How to Choose a Winter Pool Cover: A Complete Guide

Choosing the correct winter cover is an important decision to protect your investment during the harsh off-season. What is best for your pool is not necessarily the same as what is best for your neighbor’s pool. Every pool owner has their own unique needs, and you should choose the cover that fits your specific backyard setup.

This guide is intended to provide you with enough information to make the correct choice when deciding how to choose a winter pool cover. Let’s break down the pros and cons of the four main options.

1. SmartMesh Safety Covers

SmartMesh covers offer the high-tech benefits of a mesh cover while blocking sunlight like a solid cover.

Pros:

• Lightweight & Durable: Easy to handle and built to last.
• 100% Shade: Shade is incredibly important when choosing a cover because the amount of sunlight that gets through determines the amount of algae that grows. No sunlight means no algae! Conversely, if a cover has only 80% shade, the pool will likely be filled with green algae when you open it in the spring.
• Keeps Debris Out: Does not allow dirt and leaves to enter the pool.
• Filters Rainwater: Allows clean water to pass through, reducing puddles.
• Great Warranty: Comes with a 15-year warranty.
• Safety First: Provides excellent winter safety for pets and children.

Cons:

• Allows Water to Enter: Rainwater will enter the pool. This is only an issue if you have glass tile around the pool perimeter that could be damaged by freezing water. Pro-tip: If you want a mesh cover but need to maintain your water level below your tile, you can place an automatic pump under the cover on one of your pool steps.

2. Standard Mesh Safety Covers

Standard mesh covers are a classic, reliable option for many pool owners.

Pros:

• Lightweight & Durable: Very easy to install and remove.
• Great Warranty: Comes with a 15-year warranty.
• Safety First: Provides excellent winter safety.

Cons:

• Allows Water to Enter: Rainwater and snowmelt will pass into the pool.
• Low Shade: They only provide 80% to 95% shade, which will allow some algae to grow during the off-season.

3. Solid Safety Covers

Solid covers are heavy-duty options designed to completely seal off your pool water from the winter elements.

Pros:

• 100% Shade: Completely blocks sunlight to prevent algae growth.
• Total Blockade: Keeps out all dirt, leaves, and fine debris.
• Keeps Water Out: Prevents rain and snowmelt from entering the pool (important for some specific pool setups).
• Strong Warranty: 10-year warranty (from Merlin).
• Safety First: Provides excellent winter safety.

Cons:

• Very Heavy: Could weigh twice as much as a mesh cover, making installation and removal a two-person job.
• Requires a Pump: You must keep a pump on top of the cover to remove standing water and meet ASTM safety standards.
• Surface Mess: Water will puddle on top of the cover, causing the top to get dirty over the winter.
• Wear and Tear: More susceptible to causing wear on your pool’s coping.

4. Water Bag Winter Covers

Water bag covers are the traditional, non-safety tarp covers held down by water-filled tubes.

Pros:

• Budget Price: The most affordable upfront option.
• 100% Shade: Blocks sunlight to prevent algae.

Cons:

• No Safety: Does not provide winter safety for children or pets. If someone falls on it, the cover will collapse.
• Requires a Pump: Needs a cover pump to prevent heavy water accumulation.
• Poor Aesthetics: Leaves the pool looking dirty and ugly during the winter months.
• Messy Removal: Very hard to remove in the spring without accidentally dumping the dirty, stagnant water on top of the cover straight into your clean pool water.

Ready to Protect Your Pool This Winter?

Still on the fence about which cover is best for your pool? Let the experts take the guesswork out of it. Fill out the form below for a free, no-obligation quote, and we’ll help you find the perfect custom fit for your backyard.