Stop the Leaf Madness: Choosing a 13 Ft Pool Cover
Why a 13 Foot Pool Cover Is Worth Every Penny
A 13 foot pool cover is the single easiest upgrade you can make to protect your above-ground pool from debris, algae, and water loss.
Quick answer — best 13 ft pool cover options:
- Intex Easy Set Cover (SKU 28026E or 11326) — lightweight debris cover with rope tie and drain holes, fits 13 ft round Easy Set pools
- Flowclear™ PVC Cover (13 ft 2 in) — solid PVC construction, drain holes, securing ropes, fits above-ground pools up to 13 ft diameter
- Power Steel Rectangular Cover — heavy-duty weather-resistant fabric, thermal insulation, tie-down ropes, for Bestway Power Steel pools
- Safety covers (mesh or solid) — best for families with children or pets; mesh lasts up to 20 years, solid lasts 10-12 years
Every time you leave your pool uncovered, you’re inviting a mess. Leaves, dirt, insects, and sunlight all work against you — breaking down your water chemistry and turning a relaxing weekend into a cleaning marathon.
The good news? A properly fitted cover does a lot of the work for you. Pool covers can reduce water evaporation by up to 90%, which means less topping off, fewer chemicals, and lower energy costs.
For owners of 13-foot above-ground pools, the options are more varied than you might expect — from basic debris covers under $20 to heavy-duty safety covers built to last two decades.
This guide walks you through every option so you can pick the right one for your pool, your family, and your budget.
Finding the Perfect 13 Foot Pool Cover for Your Setup
Choosing the right 13 foot pool cover depends largely on your specific pool model and your primary goals—whether that is simply keeping leaves out or ensuring the safety of children and pets. Understanding The Different Types of Pool Covers is the first step in narrowing down your search.
For most above-ground pools in the 13-foot range, you will encounter three main material types: PVC, mesh, and heavy-duty weather-resistant fabric.
| Feature | Mesh Safety Cover | Solid PVC/Vinyl Cover | Automatic Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | Drainage & Longevity | Blocks 100% Sunlight | Ultimate Convenience |
| Material | High-strength Mesh | 0.48mm PVC | Reinforced Vinyl |
| Debris Protection | High (filters fine silt) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Water Drainage | Self-draining | Requires drain holes/pump | Integrated systems |
| Lifespan | Up to 20 Years | 10-12 Years | Variable |
When browsing options like the Flowclear™ Pool Cover 13 ft., look for key features such as a 12-inch overhang. This extra material ensures the cover can be draped over the sides and secured tightly. Additionally, high-quality covers often feature drain holes. While it might seem counterintuitive to have holes in a cover, they are vital for preventing water from pooling on top, which can weigh down the material and cause it to sag or tear.
Selecting a 13 Foot Pool Cover by Pool Type
Not all 13-foot pools are created equal. An inflatable ring “Easy Set” pool requires a different attachment method than a steel-framed rectangular pool.
- Easy Set Pools: If you own an Intex Easy Set pool, you should look for SKU 28026E (weighing 8.04 lbs) or SKU 11326 (weighing 8.21 lbs). These are specifically designed to fit the 13-foot diameter of these inflatable-ring pools. They utilize a convenient rope tie that cinches under the inflated ring to stay put.
- Rectangular Frame Pools: For those with a 13ft Rectangular Power Steel Pool Cover, the cover is designed to fit rectangular dimensions like 13’3″ x 6’7″. These often feature reinforced edges and tie-down ropes to handle the corners of a frame pool.
- Round Frame Pools: Standard round frame pools often use a Bestway® Round 13′ Pool Cover for Above Ground Pools. These covers are typically 13 feet 2 inches in diameter to provide that necessary overhang for securing to the metal legs.
While many 13-foot covers are designed for above-ground use, some homeowners with small permanent installations may look into Inground Pool Safety Covers for a more permanent, high-tension solution.
Measuring and Installing Your 13 Foot Pool Cover
Accuracy is everything when it comes to pool covers. If a cover is too small, it won’t stay on; if it’s too large, it will flap in the wind and accumulate water.
- Measure the Diameter: For round pools, measure from the inside wall to the opposite inside wall. A 13-foot pool needs a cover that accounts for the “overhang”—usually an extra 10 to 12 inches of material.
- Check the Overhang: Most standard 13 foot pool cover models come with a built-in overhang. For example, the Intex 13ft cover is designed specifically with a 12-inch overlap to ensure it reaches past the pool’s edge.
- Secure the Tension:
- Rope Ties: Most above-ground covers use a rope tie system. Pull the rope tight and tie a secure knot to prevent the wind from lifting the cover.
- Anchors and Springs: For safety-rated covers, you may use removable brass anchor bolts and stainless steel springs. This creates a “trampoline” effect, keeping the cover taut and capable of supporting weight.
Proper installation is especially critical when you How to Winterize an Above Ground Pool. A loose cover in the middle of a Pennsylvania winter can quickly become a heavy, icy mess that damages your pool frame.
Safety and Maintenance Essentials
Safety should always be the top priority for families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. While a standard debris cover keeps leaves out, it is not designed to support the weight of a child or a pet.
If safety is a concern, look for covers that meet ASTM standards (specifically ES1346-91). These covers use a brass anchoring system and stainless steel springs to provide a high bearing capacity. Coverstar Solid and Mesh Safety Covers are prime examples of products designed to prevent accidental intrusions.
Beyond safety, a 13 foot pool cover is a maintenance powerhouse:
- Algae Inhibition: Solid covers block 100% of sunlight, which is the primary fuel for algae growth. By keeping the water dark, you significantly reduce the need for algaecides.
- Chemical Retention: Sunlight also breaks down chlorine. By covering the pool, you can reduce chemical use by up to 70%.
- Proper Storage: When the cover is off, don’t just pile it in the corner. Clean it, let it dry completely to prevent mold, and store it in a heavy-duty bag to protect it from rodents.
For more information on keeping your backyard secure, check out our guide on Pool Safety Equipment.
Maximizing Your Investment with Professional Support
Investing in a 13 foot pool cover isn’t just about the initial purchase; it’s about the long-term savings. According to industry data, Coverstar automatic and safety covers can provide a 90% reduction in evaporation and a 70% reduction in pool heating costs. In the often-unpredictable climate of Allentown and Scranton, retaining heat overnight can extend your swimming season by weeks.
Thermal insulation is a key benefit of heavier fabric covers. They act as a blanket, trapping the heat absorbed during the day and preventing it from escaping into the cool night air. This is particularly helpful for those who use solar heaters or heat pumps.
When the swimming season finally winds down, Closing Your Pool for the Season requires a reliable cover to protect your investment until spring.
Why Material Quality Matters for Durability
Not all PVC is created equal. When comparing a 13 foot pool cover, pay attention to the thickness and construction details.
- Thickness: Look for covers with a thickness of at least 0.48mm. This provides the necessary wear-resistance to survive multiple seasons.
- Stitching: High-quality safety covers feature triple-stitch seams and double-strap structures. This prevents the straps from pulling away from the fabric under the weight of snow or heavy rain.
- Lifespan: A standard “tarp-style” cover might only last 3 to 4 years. In contrast, solid safety covers generally last 10 to 12 years, and mesh or Ultra Mesh covers can last upwards of 20 years.
Avoiding Common Mistakes to Avoid When Winterizing Your Pool, such as using a cover with tears or improper tension, will ensure you get the maximum lifespan out of your purchase.
Accessories to Pair with Your Cover
To get the most out of your 13 foot pool cover, consider these helpful accessories:
- Ground Cloths: Protect the bottom of your pool from rocks and debris, just as the cover protects the top.
- Skimmers: Even with a cover, some debris will enter when you peel it back. A manual skimmer is essential for quick clean-ups.
- Solar Mats: Use these in conjunction with your cover to boost water temperature. You can learn more about these in our guide to Inground Pool Solar Covers.
- Foot Baths: Keep dirt from entering the pool in the first place by having swimmers rinse their feet before jumping in.
- Winterizing Kits: These include the necessary chemicals to balance your water before the cover goes on for the long haul.
Expert Care from Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas
At Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas, we understand that maintaining a pool should be a joy, not a chore. Whether you are in Wilkes-Barre, Dickson City, or Doylestown, our team is dedicated to helping you create and maintain your dream backyard oasis.
We don’t just sell covers; we provide local expertise. From professional installation that ensures your safety cover is tensioned perfectly to seasonal maintenance that keeps your water crystal clear, we are your one-stop shop in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
If you are tired of “leaf madness” and want to spend more time swimming and less time cleaning, Explore our swimming pool supplies in Wilkes-Barre or visit one of our showrooms in Bartonsville or Tannersville today. Our experts can help you find the perfect 13 foot pool cover to fit your specific model and lifestyle.
Posted by chris@enx2marketing.com in Pools