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The Top 10 Best Pool Covers

29 Apr, 2024

Pool cover

Owning a pool transforms your backyard into a personal oasis, a place for family fun, refreshing dips, and poolside relaxation. But maintaining that sparkling escape requires consistent care and attention. One crucial element for a clean and safe pool is a well-chosen cover. We will delve into the importance of pool covers and explores various types available for different needs, and unveil the top contenders in the market to help you make an informed decision.

Why Invest in Quality Pool Covers?

Pool covers offer a multitude of benefits, making them a worthwhile investment. Here’s a breakdown of their key advantages:

  • Reduced Chemical Consumption: Covers minimise debris and leaves falling into your pool, reducing the need for harsh cleaning chemicals. This translates to less costs and a healthier swimming experience
  • Preserved Water: Evaporation, especially in hot climates, can significantly deplete your pool water. Covers act as a barrier, minimising evaporation and saving precious water resources
  • Enhanced Safety: Safety pool covers, which are a specific type of pool cover, create a strong, secure barrier that prevents accidental falls, especially for children and pets
  • Simplified Maintenance: Covers keep leaves, dust, and debris out, saving you time and effort on cleaning
  • Extended Swim Season: Solar pool covers, another specific type, trap heat during the day, extending your swimming season in cooler climates.

Types of Pool Covers

Now that you understand the “why” behind pool covers, let’s explore the “what.” Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

  • Solid Vinyl Covers: These affordable and easy-to-use covers are perfect for basic debris protection. However, they don’t allow water vapour to escape, potentially leading to algae growth
  • Mesh Covers: These breathable covers do allow water vapour to escape while keeping out leaves and large debris. They’re ideal for areas with heavy foliage
  • Solar Covers: These blue, bubble-wrap-like covers trap solar heat, raising pool water temperature by several degrees. They’re perfect for extending the swimming season in cooler climates
  • Automatic Pool Covers: These high-end covers offer ultimate convenience. They retract electronically at the push of a button, keeping your pool clean and safe with minimal effort
  • Safety Pool Covers: Made from strong mesh material, these covers meet ASTM safety standards, providing a secure barrier that prevents accidental drowning

Outdoor vs Indoor Pool Covers

The type of cover you choose will depend on whether your pool is indoors or outdoors:

  • Outdoor Pools: Solid vinyl, mesh, and solar covers are all suitable options depending on your priorities (debris protection, heat retention, etc.). Safety pool covers are crucial for added security.
  • Indoor Pools: Since debris isn’t a major concern indoors, a simple vinyl cover to prevent dust and evaporation might suffice.

The Top 10 Pool Covers Contenders

Here is our curated list featuring the 10 best pool covers on the market.

1. Blue Wave In-Ground Safety Pool Cover

      This complete pool cover kit fits pools up to 600m wider and longer than its actual size. The polyethylene fabric is durable and includes all necessary hardware for concrete deck installation: brass anchors, springs, buckles, and even a storage bag. The design prioritises safety with multi-seamed stitching and heavy-duty materials like stainless steel hardware to withstand weather. The breathable mesh keeps your pool clean while allowing rainwater to pass through, and reinforced wear strips ensure long-lasting use.

      Safety pool cover

      2. Sun2Solar Solar Cover

      The Sun2Solar solar blanket is a beautiful blue pool cover that uses thousands of tiny bubbles to trap heat and extend your swimming season. It minimizes water evaporation by up to 95% and is easy to install and remove for quick dips. This cover can be trimmed to fit your unique pool shape without voiding the warranty.

      Sun2solar solar pool cover

      3. Blue Wave Above Ground Pool Cover

      Keep your above-ground pool protected all winter long with a Blue Wave Winter Cover. This durable cover shields your pool from harsh weather and debris, making spring cleaning a breeze. Backed by an 8-year warranty, it’s a reliable and long-lasting winter pool solution.

      Blue wave above ground pool cover

      4. Intex Round Above Ground Pool Cover

      The Intex pool cover fits a 3.5m diameter metal frame pool. It features drain holes to prevent water pooling and a rope tie to secure it around the pool, keeping leaves and debris out of your swimming space.

      Intex round above ground pool cover

      5. Bestway Flowclear Pool Cover

      This debris cover secures to your pool with included ropes and features drain holes to prevent rainwater pooling. It provides a simple solution to keep your pool clean by blocking out leaves, dirt, and other impurities.

      Bestway flowclear pool cover

      6. Robelle Winter Pool Cover

      This heavy-duty winter cover shields your 15ft x 30ft oval above-ground pool from harsh winter elements. The solid, water-resistant material keeps out debris and snow, while the included winch and cable ensure a secure fit. At 19ft x 34ft, it provides ample overlap for easy installation and works best with pools that have a loose water surface during winter. Consider adding an ice equaliser pillow (sold separately) for additional winter protection.

      Robelle winter pool cover

      7. TONTAIN Bubble Solar Pool Cover

      Introducing the TONTAIN New 16mil400μm 7x7FT Square Blue Sliver Quadruple Bubble Solar Pool Safety Cover. Designed for both in-ground and above-ground swimming pools, this innovative cover harnesses the power of the sun to heat your pool while ensuring safety. With its durable construction and efficient bubble-side down design, enjoy warmer waters and peace of mind all season long.

      TONTAIN bubble solar pool cover

      8. HappyBuy Winter Safety Pool Cover

      This Happybuy winter pool cover simplifies your off-season routine. Made from durable polypropylene, it protects your in-ground pool from harsh elements and debris. The cover includes all installation hardware and features a tight mesh design that allows water drainage while keeping leaves and pests out. This safety cover prioritizes child and pet safety while ensuring a clean pool come spring.

      Happybuy winter safety pool cover

      9. Robelle Winter In-Ground Pool Cover

      This heavy-duty winter cover shields your rectangular in-ground pool (up to 16 x 32ft) from winter’s worst. The solid, water-resistant material keeps out snow, debris and rain. The generous 5ft overlap ensures easy installation and a secure fit, while the 10-year warranty provides peace of mind.

      Robelle winter in-ground pool cover

      10. Intex Solar Pool Cover

      Extend your swim season and save on chemicals with this solar pool cover. It traps heat to maintain comfortable water temperatures, reduces water evaporation by up to 95%, and keeps leaves and debris out. The built-in drain holes prevent water accumulation, and it comes with a reusable carry bag for easy storage (perfect for a 15ft pool).

      Intex solar pool cover

      Pool Cover Recommendations

      Best Budget Cover:

      • Intex Solar Cover (around $64): This affordable solar cover offers a great balance of price and functionality. It extends your swim season, reduces water evaporation, and keeps debris out, making it a perfect choice for budget-conscious pool owners.

      Best for Weather Protection:

      • Robelle Winter In-Ground Pool Cover (around $185): This heavy-duty cover shields your in-ground pool from harsh winter elements like snow, rain, and debris. The secure fit and 10-year warranty provide peace of mind during the off-season.

      Best for Cold Climates:

      • TONTAIN Bubble Solar Pool Cover (around $138): This cover’s thick material and bubble design effectively trap heat, extending your swim season in cooler climates.

      Best Overall (considering price and function):

      • Sun2Solar Solar Cover (around $140): This solar cover offers a good balance of features and affordability. The attractive blue design traps heat, minimizes water evaporation, and is easy to use. Plus, the ability to trim it to fit unique pool shapes makes it a versatile option.

      Note: While the Blue Wave In-Ground Safety Pool Cover offers top-notch safety features and durability, its high price tag makes it less suitable for budget-conscious buyers.

      Sources

      https://poolcoversinc.com/the-benefits-of-using-a-pool-cover/
      https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/swimming-pool-covers#:~:text=Pool%20covers%20minimize%20evaporation%20from,of%20reducing%20pool%20heating%20costs.
      https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pool/inground-pool-covers/#:~:text=The%20best%20pool%20cover%20depends,pool%20without%20breaking%20the%20bank.
      https://www.fluidra.com/projects/pool-covers/
      https://www.bhg.com/best-pool-covers-6746520
      https://www.thespruce.com/best-pool-covers-6823089
      https://nypost.com/article/best-pool-covers-per-reviews/

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