Should You Purchase an Arctic Armor Pool Cover?
When winter hits, especially in freezing or snow-prone climates, your pool cover is the difference between an easy spring opening and weeks of cleanup. Arctic Armor pool covers are built specifically for freezing conditions, with designs that help reduce algae growth, limit UV exposure, and keep out debris that can throw off your water balance.
In this guide, we’ll look at how Arctic Armor stacks up against other winter cover brands, review the pros and cons, explain the key features and warranty tiers, and walk you through what to consider before buying.
What Are Arctic Armor Pool Covers?
Arctic Armor is a winter pool cover line built for season-long durability in cold climates, available for both above-ground and in-ground pools. These covers use a strong woven polyethylene scrim—the grid of threads that gives the cover its strength—paired with UV inhibitors and a dark underside to limit light penetration and help slow algae growth.
Depending on the model, Arctic Armor covers feature multi-layer or triple-laminated construction for added tear resistance. Covers typically include a heavy-duty cable-and-winch system (for above-ground pools) and rust-resistant metal grommets for secure anchoring. Most variants offer a 4-foot overlap to help fit securely over top rails or coping, and sizes are available for round, oval, and rectangular pool shapes.
Key Features
- Durable Construction: Manufactured from triple-laminated polyethylene or woven polymer fabric (model dependent) for enhanced strength and UV resistance.
- Reinforced Edges: Heat-sealed seams, double-stitched hems, and heavy-duty grommets for better tension and reduced tearing.
Arctic Armor Pool Covers are Available in Several Warranty Grades:
- 8-year (entry/Bronze): budget-friendly protection for milder winters or short-term ownership horizons. Typically 1 year full replacement, pro-rated thereafter.
- 12-year (Silver): mid-range durability for areas with regular freeze/thaw cycles, usually 2 years full.
- 15-year (Gold): Often includes 3 years full replacement and tighter grommet spacing about every 2 feet for tighter tie-down points. Popular in cold regions.
- 20-year (Platinum): premium-grade, heavier build with stronger scrim and longer full-coverage window (often up to 5 years full).
Pros of Arctic Armor Pool Covers
- Exceptional durability: Multi-layer construction and a robust scrim help resist tears from wind, ice, and falling branches. The dark underside and UV-stabilized outer layer also help the material last across multiple seasons.
- Tight weather seal: Their design reduces light and helps limit algae growth while keeping leaves and grit out.
- Multiple grades available: From 8-year value covers to 20-year premium options, you can match the cover to your climate and budget without switching brands.
- Easy installation (above-ground): Included cable and metal winch make tightening straightforward. Metal grommets are spaced every 2–4 feet for even tensioning.
- Strong warranty coverage: Many mid- and upper-tier covers include a meaningful “full replacement” window at the start of the term.
- Covers a wide range of pool sizes: Available for round and oval above-ground pools and common in-ground rectangles, plus matching accessories like leaf nets and cover pumps.
Cons of Arctic Armor Pool Covers
- Not a safety cover: Standard Arctic Armor winter covers are not rated to support the weight of people or pets. If you need load-bearing protection, look at Arctic Armor safety covers (mesh or solid safety lines) instead.
- Color fading over time: Long, bright winters and strong sun can lighten dark cover colors. UV inhibitors help, but cosmetic fade is normal across winter covers.
- Higher price for premium grades: The 20-year (Platinum) tier costs more than generic polyethylene covers, but you’re paying for heavier construction and a longer—and often stronger—warranty.
Arctic Armor vs. Other Winter Pool Covers
Below is a comparison of Arctic Armor and a few widely available alternatives.
Warranty windows and specs vary by exact model, so use this as an orientation point and confirm details on the product page before you buy.
Who Should Buy Arctic Armor Winter Covers?
If you’re deciding between Arctic Armor winter pool covers and other options, here’s where they shine:
- Northern and snowy regions: You’ll benefit from the sturdier scrim, heat-sealed seams, and darker underside that helps limit algae under low-sun winter conditions.
- Owners prioritizing longevity: If you don’t want to replace a cover every year or two, stepping up to Gold or Platinum can pencil out over five or more closing seasons.
- Pool owners who want a low-maintenance winter setup: A 2 to 4-foot overlap, cable-and-winch hardware, and dense fabric simplify install and help the cover stay put.
- Above-ground or common in-ground sizes: Arctic Armor above-ground pool covers come in a wide range of round and oval sizes. In-ground rectangles are also well-covered.
- Households that already use a cover pump: You’ll get the most out of a solid winter cover when standing water is removed regularly through winter.
For more resources on swimming pools in the winter, check out these helpful topics below!