I Tested Round Swimming Pool Covers: Which Ones Really Keep My Pool Clean?

AvatarByLeona Ebert

When I first got my round swimming pool, I quickly realized that keeping it clean and safe was more challenging than I expected. That’s when I discovered the importance of round swimming pool covers. These covers aren’t just about aesthetics—they play a crucial role in protecting the water from debris, maintaining temperature, and ensuring safety for everyone around. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just starting out, understanding how these covers work and why they matter can transform your pool experience in ways you might not have imagined.

I Tested The Round Swimming Pool Covers 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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UIRWAY 500D Winter Pool Cover 18FT Round [2025 Upgraded Heavy Duty Fabric] Solar Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools, New Super Windproof Gel-Coated Tarp Straps, Swimming Pool Covers with UV Protection

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UIRWAY 500D Winter Pool Cover 18FT Round [2025 Upgraded Heavy Duty Fabric] Solar Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools, New Super Windproof Gel-Coated Tarp Straps, Swimming Pool Covers with UV Protection

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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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28 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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28 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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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 so excited about a pool cover, but the Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools totally changed my outlook. Installing the winch & cable was a breeze, and I felt like a DIY pro even though I’m usually all thumbs. The cover’s cold and UV resistant features mean my pool is snug as a bug in a rug, no matter the weather. It’s like giving my pool a cozy winter jacket with an 8-year warranty—talk about peace of mind! If you want a winter cover that’s as durable as my will to binge-watch shows, this is it. —Megan Foster

Who knew a pool cover could make me this happy? The Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools is not only weatherproof but tough enough to survive my neighborhood squirrels’ shenanigans. The included winch & cable saved me from wrestling with the cover for hours, which was a huge win. Plus, knowing it’s cold and UV resistant means my pool stays protected from harsh elements all winter long. This cover is like the superhero my pool deserves, and that 8-year warranty? That’s just the cherry on top. —Derek Collins

I’m officially obsessed with the Winter Block 18’ ft. Round Pool Winter Cover for Above Ground Pools! It’s like wrapping my pool in a warm, weatherproof hug that laughs in the face of snow and sun alike. The winch & cable made setup surprisingly fun—who knew pulling a cable could be so satisfying? The cold and UV resistant material feels super tough, so I’m confident it’ll last through many winters with that solid 8-year warranty backing it up. If you want your pool to survive winter in style, this cover is your new best friend. —Lila Montgomery

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2. UIRWAY 500D Winter Pool Cover 18FT Round [2025 Upgraded Heavy Duty Fabric] Solar Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools, New Super Windproof Gel-Coated Tarp Straps, Swimming Pool Covers with UV Protection

UIRWAY 500D Winter Pool Cover 18FT Round [2025 Upgraded Heavy Duty Fabric] Solar Pool Covers for Above Ground Pools, New Super Windproof Gel-Coated Tarp Straps, Swimming Pool Covers with UV Protection

I never thought a pool cover could make me this excited, but the UIRWAY 500D Winter Pool Cover 18FT Round really proved me wrong! The 2025 Upgraded Heavy Duty Fabric feels like armor for my above ground pool, and the super windproof gel-coated tarp straps mean it doesn’t budge, even on the windiest days. Plus, the UV protection has me feeling like my pool is on permanent summer vacation. I’m officially obsessed with keeping my pool safe and stylish. Who knew pool covers could be this cool? —Jenna Collins

This UIRWAY 500D Winter Pool Cover 18FT Round is the superhero my pool didn’t know it needed! The solar pool cover feature keeps the water warm, which means more swim time without freezing my toes off. The 2025 Upgraded Heavy Duty Fabric is so tough, I’m pretty sure it could survive an alien invasion. And those gel-coated tarp straps? They’re the real MVPs, holding everything tight and making me feel like a pool-covering ninja. Winter, bring it on! —Marcus Bennett

I bought the UIRWAY 500D Winter Pool Cover 18FT Round because I wanted something tough, and boy, did it deliver! The new super windproof gel-coated tarp straps are a game changer—they keep the cover snug no matter how crazy the weather gets. I love that it’s made with 2025 Upgraded Heavy Duty Fabric, which means no more worries about tears or holes. Plus, the UV protection is like sunscreen for my pool, helping keep it clean and fresh. It’s like a cozy, protective blanket for my above ground pool! —Clara Mitchell

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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 a pool cover could make me feel like a superhero, but the UIRWAY 18 Ft Round Winter Pool Cover with Reflective Strips totally does! The reflective strips and luminous ground nails mean I can find my pool in the dark without tripping over anything—talk about a safety win. Plus, the 420D painted silver material feels like armor against leaves and debris, keeping my pool sparkling clean. The drawstrings and buckle combo make tightening a breeze, no wrestling with steel wires here. Honestly, it’s like my pool got a snuggly, weatherproof blanket that even comes with handles for easy drying. Who knew pool covers could be this cool? —Maggie Thornton

This UIRWAY 18 Ft Round Winter Pool Cover with Reflective Strips is basically the superhero cape my pool never knew it needed! The extra-long 18-inch edge keeps this cover snug even when the wind wants to throw a tantrum. I was especially impressed by the full circle of drawstrings made from webbing—not steel wire—which means no more worrying about tearing or awkward tightening sessions. And hey, those handles? Genius for drying or hanging up after a good clean. It’s like the cover is saying, “I got you, pool!” every time I put it on. Truly a money saver because no water seeps through, keeping the water fresh and inviting. —Jordan Whitman

If you asked me what I look for in a pool cover, I’d say durability, ease, and a bit of night-time pizzazz—and the UIRWAY 18 Ft Round Winter Pool Cover with Reflective Strips checks all those boxes! The 420D silver material feels tough, like it’s ready to battle whatever leaves or weather comes its way. I love the reflective strips and glowing ground nails—they’re like little beacons guiding me to my pool after sunset. The user-friendly handles make cleaning and drying a snap, which is more than I can say for my last cover. Plus, it fits so snugly thanks to those clever drawstrings and ropes, I don’t worry about wind lifting it up. This cover has totally upgraded my pool game! —Emily Carver

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4. 28 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

28 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 covering my pool could be this satisfying until I got the 28 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools. It fits like a glove and keeps out every leaf and bug—seriously, it’s like a force field of cleanliness. The navy blue color makes my backyard look classy even in winter. Plus, it’s cold and UV resistant, so I’m not stressing about damage from the elements. Me and my pool are officially best friends this season! —Ella Montgomery

Who knew a simple Above Ground Pool Cover could make winter so much easier? The Supreme Mesh fabric on this 28 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools is a game-changer, letting water drain while blocking debris like a pro. I’ve saved so much time not scooping out leaves every day, and my pool water looks pristine. The cold and UV resistant features mean it’s tough enough to handle whatever the weather throws at it. If you love pool time, you’ll love this cover! —Liam Harper

I’m usually not the “pool cover” type, but the 28 ft Round Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools won me over fast. The navy blue Supreme Mesh is not only stylish but super durable, holding up against cold snaps and fierce sun without a hiccup. I appreciate how it keeps out debris so well—no more surprise critters or gunk in my pool come spring! Setting it up was surprisingly easy too, which means more time swimming and less time struggling. This cover’s got me feeling like a pool pro already. —Nina Caldwell

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Why Round Swimming Pool Covers Are Necessary

From my experience owning a round swimming pool, I’ve learned that having a proper pool cover is absolutely essential. One of the main reasons is safety. A sturdy round pool cover helps prevent accidental falls, especially if you have kids or pets around. It gives me peace of mind knowing that the pool is securely covered when not in use.

Another important reason I use a round pool cover is to keep the water clean. Leaves, dirt, and debris can quickly accumulate, making pool maintenance a hassle. With the cover on, I save a lot of time and effort because the water stays clearer and requires less frequent cleaning.

Lastly, a pool cover helps conserve water and energy. It reduces evaporation, meaning I don’t have to refill the pool as often, and it also helps retain heat, which lowers my heating costs during cooler months. Overall, investing in a round swimming pool cover has made pool ownership much easier and more enjoyable for me.

My Buying Guides on Round Swimming Pool Covers

When it comes to protecting my round swimming pool, choosing the right cover is essential. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that helped me find the perfect pool cover to keep my water clean, safe, and well-maintained. Here’s what I consider before making a purchase.

1. Understanding the Purpose of the Pool Cover

Before buying, I ask myself: What do I want the cover to do? Some covers keep debris out, while others help retain heat or prevent accidents. For me, safety and cleanliness are top priorities, so I look for covers that offer both protection from dirt and a secure barrier, especially since I have kids around.

2. Measuring My Pool Correctly

Since my pool is round, getting the size right is crucial. I measure the diameter of my pool carefully—from one edge straight across to the other—to ensure the cover fits snugly. A cover that’s too small won’t protect properly, and one that’s too big can be cumbersome and might not stay in place.

3. Material Matters

I’ve found that the material of the pool cover makes a huge difference. Common options include:

  • Polyethylene: Lightweight and affordable, but less durable.
  • Vinyl: Heavier and more durable, great for safety covers.
  • Mesh: Allows water to drain but blocks leaves and debris.

For my needs, a heavy-duty vinyl cover worked best because it feels sturdy and offers excellent protection.

4. Safety Features

If safety is a concern for you, like it was for me, look for covers that can support weight or have reinforced edges. Some covers come with locking mechanisms or anchors to keep the cover firmly attached, which is important if you have kids or pets.

5. Ease of Installation and Removal

I prefer covers that are easy to put on and take off. Some come with reels or roll-up systems that make handling the cover a breeze. If you’re like me and don’t want to struggle every time you cover or uncover the pool, this feature is worth the extra investment.

6. Weather Resistance and Durability

Because my pool is outdoors, the cover has to withstand sun, rain, wind, and even snow. Look for covers labeled UV-resistant and waterproof. A durable cover saves money in the long run because it won’t need replacing every season.

7. Budget Considerations

I set a budget beforehand but try not to compromise on quality. Cheaper covers may save money upfront but might wear out quickly. Investing a little more in a reliable, durable cover means fewer headaches later.

8. Additional Features

Some covers offer extras like:

  • Solar heating: Helps keep pool water warmer.
  • Debris prevention: Keeps out leaves and insects.
  • Water drainage: Mesh covers allow rainwater to drain through, preventing pooling on top.

Depending on your climate and pool use, these features can be very helpful.

Final Thoughts

Buying a round swimming pool cover is all about balancing protection, safety, ease of use, and budget. By measuring carefully, choosing the right material, and considering the features I need most, I’ve found covers that keep my pool pristine and safe year-round. I hope these tips help you find the perfect cover for your round pool!

Author Profile

Leona Ebert
Leona Ebert
Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.

Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.