Measure the Pool, Not the Cover

To pick the right pool cover size, measure the actual water surface and then add the overlap the cover type needs.

Here’s the deal: there are two kinds of covers, and they size differently.

Solid winter/solar covers come in pre-made sizes. You measure your pool’s length and width at the widest points, then buy the next size up so you get 12–18 inches of overlap to drape over the edge and tuck or weight down. If your pool is kidney-shaped, use the longest and widest measurements—you’ll get baggy corners, but that’s normal.

Safety covers are basically custom. You measure the pool from outside edge to outside edge (the coping, not the waterline) in a grid pattern if it’s irregular, and the manufacturer builds it to fit. These don’t get oversized—they need to pull taut for the winch and anchors.

Don’t just order the same size as your old cover either. Pools shift, settle, and get re-tiled. Also, if you have a deck or raised