Year 24 ft Round Above Ground Pool Cover
The Blue Wave Silver cover balances performance and value with its 12-year warranty. Constructed from premium polyethylene with a 10×10 scrim, it creates a tough, weather-resistant barrier. The forest green top with a black underside is a functional design, as the black color helps minimize sunlight penetration to inhibit algae growth.
Heat-sealed seams reinforce the entire cover, enhancing its resistance to tearing and fraying at the most vulnerable points. This cover is built to endure harsh winter conditions, from heavy snow to strong winds. It comes complete with a winch and cable, making installation a straightforward task for any pool owner.
Intex Solar Pool Cover for 18′ x 9′ Rectangular Pools
This Intex Solar Cover is designed for in-season use, focusing on heat retention and water conservation. The air bubble design works by collecting solar heat and transferring it directly to the pool water, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature without relying solely on a pool heater. This can lead to significant energy savings.
By covering the pool surface, it reduces water evaporation by up to 95%, which also helps conserve pool chemicals. While it keeps out some larger debris, its primary function is to warm the water and reduce maintenance between swims. It includes a convenient storage bag for easy handling and protection when not in use.
Blue Wave Bronze 8-Year 24 ft Round Above Ground Pool Cover
As a reliable and cost-effective option, the Blue Wave Bronze cover provides solid winter protection backed by an 8-year warranty. Its durable polyethylene construction features a 7×7 scrim count, creating a solid barrier that effectively blocks out leaves, dirt, and sunlight throughout the off-season.
The cover also features a black underside to help prevent algae growth by limiting sunlight in the water. Heat-sealed seams add to its durability, helping it resist sun damage and harsh winter weather. This cover is a great value for pool owners looking for dependable seasonal protection without a premium price tag.
QH.HOME Winter Rectangular Pool Cover for 16×32 Ft
The QH.HOME Rectangular Cover features an upgraded windproof design that sets it apart. It includes two patented tightening ratchets and load-bearing hanging rings along the edge, allowing you to secure it directly to the frame or with sandbags for ultimate stability in windy conditions. The material is an eco-friendly, odorless PU that is safe and won’t leave residue.
Durability is a key focus, with a lay-flat seamless edge design that prevents cracking. The 500D Oxford fabric boasts a lab-tested tear strength of 330 lbs, making it significantly more durable than many standard fabrics. This cover is built for long-term use on frame pools from brands like Bestway and Intex.
QH.HOME 24 Ft Round Pool Cover with Fast Tightening Ratchet
This round pool cover from QH.HOME features an exclusive triple windproof design. It combines a ratchet rope system with a segmented drawstring that adjusts tension segment by segment, conforming perfectly to the pool’s curvature. The manufacturer states this design can withstand winds of over 100 miles per hour.
It shares the same upgraded durability features as its rectangular counterpart, including the tear-resistant 500D Oxford fabric and the lay-flat seamless edge design. A key point to note is the importance of selecting the correct size, as this cover is designed specifically for 24-foot metal frame pools.
24 ft Round Pool Cover Supreme Mesh
This Supreme Mesh cover offers a different approach to winter protection. Instead of a solid barrier, the mesh material allows precipitation to filter through into the pool while blocking leaves and debris. This prevents water from accumulating on top of the cover, eliminating the need for a separate pump.
Constructed with an industry-leading polyethylene scrim and coating, it provides exceptional strength and is engineered to withstand extreme cold as low as -10°F. The heat-sealed seams enhance its resistance to UV radiation and general wear, making it a durable, low-maintenance option for winterizing your round pool.
Intex 120v Easy Set Pool Cover 15ft
This cover is designed specifically for Intex’s Easy Set pool models, ensuring a proper fit for this popular inflatable-top-ring style. Using a cover designed for your specific pool type helps keep out debris and reduces the amount of cleaning required before a swim, extending your swimming season by helping to retain heat.
While detailed specifications are limited, covers for Easy Set pools are typically straightforward to install and remove. They are an essential accessory for maintaining water cleanliness and temperature for this particular pool design, making pool upkeep more manageable for owners.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Above Ground Pool Cover
Choosing the right cover for your above ground pool isn’t just about picking the first one you see. I think of it as an investment in my time and money. A good cover saves me a ton of work during opening season and protects my pool from damage. The key is knowing what to look for, so let’s break down the main factors for finding the best above ground pool covers for your specific needs.
First, consider the material and its primary job. Solid covers are my go-to for winter because they block sunlight completely, which stops algae from growing. They usually need a water bag system or a cable and winch to secure them. Mesh covers, on the other hand, are fantastic for letting rainwater and melted snow pass through, which means no pumping is needed. The trade-off is that some fine debris might still get in, and they don’t block light for algae prevention as effectively. Then you have solar covers, which are mainly for retaining heat and reducing evaporation during the swimming season. They aren’t meant for winter protection.
Next up is durability, which is directly tied to material thickness. For vinyl or polyethylene covers, this is measured in mils (a thousandth of an inch). I look for a winter cover that’s at least 12 mils thick for decent durability. For mesh, the strength is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). A higher GSM means a stronger, more tear-resistant cover. If you have trees nearby or harsh winters, don’t skimp on this. A flimsy cover will just be a headache and a wasted expense by next spring.
Fit is another non-negotiable. A cover that’s too small is useless, and one that’s too large will sag and collect water. You need to know your pool’s exact diameter. Most covers are round, but rectangular and oval options are available. Also, pay attention to how it secures. A cable that threads through reinforced grommets around the edge is the standard for winter covers, and it needs to be super tight. For in-season solar covers, they often just float on the surface and can be trimmed to fit.
Finally, think about your specific challenges. Do you have a problem with leaves? A solid cover or a leaf net used in combination with a mesh cover might be your best bet. Worried about safety, especially with kids or pets? Look into a safety cover, which is designed to support weight and prevent accidental submersion, though these are a bigger investment. By matching the cover’s strengths to your pool’s environment and your own priorities, you can find a cover that makes pool ownership much easier. This guide should help you navigate the options for the 10 best above ground pool covers on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable type of above ground pool cover?
In my experience, heavy-duty mesh covers often win in the long-term durability race. They are designed to withstand heavy snow loads, harsh UV rays, and strong winds without tearing. While solid vinyl covers can be very tough, they are more susceptible to punctures from sharp branches and can degrade from water pooling on top if not properly managed. A high-quality mesh cover, with a high GSM rating, will typically last for several seasons, making it a robust choice for year-round protection.
Can I use a tarp instead of a proper pool cover?
I strongly advise against using a standard blue tarp from the hardware store. While it seems like a cheap solution, it’s not designed for this purpose. Tarps are not UV-stabilized and will break down quickly, leaving bits of plastic in your pool. They also lack the reinforced grommets and secure fastening system of a real pool cover, making them a hazard in high winds. A proper pool cover is an investment that will protect your pool liner and save you from a massive cleanup job.
How do I prevent water from pooling on my solid pool cover?
Water pooling is the biggest enemy of a solid cover. The weight can strain the seams and material, and it creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The best tool for this job is a good quality cover pump. I use an automatic submersible pump that turns on when it senses water and shuts off when it’s done. You simply place it in the center of the lowest point on the cover. For a more permanent solution, you can also buy an inflatable air pillow that sits under the cover in the center, creating a peak that helps rainwater and snowmelt run off towards the edges.
When should I put my winter cover on and take it off?
Timing is important. I put my winter cover on after the water temperature has consistently dropped below 65°F, as algae growth significantly slows down at that point. This is usually in the late fall. I wait to take it off until the water temperature is consistently above that same mark in the spring. Taking it off too early can let algae get a head start before you’re ready to properly balance the chemicals and run the filter. The goal is to keep the water as clean as possible while the pool is dormant.
What is the difference between a winter cover and a solar cover?
This is a crucial distinction. A winter cover is for off-season protection. It’s heavy-duty, secures tightly over the pool, and is meant to keep out debris and withstand winter weather. A solar cover, often called a solar blanket, is a thin, bubbly sheet of plastic that floats on the water’s surface during the swimming season. Its job is to trap heat, reduce water evaporation, and keep chemicals in. You should never use a solar cover as a winter cover, as it will be destroyed by the elements.