So I finally jumped in head first and bought the "Ultimate Above Ground Pool Winter Cover". Installation really isn't all that bad. Easier than the cover using a pillow or inner tube to keep the center raised and a cable to keep it secure. The installation instruction are a bit sketchy if you don't have 12" top rails which I do not. I set my loops at the very farthest measurement recommended for a 12" cap at 30" below the top. I should have set them even farther down from the top! In order to get decent tension on the cover (which should remain somewhat tight) I had to stretch the included tarp straps to widen them in order to maintain proper tension.
I'm very disappointed that the new design has sewn loops rather than brass grommets. I put very little tension on one of the loops and the stitching that holds it to the cover came loose and the loop came off. I can see in a high wind situation that I would most certainly will see, the loops coming off. I can see why they would replace the old system of brass grommets as over time they do tend to pull out but I'm not sure sewn loops is a better solution. I did get some rain after installation and the center mesh did allow that water to drain off into the pool.
My primary concern is that for a cover costing over $300 it isn't going to last due to the sewn loops. I suppose only time will tell and I will certainly update once this cover has seen an Ohio winter. My initial thought is that I would have been better off just buying a full micro mesh cover with grommets at a fairly substantial savings, going to a home improvement store and purchasing tarp straps along with either metal or plastic conduit clamps (the cover includes plastic conduit clamps) and fastening the cover in the same manner as this cover.
So far how I would rate the cover with 1 being poor and 5 being best
Build quality: 2 (due to sewn loops)
Ease of first installation: 3
Ease of installation after loops are installed on uprights: 5
Quality of material: I'd rate a 4 as it seems to be good quality material
Function: It did drain water off the top which is what I was looking for so 5 there. My top does tend to bubble up but FAR less than the old one with cable and clips so a 4 here.
Again, I will update once the cover gets a good test so keep in mind the above is my initial assessment.
I'm very disappointed that the new design has sewn loops rather than brass grommets. I put very little tension on one of the loops and the stitching that holds it to the cover came loose and the loop came off. I can see in a high wind situation that I would most certainly will see, the loops coming off. I can see why they would replace the old system of brass grommets as over time they do tend to pull out but I'm not sure sewn loops is a better solution. I did get some rain after installation and the center mesh did allow that water to drain off into the pool.
My primary concern is that for a cover costing over $300 it isn't going to last due to the sewn loops. I suppose only time will tell and I will certainly update once this cover has seen an Ohio winter. My initial thought is that I would have been better off just buying a full micro mesh cover with grommets at a fairly substantial savings, going to a home improvement store and purchasing tarp straps along with either metal or plastic conduit clamps (the cover includes plastic conduit clamps) and fastening the cover in the same manner as this cover.
So far how I would rate the cover with 1 being poor and 5 being best
Build quality: 2 (due to sewn loops)
Ease of first installation: 3
Ease of installation after loops are installed on uprights: 5
Quality of material: I'd rate a 4 as it seems to be good quality material
Function: It did drain water off the top which is what I was looking for so 5 there. My top does tend to bubble up but FAR less than the old one with cable and clips so a 4 here.
Again, I will update once the cover gets a good test so keep in mind the above is my initial assessment.
