Best Pool Covers

How to Choose a Pool Cover

Pool covers aren't exciting, but they're essential. The right cover saves money (heating, chemicals, water), saves time (less cleaning), and can even save lives (safety covers). This is practical gear that pays for itself.

Cover Types

Solar/Bubble Covers
Giant sheets of bubble wrap for your pool. The bubbles face down, trapping heat from sunlight and transferring it to water. Can raise pool temperature 10-15°F. Also dramatically reduces evaporation and chemical loss.

Debris/Leaf Covers
Mesh or solid covers that keep leaves and debris out. Mesh lets water through; solid needs pumping. Essential for fall and off-season protection. Not for winter closing in freeze zones.

Winter Covers
Heavy-duty solid covers for closing your pool through winter. Designed to handle snow, ice, and months of exposure. Usually anchored with water tubes or straps.

Safety Covers
Anchored covers that support weight. ASTM-certified options can hold children, pets, and even adults who fall on them. Required by code in some areas; smart everywhere.

### Sizing Your Cover

Covers should extend beyond your pool edge—typically 3-4 feet overlap on all sides for in-ground pools. Above-ground pools need covers sized to their exact dimensions. Measure twice; covers are not returnable.

### Heating Savings Reality

Solar covers can cut heating costs 50-70% by preventing overnight heat loss. A pool loses most heat through evaporation at the surface—covering the surface stops that. In sunny climates, solar covers may eliminate heating costs entirely.

### Safety Considerations

Only ASTM-certified safety covers actually provide safety. Regular covers—even heavy ones—are not safety devices. They can trap children underneath or collapse under weight. If safety matters, invest in proper safety covers professionally installed.