Pool Mate 18 ft Winter Pool Cover for Above-Ground Pools — Blue Dura-Guard Solid Cover with Winch & Cable

Pool Mate's 18 ft Classic Dura-Guard Winter Pool Cover is a heavy-duty solid winter cover designed to protect 18-foot round above-ground pools from snow, ice and wind while securely fastening with the included winch and cable.

When closing an above-ground pool for the offseason, a durable, watertight cover matters more than ever. This Pool Mate Classic cover is made from reinforced polyethylene with heat-sealed seams and a UV-coated blue topside to resist sun damage. It comes with a four-foot overlap and a winch-and-cable fastening system to help keep the cover stable through winter weather—backed by a 10-year warranty.

How does this cover keep winter water and debris out?

The Classic Dura-Guard is a solid (non-permeable) winter cover, so water and fine debris do not pass through the fabric into your pool. Seams are heat sealed to reduce leak points, and the blue coated topside offers UV resistance to slow material degradation over seasons.

• Solid polyethylene construction prevents water penetration.
• Heat-sealed seams for improved long-term watertight performance.
• Blue UV-coated topside reduces sun-related wear.
• Includes a 10-year warranty for season-to-season confidence.

Will this fit my above-ground pool and how do I size it?

This model is sized for 18 ft round pools and includes a generous four-foot overlap beyond the pool diameter to simplify installation and help the cover hang over rails. Measure your pool’s top rail diameter and consider going one size larger if your pool has an unusually tall top rail or bulky decking to ensure the cover floats loosely on the water.

• Designed for traditional above-ground pools with standard top rails.
• Included overlap makes final cover diameter 22 ft for an 18 ft pool.
• Recommended: choose a larger size for very tall rails or large deck profiles.
• Should float loosely on water—avoid tight, stressed installation.

What hardware and installation steps are included?

The cover ships with a winch and cable system that fastens through perimeter grommets to secure the cover from wind. Pool Mate recommends routing the cable around or under decks where possible and using water weights or cover clips (sold separately) for additional security on decks and partial-deck pools.

• Winch and cable included for perimeter tensioning through grommets.
• Designed to perform in high-wind areas when properly tensioned.
• Use vinyl water weights on decks or cover clips for extra hold-down.
• Ice equalizer pillow sold separately to manage heavy freeze cycles.

How durable is the material and what warranty comes with it?

Pool Mate builds this Classic cover from woven polyethylene (approximately 80 g/m²) with an 8 x 8 scrim, making it about 18% heavier than the industry standard for enhanced longevity. All seams are heat sealed and the product is supported by a ten-year manufacturer warranty for normal off-season use.

• Woven polyethylene, 2.36 oz/yd² (80 g/m²) with 8 x 8 scrim.
• Constructed heavier than typical covers for longer life.
• Heat-sealed seams reduce potential failure points.
• 10-year warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use.

Who is this cover for? The Pool Mate 18 ft Classic Dura-Guard is made for owners of traditional 18-foot round above-ground pools who need a solid winter seal against snow, ice and wind. It’s especially well suited to buyers who want a straightforward installation aided by a wide overlap and winch system, a cover built to outlast a single season, and the reassurance of industry-leading warranty support.