Pool Cover Buying Guide: Safety, Solar & Winter Covers Compared

Types of Pool Covers

1. Safety Covers (Best Protection)

Engineered to support significant weight while keeping your pool secure during off-season or when unattended.

How They Work:

• Anchored to deck with brass or stainless steel anchors
• Made from reinforced mesh or solid vinyl materials
• Designed to meet ASTM safety standards
• Can support adults, children, and pets safely

Pros:

• Ultimate safety - Prevents accidental drowning
• Debris protection - Keeps pool clean during closure
• Long lifespan - 15-20 years with proper care
• Insurance benefits - May reduce liability premiums
• Professional appearance - Enhances property value

Cons:

• High upfront cost - $1,200-$3,000+ installed
• Professional installation required - Drilling into deck needed
• Storage challenges - Heavy and bulky when removed
• Mesh allows some debris - Fine particles can pass through

2. Solar Covers (Energy Efficiency)

Bubble-style covers that float on water surface to retain heat and reduce evaporation.

How They Work:

• Air bubbles trap solar heat and insulate water
• Reduce evaporation by up to 95%
• Available in different thicknesses and colors
• Custom cut to fit any pool shape

Pros:

• Significant heating savings - Raise water temp 10-15°F
• Reduce chemical loss - Less evaporation means fewer chemicals
• Extend swimming season - Keep pool warmer longer
• Affordable - $100-$500 depending on size
• Easy to use - Simple on/off operation

Cons:

• No safety value - Cannot support any weight
• Daily handling required - Must remove for swimming
• Shorter lifespan - 2-5 years typical
• Storage needs - Requires reel or storage area
• Aesthetic impact - Some find them unattractive

3. Winter Covers

Designed specifically for seasonal pool closure and winterization.

Types Available:

• Standard winter covers: Basic protection, secured with cables
• Safety winter covers: Meet safety standards plus winter protection
• Leaf nets: Additional protection over winter covers

Pros:

• Complete debris protection - Keeps pool clean all winter
• Algae prevention - Blocks sunlight to prevent growth
• Cost effective - Less expensive than safety covers
• Easy spring opening - Minimal cleanup required

Cons:

• Seasonal use only - Not suitable for daily use
• No safety protection - Standard covers are not safe
• Water accumulation - Requires pumping off standing water
• Annual replacement - May need replacement every 3-5 years

4. Automatic Covers (Ultimate Convenience)

Motorized covers that open and close at the touch of a button.

Pros:

• Ultimate convenience - Push-button operation
• Daily use friendly - Easy to use every day
• Safety compliant - Most meet ASTM standards
• Energy efficient - Significant heating and chemical savings
• Encourages use - More likely to cover pool regularly

Cons:

• Very expensive - $12,000-$25,000+ installed
• Requires maintenance - Motors, tracks, and cables need service
• Installation complexity - Significant construction required
• Power dependency - Needs electricity to operate

Detailed Comparison Chart

Choosing the Right Cover

Based on Primary Need

• Safety first: Safety cover or automatic cover
• Energy savings: Solar cover or automatic cover
• Winter protection: Winter cover or safety cover
• Daily convenience: Automatic cover or solar cover with reel
• Budget conscious: Solar cover or standard winter cover

Pool Type Considerations

• Inground pools: All cover types suitable
• Above ground pools: Mainly winter covers and solar covers
• Irregular shapes: Custom safety covers or solar covers
• Pool with spa: Automatic covers ideal for dual coverage

Climate Considerations

• Year-round warm: Solar covers for energy efficiency
• Four seasons: Safety covers for year-round use
• Heavy winter: Robust winter covers or safety covers
• Windy areas: Well-anchored safety covers

Installation Considerations

Safety Cover Installation

1. Site survey: Professional measurement and assessment
2. Anchor placement: Strategic positioning around pool
3. Drilling and installation: Anchor points secured to deck
4. Cover fitting: Custom cover attached to anchors
5. Safety testing: Verification of weight capacity

Solar Cover Installation

1. Measure pool dimensions: Accurate measurements critical
2. Custom cutting: Trim cover to exact pool shape
3. Reel selection: Choose appropriate reel system
4. Reel installation: Position for easy access
5. Usage training: Learn proper handling techniques

Maintenance and Care

Safety Cover Maintenance

• Regular cleaning: Hose off debris and dirt
• Proper storage: Clean and dry before storing
• Hardware inspection: Check anchors and straps annually
• Professional service: Annual inspection recommended

Solar Cover Care

• Gentle handling: Avoid sharp objects and chemicals
• Proper storage: Use reel or cover storage system
• Regular cleaning: Rinse with fresh water weekly
• UV protection: Store out of direct sunlight when possible

Winter Cover Maintenance

• Water removal: Pump off standing water regularly
• Debris clearing: Remove leaves and snow loads
• Anchor checking: Ensure secure attachment
• End-of-season care: Clean thoroughly before storage

Cost Analysis

Initial Investment

Annual Savings

• Heating costs: $300-800 annually with solar covers
• Chemical costs: $200-400 savings with regular covering
• Water costs: $100-300 savings from reduced evaporation
• Cleaning costs: $200-500 savings from debris protection

Return on Investment

• Solar covers: Pay for themselves in 1-2 years
• Safety covers: 3-5 year payback through savings and safety
• Automatic covers: 8-12 year payback but ultimate convenience

Safety Considerations

ASTM Safety Standards

• Must support 485 pounds at any point
• Gap openings cannot exceed 4 inches
• Removal force must be at least 35 pounds
• Annual testing and certification required

Additional Safety Features

• Proper signage: Warning labels about cover use
• Emergency procedures: Quick removal methods
• Regular inspection: Monthly safety checks
• User education: Proper use and limitations

Buying Checklist

Before You Buy

• Determine primary purpose (safety, energy, winter protection)
• Measure pool accurately or get professional measurement
• Set realistic budget including installation costs
• Check local building codes and HOA requirements
• Consider storage options for removed covers
• Research installer credentials and references

Questions for Dealers

• What warranty coverage is provided?
• Is professional installation included?
• What ongoing maintenance is required?
• Are replacement parts readily available?
• Do you offer annual service contracts?
• What's the expected lifespan?

Expert Recommendations

Best Overall Value: Safety Covers

For most pool owners, a quality safety cover provides the best combination of protection, longevity, and peace of mind.

Best Energy Savings: Solar Covers

Solar covers offer the quickest payback and most significant energy savings for pools used regularly during season.

Ultimate Luxury: Automatic Covers

For those prioritizing convenience and willing to invest, automatic covers provide unmatched ease of use.

Budget-Friendly: Winter Covers

Quality winter covers provide excellent seasonal protection at an affordable price point.

Seasonal Use Strategy

Multi-Cover Approach

Many pool owners use different covers for different seasons:

• Swimming season: Solar cover for daily energy savings
• Off-season: Safety cover for protection and peace of mind
• Winter closure: Additional leaf net over safety cover

Year-Round Strategy

• Spring: Remove winter covers, install solar covers
• Summer: Use solar covers daily for energy efficiency
• Fall: Transition to safety or winter covers
• Winter: Secure coverage for maximum protection

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sizing Errors

• Inaccurate measurements leading to poor fit
• Not accounting for pool features (stairs, spas)
• Choosing wrong overlap specifications

Installation Problems

• DIY installation of safety covers (always use professionals)
• Inadequate anchor placement or spacing
• Poor deck preparation before installation

Usage Mistakes

• Not removing solar covers before adding chemicals
• Allowing excessive water accumulation on covers
• Improper storage leading to premature wear