The 9 best pool covers of 2023, according to reviews

Publish date: 2024-08-16
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As we’re opening our pools to welcome warm weather, the unwanted act of your pool cover breaking or falling apart may inevitably occur.

After all, pool covers won’t last forever; replacing one just comes with regular maintenance and being a proud pool-owner. And, surprisingly, one of the most popular times to purchase a pool cover is in the spring (after, you know, your pool cover may have let you down upon opening it up for the season).

According to Ashley Murphy, fire and pool merchant at The Home Depot, a pool cover helps prevent debris from falling into the water, as well as protect your pool from UV rays and extend the life of the water. She also provided top recommendations for the best above-ground pools, along with an in-depth FAQ section on how to care for your pool. (Related: Best inflatable pools).

Ahead, we pulled the best pool covers of 2023 on the market — from solar and in-ground to above-ground and mesh. Not only will a pool cover keep your swimming area nice and protected, but it’ll ensure the water levels are well-maintained ahead of warm-weather season — perfect for whipping out your favorite pool floats and soaking up the sun.

Be sure to check out our expert-backed guide to the best places to buy outdoor patio furniture and the best pool lounge chairs to kickstart your at-home oasis into full gear.

Click to jump to a specific pool cover:

Best Solar Pool Covers

1. Sun2Solar Rectangle Solar Pool Cover, $166

With more than 8,000 rave reviews, the Sun2Solar Rectangle Solar Pool Cover is a large film made from thousands of tiny bubbles which, collectively, work together to collect and retain heat at night to help warm your swimming pool. Protecting your water and also serving as a more affordable heater, this option also helps prevent evaporation.

2. Intex Solar Cover, $42, original price: $100

With nearly 28,000 reviews, the Intex Solar Cover is a suitable option for your above-ground, round pool. Retaining heat and helping to reduce evaporation, this particular model also includes a handy storage bag when it’s not in use. Not to mention, shoppers applaud the Intex for being easy to install.

3. Intex Rectangular Solar Pool Cover, $41

For rectangular above-ground pools, there’s a solar pool cover for you. Impressively, it’s less than $50, backed by nearly 3,000 positive reviews (namely for being easy to maneuver and easy to remove) and comes with a carrying bag for streamlined storage.

Best In-Ground Pool Covers

1. Blue Wave Rectangular In-Ground Pool Cover, $85, original price: $130

The Blue Wave Rectangular In-Ground Pool Cover is a quality option for those looking to spend no more than $150 and is sure to keep your pool nice and secure in the colder months. With more than 3,000 reviews boasting its simple-to-install charm, it’s a model that also features a five-foot overlap to ensure there’s no ripping or stretching.

2. Robelle In-Ground Pool Cover, $76

What’s great about the Robelle In-Ground Pool Cover is that it’s available in a wealth of size options and colors to accommodate your in-ground pool. It’s less than $100, too, and praised by nearly 3,000 reviewers for its quality stretch and five-foot overlap to better protect your water and install each fall season.

3. Happybuy Mesh In-Ground Pool Cover, $580

With more than 1,000 reviews boasting the excellent value for the money, easy maneuverability and seamless installation (five-star reviews, may we add), the Happybuy Mesh In-Ground Pool Cover is an investment — but one that’s built to last. Specifically, it’s made from high-strength, tough polypropylene material and allows water to pass through easily for the best drainage.

More, this model comes in a bunch of sizes to fit your pool.

Best Above-Ground Pool Covers

1. Intex Round Metal Frame Pool Cover, $26, original price: $50

The Intex Round Metal Frame Pool Cover has a whopping 25,000 reviews — and counting. Better yet, it’s an affordable option that’s easy to use while not compromising durability. It comes with drain holes at the cover’s center to help prevent water accumulation, too.

Aside from its 15 ft. diameter, it also comes in 10 and 18-foot options, depending on the size of your above-ground pool.

2. Blue Wave Bronze Round Above-Ground Pool Cover, $60

With nearly as many reviews as Intex (this one coming up at 22,000, to be exact), the Blue Wave Bronze Round Above-Ground Pool Cover is a less-than-$75 option that comes in a bunch of sizes to accommodate your above-ground pool. Protecting your water against the sun, snow, ice and wind, its 4 ft. overlap is a nice touch to ensure everything is protected.

3. Winter Block Above-Ground Pool Cover, $33

Add the Winter Block Above-Ground Pool Cover if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option on the market that’s lightweight, easy to install and apt for winterizing your backyard. Its made of laminated polyethylene sheeting woven with thick, high-density polyethylene stitching to give it solid tension. That’s pretty good for less than $35, most remarkably.

Like most above-ground pool covers, Winter Block provides many different sizes to choose from.

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