Best pool covers

Keeping your pool clean, safe for young ones, and maintaining the water temperature is a lot of work. But anyone who owns a pool will tell you that it's all worth it. There are accessories you can buy to make swimming pool care easier. Pool covers are one such accessory.

There are all kinds of pool covers, and they all do the same thing: protect the investment you've made in your pool. Some covers use solar tech to hold water temperature steady, saving you money on your electric bill. Others are constructed of materials so hard that you can walk on top of them, which means small children and pets can't fall in. And then there's the basic pool cover that prevents leaves, dirt, and debris from getting in your pool and getting stuck in the filter.

The type of pool cover you need will depend on where you live, what kind of pool you own, and of course, your budget. I've put together a list of the top six pool covers out today, and one is sure to meet your needs.

If you have an above-ground pool and temperatures dip below freezing, the best pool cover for you is from Robelle. It's made from heavy-duty solid materials that keep water, snow, dirt, dust, ice, and other items out of your swimming pool when you're not using it. With a 4-foot overlap, this cover is easy to install and secures with an included winch and cable.

You'll save on electric bills and reduce water evaporation with In The Swim's solar blanket cover. It looks like a giant sheet of bubble wrap and is proven to raise water temperature by up to ten degrees. Due to the thickness of this cover, it also prevents water evaporation and heat loss. This solar pool cover comes in nine sizes and shapes that work with any pool.

This pool blanket from Blue Wave works well during any season. It'll keep dirt, leaves, and debris out of the water while the pool is in use, and it offers a blanket of protection to pool hardware during cold months. UV-protected and made of thick polyethylene scrim, this pool cover comes in nine sizes and has a no-hassle installation.

Mesh pool covers are lightweight and allow rain in but keep dirt out. This model from Vevor is also a safety cover, which basically means that once installed, children and pets can trample across the top without fear of falling in. This tightly woven mesh pool safety cover comes in five sizes and is made specifically for in-ground swimming pools.

This lightweight, budget-friendly pool cover's rip-stop construction makes it one of our favorites. It prevents rainwater and melting snow from draining into the pool and never suffers from punctures or tears due to sticks, branches, or other items. When not in use, this pool cover folds down small for storage. Get it in one of nine sizes, all styled for in-ground swimming pools.

Once you've installed the hardware into the concrete around your pool, this cover from Blue Wave ranks as the easiest-to-use model. Stretch it out, secure it, and you're done. The durable cover offers enough security to prevent kids and pets from falling into the pool and twigs and sticks causing unnecessary damage. Installation takes about an hour and can be completed by one person.

And the best pool cover is...

Part of maintaining a swimming pool on your property is taking care of it when it's not in use. Pool covers do an exceptional job of protecting materials from leaves, tree limbs, and even Mother Nature. 

The Robelle round above-ground pool cover is the best option for round pools set up in areas where it snows. It's thick and protective and a breeze to install and remove. 

If you want to cut down on pool maintenance costs and prevent water evaporation, reach for In The Swim swimming pool solar blanket cover. It not only keeps heat in but can raise water temperature by as much as ten degrees.

If money is your deciding factor, go with the Blue Wave. It's an in-ground cover that offers protection from the sun, wind, ice, rain, and snow, and your budget will thank you.

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