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Think of your pool cover as a raincoat for your pool — it keeps dirt, leaves, and curious critters out, but like any good raincoat, it works better with the right extras. Pool cover accessories enhance safety, extend the life of the cover, and make maintenance feel less like a chore and more like a weekend win. Whether you have a 15-foot round backyard plunge or a 40-foot in-ground lap pool, accessories like reels, pumps, straps, and anchors turn a basic cover into a full-featured protection system.
Ready for a shopping list that actually matters? Here are five simple additions that can make a dramatic difference in how your pool performs and how long your cover lasts: a cover reel or automatic roller, a cover pump, anchor and strap kits, solar covers or thermal blankets, and winter water bags or sandbags. These items address three big headaches — water pooling, cover sagging, wind damage — and help avoid costly repairs down the line.
Reels and automatic rollers take the grunt work out of removing and replacing your cover. Manual reels are inexpensive and perfect for smaller pools up to about 16 feet wide, while electric or hydraulic rollers are worth considering if your cover is larger than 20 feet or you want a one-person operation. Imagine rolling up a 20-foot cover like you're winding a garden hose — quick and almost effortless.
Standing water on a pool cover is more than annoying; it adds significant weight and stresses seams and straps. A dedicated cover pump rapidly removes water from the cover surface, preventing sagging and reducing the chance of algae growth. Look for submersible models with float switches that start automatically, and choose a pump capable of moving several hundred gallons per hour for average residential situations.
If wind is a regular in your neighborhood, anchor kits and heavy-duty straps are non-negotiable. Anchors secure the cover to decks or coping and can be installed in-ground to resist uplift. Ratchet straps and stainless hardware provide better tension and longevity than cheap plastic clips. Think of anchors as a pool cover’s seat belt — they keep everything snug when things get gusty.
Want to heat your pool without a monthly bill shock? Solar covers work by trapping sun energy and reducing evaporation. These lightweight covers are easy to handle and work well with a reel system. Thermal blankets offer similar benefits and help keep chemical costs down by reducing evaporation, so your investment pays off in saved heating and maintenance costs.
Not every store carries the same brands or has the same expertise. If you want selection, convenience, or professional help installing a reel or anchor system, here are trusted U.S. options that cover every budget and service level.
Home Depot blends convenience with a solid range of pool cover accessories. You’ll find reels, pumps, solar covers, and anchor kits from brands like Doughboy and PoolMate. Their in-store pickup and clear product specs make it easy to compare options, and many stores carry seasonal experts who can advise on installation.
Lowe’s stocks similar items to Home Depot but often has different brand mixes and frequent promotions. It’s a great place to find basic reels, replacement straps, and budget-friendly cover pumps. If you prefer buying locally and driving home with your gear the same day, Lowe’s is a reliable option.
Leslie’s specializes in everything pool-related, from chemicals to complex accessories. Their team can recommend the best reel size for a 30-foot deck or the right pump capacity for winter snow melt. Leslie’s often carries branded accessories designed specifically for residential covers and offers in-store services and installation assistance.
Amazon has near-endless options and fast delivery, which is handy if you need a replacement strap or a cover pump in a hurry. The marketplace includes both well-known brands and niche manufacturers, but buyer beware: read reviews carefully to avoid undersized reels or low-output pumps that sound better on paper than in practice.
For bargain-conscious shoppers, Walmart offers entry-level solar covers, basic reels, and cover pump options. It’s a good choice for seasonal items and quick replacements, but for specialty anchors or heavy-duty automation, you may need to step up to a specialized pool retailer.
Online specialty retailers like Pool Supply World and local pool supply stores often carry higher-end accessories, including full automatic reels, stainless steel anchor kits, and heavy-duty winter covers. These retailers are excellent for custom-fit solutions and expert advice if your pool has unusual dimensions or needs custom hardware.
Different pools, different needs. A small above-ground pool about 12 feet across has vastly different accessory needs compared to a 40-foot in-ground pool with a diving area. Size, cover weight, and how often you open and close the pool determine the reel strength, pump capacity, and hardware robustness you should buy.
Above-ground pools usually need lighter reels and simpler anchoring systems. Many above-ground owners are happy with a manual reel and a lightweight solar cover. Pumps for cover water removal can be compact, moving a couple hundred gallons per hour and fitting easily on the cover surface.
In-ground pools typically demand heavier-duty reels, often mounted on the deck or with a dedicated frame, and stronger strap systems. If your pool is 30 feet or larger, consider an electric reel or a professional-grade manual reel with reinforced bearings to handle the stress of a heavy winter cover.
Are you handy with a drill and a measuring tape? You can install straps and even anchor kits yourself, but there are times when professional installation pays off — especially with in-ground anchors or heavy automation systems. A misaligned anchor can cause uneven stress and reduce cover life, so decide whether the savings of DIY are worth the potential rework.
Replacing straps, installing a manual reel, or setting up a solar cover on a reel is well within reach for most homeowners. Basic tools, a buddy to help lift, and careful measuring are usually all that’s needed. Always follow manufacturer torque specs and use stainless hardware to avoid corrosion.
Call in a pro for in-ground anchors, concrete deck mounts, and electric or hydraulic reel systems. These installations may require drilling into decking or pouring anchors and often involve alignment that affects long-term performance. A professional will also advice on the right reel horsepower and mounting placement for your pool’s layout.
Like any outdoor gear, pool accessories last longer if you care for them. Rinse reels and pumps with fresh water after chlorinated or saltwater exposure, lubricate moving parts once a season, and check straps and anchors for wear. Storage matters too — keep electric components in a dry shed or garage over winter to prevent corrosion.
At the start and end of the season, inspect straps, buckles, and anchor points for cracks or rust. Test your cover pump and clean its intake screen to prevent clogging. Roll the cover properly to avoid creases, and if you use a solar cover, flip it occasionally to prevent UV breakdown on one side only.
Are high-end accessories always worth it? Not necessarily. It’s about matching the product to your needs. If you open and close your pool daily, investing in a quality reel and durable straps pays off quickly. If the pool is only used seasonally, mid-range pumps and anchors may be a smarter financial choice. Think long-term: a $200 reel that saves you time and extends cover life may be cheaper than replacing a cover that costs several hundred dollars every few years.
Expect simple manual reels and solar blankets to start under $100 for small pools, while robust reel systems and heavy winter covers can run several hundred dollars. Electric reels and professional anchor installations may push into the low thousands depending on complexity. Budget with a margin for installation and extra hardware to avoid surprises.
Accessories like solar covers and well-fitted thermal blankets reduce heat loss and evaporation, which means less electricity or gas used by pool heaters and fewer chemicals added to combat concentration changes. Over a season, a good solar cover can shave heating costs and conserve thousands of gallons by minimizing evaporation — a small investment that multiplies into big environmental savings.
Savings depend on your climate and pool usage, but many homeowners report noticeable reductions in heating costs and chemical use. If your pool loses one-quarter inch to one-half inch of water daily through evaporation, a decent cover helps arrest that loss and keeps your system running more efficiently.
Pool safety is non-negotiable. Accessories like spring-loaded anchors and locking straps improve cover stability, reducing the risk of accidental access by children or pets. Some local codes require certain cover types or locking mechanisms, so check local regulations before making major purchases. A secure cover is your best line of defense when the pool is not in use.
Look for covers rated for weight-bearing or that comply with local barrier standards. Anchored covers combined with alarms and pool fences form a layered approach to safety, which is always better than relying on a single solution.
Before you click buy, make sure you’ve measured your pool in feet, noted your cover’s weight in pounds, and calculated how often you’ll open and close the cover. Choose accessories rated for your pool’s size, prefer stainless hardware in coastal or saltwater environments, and match pump capacity to the volume of standing water you expect to remove. Also think about long-term storage — does your garage or shed have space for the reel and cover when not in use?
Measure pool length and width in feet, pick a reel rated above your cover width, choose a pump with adequate gallons-per-hour capacity, select anchors with stainless hardware, and decide whether you need professional installation. This simple routine prevents headaches and helps your cover system last longer.
Upgrading your pool cover accessories is one of the smartest ways to protect your investment, save time, and improve safety. From affordable solar blankets and cover pumps to heavy-duty reels and professional anchor systems, there’s an accessory that fits every pool and budget. Shop at major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Leslie’s, Amazon, and specialty suppliers for the right mix of price and performance, and remember: the right accessory today can save you hundreds of dollars and hours of maintenance down the line.
| Pool Cover Accessories | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Swim Central Hydrotools Hexagonal Aluminum Solar Cover Reel Tube Kit - 4 X 28 | $ 300,99 |
