Blue Wave Leaf Net Pool Cover (Round — Above-Ground Pools)

If you’ve closed an above-ground pool in autumn, you know the drill: tarp on, tensioned cable, then a lumpy swamp of soggy leaves by spring. The Blue Wave Leaf Net is a simple, budget-friendly add-on that saves hours of spring cleanup by catching leaves before they reach your winter cover. Think of it as a shield that rests on top of your winter cover and traps debris for easy removal.

What it is (quick overview)

The Blue Wave Leaf Net is a lightweight, black polyethylene mesh “net” sized to sit on top of your winter cover. It includes a 3-foot overlap, reinforced grommets around the perimeter and a vinyl-coated cable plus winch so you can secure it tight over the winter cover. You simply lay it on top of the winter cover at closing and remove it (shake it off) before the big snow or whenever it’s full of leaves.

Key features at a glance:

• Mesh design that stops leaves and most needles while letting water pass through (prevents the “leaf soup” on top of your winter cover).

• 3-ft overlap to accommodate above-ground top rails and to ensure good coverage.

• Grommets spaced frequently (every 2 feet) for even tensioning with the included cable & metal winch.

• Available in a wide range of round sizes (common sizes from ~12′ up to 30′+.

  
  

Sizing & fit — a quick buying tip

Measure your pool’s outside rim diameter (or check your current winter cover size). Above-ground leaf nets are sized to sit on top of the winter cover and typically include an extra 3-ft overlap - so if you’ve lowered the water more than about 12″ under the skimmer, the company advises choosing a larger size to avoid excessive sagging. The official install manual explains exactly how the net should “hug” the sidewall and rest on the water.

Installation in plain English

1. Lay your winter cover and secure it as usual.

2. Spread the leaf net over the winter cover so it rests on the water and the 3-ft overlap drapes over the pool edge.

3. Thread the vinyl-coated cable through the grommets and tighten with the included winch. Don’t stretch the net tight across the pool - letting it sit naturally on the water reduces stress and tearing. Remove it before heavy snow if you can. (Blue Wave’s instructions walk through this step-by-step.)

   
   

Real-world pros & cons (what owners actually say):

Pros

• Big time saver in spring - most users report much easier cleanup because leaves are sitting on the net, not decomposed in the pool or the winter cover.

• Inexpensive — compared to replacing a full winter cover or doing hours of cleaning, leaf nets are budget friendly.

  
  

Cons

• Not a heavy-duty safety cover - it’s mesh, so it won’t support weight (kids/pets). Use it in addition to safe storage practices.

• Mesh can snag on rough edges and if pulled/tensioned excessively, may tear. Several reviewers recommend handling carefully and replacing every few seasons depending on use.

  
  

Care & lifespan

After removal, shake or hose off the net, let it dry, fold loosely, and store in a cool, dry place. Many users get multiple seasons out of a net, but lifespan varies by weather, how it’s tensioned, and how abrasive your pool edge is - community reports often cite ~2–4 seasons under typical use. If it does tear, replacement nets are inexpensive compared with heavy-duty winter covers.

Where to buy & price expectations

Blue Wave leaf nets are widely available: Blue Wave’s own store and major retailers such as Amazon (click on "Buy Now" below to view current price on Amazon), Walmart, Lowe’s and Home Depot. Prices vary by size - small round nets can be in the ~$30–$50 range while large 24–30′ nets can run $60–$100+ depending on retailer and sales.

Final Thoughts

If your autumn includes trees that shed, the Blue Wave Leaf Net is a pragmatic, low-cost way to keep your winter cover (and pool water) much cleaner come spring. It’s not a safety cover or a replacement for a proper winter tarp, but used as intended, loose on top of your winter cover and tensioned with the cable - it does exactly what it promises: makes spring opening far less terrible. For many pool owners, the time saved alone justifies the small purchase.

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