How To Select an Inground Pool Winter Cover

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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

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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

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(41 to 66 of 66)

 Posted: 8/21/2018 

Hello Eric - You'd want to go with a winter cover for a 20'x40' pool if your pool is 18'6"x38'.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/18/2018 

my current pool cover is 18'6" by 38'. This does include the length of the center step. Is this the measurement I should order or should it be 18 x 34 plus the center step?
 Reply

 Posted: 7/6/2018 

Hello JD - Safety covers have to be specific to the size of the pool. Your pool would require a customer safety cover. If you send us a completed custom safety cover measuring form, we can send you a quote.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/5/2018 

I have a 40.3 feet X 15 feet 9 inch pool. What size of safety pool cover should i go for?
 Reply

 Posted: 4/9/2018 

Hello Bob - Specific strap placement would require a custom cover. Submit a support ticket here and our cover specialist will contact you.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/7/2018 

my pool is 20 x 40, with a 4 x 8 center step at the shallow end. I have existing anchors for the existing winter cover; may I specify where the straps will go?
 Reply

 Posted: 10/11/2017 

Rosie - You may need to buy a custom cover. Please call us at 407-834-2200 and one of our service reps will help determine what you need.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/5/2017 

We have a 12 by 24 rectangular pool with four steps that one and what size cover do we need?
 Reply

 Posted: 9/2/2017 

I have a 16x34 kidney shaped pool will a 21x41 size cover be the recommended size
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/29/2017 

jp - I'd suggest calling us at 407-834-2200 and taking to one of our service reps to see if you need a custom designed cover.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/28/2017 

Hello:

I have a 16 1/2 x 34 1/2 grecian pool with a permanent slide 1 foot off the coping and three total feet on the other side of the pool. I also have a steps on the left side.

What size pool cover would I need?

Thank you

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/28/2017 

Anonymous (Oval Pool cover) - You may have to buy a custom designed cover to fit your oval pool. Call us at 407-834-2200 for more information.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/20/2017 

Matt - I would figure that the 3' step extension adds 3' to your pool length, making it 43" long. The listed pool size closest to your extended pool dimensions is 20' x 44' which requires a 25' x 49' cover. See our "Swimming Pool Winter Covers" product page for our cover options.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/20/2017 

Anna - You will need a 30' x 50' winter pool cover for your 25' x 44' pool. See our "Swimming Pool Winter Covers" product page for our cover options.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/14/2017 

My pool is 20' x 40' with a 3 ft. step extension centered on the 20' width (adds 3 ft to the 40' length). What size pool cover do you recommend?
 Reply

 Posted: 8/14/2017 

My pool is 25 X44 rectangular. What cover size do I need?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/13/2017 

kcox31 - I'd recommend the 30' x 50' cover for your 20' x 45.5' pool.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/13/2017 

my pool is 20 x 45.5, what size do I need?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/24/2016 

Kathy - According to Step #3 of this guide, you ordered correctly. If your steps are on the right side when standing in the shallow end, you needed a right cover. If you ordered from us, give one of our service reps a call at 888-367-3082 and we will correct your order.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/23/2016 

Pool is 18 wide by 36 long. When standing at shallow end steps are on the right hand side of the shallow end. I ordered a right hand step cover and it isn't correct. Should this be a left had cover?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/5/2016 

Edward - You are going to have to order a customized pool cover. Please talk to one of our services reps at 877-372-6038 and they will take you through the ordering process.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/2/2016 

pool size 20x40 with 12x12 L shape what size cover do i need ?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 12/31/2015 

dshaw - Unfortunately we do not carry an electronic winter cover.
 Reply

 Posted: 12/28/2015 

Do you carry electronic replacement pool cover for 20x40 inground pool?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 11/16/2015 


Bud - Based on your pool size, you would go with a standard 25' x 49' winter cover.

 Reply

 Posted: 11/12/2015 

My pool is 42' x 16'6",that includes a 3'6"extension. There is a ladder on the side. What size do I need?
 Reply