3 Best Pool Covers for Keeping Your Pool Clean, Warm, and Safe

The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab evaluated each pool cover based on what it is designed to do rather than comparing all of the covers against the same criteria. Safety covers, solar blankets, and debris covers serve different purposes, so we focused on the features and considerations that matter most for each type.

For the safety pick, certification was more important than extra features. Water Warden’s compliance with ASTM F1346 pool safety certification was a key consideration, along with the availability of sizes and configurations for a range of residential pools.

For the solar cover, we prioritized heat retention and evaporation control, along with tester feedback. We gave less weight to manufacturer temperature claims because actual heating performance varies with factors such as sun exposure, air temperature, wind, and how consistently the cover is used.

For the above-ground pick, fit and simplicity were the biggest considerations. Intex makes several pools we've covered at Good Housekeeping, so we looked for a cover designed to fit a popular Intex frame pool rather than a generic tarp that can be difficult to keep securely in place.

None of these covers were physically evaluated by an editor or the Good Housekeeping Institute Lab, but we are confident in their selection.

The right pool cover depends on what you want it to do, whether that's keeping leaves out, retaining heat, or limiting access to the water. Before buying, consider these factors:

✔️ Type: Pool covers fall into several categories, each designed for a different purpose.

• Safety covers help prevent accidental entry into an in-ground pool. They're secured to anchors around the deck and are built differently from loose-fitting seasonal covers. Look for products that comply with the applicable ASTM safety-cover standard, and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully.
• Solar covers float directly on the water, reducing evaporation and heat loss. They'll also catch some leaves and bugs, but that's not their main job. They're especially useful for heated pools. I've found mine most worthwhile overnight, when the air cools, and an uncovered pool can lose much of the heat it gained during the day.
• Debris covers primarily keep leaves, twigs, and other material out of the water. That might sound like a small benefit until you've spent an afternoon emptying skimmer baskets and vacuuming the pool after a windy day.
• Winter covers are designed for extended seasonal protection. Snow, ice, and prolonged UV exposure put more stress on a cover than everyday summer use. If you live in a colder climate, check the manufacturer's winter-use recommendations rather than assuming any pool cover can stay outside year-round.

✔️ Size and shape: Measure your pool before ordering, including any steps, curves, or other features that affect the fit. A 16- by 32-foot rectangular pool with no stairs may require a different cover than one with a large step extending from the end. Safety covers come in specific configurations and aren't meant to be casually trimmed to size. Solar blankets are more forgiving because you can often cut them with scissors to fit an irregular perimeter. I prefer starting slightly oversized rather than discovering an uncovered strip of water after cutting.

✔️ Fit and installation: Above-ground covers need enough overlap to fit securely, so check the manufacturer's sizing and compatibility recommendations rather than relying on the pool's listed dimensions alone. A cover designed for your specific pool model can save a lot of frustration, especially when wind picks up. Safety covers require a more involved installation, with anchors positioned according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Timothy Dahl brings decades of hands-on experience with pools and pool maintenance. He spent four years working as a lifeguard during college, where covering the pool was part of the daily maintenance routine and gave him firsthand insight into how much a cover can reduce debris and cleanup. As a homeowner, he has also maintained a pool for more than 10 years. He understands the ongoing costs of heating and upkeep, as well as the importance of prioritizing safety around the water. For this guide, he drew on that experience along with product specifications, safety guidance, and research from the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab.