Investing in a swimming pool is a fantastic addition to any home, offering relaxation, exercise, and countless memories. However, maintaining a pool can be a significant commitment, both in terms of time and resources.
One essential accessory that every pool owner should consider is a pool cover. Not all pool covers are created equal and choosing the right one can make a substantial difference in the maintenance and enjoyment of your pool. This article is designed to help you make an informed decision on the most suitable pool cover for your needs.
Key insight
- Solar covers (bubble covers) use UV-resistant material to absorb and trap heat from the sun. They help warm the pool, reduce evaporation, and cut chemical use, ideal for extending the swimming season.
- Fitted leaf covers are designed to keep leaves, dirt, and animals out. Sitting above the water, they reduce cleaning time and evaporation, making them perfect for pools surrounded by trees.
- Thermal pool covers offer the best heat retention, making them ideal for heated pools. They can reduce heating costs by up to 70% and maintain comfortable temperatures through cooler months.
- Commercial pool covers are customised for any pool type, indoor or outdoor, heated or not. They offer tailored energy savings, easier maintenance, and long-term value for larger or unique pool setups.
What are the different types of pool covers?
Solar Covers: Harnessing the power of the sun.
Solar covers, also known as “bubble” covers, blankets or floating bubble covers, serve a dual purpose: heating the water and minimizing evaporation. These covers consist of durable, UV-resistant materials with air bubbles that allow the heat from the sun to transfer into the water below and trap it there.
By reducing heat loss and evaporation, solar covers help retain warmth, extend the swimming season, and lower heating costs. Additionally, they reduce chemical consumption and water loss, contributing to a more eco-friendly and cost-effective pool maintenance routine.
Fitted Leaf Covers: Keeping debris out!
To combat heavy leaf loads, fitted covers, also referred to as leaf covers or winter covers, are a semi-permanent option that is very good at keeping debris out of the pool. These covers provide coverage from over the pool, (not sitting on the surface of the water), effectively shielding it from leaves, debris, and unwanted visitors like birds and animals.
Made from mesh or other durable materials, fitted covers not only keep the pool clean but also reduce evaporation, minimizing the need for frequent refilling and chemical adjustments.
Thermal Pool Covers: Maximizing heat retention.
For heated pools, thermal covers are the ideal choice for retaining heat, maximizing energy efficiency, and increasing cost savings. These covers provide superior thermal protection, minimising heat loss and reducing heating costs by up to 70%.
By retaining heat and preventing evaporation, thermal covers help maintain optimal water temperature and prolong the swimming season, ensuring year-round enjoyment of your pool.
Commercial Pool Covers: Tailored solutions for all requirements.
Whether you have an indoor or outdoor pool, heated or non-heated, commercial pool covers offer customized solutions to suit your specific requirements. By consulting with our pool cover experts, you can explore a wide range of options tailored to your pool’s size, shape, and environmental factors.
From enhancing energy efficiency to simplifying maintenance, commercial pool covers provide peace of mind and long-term savings for pool owners.
Investing in a high-quality pool cover is a smart decision that can significantly reduce your costs & maintenance as well as enhance the enjoyment of your pool for years to come.
Using a roller for your pool cover will make putting it on and taking it off both easier and quicker, as well as increase the life of the cover by reducing wear and tear.
Find out more about our Pool Cover and Roller options here or call us to talk to one of our experts today.
Comparison table: Types of Pool Covers
|
Cover type |
Primary purpose |
Material & Design |
Key benefits |
Best for |
|
Solar cover |
Heat retention & evaporation reduction |
UV-resistant plastic with air bubbles (“bubble wrap” style) |
Warms water, lowers heating costs, reduces chemical use and water loss |
Pools in sunny areas wanting to extend swim season |
|
Fitted Leaf Covers |
Debris prevention & minimal water loss |
Mesh or tough synthetic fabric, secured over pool (not floating) |
Keeps leaves, animals & debris out, cuts down on cleaning, reduces evaporation |
Pools near trees or high-debris environments |
|
Thermal Covers |
Maximise heat retention for heated pools |
Thick, insulated multi-layer material |
Superior heat retention, reduces heat loss by up to 70%, minimises energy usage |
Heated pools needing year-round efficiency |
|
Commercial Covers |
Customised protection & energy savings |
Varies based on pool type and location |
Tailored fit, improved energy use, reduced maintenance, long-term cost savings |
Commercial or unique-shaped pools (indoor or outdoor) |
|
Cover type |
Key Feature |
Heat Retention |
Safety |
Cost |
|
Solar Covers |
Uses sunlight to warm the pool & reduce evaporation |
Moderate – retains warmth but less effective in cooler weather |
Low – not designed for safety |
Low-Average |
|
Fitted Leaf Covers |
Keeps leaves, debris, and animals out |
Low – not built for thermal insulation |
Moderate – acts as a barrier but not load-bearing |
High |
|
Thermal Covers |
Designed to retain heat in heated pools |
High – excellent for heat retention and energy savings |
Low – floats on water, not secure for children or pets |
Average |
|
Commercial Covers |
Custom-fit for large or unique pools with tailored features |
Variable – depends on type (thermal or mesh options available) |
Variable – different options available with safety-rated materials |
High |
Conclusion
If you’ve got a pool, a good cover’s a no-brainer. It saves you time, cuts your power and water bills, and keeps the pool in better nick. Whether you want to keep it warm, clean, or safe, there’s a cover that’ll suit how you use your pool. It’s one small choice that’ll make a big difference.
If your pool’s still not heating like it should, give Australian Energy Systems a call. We’ll help you find the right pool cover and our technicians can handle any repairs or maintenance you need. Call us on 1800 243 847 for friendly advice or to book a service.
