The Truth About Pool Covers: Do They Really Save Money and Energy?
If you’ve ever wondered whether a pool cover is worth the investment, you’re not alone. Many pool owners think of them only as a safety measure or something to use in the off-season. But the truth is, pool covers do a lot more than keep leaves out—they can actually save you money, time, and energy year-round.
Here’s what you need to know about the real benefits (and limitations) of using a pool cover.
1. Pool Covers Reduce Evaporation (and Save Water)
One of the biggest costs of owning a pool isn’t always obvious: water loss. Depending on weather conditions, a pool can lose ¼ to ½ inch of water per day through evaporation. Over the course of a year, that adds up to as much as 10,000 gallons of water—and a noticeable spike in your water bill.
A pool cover acts like a lid, slowing evaporation by as much as 90–95%. Less evaporation means fewer refills—and lower water bills.
2. Pool Covers Help Maintain Heat
If you’ve ever heated your pool, you know the energy bill can add up fast. Most of that heat is lost overnight when the air is cooler than the water.
A solar pool cover (sometimes called a “solar blanket”) traps heat, keeping water warmer and reducing how often your heater kicks on. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a cover can cut heating costs by 50–70%.
3. Fewer Chemicals, Less Maintenance
Every time water evaporates, it doesn’t just take heat with it—it also pulls out pool chemicals like chlorine. That means you need to add more chemicals to maintain safe water balance.
By reducing evaporation, pool covers help stabilize water chemistry, which means:
- Fewer chemical adjustments
- Less chlorine loss to sunlight
- Cleaner, more consistent water
That translates to both time and money saved.
4. Types of Pool Covers and Their Benefits
Not all pool covers are created equal. Each type offers different advantages depending on your priorities—whether that’s cutting energy bills, keeping your pool cleaner, or adding safety.
Solar Covers (a.k.a. Solar Blankets)
- Best for: Heating efficiency and reducing evaporation.
- How they work: Made of UV-resistant plastic with air bubbles, they trap heat from the sun and keep it in the pool.
- Benefits: Affordable, lightweight, easy to put on and take off, and can extend your swimming season by a few weeks.
- Limitations: Not designed for safety; they won’t keep kids or pets out of the pool.
Safety Covers
- Best for: Long-term protection and peace of mind.
- How they work: Sturdy mesh or solid covers anchored to the deck around your pool. They’re designed to support the weight of people or pets if they accidentally walk across.
- Benefits: Provide the highest level of safety, keep out large debris, and protect your pool during the off-season. Mesh safety covers also allow rainwater through, preventing heavy water buildup.
- Limitations: More effort to install and remove; solid safety covers may require a pump to remove standing water.
Automatic Covers
- Best for: Everyday use and convenience.
- How they work: A motorized system rolls the cover on and off with the push of a button. The cover sits directly on the water, sealing the pool almost completely.
- Benefits: Excellent for daily evaporation control, chemical savings, and heat retention. They also act as a safety barrier and keep the pool much cleaner.
- Limitations: Higher upfront cost and ongoing maintenance compared to other cover types.
5. What Pool Covers Don’t Do
While they save money and energy, pool covers aren’t magic. They won’t:
- Eliminate the need for regular cleaning and circulation
- Replace chemical balancing
- Stop algae if your water chemistry is off
Think of a pool cover as a helper, not a replacement for good pool care.
The Bottom Line
Yes—a pool cover really can save you money, energy, and time. Whether you’re trying to cut back on heating bills, use fewer chemicals, or just keep more water in your pool, a cover is a smart investment.
If you’re not sure which type of pool cover is best for your pool, Marin Pool Service is here to help. We’ll walk you through your options and make sure your pool is built for efficiency, safety, and fun all year long.
Call us at 415-892-4000 or visit us on Instagram
@marinpoolservice
for more pool care tips.
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