Choosing the right winter cover is one of the most important decisions a pool owner can make to protect their investment. For inground and onground pools with a bead track, a fitted winter cover provides a clean and aesthetically pleasing solution. However, not all fitted covers are the same. The best choice for your pool depends on your specific needs, environment, and long-term maintenance preferences.
Let’s explore the two primary material options available to help you decide which is right for you.
Key Considerations for Your Choice
Two major factors often help determine the best fitted cover for a pool owner:
- Your Environment: Do you live in a high-wind area? The material and burst strength of the cover are critical for preventing damage during harsh weather. A vinyl cover is recommended as it’s less vulnerable to wind-whipping.
- Maintenance & Storage: Do you prefer to store your cover dry and folded, or are you comfortable storing it in water with algaecide to minimize shrinkage? If you plan to store your cover dry, a Fabrene cover is recommended.
- Cover Wall Depth: The amount you plan to lower your pool’s water level for the winter is a significant factor. A deeper wall can accommodate a lower water level and provides added wind resistance. For a deeper wall, opt for a Fabrene cover.
Understanding these preferences is the first step toward selecting a cover that will perform for you season after season.
Fabrene (Polywoven) Beaded Winter Covers
Material & Build: Fabrene covers are constructed from a high-density, lightweight polyethylene material. They feature a special UV coating, the highest burst strength, and are manufactured in Canada. They are royal blue with a black bead.
Handling: This cover material is lighter in weight (compared to vinyl) for easier handling.
Bead: The standard bead style is stitched to the cover material. Material panels are also stitched and some pool water may seep through seams to top of cover.
Cover Wall Depth: These covers are designed with an 18-inch wall depth.
UV Coating: A special UV coating protects the material from sun damage.
How They Are Stored: These covers can be easily stored dry if you keep it safe from pests (mice, ants).
How They Age: While Fabrene material is highly durable, it’s important to note that water can seep through its stitched seams and pinholes. The bead will shrink with age.
Repairability: These covers can be repaired if necessary. Polywoven material can be patched by our ‘Instant Poly Patch Kit’; sold in store and on our web store’s Patch Kits page.
Vinyl Beaded Winter Covers
Material & Build: These covers are made from a solid 16 mil. vinyl for both the wall and floor, providing a robust barrier. These are also proudly manufactured in Canada. They are light blue.
Handling: The 16 mil. vinyl construction (on both the wall and floor of the cover) offers a strong, solid build. This cover material is more on the heavy side and can be more difficult for handling due to its weight; a benefit for installations in a high-wind areas.
Bead: The standard bead style is welded to the cover material. Material panels are also welded and making it a more ‘solid’ material cover.
Cover Wall Depth: The wall depth for these covers is 12 inches.
How They Are Stored: These covers should be stored store in a container with water and algaecide.
How They Age: The bead and cover material will shrink with age.
Repairability: These covers can be repaired if necessary. Vinyl can be patched with vinyl patch material and vinyl adhesive; sold in store and on our web store’s Patch Kits page.
Both materials typically have an expected lifespan of four to seven years. They also have a one year warranty for manufacturer defects.
To ensure you get a perfect fit for your pool, our Service Department offers a custom measure service. Contact us at service@thepoolshoppe.ca to book a measurement in order to get your cover price. If you prefer to take on the measurements yourself, you can also view our detailed measure sheet and browse other important product details on our product page for Custom Lock-In Beaded Winter Pool Covers for Inground and Onground Pools.
