One of the first steps to proper above ground pool care and maintenance is using a pool cover. Pool covers have a lot of benefits including reducing the number of chemicals in your pool, maintaining clean water, retaining heat, and protecting the pool from harsh weather elements. There are several types of above ground pool covers, and picking the best one depends on your needs. Although all covers keep your above ground pool clean, some are better served for that purpose, while others retain heat best, and some protect your pool from the damage of harsh winter elements. Here are some options for above ground pool covers, and what they offer.
Blue Wave Bronze 8-Year 15-ft x 30-ft Oval Above Ground Pool Winter Cover
- Mesh covers: mesh covers are net-like covers for your pool surface. If you are frustrated with solid pool covers that are heavy, cumbersome and unfoldable, then a mesh cover is the next best option. Mesh covers are lighter and easy to fold up; they are usually larger than most pool dimensions, so they cover the pool just as well. Unlike solid material, however, the mesh can be penetrated by rain water or snow, and are only useful in holding large debris like leaves, sticks or stones. If you have your pool directly under a tree and are tired of pulling out leaves, a mesh cover can help keep your pool clean. Bear in mind though that if the cover is not cleaned properly, rain can melt the trapped debris into your pool making the water dirty.
Robelle 3524-4 Super Winter Pool Cover for Round Above Ground Swimming Pools, 24-ft. Round Pool
- Solar Covers: Solar covers or blankets have a lot of advantages; they retain heat within your pool allowing you to enjoy swims better. They are also very light with no anchorage so that they can be removed very easily. What solar covers won’t do for you, however, is create heat, so they only work best if you have a pool heater or live in a sunny climate where your pool is already heated. They are also not particularly designed to keep your pool clean or safe but are the least expensive kind of pool covers you can find.
- Pool Leaf Nets: If your primary purpose is to prevent leaves from scattering all over your pool, a leaf net is your best option. All you need to do is the throw the leaf net over your winter cover, and it will catch leaves as they begin to fall. It is also made of durable material and is easy to remove, clean and store. As they have no anchorage, for your above ground pool you will have to use a wire cable and winch to keep it in place.
- EZ drain covers: if your concern is keeping track of the water level above your winter cover then a self-draining pool cover is what you need. EZ drain covers have a built-in drainage system that gets rid of all the excess water weight that your pool cover accumulates during winter. This reduces the negative pressure that can damage your above ground pool. It is also made of durable polyethylene material and UV protection to prevent it from tears or the effects of sunlight.
