Shop Square 24 ft Round Pool Cover Review: A Budget Cover with Big Promises

There’s a unique sense of melancholy that comes with closing your pool for the season. The laughter-filled days of summer give way to the crisp, leaf-strewn reality of autumn. As pool owners, we know this transition marks the beginning of a crucial, often frustrating, chore: protecting our investment from the harsh realities of the off-season. For years, I’ve battled with falling leaves creating a thick, sludgy tea in the water, surprise algae blooms in the spring, and the constant worry that a heavy snowfall might damage the pool itself. A reliable winter cover isn’t just a piece of plastic; it’s our first line of defense against a long, expensive, and back-breaking spring opening. The right cover saves time, money on chemicals, and the sanity of having to dredge a swamp before you can even think about swimming again. This annual search for the perfect shield is what led us to test the Shop Square 24 ft Round Pool Cover, a product promising supreme protection at an attractive price point.

Beyond the Blue Tarp: What to Look for in a Winter Pool Cover

A pool cover is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for safeguarding your pool’s ecosystem and structure during its most vulnerable period. A quality winter cover prevents debris, from autumn leaves to spring pollen, from contaminating the water, which drastically reduces the need for cleaning and chemical rebalancing when you reopen. It also blocks sunlight, inhibiting the growth of algae—the primary culprit behind that dreaded green water. Furthermore, a sturdy cover can bear the weight of snow and ice, preventing potential damage to your pool’s walls and liner. It’s an essential piece of maintenance equipment that pays for itself in saved labor and expenses.

The ideal customer for this type of product is an above-ground pool owner in a climate with distinct seasons, who is looking for a practical and affordable way to close their pool for winter. They value simplicity and are comfortable with a manual installation process. This might not be the best solution for those living in regions with exceptionally high winds or extreme, heavy snowfall, who may require a more robust, safety-rated cover. Likewise, someone seeking a cover that can be walked on (a safety cover) or one that offers thermal benefits to extend the swimming season (a solar cover) should look at different product categories entirely. For them, a heavy-duty mesh or solid vinyl cover with a more substantial anchoring system would be a more appropriate investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The single most important factor is the fit. A winter cover must be larger than the pool itself to allow for overhang. This slack is critical for accommodating a winterizing air pillow and the weight of rain or snow without putting stress on the cover, grommets, or your pool’s top rail. Always measure your pool diameter and look for a cover that advertises at least 3-4 feet of total overlap (e.g., a 28 ft cover for a 24 ft pool).
• Capacity/Performance: Performance is measured by how well the cover stands up to the elements. Key metrics include the material’s scrim count (a higher number like 10×10 or 12×12 indicates a tighter, stronger weave), its resistance to UV degradation, and its ability to withstand cold temperatures without becoming brittle and cracking. The fastening system, typically a cable and winch, must also be robust enough to keep the cover secure through winter storms.
• Materials & Durability: Most affordable winter covers are made from laminated polyethylene. The key differentiator is thickness and scrim count. A “supreme mesh” or “heavy-duty” label can be subjective; look for tangible specs if possible. Thicker materials with a higher scrim count and a protective coating will invariably last more seasons than their thinner, lighter counterparts, which can feel flimsy and may be prone to punctures and tears.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Installation should be a two-person job but straightforward. Look for clearly spaced grommets and a functional winch. During the winter, you will need to periodically pump accumulated water off the cover’s surface to prevent excessive weight from stressing the cover and the pool structure. A cover that sags excessively will make this task much more difficult.

Understanding these fundamentals is key to making an informed choice. The Shop Square 24 ft Round Pool Cover aims to meet these needs, but as we discovered, marketing claims and real-world performance can be two very different things.

While the Shop Square 24 ft Round Pool Cover is an excellent choice for some, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Shop Square: First Impressions and Initial Setup

Upon arrival, the packaging for the Shop Square 24 ft Round Pool Cover was standard and compact. Inside the box, we found the navy blue cover neatly folded, along with the vinyl-coated cable and a small metal winch for tightening. The initial impression upon unfolding the cover was one of surprise at its light weight. The “supreme mesh” polyethylene material felt noticeably thinner to the touch than other winter covers we’ve handled in a similar price range. Holding a section up to the light revealed a visible weave, which immediately raised questions about its long-term durability and its ability to fully block sunlight to prevent algae growth. The product description boasts of an “industry-leading polyethylene scrim,” but it felt more akin to a standard lightweight tarp than a heavy-duty winter shield. The rip-proof metal grommets, spaced about 30 inches apart, were present as advertised, though we did note some minor inconsistencies in their finish upon closer inspection. The overall feeling was that of a budget-conscious product that prioritizes a low price point over material robustness, a common trade-off in this market. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a broader picture.

Putting the “Supreme Mesh” to the Test: A Deep Dive into Performance

A pool cover’s true worth is only revealed over time, through wind, rain, and snow. We put the Shop Square 24 ft Round Pool Cover through its paces, focusing on the core promises of its marketing: material durability, fit and security, and overall elemental protection. Our extended testing, combined with an analysis of widespread user feedback, painted a picture of a product with significant contradictions—one that may suffice for some but fall critically short for others.

Material Thinness and Durability: Does “Supreme” Hold Up?

The most prominent claim made by Shop Square is the use of “supreme mesh” material. In our hands-on evaluation, this descriptor felt more aspirational than factual. The polyethylene fabric is alarmingly thin. As one user aptly put it, it feels comparable to a “grocery bag,” and another noted that parts are “literally see-through.” Our experience aligns perfectly with this sentiment. When stretched, the weave becomes visibly porous, which is a major red flag for a winter cover. The primary purpose of blocking sunlight to prevent algae growth is immediately compromised if the material itself is not opaque. We have serious doubts about its ability to create the dark environment needed to keep water clear until spring.

This thinness directly impacts its durability. The product specs promise resilience down to -10° F, but brittle failure is a real concern. Thin plastic becomes fragile in deep cold, and the stress from wind, ice, or snow could easily lead to tearing. We observed this concern echoed by numerous users. One customer stated, “Extremely thin I don’t think it will make it thru the winter without tearing.” Another, after just five minutes of installation, noticed five holes had already formed. While we didn’t experience immediate holes, the material’s lack of heft gives us no confidence it would survive a Midwest winter, a sentiment shared by a user from Wisconsin who anticipated issues with “heavy snow, ice, and wind.” The term “supreme” seems to be a significant overstatement; this is, as one technically-minded user pointed out, a basic 7×7 scrim cover, the lowest grade available, not a premium product. This is a crucial factor to consider when you check the latest price and availability; the value proposition is questionable if a replacement is needed annually.

Sizing and Overhang: A Game of Inches

Perhaps the most critical failure of the Shop Square 24 ft Round Pool Cover is its sizing. A winter cover for a 24-foot pool should not measure exactly 24 feet in diameter. Proper winterization requires several feet of overlap to drape over the sides, accommodate an air pillow, and allow for some sag as water and snow accumulate. The product description is unclear on its final dimension, but our testing and a chorus of user feedback confirm this cover has virtually zero effective overhang for a 24-foot pool.

During our installation, we found the cover was stretched taut like a drumhead just to reach the edges of the pool’s top rail. This leaves no room for error and no capacity to handle any precipitation. As one user lamented, “Installed the cover… This one is exactly 24 ft in diameter and is stretched across.” Others who ordered the 24-foot size reported similar issues, with one stating, “The cover barely covered the pool size we ordered it for,” and another confirming it “has no overhang at all!” This is not just an inconvenience; it’s a fundamental design flaw that renders the cover ineffective. Without slack, the first significant rainfall or snowfall will put immense strain on the grommets and the cable, likely causing one of them to fail and the cover to fall into the pool. It completely negates the purpose of having a cover in the first place. This lack of proper sizing is a deal-breaker for anyone who expects their cover to manage winter precipitation.

Installation and Security: The Cable and Winch System Under Scrutiny

The included installation hardware consists of a vinyl-coated steel cable and a crank winch. In theory, this is a standard and effective system for securing an above-ground pool cover. However, the system’s effectiveness is severely hampered by the two issues mentioned above: material quality and sizing. During our test installation, threading the cable through the grommets was straightforward. However, we immediately noticed the concern raised by one user about grommet quality; a few were slightly bent, though usable. A less fortunate buyer reported “5 bent or completely crushed grommets,” a clear sign of poor quality control during manufacturing.

The real trouble began when we attempted to tighten the winch. Because the cover was already stretched so tight, the winch had little slack to work with. This puts enormous tension on the cable, the grommets, and the winch itself. The grommets, being placed very close to the edge of the thin material, felt like they were on the verge of ripping out. This confirms one user’s observation: “Grommets are placed close to the edge. I doubt this tarp will make it the whole winter.” Furthermore, the lack of slack and weight makes the cover highly susceptible to wind. We experienced the cover lifting even in a light breeze, a problem articulated perfectly by a frustrated user who had to “recover half the pool… due to it blowing halfway off” in winds under two miles per hour. The cable system simply cannot hold the cover down without sufficient material draping over the side to provide an anchor. This is a feature that really sets it apart, and not in a good way, making it unreliable in anything but the calmest conditions.

What Other Users Are Saying

Sifting through the experiences of other buyers reveals a deeply divided, though leaning negative, consensus. The primary complaints consistently revolve around the material’s thinness and the inadequate sizing. Many users express feelings of being misled by the “supreme” branding, with one stating, “Do not be fooled by the word ‘supreme’ in the title. This is a very thin 7×7 scrim cover — the most basic grade available.” This sentiment is echoed by another who called it a “paper thin cheap piece of tarp.” The issue of sizing is just as prevalent, with numerous reports like, “Ordered a cover for a 24ft round pool… the cover only had about a 1ft overhang (if that).”

However, it’s not entirely negative. A small subset of users found the cover adequate for their needs, often praising its low price and easy installation. One satisfied customer said, “I have nothing but great things to say about this pool cover… it works wonders easy to install and easy to use.” Another, in a surprising testament to its resilience, reported it “survived the winter in the Midwest…it survived 3 ducks fighting in the water that accumulated on top.” One particularly insightful review highlights a positive customer service experience. After their cover ripped within 8 months, the company honored the warranty and shipped a replacement, leading the user to say they “would order from this company again.” This suggests that while the product itself has flaws, the company may stand behind it, a silver lining for those willing to take a chance and see if it meets their needs.

Comparing the Competition: Top Alternatives to the Shop Square Cover

While the Shop Square 24 ft Round Pool Cover competes on price, its performance inconsistencies make it crucial to consider alternatives. Depending on your priorities—be it durability, a specialty use, or simply augmenting a budget cover—other products might serve you far better.

1. Blue Wave 16 ft x 28 ft Oval Pool Cover

For pool owners who have been burned by thin, undersized covers, the Blue Wave Gold series is a significant step up. This cover is marketed with a 15-year warranty, immediately signaling a higher level of confidence in its construction. It’s made from a more rugged polyethylene and, most importantly, is designed with a generous 4-foot overlap. This extra material is exactly what the Shop Square cover is missing, as it allows for proper installation with an air pillow and provides the necessary slack to handle water and snow without straining the seams. While this specific model is for an oval pool, Blue Wave offers a full range of sizes and shapes. This is the ideal alternative for anyone in a harsh climate who prioritizes long-term durability over initial cost savings and wants a cover that is built to last multiple seasons.

2. UCEDER Waterproof Hot Tub Cover 600D Heavy Duty Polyester

This UCEDER cover serves a different, but related, purpose. It’s not a pool cover, but a protective cap for a hot tub or spa. Made from 600D heavy-duty polyester, it’s designed to protect the expensive, insulated hard cover underneath from UV rays, rain, snow, and debris. For homeowners who have both a pool and a hot tub, understanding the different material requirements is key. This product is a perfect example of a purpose-built cover designed for maximum durability against the elements. If you landed here looking for a solution to protect your spa, this is a far more appropriate choice. It highlights the importance of choosing a cover made from the right material for the specific application, whether it’s a lightweight pool closing cover or a heavy-duty spa shield.

3. Beeplove 60 Pcs 4.7″ Pool Cover Clips

These clips are not a cover, but an essential accessory that directly addresses one of the biggest weaknesses of the Shop Square cover: wind. For owners of above-ground pools with a top rail, these clips are a game-changer. They clamp the edge of the cover directly to the rail, providing dozens of extra anchor points and preventing wind from getting underneath and lifting the cover off. If you are committed to using a budget cover like the Shop Square, investing in a set of these clips is almost mandatory. They provide the extra security that the cover’s own cable and winch system fails to deliver, potentially turning a frustrating, unreliable product into a functional, season-long solution. For a small additional cost, they offer significant peace of mind and are a must-have for any user of a lightweight, non-premium cover.

Final Verdict: A High-Risk, Low-Reward Choice

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Shop Square 24 ft Round Pool Cover is one of significant reservation. While its low price point is undeniably tempting, the product fails to deliver on its most fundamental promises. The “supreme mesh” is exceedingly thin, and the sizing is critically inadequate for a 24-foot pool, leaving no room for the necessary overlap to handle winter weather. This combination results in a cover that is difficult to secure, highly vulnerable to wind, and unlikely to last a single season in any climate with significant precipitation or freezing temperatures.

We would only recommend this cover to someone in a very mild climate with minimal rain or snow, who is looking for the absolute cheapest option to keep leaves out for a short period and is willing to accept the risk of it failing. For everyone else, this is a classic case of “you get what you pay for.” Investing a little more in a thicker cover with proper overlap, like those from Blue Wave, will save you immense frustration and likely prove more economical in the long run. If your budget is firm and you decide to proceed, consider it a single-season product at best and purchase a set of cover clips to have any hope of it staying on. If you understand the limitations and are willing to accept the risks, you can find the Shop Square 24 ft Round Pool Cover here, but we strongly advise considering the more durable alternatives.