Closing your pool for winter? Choosing the right cover is essential—especially for round above-ground pools. A high-quality winter pool cover protects your water from debris, UV rays, algae growth, and harsh weather, all while extending the life of your liner and equipment.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best 24-foot round winter pool covers available, focusing on durability, weather resistance, ease of installation, and long-term value.
Why You Need a Quality Winter Pool Cover
A poorly made pool cover can rip, sag, or blow away, leaving your pool exposed to dirt, algae, leaves, and snow. A well-built cover provides:
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Weatherproof protection (from snow, ice, wind, and UV)
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Debris defense to reduce spring cleaning
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Algae prevention by blocking sunlight
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Liner preservation to extend pool life
24-foot round pools are common for above-ground setups, so choosing a fitted cover with reinforced edges and secure tie-downs is critical.
Best 24-Foot Round Winter Pool Covers (2024)
1. Blue Wave Gold 24-Foot Round Winter Pool Cover
Best Overall for Harsh Winters
Why it’s great:
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Heavy-duty polyethylene with a 15-year warranty
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UV-resistant and tear-resistant
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4-foot overlap ensures full coverage and secure fit
Specs:
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Fits 24 ft round pools with 28 ft total cover size
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Includes cable and winch for tie-down
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Black underside inhibits algae growth
Pros:
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Extremely durable for snow and ice
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Long warranty (pro-rated)
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Resists sun and chemical damage
Cons:
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Heavier than most—may require two people to install
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Pricier than budget options
Verdict:
If you want maximum winter protection and durability, the Blue Wave Gold cover is a standout for long-term reliability.
2. Robelle Super Winter Pool Cover (24-Foot Round)
Best Value for Seasonal Coverage
Why it’s great:
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8-year warranty with UV-resistant coating
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Heavy-duty binding to prevent fraying
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Includes winch and all-weather cable
Specs:
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Fits 24 ft round pool (actual cover is 28 ft)
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Solid polyethylene construction
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Reversible design (black/green or black/blue)
Pros:
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Great price-to-performance ratio
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Resists stretching, UV, and chemicals
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Easy to install
Cons:
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Not ideal for heavy snow loads
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Warranty is pro-rated and shorter than premium models
Verdict:
Perfect for pool owners who want strong protection at an affordable price, Robelle’s cover is a best-seller for a reason.
3. Pool Mate Sandstone Winter Pool Cover (24-Foot Round)
Best for Moderate Climates
Why it’s great:
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Durable laminated polyethylene with heat-sealed seams
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UV-stabilized to reduce breakdown from sun exposure
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Reinforced edges and aluminum grommets
Specs:
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Fits 24 ft round pool with 28 ft coverage
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10-year warranty (pro-rated)
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Includes steel cable and winch
Pros:
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Attractive tan color blends with landscaping
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Lightweight and easy to manage
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Ideal for mild winters or southern regions
Cons:
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Not as tear-resistant as thicker models
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May sag under heavy snow
Verdict:
This cover is ideal for warmer regions with light to moderate winters. It protects against debris and sunlight without the bulk of northern-grade covers.
4. In The Swim Ultimate Winter Cover (24-Foot Round)
Best for Maximum Strength and Longevity
Why it’s great:
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Woven triple-laminated construction
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Built for snow belt regions
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15-year warranty (3 full + 12 prorated)
Specs:
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Fits 24 ft round pools with 28 ft diameter
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UV inhibitors and cold-crack resistance
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Reinforced perimeter with water bag loops
Pros:
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Extremely durable in snow, ice, and wind
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Advanced sealing to prevent rips and algae
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Excellent long-term investment
Cons:
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One of the most expensive options
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Bulkier to handle and store
Verdict:
If you live in a cold climate and want a true “install it and forget it” winter cover, this one is as close to permanent as it gets.
5. Winter Block Above-Ground Pool Cover (24-Foot Round)
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Why it’s great:
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Simple, lightweight design
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Includes cable and tightening winch
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UV-treated to minimize fading and cracking
Specs:
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4-foot overlap (28 ft cover for 24 ft pool)
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Polyethylene material with basic sealing
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Blue color with black underside
Pros:
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Extremely affordable
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Easy to install solo
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Good for short-term use or warmer regions
Cons:
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Not recommended for harsh winters
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Shorter lifespan and lower tear resistance
Verdict:
Great for budget-conscious pool owners or those in mild climates, Winter Block is a temporary but reliable choice.
Comparison Table: Best 24-Foot Round Pool Covers
| Cover | Warranty | Overlap | Best For | Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Wave Gold | 15 years | 4 ft | Harsh winters | Heavy-duty | $$$ |
| Robelle Super | 8 years | 4 ft | All-purpose | Moderate | $$ |
| Pool Mate Sandstone | 10 years | 4 ft | Mild climates | Lightweight | $$ |
| In The Swim Ultimate | 15 years | 4 ft | Maximum protection | Very strong | $$$$ |
| Winter Block | 1 year | 4 ft | Budget/mild winters | Basic | $ |
How to Choose the Best Winter Cover for Your 24-Foot Round Pool
1. Check for Overlap
Always go for a cover with at least 4 feet of overlap. This ensures the cover drapes securely over the edge and can be fastened tightly.
2. Material Strength
Look for multi-layer polyethylene or laminated materials. Thicker covers withstand heavy snow loads, strong wind, and UV exposure.
3. Installation Hardware
Choose covers that include a cable and winch system, and optionally grommets or loops for added security. Water tubes are optional but useful in windy regions.
4. Climate Compatibility
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Heavy snow regions: Go with Blue Wave Gold or In The Swim Ultimate
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Mild winters: Robelle or Pool Mate Sandstone
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Budget solution: Winter Block
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size cover I need for a 24-foot round pool?
Choose a cover labeled “24-foot round” with a minimum 28-foot diameter to ensure a 2-foot overlap on each side.
Should I use a solid or mesh winter cover?
Solid covers (like all on this list) are better for above-ground pools in winter. They block sunlight, prevent algae, and trap debris more effectively than mesh.
How do I keep water from pooling on top of the cover?
Use a cover pump to remove rain and melted snow throughout the winter. Pool pillows (air bladders) can also help center the water.
Conclusion
A solid, durable winter cover is the first and most important defense in preserving your pool through the off-season. For 24-foot round pools, you want a cover that fits well, stands up to the elements, and doesn’t let debris or sunlight in.
Top Picks Recap:
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Best overall protection: Blue Wave Gold 24′
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Best value: Robelle Super
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Best for warm climates: Pool Mate Sandstone
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Best heavy-duty cover: In The Swim Ultimate
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Best budget pick: Winter Block
Ready to protect your pool the right way this winter? Pick a cover that matches your region and needs—and enjoy a cleaner, safer, easier pool opening next spring.