Round Winter Covers

Above Ground Round Pool Winter Covers

Above Ground Round Pool Winter Covers

Standard and solar pool covers are great additions to your round above ground pool but when summer turns to fall, it’s time to make a switch.  Winter covers offer protection, safety and peace of mind through the long cold off season.

Why Own a Winter Pool Cover?

Even in locations where it doesn’t get below freezing in the winter, pool owners can benefit from dedicated winter covers.  There are many benefits to picking up a quality winter cover:

  •  Protection:  A good winter cover will protect your pool and its parts from the cold and lessen the effects of the nasty weather. 
  •  Cleanliness:  Without a tight winter cover, you’re going to have to deal with leaves, dirt, debris and anything else that blows into your pool all winter.
  •  Safety:  With a properly covered pool, you don’t have to worry about falls, exposure to the freezing cold water or accidental drowning.

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    Finding the Right Above Ground Winter Cover

    There are plenty of options when it comes to picking a new winter cover for your above ground round shaped pool.

    Some things to consider are:

    Size - You want the cover to be big enough to cover the pool but also have some overhang so you can secure it properly.

    Cost - Depending on your budget and needs, you may want to weigh certain features of a cover against the price.

    Warranty – Winter pool covers come with a variety of warranty lengths, which usually reflect the overall durability and longevity of the cover.  The longer the warranty, the longer it should last and the more you are going to pay.  Winter pool cover warranties usually come in either eight, ten, fifteen or twenty years. 

    Construction – Almost all pool covers fall into two categories; mesh and solid.  Mesh covers are made to allow water through but stop debris, leaves and larger objects from getting into your pool.  Solid vinyl covers are designed to keep everything out.

    Both options make great winter covers, so deciding on the right one means you have to factor in their pros and cons:

  • Mesh winter covers are cheaper
  • Mesh covers last longer
  • Mesh covers allow water to come in, which can also bring dirt and other unwanted substances into your pool.
  • Solid covers don’t allow sunlight into the pool like mesh ones do, which can cause algae
  • Solid covers are generally considered to be better for areas with extremely cold weather
  • Solid covers require a pump to clear any water that gathers on the top

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    Above Ground Round Pool Winter Cover Accessories

    Adding the right accessories to your winter cover will not only make it work perfectly, but will also make your life a bit easier.  Here are some of the ones you should consider:

  • Leaf Net:  This net goes over the top of your existing cover.    As leaves fall into it, they remain dry and off of the cover.  Before a big freeze hits, you remove the net with the leaves.  Now you won’t have to deal with moldy, soggy leaves in the spring.
  • Solid Cover Pump:  You’ll need this pump to keep your solid cover from being weighed down by water in the center of it.
  • Air Pillows:  By placing these inflatable pillows in the center of your pool under the cover, you help drainage.  They can also be used along the side of the pool to protect decking, coping or anything else that ice might harm.
  • Cover Sealer:  Usually sold as a super durable lining that resembles plastic wrap, this sealant is used around the sides of the cover to insure wind doesn’t blow up under it.
  • Cover Clips:  Clips can also be used around the edge to reduce wind damage or wear and tear.

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    How to Install a Winter Cover on an Above Ground Round Pool

    Installing a secure and protective winter cover only takes a couple of steps.  Making sure you properly install and setup your cover can make the difference between getting the most out of it or it being useless, so it is very important.

    To install a winter cover:

    • Open and spread out the cover to make sure you have the right size, shape and options you intended to purchase.
    • After all other winterization is complete, place the cover on the pool.
    • Add or adjust any air pillows you may be using.
    • If you’re using a leaf net, place it on top of the cover.
    • Thread the cover’s cable through the loops on the cover all around the pool.
    • Winch the cable tight to form as secure a barrier as possible.
    • Add any extra sealant, clips or other accessories you may want to use.

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