How To Select an Inground Pool Winter Cover

WRITTEN BY: 

  3.82 out of 5 stars on 22 ratings
(Click on a star to add your rating)

Selecting the correct inground winter cover can be as simple as taking two or three measurements. But if you have a non-rectangle pool, determining which cover fits your pool can be a little confusing. Here are a few tips on how to select an inground pool winter cover.

Click Here to Find Your New Inground Pool Winter Cover 




Things You'll Need

Tape Measure

Note pad

Step by Step

Top

Step 1

Measure the overall length and width of your pool. This step is pretty straightforward for users with rectangle pools.

For non-standard pool shapes like oval, lazy L, grecian, or free form, using the overall length and width is the only way to ensure your pool is entirely protected by the winter cover. You can see examples of where you should be taking measurements for the various pool shapes in the example.

Click Here to Find Your New Inground Pool Winter Cover

Step 2

How low will you be dropping your water level for winter? If you plan to drop your pool water more than a foot, add that distance to your overall length and width measurements.

**A good rule of thumb is to compensate for your water level drop. Any measurement over a foot should be doubled.**

For example, the water level is dropped 2 feet below its normal level in our 20'x40' rectangle pool. Therefore, the distance added to both the length and width would be 2 feet. So, we would be looking for a cover meant o for at least a 22'x42' pool.

Another example, the water level is dropped 3 feet; that is 52 feet more than the standard 1-foot. To compensate for the level drop, 4-feet should be added to both length and width. The necessary cover for this example would need to be recommended for at least a 24'x44' pool.

Step 3

The step section depth dimension must also be added to either the overall length or width. For example, if you have a 20'x40' pool and its step section has a depth of 4' on the 40' side, your overall width dimension should be adjusted to fit a 24'x40' pool. If the same step section is on the 20' end, the length should be adjusted so the overall pool dimensions would be 20'x40'. 

Click Here to Find Your New Inground Pool Winter Cover

Step 4

For non-removable perimeter obstacles like ladders, railings, and water features, add to your overall length and width.

The formula we used to compensate for water level drop can be used in these cases as well. First, measure the obstacle's height  from the deck to the top of the railing or step, then double that measurement.

For example, if a railing is 2.5 feet tall, add 5 feet to the overall length and width. So, a 20'x40' pool with a 2.5-foot tall railing would be adjusted to 25'x45'.

Step 5

Once you have received your new winter cover, carefully remove it from the box and measure it to ensure it is the correct size. If it is incorrect, please contact the dealer you purchased the cover from for further instruction.

Click Here to Find Your New Inground Pool Winter Cover 


Comments

Top
(1 to 40 of 66)

 Posted: 8/17/2021 

My pool is an 18×36 rectangle with steps on one end of the pool...what size of cover do I need to cover it?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/17/2021 

It would be important to know how far the steps stick out from the pool. That adds to overall length of the pool. 
 Reply

 Posted: 8/6/2021 

18'6" x36'6" with walk in steps on corner,what size cover
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/11/2021 

We seem to keep getting this same type of question. But it is essentially just basic math; there isn't a tricky formula.Which side of the pool is the step section?How far does that section stick out from the pool? If it sticks out 2 feet on the 36'6" side, that makes the pool essentially a 20'6" X 36'6" overall dimension. So you need a pool cover that is designed for a pool at least 21' wide and 37' long.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/24/2021 

I have a oval shape pool 16x10 any ideas?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/4/2021 

If you have an odd-shaped pool, you would use a cover that covers the overall length and width of the pool. The smallest inground cover is the 14' x 28' Rect Inground Pool - PL7942
 Reply

 Posted: 8/21/2020 

I have a 20x 40 Grecian /rectangular pool with steps extended in the end making the total length 44 feet. What size cover do you suggest?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/21/2020 

If your pool's overall dimensions are 20 feet by 44 feet, then you would need a cover that is designed for pools equal to or greater than those respective measurements. For example, a cover for 21'X45' pools would work, but a cover meant for 20'X40 wouldn't.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/18/2020 

We have an inground pool 23 x 41 feet, kidney shaped. What size winter pool cover do you recommend?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/20/2020 

A cover that is meant for a pool greater or equal to the overall length and width dimensions of the kidney shape. In your case, a cover meant for a 25' x 45' Rectangular Inground Pool would work.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/10/2020 

I need a pool cover for a 7 ft by 3inch rectangular pool where can I buy a good one it’s a best way pool for my little girl which one will I need I’m bad at this
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/24/2020 

Bestway makes above ground pools, so the ones mentioned in this article would not work. We do carry above ground pool covers but the smallest size we carry is for 15 foot round pools.Your best bet is to use a tarp, and use tent pegs ot some weights to moor it to the ground.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/6/2020 

I have an existing swimming pool size 10 m x 20 m , kindly advise the suitable pool cover ( preferably electrically operated), and can walk on it when the pool is covered. thank you
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/19/2020 

Unfortunately, we do not offer automatic pool covers; usually, local installers or pool companies offer these products and installation guidance. I would search for a local installer.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/5/2020 

If my in ground rectangular pool with no steps measures 14' wide by 31' long, what size safety cover would I need?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/23/2020 

You would need a custom cover for a pool of those dimensions, as no manufacturer would stock them. If you would like a quote for a customer safety cover, review and fill out the following Custom Safety Cover Measuring Guide
 Reply

 Posted: 3/26/2020 

My pool is rectangular 14/35 I need a tarp to keep the leaves out
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/31/2020 

In that case, you could use a 14 X 36 or 16 X 36; basically any cover that covers the overall dimensions of 14 X 35.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/29/2020 

I have an above ground pool in which I’m trying to fit for a custom trampoline cover. Measurements are 17 ft for the width and 23 3/4 in length. With a spill over spa which is 8 ft in length. I appreciate your help.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/2/2020 

Hello, if trampoline cover is referring to a safety cover, quote requests need to be accompanied by a measurement form; see below link. Fill out the sheet, and you can email the completed form to upload@inyopools.com for a quote.Safety Cover Measuring Form
 Reply

 Posted: 11/27/2019 

I need a 25 by 35 feet mesh cover.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 12/9/2019 

Unfortunately, we do not carry cover matching those dimensions, but you can pick a "make-do" option from our selection of mesh winter covers
 Reply

 Posted: 10/3/2019 

your info in incomplete...you do not want to end up on my failure to communicate com website...you've left out how much should be added to the measurements for the concrete or whatever on the sides & ends of the pool.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/7/2019 

Actually, a winter cover comes built-in with enough overhand material to allow it to be installed on the prescribed pool size. Our link to the Winter cover page lists, for your viewing pleasure, the pool size and the cover size.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/18/2019 

I have Above ground swimming pool it's 19.5 in wide and 35ft 4 in Long what size cover do I need
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/26/2019 

Hello Dano - The closest cover we have to that size would be the one for a 21' x 41' above ground pool. 
 Reply

 Posted: 6/9/2019 

How big cover gor 16 x48 pool thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/13/2019 

As the guide mentions, it would need to be a big enough to cover the overall dimensions of the pool
 Reply

 Posted: 3/28/2019 

Hello, I have a 17'x40' in-ground fiberglass pool. What size cover would I need, and what special considerations are needed when setting anchor points in concrete? We have yet to lay concrete, so one of my biggest concerns is placing the right anchor points.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/28/2019 

A custom 17'x40' safety cover would be required for your pool. You can submit a custom safety cover measuring form and our cover specialist will send you a quote.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/3/2019 

Hello. I have a 21 by 54 pool. How big of a cover/Tarp would I need? Thanks!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/4/2019 

Hello Rob - A 21' pool would require a tarp that is 24'-25'. When ordering a cover from the Winter Cover chart page, Make sure that you select the one designed for a 21' pool size.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/6/2018 

Hi, I have a new 15x30 pool surrounded by only 1ft of blue stone coping then lawn on all four sides. I.E No patio or pavers. What size cover should I get ? Im assuming the anchors will have to fit inside the 1ft wide coping stone edging as only grass and earth beyond that? Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/8/2018 

Hello Sara - it appears you are referring to a safety cover and not the winter cover this guide is referring to. For a pool with such a short deck, you would need lawn tubes that can be secured into grass and dirt. That type of cover modification would be classified as custom, so you would need to fill out this custom safety cover form.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/18/2018 

Hello Charity - if you have an odd-shaped or odd-sized cover, use a cover that is equal to or larger than the overall length and width of your pool to ensure proper coverage.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/13/2018 

Hello! I have an odd shaped pool. It is rectangle and 10 1/2 by 28. We purchased a 16 by 32 pool cover and it is too big. Just trying to figure out what size we need. Thank you!
 Reply

 Posted: 9/5/2018 

Hello Dawn - if you read the second of the five steps listed in the guide, it states covers have enough material to account for dropping the water level up to 12-inches. So you can use the 16 X 32 cover unless you plan to drop the water level any farther
 Reply

 Posted: 9/5/2018 

Hello Dena - if you follow the instructions in the guide, it suggests getting a winter pool cover rated for the 15' X 34' pool or the next largest size.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/1/2018 

16 x 32 rectangular pool with full water what winter cover would i need when we drop water down as well
 Reply

 Posted: 8/30/2018 

pool is 15 X 34 what is good cover size we drop the water 10 to 12". than you
 Reply