How to Choose the Best InGround Pool Cover

Understanding the Purpose of an Inground Pool Cover

Choosing a pool cover starts with knowing what you need it for. Whether it’s for safety, convenience, or cutting down on maintenance, the right cover makes a big difference.

• Safety: A secure cover can help prevent accidents involving kids, pets, or uninvited guests near your pool.
• Cleanliness: It blocks out leaves, bugs, and debris so you’re not constantly skimming the surface or adjusting chemicals.
• Water Conservation: A cover helps reduce water loss from evaporation, especially in warm or windy areas.
• Chemical Retention: It protects your water from sun and wind, so the chemicals stay balanced longer.
• Energy Efficiency: Certain covers trap heat and keep your pool warmer without needing to run your heater as much.

Types of Inground Pool Covers and Their Features

Solid Pool Covers

• What they offer: Solid covers are great for winter. They keep out sunlight and stop algae from growing. They also block everything from leaves to fine particles.
• What to know: These are heavy and need a pump to remove water that collects on top. You’ll probably need help putting one on or taking it off.

Mesh Pool Covers

• What they offer: These are lightweight and let rainwater drain through, so you don’t need a pump.
• What to know: They don’t block fine debris or algae as well as solid covers. Still, they’re a practical choice for areas with moderate winters.

Automatic Pool Covers

• What they offer: These open and close with the press of a button. They look clean, offer great safety, and are super convenient.
• What to know: They cost a lot more upfront and need regular upkeep, like motor checks and track cleaning.

Solar Pool Covers

• What they offer: Also called solar blankets, they use the sun to keep the pool warm and cut down on evaporation.
• What to know: They’re lightweight and easy to move but aren’t built for safety or heavy-duty protection.

Safety Pool Covers

• What they offer: These are strong and secure. They’re designed to hold weight and keep people or animals from falling in.
• What to know: They come in solid and mesh styles and must be anchored tightly around your pool for full safety.

Critical Factors to Consider Before Buying

When you’re narrowing down choices, think about what works best for your pool, lifestyle, and climate.

• Climate Conditions: If you live where it snows or gets cold, go with a strong mesh or solid cover. In warmer places, solar or automatic covers might make more sense.
• Budget Range:
• Solar covers: $75–$300
• Safety mesh or solid covers: $500–$2,000
• Automatic covers: $3,000–$10,000+
• Ease of Use: If you want to cover and uncover your pool quickly, look into automatic or solar covers. Solid winter covers are harder to handle and may need two people.
• Material Quality and Durability: Look for UV-resistant material, strong stitching, and mildew resistance. Cheap covers don’t last long and usually don’t come with good warranties.
• Warranty and Brand Reputation: Choose covers that have at least a 5-year warranty. Reputable brands are more likely to provide solid support if anything goes wrong.

The Importance of Safety Compliance

Safety covers are only effective if they meet official safety standards.

• ASTM F1346 Compliance: Covers with this certification are tested for strength and safety, meaning they’re built to prevent accidents.
• Weight Capacity: Most of these can hold hundreds of pounds, enough to support a person or animal in an emergency.
• Anchoring Systems: A strong anchor setup keeps the cover in place and makes it hard to tamper with or accidentally remove.
• Locking Features: Automatic covers should have locking mechanisms that prevent unauthorized use.
• Visibility Strips: In areas with snow or limited lighting, it’s helpful if the cover has markings that show the pool’s outline.

Accounting for Pool Shape and Size

Not all covers are one-size-fits-all, especially when pools have unusual designs.

• Standard Pools: If your pool is rectangular, standard covers work fine and are more affordable.
• Custom Shapes: Kidney-shaped, L-shaped, or irregular pools will need a made-to-fit cover. You’ll need to measure carefully and probably order a custom design.
• Proper Measuring Tips: Measure the longest and widest parts of the pool and check with the cover manufacturer’s size guide to be sure it fits.

Long-Term Maintenance Considerations

Each type of cover has its own upkeep requirements, and some take more effort than others.

• Solid Covers: You’ll need to pump off water, remove leaves, and store the cover in a dry space when not in use.
• Mesh Covers: Easier to clean, lighter to handle, and don’t need a pump. Just check for wear and tear over time.
• Solar Covers: These are simple to maintain but don’t last as long. Keep them clean and store them out of the sun when not in use.
• Automatic Covers: These need the most maintenance. You’ll have to keep the tracks clean, check the motor, and get occasional tune-ups to avoid breakdowns.

Reading Reviews and Comparing Brands

Before buying, do a little homework. Read reviews from real pool owners who’ve used the covers for more than one season.

• What to Look For:
• Longevity and performance over time
• Ease of daily use
• Customer service experiences
• Warranty claims and replacement success
• Top Brands: Coverstar, Loop-Loc, Meyco, and Sun2Solar are all great choices, with plenty of cover options to fit different pool types and budgets.

When to Consult a Pool Professional

Sometimes it’s worth hiring a professional to make sure everything fits and works like it should.

• Complex Shapes: Custom-shaped pools are harder to measure and cover properly, so a pro can save you from expensive mistakes.
• Automatic Systems: Installation involves motors, tracks, and electrical components, which aren’t easy to set up on your own.
• Accurate Measuring: Experts can measure your pool precisely, so you get a perfect fit with no gaps or sagging.
• Setup and Anchoring: For safety covers, a technician can drill anchors and tension everything correctly, so it stays secure.
• Maintenance Help: A pro can also walk you through how to maintain your cover and help avoid damage long term.

Conclusion

Finding the best inground pool cover comes down to knowing what matters most for your setup—whether that’s safety, convenience, or cutting back on maintenance. You’ll want to match your cover to your climate, pool shape, and how often you use it. With the right pick, you’ll not only protect your pool but also save time, money, and energy along the way.

Key Takeaway: The right inground pool cover keeps your water clean, safe, and ready for use while cutting down on work and costs. Think about how you use your pool and what protection you need most, then match that with the type of cover that fits best.

FAQs

Can I use a pool cover without draining the water?

Yes, most covers are designed to work with water in the pool. In fact, some rely on a certain water level for proper tension and support.

Can You Walk on a Pool Cover?

Only safety covers that meet ASTM standards are built to support weight. Never walk on solar or standard covers, as they’re not made for that.

Do pool covers lower heating and utility bills?

They do. Solid and solar covers help trap heat and reduce evaporation, which means less heating and fewer chemical adjustments.

How do I make sure the cover fits my pool?

Take measurements of the pool’s longest and widest points. Then compare them with the sizing chart from the manufacturer. For odd shapes, go with a custom cover.

Can I leave a pool cover on year-round?

Some covers, like automatic or safety models, are built for year-round use. Others, like solar covers, are better for seasonal use only and should be removed during winter.