I have managed pool covers on three properties over the last decade and learned the hard way that a cheap tarp costs you more than an expensive one when it shreds in February and you spend April fishing leaves out of green water. I bought five pool covers this past winter and these are the ones I would recommend to my neighbor.
Products I Tested
| Product | Best For | Search |
|---|---|---|
| Robelle Premium Winter Pool Cover | Winter inground | View on Amazon |
| Blue Wave Bronze Above Ground Cover | Above ground | View on Amazon |
| In The Swim Solar Cover Bubble Blanket | Summer heat retention | View on Amazon |
| Pool Mate Heavy Duty Winter Tarp | Heavy snow load | View on Amazon |
| GLI Estate Plus Mesh Safety Cover | Safety rated | View on Amazon |
What Matters Most
Three things kill pool covers: UV exposure, ice load, and friction at the edges. A good winter cover has scrim weight of at least eight ounces per square yard, UV inhibitors in the polyethylene, and reinforced binding tape at the edge where the cable runs.
My Setup
My main test pool is a 16x32 inground in Pennsylvania that sees real winter with snow and ice. The above-ground cover went on my mother-in-law’s 24-foot round pool. I rated each tarp on initial fit, water shedding, debris resistance, and condition at spring opening.
Winter Cover Comparison
The Robelle Premium came through winter with zero tears and the water on top was clean enough to vacuum off rather than pump. The Pool Mate Heavy Duty was equally solid but heavier to handle. The cheaper covers I compared in past years always developed pinholes by February.
Above Ground Specific
The Blue Wave Bronze is sized properly for round pools with a wrap-around cable and winch. Cheaper above-ground covers ship with elastic that stretches out in cold weather and the cover slips off. The cable system is worth every penny.
Solar Covers for Summer
The In The Swim bubble blanket adds about eight degrees Fahrenheit to my pool over a sunny week and cuts evaporation by half. It is technically a tarp by some definitions, and worth running alongside your winter cover for the swim season.
Common Mistakes
People drag pool covers across concrete and tear the binding. They also store them folded wet in a garbage can and find a moldy mess in October. Roll them on a reel or fold them dry on a clean surface, and store in a cool dry spot.
Final Recommendation
The Robelle Premium is the winter cover I keep buying because it lasts four winters and the price is fair. The GLI Estate Plus mesh safety cover is what I would actually recommend if you have kids or pets, even though it costs three times as much, because debris falls through and you skip the pumping step entirely.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a quality pool tarp last?+
A heavy duty pool tarp should last three to five winters if you store it dry in the off season. Cheap blue tarps fail within one winter from UV degradation.
Do I need a water bag or strap kit with my pool tarp?+
Yes for above ground pools. Wind will lift any tarp without weighted edges. Water tubes or cable and winch kits hold the cover in place through storms.