Solar covers for pools
A solar cover, also called a thermal or bubble cover, is the most affordable way to keep your pool water warmer. It floats on the water, lets the sun’s heat through during the day and stops it escaping at night, when temperatures drop most.
At Total Pool we supply made-to-measure solar covers and the rollers to put them on and take them off easily.
What a solar cover does
- Keeps the water warm by reducing heat loss overnight.
- Extends the swimming season in spring and autumn.
- Reduces evaporation and the use of water and chemicals.
- Improves the performance of a heat pump or solar panels, if you have them.
Types of cover
Bubble covers are the most widely used because they offer good value for money. They come in different thicknesses: the thicker the cover, the better it withstands sun and chlorine.
Foam covers insulate better and are more durable, although they cost more. We’ll recommend one or the other depending on how the pool is used and whether it’s heated.
The roller: key to daily use
A cover that’s awkward to remove ends up not being used. That’s why we pair it with a fixed or mobile roller that lets you take it off and put it back in a few minutes, and protects it when rolled up.
Frequently asked questions
How many degrees does a solar cover add?
It depends on the pool, its orientation and the time of year, but its main effect is to stop heat escaping at night, so the water stays noticeably warmer.
Do I have to remove it to swim?
Yes. With a roller it comes off and goes back on in a few minutes.
Does it work as a safety or winter cover?
No. It’s a thermal cover that floats on the water; it isn’t designed to bear weight or to protect the pool in winter.