Above Ground Pool Winter Covers � Quick Buyers Guide

In order to maintain your above ground swimming pool and to ensure that you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come, it's extremely important to properly winterize your pool at the end of the swimming season. While closing or winterizing your swimming pool involves a variety of steps, one of the most important steps is to cover the pool with a winter cover. Winter pool covers for above ground swimming pools are available in two main types: solid winter pool covers and mesh winter pool covers. The type of cover that will be best for you will depend on a number of factors such as your budget, your local climate, the amount of potential debris in your yard, and personal preferences.

As already mentioned, above ground winter pool covers are vital to proper swimming pool winterization and this is true for several reasons. To begin with, above ground winter pool covers help to protect your investment by shielding your pool from harsh winter weather. Winter pool covers for above ground swimming pools also prevent dirt, leaves and other debris from being blown into your pool during the winter months. When your pool is kept cleaner, spring openings will be easier and faster.

Solid winter pool covers represent one of the two main types of available winter pool covers for above ground swimming pools. As their name suggests, these pool covers provide a solid barrier which lies across the surface of the pool to provide protection during the months of cold, harsh weather. Solid winter pool covers are constructed from super-strong material and typically feature a weather resistant coating and UV inhibitors for enhanced durability. Reinforced seams and tear-resistant fabric further improve the durability of these covers and prevent them from ripping or being otherwise damaged during storms and inclement weather.

As is the case with all types of winter pool covers for above ground swimming pools, solid winter pool covers come with several advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider prior to purchasing a winter cover for your pool. On the downside, solid winter pool covers are typically heavier and more difficult to handle than other types of winter pool covers. They also require the use of a cover pump to prevent water from collecting and pooling on the cover's surface. On the other hand, solid winter pool covers are the most common type of winter cover used for above ground swimming pools and are relatively inexpensive. These covers are also quite easy to install and do an excellent job of keeping your pool clean and algae-free as they prevent sunlight and debris from entering the water.

The second category of winter pool covers for above ground swimming pools consists of mesh winter pool covers. In contrast to solid covers, mesh winter pool covers are porous covers which allow rain and melted snow to seep through the material and into the swimming pool. These covers are typically made from strong poly-propylene threads which are tightly woven to create fabric which prevents leaves and other debris from entering the pool while still allowing water to pass through. Many models of mesh winter pool covers feature UV treated threads to prevent rotting and other damage as well as reinforced borders and double-stitched hems for maximized strength and tear-resistance.

There are many benefits associated with using mesh winter pool covers for winterizing above ground swimming pools. For example, by allowing rainwater and melted snow to penetrate the cover and enter the swimming pool, you will require less tap water to fill your pool. This is particularly advantageous for regions with water restrictions or where water is expensive. Also, mesh covers are lighter and easier to handle than solid covers and do not pose a problem with respect to pooling water on the surface. However, there are also certain disadvantages associated with mesh winter pool covers. As a result of their mesh construction, these covers allow fine silt and sediment to enter the pool so some additional cleaning may be necessary come spring.

For added convenience, pool leaf nets can be used in conjunction with above ground winter pool covers. These special nets are designed to make the cleanup of leaves and other large debris very simple when opening your pool in the spring. Pool leaf nets simply lie on top of the winter cover, preventing leaves from collecting directly on the surface of your above ground swimming pool cover. Once all the leaves have fallen from the trees, all you have to do is simply remove your leaf net. Pool leaf nets can be very beneficial when used as a partner to solid or mesh winter pool covers and are particularly ideal for areas with lots of trees and large debris.