I Tested the Best Covers for Round Pools: What Worked and What Didn’t

When I first set up my round pool, I quickly realized that having the right cover was just as important as the pool itself. A cover for a round pool isn’t merely an accessory—it’s a vital component that protects your investment, keeps the water clean, and ensures safety during the off-season. Whether you’re looking to shield your pool from debris or maintain its temperature, choosing the perfect cover can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share why a well-chosen pool cover became a game-changer for me and how it can transform your pool-owning experience too.

I Tested The Cover For Round Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools - 8-Year Warranty, Cold and UV Resistant, Weatherproof and Durable, Winch & Cable Included

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Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools – 8-Year Warranty, Cold and UV Resistant, Weatherproof and Durable, Winch & Cable Included

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24 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Above Ground Pool Cover, Swimming Pool Cover, Winter Pool Cover, Keeps Out Debris, Cold and UV Resistant, Supreme Mesh, Navy Blue

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24 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Above Ground Pool Cover, Swimming Pool Cover, Winter Pool Cover, Keeps Out Debris, Cold and UV Resistant, Supreme Mesh, Navy Blue

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UIRWAY 18 Ft Round Winter Pool Cover with Reflective Strips, Swimming Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Solar Cover Including Rope Tie and Luminous Ground Nails, PU Tarp Snug Fit for UV Protected

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UIRWAY 18 Ft Round Winter Pool Cover with Reflective Strips, Swimming Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Solar Cover Including Rope Tie and Luminous Ground Nails, PU Tarp Snug Fit for UV Protected

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INTEX 28032E Pool Cover: for 15ft Round Metal Frame Pools – Includes Rope Tie – Drain Holes – 10in Overhang – Snug Fit

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INTEX 28032E Pool Cover: for 15ft Round Metal Frame Pools – Includes Rope Tie – Drain Holes – 10in Overhang – Snug Fit

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10-Foot Round Easy Set Pool Cover by Intex

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10-Foot Round Easy Set Pool Cover by Intex

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1. Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools – 8-Year Warranty, Cold and UV Resistant, Weatherproof and Durable, Winch & Cable Included

Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools - 8-Year Warranty, Cold and UV Resistant, Weatherproof and Durable, Winch & Cable Included

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool cover, but the Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools really won me over! It’s way thicker and more durable than any cover I’ve used before, so I’m confident my pool is safe from all those pesky winter blues. The best part? It comes with a winch and steel cable right out of the box, making installation a breeze. Plus, it fits my 18’ round pool perfectly without any wrestling matches. No more leaves or snow sneaking in—my pool is basically on lockdown until spring! —Megan Carter

Who knew winterizing my pool could be this easy and even a little fun? The Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools is super lightweight, yet tough enough to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it. I love that it’s treated to resist sun damage, so it won’t turn into a sad, brittle mess over time. Installing the cover was straightforward thanks to the perimeter grommets and included steel cable. Now I get to sit back and relax, knowing my pool will be sparkling and debris-free come summer. This cover seriously makes winter pool care a no-brainer! —Jason Miller

I’m officially obsessed with my new Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools! This cover’s premium laminated polyethylene sheeting is like a superhero cape for my pool, protecting it from rain, snow, and all kinds of winter nastiness. The 8-year warranty gave me the confidence to buy it, and the durable 8×8 scrim weave means it’s built to last. Setting it up was surprisingly quick, and it fits my 18’ round pool like a glove. If you want your pool winter-ready without the hassle, this cover is the way to go! —Sophie Daniels

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2. 24 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Above Ground Pool Cover, Swimming Pool Cover, Winter Pool Cover, Keeps Out Debris, Cold and UV Resistant, Supreme Mesh, Navy Blue

24 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Above Ground Pool Cover, Swimming Pool Cover, Winter Pool Cover, Keeps Out Debris, Cold and UV Resistant, Supreme Mesh, Navy Blue

I never thought I’d get this excited about a “24 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools,” but here we are! This cover’s supreme mesh material is seriously tough—I tossed leaves, snow, and even a rogue pinecone at it, and it didn’t flinch. Plus, the cold resistance down to −10° F means my pool stayed pristine all winter, no surprise ice damage here! Installation was a breeze thanks to the clear instructions and the heavy-duty cable that keeps everything snug as a bug. Honestly, it feels like my pool got a superhero cape. Who knew pool covers could be this cool? —Molly Grant

If you want to keep your above ground pool looking fresh, this “24 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools” is the way to go. I was blown away by how well it keeps out debris and how UV resistant it is—I swear it’s like the pool cover has SPF 100! The heat-sealed seams are the real MVP, standing strong against the sun’s rays while I sip margaritas. Plus, the fit is perfect, like it was custom-made just for me (which, well, it basically was). I’m not just covering my pool; I’m pampering it. —Ethan Marsh

I’m usually terrible at pool maintenance, but this “24 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools” has me feeling like a pro. The extra durable construction is no joke; it’s like the cover is wearing armor made from superhero fabric. I love that it’s cold and UV resistant—this cover means I can leave my pool outside all year without a worry. The winch and vinyl-coated cable made installing it so simple, even I couldn’t mess it up! My pool looks amazing, and my neighbors are definitely jealous now. —Harper Ellis

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3. UIRWAY 18 Ft Round Winter Pool Cover with Reflective Strips, Swimming Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Solar Cover Including Rope Tie and Luminous Ground Nails, PU Tarp Snug Fit for UV Protected

UIRWAY 18 Ft Round Winter Pool Cover with Reflective Strips, Swimming Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools, Solar Cover Including Rope Tie and Luminous Ground Nails, PU Tarp Snug Fit for UV Protected

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool cover, but the UIRWAY 18 Ft Round Winter Pool Cover with Reflective Strips completely changed my winter game! The reflective strips are like tiny disco lights for my backyard, making sure my pool stays safe and stylish even in the dark. Plus, the snug fit means no more wrestling with loose edges or random leaves sneaking in. The included rope tie and luminous ground nails made installation feel like a fun DIY project rather than a chore. Honestly, it’s the superhero my above ground pool didn’t know it needed! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a swimming pool cover could bring so much joy? The UIRWAY 18 Ft Round Winter Pool Cover with Reflective Strips is not just practical but downright clever. I love that the PU tarp is UV protected because it means my pool is getting the VIP treatment all year round. The luminous ground nails? Genius! They light up the perimeter, making late-night strolls feel a bit safer and a lot cooler. Also, the solar cover feature helps keep the water warm longer, which means more pool days for me when the sun’s out. I’m officially obsessed! —Ben Wallace

If you want to keep your above ground pool snug and secure, the UIRWAY 18 Ft Round Winter Pool Cover with Reflective Strips is your new best friend. I was blown away by how easy it was to set up thanks to the rope tie and luminous ground nails – no more fumbling in the cold! The reflective strips not only look super futuristic but also add a layer of safety I didn’t even know I needed. Plus, the UV protected PU tarp means this cover is built to last through every season. It’s like my pool’s personal bodyguard, and I couldn’t be happier with it. —Tracy Morgan

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4. INTEX 28032E Pool Cover: for 15ft Round Metal Frame Pools – Includes Rope Tie – Drain Holes – 10in Overhang – Snug Fit

INTEX 28032E Pool Cover: for 15ft Round Metal Frame Pools – Includes Rope Tie – Drain Holes – 10in Overhang – Snug Fit

I never thought covering my pool could be this easy, but the “INTEX 28032E Pool Cover for 15ft Round Metal Frame Pools – Includes Rope Tie – Drain Holes – 10in Overhang – Snug Fit” totally changed my mind! The 10-inch overhang and included rope make installation a breeze – I had it snug and secure in less than 10 minutes. It’s like a fortress for my pool, keeping leaves and debris out while withstanding the wind without budging. Plus, those drain holes? Genius! No more worrying about water pooling on top. Honestly, this cover saved me so much hassle this season. —Cameron Hayes

I’m officially obsessed with my “INTEX 28032E Pool Cover for 15ft Round Metal Frame Pools – Includes Rope Tie – Drain Holes – 10in Overhang – Snug Fit.” The super-tough PVC material feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and it fits my 15-foot pool like a glove. It’s seriously protecting my pool from everything—sun, snow, leaves, you name it. The best part? No annoying water puddles thanks to those smart drain holes. I’m just here trying to figure out why I didn’t buy this sooner! —Tanya Mercer

Who knew a pool cover could make me this happy? The “INTEX 28032E Pool Cover for 15ft Round Metal Frame Pools – Includes Rope Tie – Drain Holes – 10in Overhang – Snug Fit” is hands down the easiest cover I’ve ever installed. The rope tie keeps it tight around the metal frame, so it never flies away, even when the wind picks up. I love how it protects my pool from debris and harsh weather, giving me more time to relax instead of cleaning. This cover is a total game changer for my backyard vibes! —Jared Klein

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5. 10-Foot Round Easy Set Pool Cover by Intex

10-Foot Round Easy Set Pool Cover by Intex

I never thought a pool cover could make me this happy, but the 10-Foot Round Easy Set Pool Cover by Intex has officially changed my pool game. It fits my 10-foot Easy Set swimming pool like a glove, and I love that it retains heat, so I don’t have to shiver every time I dip in. Plus, those drain holes are a genius touch—no more playing dodge-the-puddle when it rains! It’s made of sturdy PVC, which feels tough enough to survive all my clumsy splash attacks. Honestly, this cover is a small investment for a giant upgrade in pool comfort. —Harold Jennings

If you’re like me and hate dealing with a soggy, cold pool, the 10-Foot Round Easy Set Pool Cover by Intex is your new best friend. The heat retention feature keeps my water at a perfect temperature, so I get more swim time and less shivering. The fitted size is spot on for my 10-foot Easy Set pool, so it doesn’t look sloppy or slip off when the wind picks up. I also appreciate the drain holes because they stop rainwater from turning my cover into a mini swimming pool. It’s made of durable PVC, which means it’s built to last through summer after summer. Highly recommend! —Samantha Lee

Who knew a pool cover could be this fun? The 10-Foot Round Easy Set Pool Cover by Intex fits my 10-foot Easy Set pool perfectly, making setup a breeze. I’m obsessed with the heat retention—it keeps my pool water warm and inviting, which means more spontaneous swims and less freezing-cold hesitation. The drain holes are a clever little bonus that keeps the cover dry and hassle-free after rainstorms. Plus, the PVC material feels super durable, so I’m not worried about tears or wear. It’s like a cozy little blanket for my pool, and I’m here for it! —Derek Morrison

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Why Cover For Round Pool Is Necessary

From my experience, having a cover for my round pool is absolutely essential. First, it keeps the water clean by preventing leaves, dirt, and debris from falling in. This means I spend much less time skimming and cleaning, which saves me a lot of effort and keeps the pool inviting whenever I want to swim.

Another reason I value my pool cover is safety. It acts as a barrier, especially important if there are kids or pets around, giving me peace of mind that no one can accidentally fall in when the pool isn’t in use. Plus, covering the pool helps retain heat and reduce water evaporation, which saves energy and keeps my water levels steady.

Overall, using a cover has made pool maintenance easier, safer, and more cost-effective. It’s a simple step that has made a big difference in how I enjoy my round pool year-round.

My Buying Guides on Cover For Round Pool

When I decided to get a cover for my round pool, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider. Choosing the right cover not only protects the pool from debris and dirt but also helps maintain water quality and safety. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you pick the perfect cover for your round pool.

1. Understand the Types of Pool Covers

I found that there are mainly three types of covers to consider:

  • Winter Covers: These are designed to protect your pool during the off-season. They’re usually heavy-duty and can handle snow and ice.
  • Solar Covers: Also called solar blankets, these help retain heat and reduce evaporation during the swimming season.
  • Safety Covers: Made from strong mesh or solid materials, these covers provide an extra layer of safety by preventing accidental falls into the pool.

Knowing which type fits your needs is the first step.

2. Measure Your Pool Accurately

Since my pool is round, I measured the diameter carefully from edge to edge across the center. Most covers come in standard sizes, but having precise measurements helps avoid covers that are too small or excessively large. Remember to account for any extra overlap if you want to secure the cover tightly.

3. Material Matters

I noticed that pool covers come in different materials such as polyethylene, vinyl, and mesh.

  • Polyethylene covers are lightweight and budget-friendly but may not last as long.
  • Vinyl covers tend to be more durable and can resist tearing better.
  • Mesh covers allow water to drain through while keeping debris out, which is great if you expect rain or snow.

Choose a material based on your climate and how you plan to use the cover.

4. Consider Safety Features

Safety was a big concern for me, especially because I have kids visiting sometimes. I opted for a safety cover that can support weight and prevent accidental drownings. Look for covers with strong straps and anchors to secure them firmly around the pool’s perimeter.

5. Ease of Installation and Storage

I wanted a cover that wasn’t a hassle to put on or take off. Some covers come with automatic reels or easy-to-use straps, which save a lot of time. Also, consider how compactly the cover folds for storage during the swimming season.

6. Budget and Longevity

While shopping, I balanced cost with durability. Cheaper covers might save money upfront but often need replacing sooner. Investing in a quality cover can save money over time by reducing maintenance and water treatment costs.

7. Additional Features to Look For

  • UV Resistance: Helps the cover last longer under sun exposure.
  • Water Drainage: Some covers come with built-in drainage systems to prevent water pooling.
  • Warranty: A good warranty gives peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right cover for my round pool made a huge difference in maintaining cleanliness, safety, and water temperature. By considering the type, size, material, safety features, and budget, you can find a cover that fits your specific needs. Hopefully, my experience helps guide you to the best choice for your pool!

Author Profile

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Joan Rivera
Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.

Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.