WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover vs WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety
Both made our Best Inground Pool Covers shortlist, at #1 and #2. 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 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool if you want highest review count (412) of any product in this roundup, the strongest track record for small/medium pools. Choose the WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle if you'd rather have fully opaque vinyl blocks 100% of light, the most effective option here for preventing algae growth over winter. Overall we rank the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Inground Pool Covers list.
Winner overall: WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool
WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool vs WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 10 in Best Inground Pool Covers | #2 of 10 in Best Inground Pool Covers |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | WaterWarden | WaterWarden |
| Key features | ASTM F1346-certified solid vinyl construction; UL-classified for safety cover use; Full perimeter brass anchor system | ASTM F1346-certified solid vinyl construction; Fully opaque, blocks all light and debris; Full perimeter brass anchor system |
| Biggest strength | Highest review count (412) of any product in this roundup, the strongest track record for small/medium pools | Fully opaque vinyl blocks 100% of light, the most effective option here for preventing algae growth over winter |
| Main trade-off | Solid vinyl requires a cover pump for standing rainwater removal, unlike self-draining mesh | Requires an automatic or manual cover pump to remove standing rainwater, unlike self-draining mesh |
| Best for | Most buyers | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool if…
- Highest review count (412) of any product in this roundup, the strongest track record for small/medium pools
- Same UL classification, ASTM F1346 certification, and 20-year warranty as the larger Premium WaterWarden cover
- 12x20 sizing keeps hardware and anchor count lower than a full-size rectangular pool cover
Prefer the alternative? See the WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle section.
#2 pick
Choose the WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle if…
- Fully opaque vinyl blocks 100% of light, the most effective option here for preventing algae growth over winter
- Blocks all debris rather than just the larger particles a mesh weave stops
- Same ASTM F1346 load rating as the mesh options, so it supports the same walk-on capacity
Prefer the alternative? See the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool section.
Pros and cons of each
WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool
Pros
- Highest review count (412) of any product in this roundup, the strongest track record for small/medium pools
- Same UL classification, ASTM F1346 certification, and 20-year warranty as the larger Premium WaterWarden cover
- 12x20 sizing keeps hardware and anchor count lower than a full-size rectangular pool cover
- Solid vinyl fully blocks light and debris, reducing algae growth over an off-season closure
Cons
- Solid vinyl requires a cover pump for standing rainwater removal, unlike self-draining mesh
- Only sized for small to medium pools, not usable on a full-size rectangular inground pool
- Heavier vinyl material is more cumbersome for one person to remove and store than mesh alternatives
WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle
Pros
- Fully opaque vinyl blocks 100% of light, the most effective option here for preventing algae growth over winter
- Blocks all debris rather than just the larger particles a mesh weave stops
- Same ASTM F1346 load rating as the mesh options, so it supports the same walk-on capacity
- Strong 4.5-star rating with a solid 168-review base for a solid-vinyl configuration
Cons
- Requires an automatic or manual cover pump to remove standing rainwater, unlike self-draining mesh
- Heavier vinyl material is more difficult for one person to remove and store than mesh
- Standing water accumulation on top temporarily compromises the dry walking surface even though the structure remains rated
WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool vs WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle: common questions
Which is better, the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool or the WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle?
Choose the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool if you want highest review count (412) of any product in this roundup, the strongest track record for small/medium pools. Choose the WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle if you'd rather have fully opaque vinyl blocks 100% of light, the most effective option here for preventing algae growth over winter. Overall we rank the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Inground Pool Covers list.
What is the difference between the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool and the WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle?
The WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool stands out because highest review count (412) of any product in this roundup, the strongest track record for small/medium pools, while the WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle stands out because fully opaque vinyl blocks 100% of light, the most effective option here for preventing algae growth over winter. The trade-offs differ too: the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool's main caveat is that solid vinyl requires a cover pump for standing rainwater removal, unlike self-draining mesh, and the WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle's is that requires an automatic or manual cover pump to remove standing rainwater, unlike self-draining mesh.
Is the WaterWarden Premium Pool Safety Cover for 12x20 Ft In-Ground Pool worth it over the WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the WaterWarden Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Cover, Fits 18x36 Ft Rectangle instead if solid vinyl requires a cover pump for standing rainwater removal, unlike self-draining mesh is a deal-breaker for you.