Winter weather can put heavy stress on inground pools. A reliable winter pool cover helps protect your investment, reduce maintenance, and simplify spring opening. This guide highlights five robust options designed for 20×40 and similar sized in-ground pools. Each product blends durability, overlap design, and protective features to stand up to wind, snow, and debris. Read on to compare materials, scrim counts, warranties, and installation considerations so you can choose the right cover for long-term performance.
| Product | Brand | Scrim | Cover Size (Overlap) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robelle 20 x 40 ft Heavy Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover | Robelle | 8 x 8 | 25 x 45 ft (5 ft overlap) | 10-Year |
| Robelle 20 x 40 ft Extra Heavy Duty Magnesium Winter Pool Cover | Robelle | 10 x 10 | 25 x 45 ft (5 ft overlap) | 12-Year |
| Robelle 18 x 36 ft Heavy Duty Green Winter Pool Cover | Robelle | 8 x 8 | 23 x 41 ft (5 ft overlap) | 10-Year |
| Blue Wave BWC952 Gold 12-ft x 24-ft Rectangular In Ground Pool Winter Cover | Blue Wave | 14 x 14 | 12 x 24 ft (standard shape) | 15-Year |
| In The Swim 20′ x 40′ Rectangle Inground Pool Winter Cover | In The Swim | Not specified | 20 x 40 ft (5 ft overlap) | Not listed |
Choosing the right winter cover involves assessing pool size, overlap for proper water drainage, scrim strength for durability, and the warranty offered by the manufacturer. The products highlighted here emphasize heavy-duty construction, long warranties, and installation practicality, making them strong candidates for harsh winter climates and American backyards alike.
Robelle 20 x 40 ft Heavy Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover
Designed for 20 x 40 ft in-ground pools, this cover features a 5 ft overlap that extends beyond the pool perimeter for easier installation. The 8 x 8 scrim weave and a heavy polyethylene construction deliver solid durability, weight, and resistance to tearing. With a 10-year warranty, Robelle emphasizes long-term protection and consumer support. The cover is reportedly 18% heavier than some industry standards, contributing to its stability during winter winds and snow accumulation.
Key features include:
– Heavy-duty polyethylene at 2.36 oz/yd2 (80 g/m2)
– 25 x 45 ft overall kit size with overlap
– 8 x 8 scrim density for durability
– 10-year warranty
– Backed by Robelle’s pool-cover expertise since 1973
Robelle 20 x 40 ft Extra Heavy Duty Magnesium Winter Pool Cover
This extra-heavy-duty cover is built for 20 x 40 ft in-ground pools and includes a 5 ft overlap. Weighing 2.91 oz/yd2 (98 g/m2) with a 10 x 10 scrim, it doubles down on strength to resist winter wear and tear. It also has a longer warranty—12 years—reflecting Robelle’s confidence in longevity and performance. The 45.5% heavier construction than the industry standard suggests higher resilience against snow and wind loads.
Key features include:
– Extra heavy-duty polyethylene
– 25 x 45 ft size with overlap
– 10 x 10 scrim for textile density
– 12-year warranty
– 45.5% heavier than typical covers
Robelle 18 x 36 ft Heavy Duty Green Winter Pool Cover
This green 18 x 36 ft winter cover is tailored for smaller inground pools. It incorporates an overlap to simplify installation and improve drainage protection. The 8 x 8 scrim and 2.36 oz/yd2 material weight indicate a balance of durability and flexibility for winter conditions. The cover carries a 10-year warranty, underscoring Robelle’s commitment to dependable, long-term pool protection.
Key features include:
– 18 x 36 ft pool compatibility
– 23 x 41 ft cover size with 5 ft overlap
– 8 x 8 scrim
– 2.36 oz/yd2 polyethylene
– 10-year warranty
Robelle 20 x 45 ft Heavy Duty Blue Winter Pool Cover
This heavier-duty option is designed for broader coverage on 20 x 45 ft pools, with a 5 ft overlap and a 25 x 50 ft overall sizing. The 8 x 8 scrim and 2.36 oz/yd2 material weight align with Robelle’s emphasis on durability for winter protection. A 10-year warranty backs the construction, signaling long-term reliability for severe weather seasons.
Key features include:
– 25 x 50 ft size with 5 ft overlap
– 8 x 8 scrim
– 2.36 oz/yd2 polyethylene
– 10-year warranty
– Robelle quality and support
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When selecting a winter pool cover for an inground pool, aim for a model that balances durability, ease of use, and protection against seasonal elements. Consider the following factors to ensure the best long-term performance:
- Pool size and overlap: A 5 ft overlap beyond the pool edge helps with secure anchoring and water drainage. Ensure the cover size accommodates your pool plus the required overlap.
- Scrim count: Higher scrim (threads per square inch) generally indicates greater durability. Common heavy-duty options use 8 x 8 or 10 x 10 scrim counts.
- Material weight: Heavier covers often resist tearing and wind better, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. Look for weights around 2.36 oz/yd2 (80 g/m2) to 2.91 oz/yd2 (98 g/m2) for winter performance.
- Warranty coverage: A longer warranty signals manufacturer confidence in product longevity and resilience to winter conditions.
- Color and underside: A black underside can reduce algae growth by limiting sunlight, while the top side color can influence heat absorption and snow melt dynamics.
- Installation and maintenance: Consider covers with straightforward installation and clear guidance for securing ties or water tubes. Overlaps and reinforced seams contribute to stability during storms.
- Brand reliability: Brands with decades of pool-cover experience often provide better customer support and replacement parts, which can be valuable after multiple seasons.
Perspective notes:
– For very snowy climates, extra-heavy duty options with higher scrim counts and greater material weight may extend service life but can be heavier to handle.
– Lighter-duty covers can be sufficient in milder regions but may require more frequent replacement or support from additional winterizing measures.
– Warranty length should be weighed against price and expected pool size; higher warranties are typically paired with heavier materials and reinforced stitching.