Measuring an inground pool for a winter cover is a critical step in protecting your investment during the off-season. A precise fit ensures the cover stays secure, prevents dangerous water accumulation from rain or snow, and extends the life of both the cover and the pool surface. Rushing this process or guessing dimensions can lead to frustration, wasted money, and a cover that fails to protect.
Why Accurate Measurement is Non-Negotiable
Unlike above-ground pools, inground pools present unique challenges due to their permanent installation and varied shapes. An ill-fitting winter cover will sag, tear, or blow away, leaving your pool vulnerable to debris, algae growth, and structural damage from the weight of precipitation. Taking the time to learn how to measure an inground pool for a winter cover correctly saves time, money, and the hassle of forcing a cover back on in the spring. This guide walks you through the essential steps and considerations for a professional-grade measurement.
Gathering the Right Tools
Before you begin, assemble your equipment to ensure smooth and accurate measurements. You will need a durable 25-foot fiberglass or metal tape measure, a notepad and pencil (or a digital recorder), a helper for hard-to-reach areas, a telescopic pole with a level attachment (optional but recommended for pool coping measurement), and possibly a sketch pad or pool measurement app. A step stool may also be necessary to safely access the coping for certain pool types.
Basic Linear Measurements
For standard geometric pools like rectangles, ovals, and circles, linear measurements are straightforward. Use your tape measure to determine the exact distance between fixed points: the length and width for rectangles, the major and minor axes for ovals, and the diameter for circles. Always measure to the inside edge of the coping or the top of the wall, as this is where the cover’s track or grommets will sit. Record these figures in feet and inches for compatibility with most winter cover calculators and ordering systems.
Accounting for Steps and Unique Features
One of the most common mistakes in DIY measurements is neglecting steps, which drastically alters the surface area and water volume. To measure steps accurately, treat them as a separate, smaller rectangle or staircase shape. Measure the length and width of the step section, including the vertical face (the "riser") and the horizontal tread. Add this area to your main pool section calculations, or be prepared to describe the configuration to your cover supplier, as many covers require custom solutions for non-standard layouts.
Slope and Depth Considerations
While the winter cover primarily deals with the surface dimensions, understanding your pool’s depth profile is crucial for water drainage. If your pool has a shallow end and a deep end, note the depth at both points. Although the cover itself isn’t sized by depth, this information helps in assessing how debris and snow will settle on the cover. For safety, ensure your cover is designed to support the load of precipitation, and that the slope of your yard directs water away from the cover’s center to prevent pooling.
Measuring Pool Coping and Returns
The pool coping—the edge surrounding the top of the wall—must be measured to secure the cover properly. For solid decks, measure the top surface where the coping sits. For exposed aggregate or tile, measure to the outer edge of the coping lip. Also, locate and measure the distance from the waterline to the returns and skimmers. This ensures cutouts in the winter cover align correctly, preventing damage to the fittings when the cover is removed and stored.
Professional installers often emphasize capturing "as-built" dimensions rather than relying on original blueprints, as settling and wear can alter a pool’s true specifications. When in doubt, measure twice and order once, or consult with your winter cover retailer to confirm whether their system uses a standard overhang or requires a specific tolerance. A well-measured inground pool winter cover is the final barrier between your pool and the elements, providing peace of mind until the swimming season returns.
