Best Above Ground Winter Covers

Best Above Ground Winter Covers: What Pool Owners Need to Know

Finding the best above ground winter cover means selecting a product that can handle harsh winter conditions, reduce debris buildup, and protect your pool throughout the off-season. With a wide range of winter pool covers available at ThePoolFactory.com, making the right choice depends on understanding critical factors such as material quality, weave strength, proper sizing, attachment design, and warranty coverage. This guide helps pool owners confidently choose the best winter cover for long-term above ground pool protection.

Closing an above ground pool properly begins with selecting a winter cover designed for durability and performance. Solid woven, watertight pool covers are the most commonly used option for above ground pools, but variations in construction, thickness, sizing, and attachment systems can significantly affect how well a cover performs and how long it lasts.

Quality – Weave strength and the number of weaves per square inch are key indicators of a winter pool cover’s durability. Higher weave counts provide increased strength and resistance to tearing. Covers intended for short-term use often feature an 8 x 8 weave, while premium above ground winter covers designed to last five seasons or more typically use a 14 x 14 weave. While some pool owners opt to replace their cover each year, investing in a higher-quality winter cover can reduce long-term costs and provide better protection throughout the winter months. Details on our three above ground winter cover options are outlined below.

Super Heavy XXtreme Winter Cover

Introducing the Super Heavy XXtreme Winter Cover, crafted from robust laminated polyethylene sheeting with reinforced stitching, guaranteeing unparalleled strength and longevity (this cover boasts a 14 x 14 scrim count for added strength). This premium above ground pool winter cover is the heaviest in its class, featuring black binding along the border and brass grommets to resist tearing, solidifying its position as the ultimate choice in winter pool protection. Complete with a Cable and Winch for secure tightening, this cover sets the standard for durability and reliability on the market.

Warranty

2 year full rated manufacturer warranty plus an additional 18 years pro-rated

Ultimate Guard Winter Cover

The Ultimate Guard Winter Cover is a high-quality cover crafted from laminated polyethylene sheeting with robust stitching for exceptional strength and durability. Treated with U.V. inhibitors, this cover offers maximum resistance to harmful ultraviolet rays, preventing deterioration and extending its lifespan. Engineered with durable, heavy stitching and featuring black binding along the border, the Ultimate Guard cover is designed to resist tearing effectively (this cover features a 14 x 14 scrim count). Included in the package is a Cable and Winch, ensuring a secure and tight fit for added peace of mind. Upgrade your winter pool protection with the Ultimate Guard cover, combining resilience, longevity, and ease of use.

Warranty

1 year full rated manufacturer warranty plus an additional 19 years pro-rated

Supreme Guard Winter Cover

This lightweight yet sturdy above ground pool cover is made from triple-laminated polyethyleneand and a 12x12 scrim count. The Supreme Guard Winter Cover is a reliable choice for efficient and lasting winter pool coverage. Vinyl coated steel cable and winch are included.

Warranty

1 year full rated manufacturer warranty plus an additional 9 years pro-rated

Size – All of the best above ground pool covers sold at The Pool Factory are made to be 3-4 feet larger on each side, length and width. For example, a 12’x18’ cover would actually be cut 16’x22’ to allow proper fitting when attaching to the pool. A 24’ round cover would measure 28’x28’.

Attachment Design – Most of the best above ground winter pool covers have grommets around the entire perimeter to easily attach to the pool using a cable and a winch. In the case where there is a deck around the pool, it is recommended to use water tubes to weigh down the cover on the portion that extends onto the deck.

Warranty Length – Warranty lengths are a good way to determine the quality of a pool cover. The longer the warranty length, the longer a cover is expected to last. Warranties are always provided by the manufacturer and are pro-rated warranties. Depending on geographic location and weather conditions throughout the winter, the lifespan of the cover can vary greatly.

Choosing the Best Above Ground Winter Covers for Long-Term Pool Protection

Choosing one of the best above ground winter covers is an investment in protecting your pool, saving time on spring cleanup, and avoiding unnecessary repairs. By considering cover quality, size, attachment method, and warranty length, you can find a winter pool cover that matches your climate, budget, and maintenance preferences. Whether you prefer a heavy-duty, long-lasting cover or a lightweight seasonal option, the right winter cover ensures your above ground pool stays secure, clean, and protected all winter long.

Recommended Additions

Pool Cover Clips – Pool cover clips are designed to work in conjunction with a cable and a winch attachment. They add support by clipping the pool cover to the top ledge of the pool to prevent flapping in windy conditions and to keep the cover tight around the pool. Cover clips will not work with certain model pools as their top ledges are too thick. Be sure to double check before ordering cover clips that they are right for you

Winter Cover Sealer – This is an inexpensive way to keep debris out of your pool and secure your pool cover in stronger winds. Similar to saran wrap, the heavy-duty material allows you to tighten the pool cover completely around your pool, without only relying on the cable. The winter cover sealer comes with 500 feet of sealer ensures that you will have enough to last more than one season.

Cover Pump – Invest in a cover pump! Cover pumps are specifically designed for removing water off the top of pool covers. The accumulation of rain water on top of your cover will put extra stress on the cover and may cause it to tear. A cover pump will alleviate this stress and make your cover last longer.