The 10 Best Above Ground Pool Winter Covers

At the very least, you’ll need to drain and replace the water before you use it again, which is time-consuming and costly. 

That’s why it’s important to use a winter pool cover – but, unfortunately, there are dozens, if not hundreds, available on the market, in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and colors. As a result, choosing the best one for you and your pool can be challenging.

That’s why I searched the internet for the best above-ground winter pool covers available in a variety of styles and at a range of prices, then read hundreds of reviews to check that they actually match up to customers’ expectations. The result is this list of the 10 best above-ground winter pool covers on the market.

Things to Consider

There are a plethora of different above-ground winter pool covers available on the market, so trying to pick the best one for you can be difficult at the best of times.

While people’s requirements will vary, there are a few specific points that you should bear in mind to ensure that you spend your hard-earned cash on the right one for your requirements. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, here are a few things that you should consider before buying an above-ground pool cover.

1. Shape

Above-ground winter pool covers generally come in three sizes: round, oval, and rectangular. Of course, you’ll need to choose the same shape as your pool.

2. Size

Obviously, you’ll need to get an above-ground winter pool cover that fits your pool size. However, while some are designed to fit snugly on the rim of your pool, many come with an overlay of roughly four feet in order to help prevent stretching damage and rips.

3. Durability

Of course, you’re going to want to make sure your above-ground winter pool cover withstands the elements and lasts for a decent length of time, so it’s imperative to check what material it’s made with.

Usually, it’s polyethylene material or something similar, and some are also UV- and algae-resistant.

4. Warranty

As with any product, there’s a chance that something will go wrong with an above-ground winter pool cover, so you need to make sure that the model you’re buying comes with a decent warranty.

You should also check how many years of this is considered a “full”, rather than “limited”, warranty.

QUICK OVERVIEW

The Best Above Ground Pool Winter Covers

---

Products	Features
EDITOR’S PICK 4 1,445+ 1445+ Robelle 5024-4 Rip-Shield CoverRobelle 5024-4 Rip-Shield Cover	Made with the heaviest-duty premium polyethylene material featuring dual-interlocking layers that will withstand all of the harshest weather elements; RIPSHIELD technology increases its durability significantly UV protected, and the underside resists algae growth PRICE RANGE: Under $150 Made with the heaviest-duty premium polyethylene material featuring dual-interlocking layers that will withstand all of the harshest weather elements; RIPSHIELD technology increases its durability significantly UV protected, and the underside resists algae growth PRICE RANGE: Under $150 Check price at Amazon
MOST REVIEWED 3.8 3,795+ 3795+ Blue Wave Bronze 8-Year 24-ft CoverBlue Wave Bronze 8-Year 24-ft Cover	Fits 24-feet round pools with a 4-foot overlay (the actual cover size is 28 feet); weighs 10.65 pounds Made with rugged polyethylene scrim and coating, and is UV protected PRICE RANGE: Under $50 Fits 24-feet round pools with a 4-foot overlay (the actual cover size is 28 feet); weighs 10.65 pounds Made with rugged polyethylene scrim and coating, and is UV protected PRICE RANGE: Under $50 Check price at Amazon
TOP PICK 3.8 20+ 20+ In The Swim 24-Foot Pool CoverIn The Swim 24-Foot Pool Cover	Designed with strength and durability in mind, combining the best of both solid and mesh above-ground winter pool covers Can withstand harsh winter weather and is also UV-resistant PRICE RANGE: Under $300 Designed with strength and durability in mind, combining the best of both solid and mesh above-ground winter pool covers Can withstand harsh winter weather and is also UV-resistant PRICE RANGE: Under $300 Check price at Amazon
BUDGET PICK 3.9 75+ 75+ Solutions Group Winter Pool Cover SealSolutions Group Winter Pool Cover Seal	Comes in a roll of 500 feet of material, which resembles saran wrap Can be used on its own to help reduce wind whip and prevent dust, leaves, and particles from getting into your pool PRICE RANGE: Under $25 Comes in a roll of 500 feet of material, which resembles saran wrap Can be used on its own to help reduce wind whip and prevent dust, leaves, and particles from getting into your pool PRICE RANGE: Under $25 Check price at Amazon
BUDGET PICK 3.8 830+ 830+ Buffalo Blizzard Deluxe Winter CoverBuffalo Blizzard Deluxe Winter Cover	Fits 24-feet round pools with a 4-foot overlay (the actual cover size is 28 feet) Material is made with double-stitched and triple-thick hems that can withstand the harshest elements; UV-resistant nylon threads mean it can be placed in sunlight PRICE RANGE: Under $50 Fits 24-feet round pools with a 4-foot overlay (the actual cover size is 28 feet) Material is made with double-stitched and triple-thick hems that can withstand the harshest elements; UV-resistant nylon threads mean it can be placed in sunlight PRICE RANGE: Under $50 Check price at Amazon

Under $25

Solutions Group Winter Pool Cover Seal for Above Ground Pools

The Solutions Group Winter Pool Cover Seal for Above Ground Pools could be the ideal product for people on a budget. Priced under $25, it’s unlikely that you’ll find anything cheaper – but judging by the reviews, it’s effective as a basic pool cover.

It comes in a roll of 500 feet of material, which resembles saran wrap – all you need to do is wrap it around your pool and leave it (this can be done multiple times for increased durability and strength).

Although it can be used underneath another pool cover for extra protection, it can still be used on its own to help reduce wind whip and prevent dust, leaves, and particles from getting into your pool.

Unfortunately, Solutions Group doesn’t specify whether the Winter Pool Cover Seal for Above Ground Pools comes with a warranty, but the wrap should not be used more than once. Therefore, you’ll have to buy a new roll every time it runs out.

Under $50

Intex Solar Cover for 18ft X 9ft Rectangular Frame Pools

The Intex Solar Cover has been designed for 18 foot x 9 foot rectangle pools – unfortunately, there is no overhang; instead, it fits snugly on the rim of the pool. It’s made with 160 micron material, which is fairly durable but may not be as tough against the elements as some other pool covers on the market.

The material does, however, help to keep the pool water warmer, as air bubbles absorb the heat from the sun and transfer it into the pool. This not only provides insulation but also helps to minimize water evaporation by up to 95%, according to the company.

This pool cover also comes with a carrying bag for easy transportation and storage when not in use. Lastly, the Intex Solar Cover comes with a 90-day warranty – which, unfortunately, is fairly short compared with other above-ground winter pool covers on the market.

---

Blue Wave Bronze 8-Year 24-ft Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover

The Bronze Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover is the first option from Blue Wave on this list – and the cheapest. However, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s of poor quality – according to the company, it has “the strength and durability of covers costing twice as much”.

To back this up, it comes with an 8-year warranty, one year of which is a full warranty, as well as a heavy-duty cable and winch tightener.

It’s made with rugged polyethylene scrim and coating, which will withstand the winter weather, including rain, snow, ice, and wind. Furthermore, it’s UV protected, so will also be able to last for years in direct sunlight.

The underside of this cover resists algae growth, meaning when you remove the cover, you’ll still have clear water and a clean cover.

The Blue Wave Bronze Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover fits 24-feet round pools, although this is with a 4-foot overlay to prevent stretching damage and rips (the actual cover size is 28 feet). However, there are also different sizes available, ranging from $25 to $50 (12 feet, 15 feet, 18 feet, 21 feet, and 28 feet).

---

Buffalo Blizzard Deluxe Winter Cover

The Buffalo Blizzard Deluxe Plus Winter Cover is described by the company as being ‘an economical and effective choice’ – and this seems to be a fair assessment.

The material is made with double-stitched and triple-thick hems that can withstand the harshest elements; plus, it features UV-resistant nylon threads, so can be placed in sunlight.

It’s been designed for use on 24-foot round pools, with a 4-foot overlay to help protect against stretching damage and rips (so it is 28 feet overall). It has an 8×8 scrim per square inch; plus, a vinyl-coated cable and a winch are included for easy set-up. 

This pool cover is reversible, with one side being blue and the other black, so you can choose which color you’d prefer to use. Smaller sizes are also available for under $50.

Lastly, the Buffalo Blizzard Deluxe Plus Winter Cover comes with a 10-year limited warranty, 2 of which are covered by a full warranty.

Under $100

Pool Mate PM Round Above Ground Swimming Pool Winter Cover

This 24-foot pool cover from Pool-Mate has a lot in common with most of the other round pool covers. It too has a four-foot overlap, making its total circumference 28 feet, and it’s specially designed to inhibit the growth of algae.

Durability is always a prime concern where pool covers are concerned. Pool-Mate heat sealed this pool cover to improve its performance, making it last longer and improving its resilience to weather. Grommets are placed every four feet, and a cable and winch are included. To top it all off, Pool-Mate backs their pool cover with a 12-year warranty.

There’s a good chance it’s not going to survive its warranty, especially if you live in a place with high seasons. Still, this is a good pool cover and well worth the money.

---

Blue Wave Silver 12-Year 28-ft Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover

The Silver Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover is the second option from Blue Wave on this list – and the company claims that it’s an upgrade due to the use of a heavier woven polyethylene scrim and coating, which make it able to withstand even harsher elements than the Bronze version.

Again, it’s UV protected, so will also be able to last for years in direct sunlight. Furthermore, the underside of this cover resists algae growth, meaning when you remove the cover, you’ll still have clear water and a clean cover.

This Silver pool cover is also backed by a longer warranty than the Bronze – 12 years instead of 8, 2 of which are fully covered (as opposed to 1). It also comes with a heavy-duty cable and winch tightener. 

The Blue Wave Silver Round Above Ground Pool Winter Cover fits 28-feet round pools, although this is with a 4-foot overlay to prevent stretching damage and rips (the actual cover size is 32 feet).

However, there are also different sizes available, ranging from $35 to $100 (12 feet, 15 feet, 18 feet, 21 feet, 24 feet, and 30 feet).

Under $150

Blue Wave Gold 15-ft x 30-ft Oval Above Ground Pool Winter Cover

Blue Wave is one of the leading makers of winter pool covers, and this 15 x 30 cover is excellent. It’s specifically designed for an oval pool, although with its four-foot overlap, you might be able to use it for a rectangular pool as well.

With the overlap, the cover measures 19 by 34 feet, so there’s plenty of extra covers to avoid rips and tears. The cover is made with polyethene and is designed to protect against the sun, wind and snow.

It is designed to withstand UV rays and is backed by an impressive 25-year warranty, three of which offer full coverage.

The downside of all that is that this cover is fairly heavy. It weighs 24 pounds, which is just heavy enough that with its size, it’s a little clumsy to carry. Still, that extra weight makes it more durable, which I think is a fair trade-off.

---

Robelle 5024-4 RIPSHIELD Optimum 24-Foot Winter Above Ground Pool Cover

The 5024-4 Rip-Shield Optimum Winter Above Ground Pool Cover is one of the strongest, most durable options available on the market. It’s made with the heaviest-duty premium polyethylene material featuring dual-interlocking layers that will withstand all of the harshest weather elements.

Moreover, it also features RIPSHIELD technology, which increases its durability significantly.

Furthermore, this pool cover is also UV protected, so will also be able to last for years in direct sunlight, and the underside of this cover resists algae growth, meaning when you remove the cover, you’ll still have clear water and a clean cover.

It is also backed by an extremely impressive 20-year warranty and comes with premium 12 x 14 scrims.

The 5024-4 Rip-Shield Optimum Winter Above Ground Pool Cover fits 24-feet round pools, although this is with a 4-foot overlay to prevent stretching damage and rips (the actual cover size is, therefore, 28 feet).

However, there are also different sizes available, ranging from $55 to $210 (12 feet, 15 feet, 18 feet, 21 feet, 28 feet, 30 feet, and 33 feet).

Under $200

Blue Wave 24-Feet Round Solar Blanket for Above Ground Pools

This solar blanket from Blue Wave is designed to absorb sunlight, helping to keep your pool warm in the winter months. It is made with a 12-gauge material (roughly 1/10th of an inch) for better durability and support. In addition to keeping out annoying particles, this solar blanket is also adept at channelling heat into your swimming pool.

For half the cost or less of a traditional solar heater, you can enjoy the same or similar results with this solar blanket and enjoy the bonus of keeping your pool cleaner. Best of all, Blue Wave backs the solar blanket with a five-year warranty.

The only downside is that the blanket is a little heavier than most pool covers, weighing over 22 pounds. Still, that’s a small price to pay for a warmer, cleaner pool.

Under $300

In The Swim 24 Foot Round Ultimate 3000 Above Ground Winter Pool Cover

According to In The Swim, the Ultimate 3000 has been designed with strength and durability in mind, and combines the best of both solid and mesh above-ground winter pool covers.

It features specialized Armorkote on each side, paired with a 6-inch fine mesh panel that lets rainwater and snow pass through easily, without the accumulation of dirt, debris and contaminants.

Thanks to the ultra-durable reinforced loops and all-around double stitching, this winter pool cover can withstand high winds and storms, giving you complete peace of mind during the cold weather months. It also features rugged, double stitched binding with fabric reinforced loops for increased durability.

Moreover, it’s also UV-resistant, so it can withstand direct sunlight too.

The Ultimate 3000 is designed for use on a 24-foot round pool and has a 4-foot overlay (making the entire cover 28 feet). Lastly, it comes with heavy duty UV resistant straps, strap clips, protective wear guards and all necessary hardware, as well as a 12-year warranty.

Conclusion

So, now you have a definitive list of the 10 best above-ground outdoor pool covers available online for a range of prices. There should be something here to suit everyone – no matter the shape or size of your pool.

When it came to the Editor’s Pick, I had to choose the Robelle 5024-4 RIPSHIELD Optimum Winter Above Ground Pool Cover. Made with the heaviest-duty premium material and featuring RIPSHIELD technology, this pool cover is both strong and durable; plus, it’s UV-resistant, and the underside resists algae growth.

However, if you’re looking for a budget option, the Solutions Group Winter Pool Cover Seal for Above Ground Pools and the Buffalo Blizzard Deluxe Plus Winter Cover are both great picks.

Although a lot of research and consideration has been put into this article, it’s still always important to read product specifications and reviews before making a purchase, just to ensure it’s the right model for you.

After all, you don’t want to waste your hard-earned cash on a product that doesn’t fit your requirements. Lastly, if you found this article useful, please share it for others to see!