In addition to the color of the cover, you should also consider the type of material used. Polyethylene tarpaulin and winter sun covers are designed to protect covers rolled up on a reel. If you're only covering your pool at night, you'll want to reduce evaporation heat loss from the pool on cold nights. Never place the cover over the pool after applying a shock or when the chlorine level is above 2.5 ppm.
When it comes to durability, there are additional features such as stitched wear protection and higher caliber material that can improve the longevity of your cover. All Latham Pool Products covers are made with Coverstar fabric, which offers superior strength and durability. The fabric is secured by straps and an anchoring system that is drilled directly into the pool deck.
Transparent suncovers also transfer most of the UV light directly into the water, which can degrade chlorine levels near the water surface and increase chemical costs. If you're replacing an existing mesh safety cover, it's best to use the old cover as a template so that you don't have to drill new holes for installation anchors.
When making a purchase, consider how long you want your cover to last and factor in any additional maintenance costs. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to find a winter pool cover that looks great and lasts for years.