Last Updated: August 2026
A Winter Pool Cover helps protect your Above Ground Pool or Inground Pool during the off-season. The right cover depends on your pool type, size and shape, local Winter conditions, budget, and maintenance preferences. This guide compares the Winter Pool Cover options available from Pool Supplies Canada and explains how to choose the right type, size, and level of protection for your pool.
What Winter Pool Cover Do I Need?
Start with your pool type. Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools require covers designed for their pool type, size, shape, and securing method. Then compare the cover options based on the type of Winter protection and maintenance you want.
At a Glance...
| If You're Looking For | Consider |
|---|---|
| Affordable seasonal Winter protection | Basic Winter Covers |
| A balance of durability and value | Supreme Silver Winter Covers |
| Heavy-duty Winter protection | NorthFlo Premium Dove Grey Winter Covers |
| An Above Ground cover designed to make Spring cleanup easier | Eliminator XTreme Winter Covers |
| Added protection for an Inground Pool | Safety Covers |
| Extra protection from Fall leaves and debris | Leaf Nets |
Do Above Ground and Inground Pools Use the Same Winter Covers?
No. Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools require Winter Pool Covers designed for their specific pool type.
Above Ground Winter Pool Covers are available in Round and Oval sizes. Round and Oval Winter Covers include a winch and coated cable to secure the cover to the pool.
Inground Winter Pool Covers are available in Rectangle sizes. Rectangle Winter Covers include water bag loops to secure the cover around the outside of the pool. Safety Covers are also available for Inground Pools.
Traditional Winter Pool Covers
Traditional Winter Pool Covers are available for both Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. They help keep leaves, dirt, snow, and other debris out of the pool throughout the Winter. Always follow the installation instructions for the specific cover you purchase.
NorthFlo Premium Dove Grey Winter Covers
NorthFlo Premium Dove Grey Winter Covers are heavy-duty traditional Winter Pool Covers available for both Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. They are made from high-density, rip-proof polyethylene material reinforced with a 14 x 14 scrim count, with 14 vertical and 14 horizontal threads per square inch. The material is 50% stronger while also being lighter than other comparable covers.
- High-density, rip-proof polyethylene material.
- 14 x 14 scrim count for maximum strength.
- Top surface is treated to resist damage from UV rays.
- Black underside helps prevent algae growth.
- Premium-quality marine-grade 1 1/2 inch binding around the perimeter helps protect against wear and tear.
- Round and Oval covers include a winch and coated cable to secure the cover to the pool.
- Rectangle covers have water bag loops to secure the cover around the outside of the pool.
- Round and Oval covers include a true 4-foot overhang. Rectangle covers include a true 6-foot overhang.
Shop NorthFlo Premium Dove Grey Winter Covers
Supreme Silver Winter Covers
Supreme Winter Covers are available for both Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools and provide dependable Winter protection. Choose the size and shape designed for your pool and follow the product installation instructions.
Shop Silver Supreme Winter Covers
Basic Winter Covers
Basic Winter Covers are available for both Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools and are a practical choice for homeowners looking for affordable seasonal Winter protection.
Safety Covers for Inground Pools
Safety Covers are designed for Inground Pools and are anchored directly into the surrounding deck using spring-loaded hardware. They are designed to provide reliable Winter protection while helping reduce the risk of accidental entry by children and pets.
- Designed for Inground Pools.
- Anchored directly into the surrounding deck.
- A strong option for homeowners who prioritize added safety and long-term durability.
What Is an Eliminator XTreme Winter Cover?
Eliminator XTreme Winter Covers are designed for Above Ground Pools and are proudly made in Canada. A blue mesh line runs down the centre of the cover. During the Winter, ice and snow weigh the cover down in the centre. As the snow melts in the Spring, water filters through the mesh line and the cover slowly rises. Leaves, dirt, and debris can dry on the surface and blow away, helping make Spring cover removal easier.
- Easy installation.
- Lightweight and easy to store.
- All hardware and a skimmer dam are included. Included colours may vary.
- No pumping water off the cover as described in the product design.
- Not for use with soft-sided pool models such as Intex or Bestway.
Important: Do not lower the water level before installing an Eliminator XTreme Winter Cover. Read the installation instructions for the proper installation method.
Shop Eliminator XTreme Winter Covers
Leaf Nets
Leaf Nets are available for Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools and can be used with a Winter Pool Cover to help manage Fall leaves and debris. They are especially useful for pools surrounded by trees.
Elastic Winter Mesh Covers
Pool Supplies Canada offers Elastic Winter Mesh Covers for both Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools. Review the product options and installation instructions to choose the correct cover for your pool type and size.
Shop Elastic Winter Mesh Covers
Winter Cover Options by Pool Type
| Above Ground Pools | Inground Pools |
|---|---|
| NorthFlo Premium Dove Grey Winter Covers | NorthFlo Premium Dove Grey Winter Covers |
| Supreme Winter Covers | Supreme Winter Covers |
| Basic Winter Covers | Basic Winter Covers |
| Elastic Winter Mesh Covers | Elastic Winter Mesh Covers |
| Eliminator XTreme Winter Covers | Safety Covers |
| Leaf Nets | Leaf Nets |
How to Choose the Right Winter Pool Cover Size
Winter Pool Covers are made larger than the pool to provide the extra material needed to reach the water level and properly secure the cover. Choose your Winter Pool Cover based on your pool size, not the actual dimensions of the cover you receive.
Above Ground Pools
Choose a Winter Pool Cover that matches the listed size and shape of your pool.
- Above Ground Winter Pool Covers include 4 feet of extra material.
- For example, a cover listed for a 15-foot pool has a true cover size of 19 feet.
- Round and Oval Winter Pool Covers include a winch and coated cable to secure the cover to the pool.
Inground Pools
Inground Winter Pool Covers are available in Rectangle sizes. To determine the correct size:
- Measure the greatest length of your pool.
- Measure the greatest width of your pool.
- Choose the Rectangle Winter Pool Cover that accommodates those measurements.
Inground Winter Pool Covers include 6 feet of extra material to accommodate the distance to the water level. Rectangle Winter Pool Covers also include water bag loops to secure the cover around the outside of the pool.
Why Is My Winter Pool Cover Larger Than My Pool?
The actual Winter Pool Cover will be larger than the pool size shown in the product name. This is intentional. The additional material helps ensure your pool is fully covered during the off-season and provides the necessary overlap to reach the water level and secure the cover properly.
Which Winter Pool Cover Should You Choose?
- Choose Basic Winter Covers if your priority is affordable seasonal Winter protection.
- Choose Supreme Winter Covers if you want a traditional Winter cover option for either an Above Ground or Inground Pool.
- Choose NorthFlo Premium Dove Grey Winter Covers if you have an Above Ground or Inground Pool and want a heavy-duty traditional Winter Pool Cover with a 14 x 14 scrim count.
- Choose Safety Covers if you have an Inground Pool and added safety is a priority.
- Choose Eliminator XTreme Winter Covers if you have a compatible Above Ground Pool and want the centre-mesh design for easier Spring cleanup.
- Choose Elastic Winter Mesh Covers if that cover system is the right fit for your Above Ground or Inground Pool.
- Add a Leaf Net if your pool is surrounded by trees and Fall leaves are a concern.
Winter Pool Cover FAQs
What is the best Winter Pool Cover for Canadian Winters?
The best Winter Pool Cover depends on your pool type, size and shape, local Winter conditions, budget, and maintenance preferences. Pool Supplies Canada offers different Winter Pool Cover options for Above Ground and Inground Pools, including Basic Winter Covers, Supreme Winter Covers, NorthFlo Premium Dove Grey Winter Covers, Elastic Winter Mesh Covers, Eliminator XTreme Winter Covers, Safety Covers, and Leaf Nets.
What size Winter Pool Cover do I need?
Choose your Winter Pool Cover based on the listed size and shape of your pool. Above Ground Winter Pool Covers include 4 feet of extra material, while Inground Winter Pool Covers include 6 feet of extra material.
Why is my Winter Pool Cover larger than my pool?
The extra material is intentional. It provides the overlap needed to reach the water level and properly secure the Winter Pool Cover.
What is a Lock In Cover?
Lock In Winter Pool Covers are lightweight vinyl covers designed to fit directly into a pool's dual-track Lock In coping channel, creating a close fit around the pool's shape and size. They help keep dirt, leaves and stagnant water out of the pool throughout the Winter for a cleaner Spring opening.
Made from 100% virgin, 13-gauge vinyl, Lock In Covers provide an affordable Winter protection option with quick, simple installation. They can be used with Onground and Inground Pools that have the required dual-track Lock In coping channel.
Important: If your pool does not have a Lock In coping channel, a Lock In Winter Pool Cover will not fit.
What Are Pool Water Bags Used For?
Pool Water Bags are used to help secure Inground Winter Pool Covers around the outside of the pool. They are placed around the perimeter of the cover and work with the cover's water bag loops to help keep it securely in place throughout the Winter.
Water Bags are sold separately and are an important part of properly securing a traditional Inground Winter Pool Cover.
Can I use an Eliminator XTreme Winter Cover on a soft-sided pool?
No. Eliminator XTreme Winter Covers are not for use with soft-sided pool models such as Intex or Bestway.
Should I lower the water level before installing an Eliminator XTreme Winter Cover?
No. Do not lower the water level before installation. Read the installation instructions for the proper installation method.
Are Safety Covers for Above Ground Pools?
No. The Safety Covers described in this guide are designed for Inground Pools and anchored into the surrounding deck.
Can I buy a Leaf Net for an Above Ground or Inground Pool?
Yes. Pool Supplies Canada offers Leaf Nets for both Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools.
Shop Winter Pool Covers at Pool Supplies Canada
- Shop NorthFlo Premium Dove Grey Winter Covers
- Shop Supreme Winter Covers
- Shop Basic Winter Covers
- Shop Elastic Winter Mesh Covers
- Shop Eliminator XTreme Winter Covers
- Shop Safety Covers
- Shop Leaf Nets
