WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover vs WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover
Both made our Best Pool Covers You Can Walk On shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step if you want uL classification plus ASTM F1346 certification together confirm both material and load-testing compliance. Choose the WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh if you'd rather have largest standard rectangle sizing (20x40) in this roundup, sized for full-scale inground pools. Overall we rank the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Pool Covers You Can Walk On list.
Winner overall: WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step
WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step vs WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 10 in Best Pool Covers You Can Walk On | #3 of 10 in Best Pool Covers You Can Walk On |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | WaterWarden | WaterWarden |
| Key features | ASTM F1346-certified solid vinyl construction; UL-classified for safety cover use; Built-in right step cutout for pool access | ASTM F1346-certified polypropylene mesh; 20x40 ft rectangular sizing; Full perimeter brass anchor system |
| Biggest strength | UL classification plus ASTM F1346 certification together confirm both material and load-testing compliance | Largest standard rectangle sizing (20x40) in this roundup, sized for full-scale inground pools |
| Main trade-off | Solid vinyl blocks all sunlight, requiring a cover pump whenever rainwater accumulates on top | Larger span means more anchor points to install and maintain correctly for full rated support |
| Best for | Most buyers | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step if…
- UL classification plus ASTM F1346 certification together confirm both material and load-testing compliance
- 20-year warranty is the longest backing of any cover in this roundup, reflecting confidence in the vinyl and hardware
- Right step cutout allows pool access without pulling the entire cover off and back on
Prefer the alternative? See the WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh section.
#3 pick
Choose the WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh if…
- Largest standard rectangle sizing (20x40) in this roundup, sized for full-scale inground pools
- Highest review count (305) of the WaterWarden mesh covers, the strongest large-pool track record here
- Self-draining mesh eliminates the standing-water pump maintenance a solid cover this size would require
Prefer the alternative? See the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step section.
Pros and cons of each
WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step
Pros
- UL classification plus ASTM F1346 certification together confirm both material and load-testing compliance
- 20-year warranty is the longest backing of any cover in this roundup, reflecting confidence in the vinyl and hardware
- Right step cutout allows pool access without pulling the entire cover off and back on
- Highest rating (4.6) among the walk-on covers here, with a substantial 198-review base
Cons
- Solid vinyl blocks all sunlight, requiring a cover pump whenever rainwater accumulates on top
- Custom-fit sizing and step placement means longer lead time and less flexibility than a stock mesh size
- Heavier vinyl panel is harder for one person to remove and store than a mesh cover of the same dimensions
WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh
Pros
- Largest standard rectangle sizing (20x40) in this roundup, sized for full-scale inground pools
- Highest review count (305) of the WaterWarden mesh covers, the strongest large-pool track record here
- Self-draining mesh eliminates the standing-water pump maintenance a solid cover this size would require
- Anchor system distributes the ASTM-rated load evenly across a longer perimeter span
Cons
- Larger span means more anchor points to install and maintain correctly for full rated support
- Mesh still allows fine debris through, needing periodic bottom vacuuming despite the cover
- No step cutout in this specific configuration, requires pulling the cover fully for pool access
WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step vs WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh: common questions
Which is better, the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step or the WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh?
Choose the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step if you want uL classification plus ASTM F1346 certification together confirm both material and load-testing compliance. Choose the WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh if you'd rather have largest standard rectangle sizing (20x40) in this roundup, sized for full-scale inground pools. Overall we rank the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Pool Covers You Can Walk On list.
What is the difference between the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step and the WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh?
The WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step stands out because uL classification plus ASTM F1346 certification together confirm both material and load-testing compliance, while the WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh stands out because largest standard rectangle sizing (20x40) in this roundup, sized for full-scale inground pools. The trade-offs differ too: the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step's main caveat is that solid vinyl blocks all sunlight, requiring a cover pump whenever rainwater accumulates on top, and the WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh's is that larger span means more anchor points to install and maintain correctly for full rated support.
Is the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 18x36 Ft In-Ground Pool with Right Step worth it over the WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover 20x40 Ft Rectangle, Blue Mesh instead if solid vinyl blocks all sunlight, requiring a cover pump whenever rainwater accumulates on top is a deal-breaker for you.