Types of Winter Pool Covers in B.C.

B.C. winters bring rain, wind, freeze-thaw swings, and snow. When you’re comparing the different types of winter pool covers and trying to protect your pool without creating extra work, we’re here to keep it simple.

A winter pool cover is a cover designed to stay in place while the pool is closed for the season. In B.C., that means handling heavy rain, occasional snow, and freeze-thaw cycles without creating extra maintenance.

If you already have a Pool Patrol automatic pool safety cover, you usually don’t need another winter cover. You just need a winter routine that keeps the cover supported and closed until spring. If you don’t have an automatic cover, you will need a separate winter pool cover.

Quick Answer

For many B.C. inground pools, the best winter cover is an automatic pool safety cover that stays closed all season. Keep the water level about halfway to three-quarters up the skimmer opening. In spring, remove water from the top before opening.

Types of Winter Pool Covers in B.C.

Here’s a quick, practical comparison.

Cover type	Best for	Set-and-forget score	Safety note	Our take at Pool Patrol
Automatic pool safety cover	Year-round protection.	High	Safety-focused system designed for regular use.	Best all-around option for many B.C. inground pools because it’s built for daily use and serves as your winter pool cover.
Winter pool cover	Seasonal closure for pools that stay shut until spring.	Medium	Varies by cover type and installation. The best ones are anchored firmly in the pool deck and therefore considered safe.	Best choice if you do not have an automatic pool safety cover and plan to keep the pool closed all winter.
Basic winter tarp setup	Lowest-cost coverage when budget is the only driver.	Low	Not a safety cover. Keep children, objects and animals out of the area.	Not recommended. Requires more frequent monitoring and extra precautions.

If you want a cover that works well in every season, an automatic pool safety cover is often the best choice. It’s made for regular use, not just for closing your pool in winter. Learn more about our automatic pool covers.

Automatic Pool Safety Covers for Winter

If you’ve got a Pool Patrol cover, you don’t need to buy another winter cover. Your cover can do the job as long as it’s supported properly and stays closed.

These are the golden rules we share with clients each winter:

Water level matters for every automatic pool cover

Your automatic cover needs the pool water underneath for support. Most winter problems happen when the water level gets too low.

As a rule of thumb, when the cover’s closed, keep the water level about halfway to three-quarters up the skimmer opening. That helps support the cover during heavy rain and cold weather.

Winter closing steps for inground pool covers

Keep your winter closing routine simple and follow these steps in order:

1. Drain the water below the jets.

2. Blow out the lines and cap them.

3. Install a skimmer cap over the skimmer opening.

4. Refill the pool to the usual level after everything is sealed.

5. Pull the automatic cover closed, and keep it closed!

In short: protect the plumbing, support the cover, close it, then leave it alone.

Expert note

The bottom line with an automatic pool cover, whether ours or anyone else’s, is that it relies heavily on the water in the pool to support it. So if the pool water is nonexistent or too low, it definitely will not be able to support any weight, regardless of the season. Allan Horwood, Owner, Pool Patrol

Ice, Snow, and Water Level Tips

Winter weather can show up fast in B.C., so these tips are meant for real-life situations.

• Don’t use the cover in winter. If the fabric or tracks are frozen, opening it can cause damage. Wait until everything’s thawed.

• If ice builds up, leave it alone. Don’t try to chip off the ice or force the cover open.

• In spring, remove any water on top of the cover first. Before opening, pump off or remove the water to reduce strain and help the system work smoothly.

Book a consultation

Have some questions about your cover, water level, or spring-opening plan? Call or message our team, and we’ll help you make sure your pool’s set up correctly.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a separate winter pool cover if I have an automatic pool safety cover?

A: Usually no. Keep the water level high enough to support the cover, close it for winter, and leave it closed until spring.

Q: What water level should I keep under a closed cover in winter?

A: About halfway to three-quarters up the skimmer opening is a solid rule of thumb for winter support.

Q: Can I open my automatic cover during the winter?

A: Avoid operating the cover if the fabric or tracks are frozen. Wait for a thaw, then remove water from the top using a rain pump before opening.

Pool Patrol helps B.C. homeowners and builders protect pools with safe, easy-to-use automatic covers. We operate mainly in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and the Okanagan, but we’ll travel anywhere in B.C. (travel expenses may be involved). Contact Pool Patrol.