How To Select an Inground Pool Winter Cover

Things You’ll Need

• Tape Measure
• Note pad
• Winter cover

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.

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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'. 

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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