What pool cover should I purchase?

In addition to regular maintenance ensures a good pool cover ensures that your pool stays in top condition for longer.

So plenty of reason to choose the perfect cover (for you) with care!

The choice is huge — because which pool cover should you have now?

Find out which pool covers are available in this article. And find out what the pros and cons are per type of cover.

Why use a pool cover?

With a pool cover, you can save on maintenance costs, heating costs and prevent damage to your bath.

‍In short: you'll spend less money and your pool will last longer!

This is because by means of a pool cover, you prevent all kinds of leaves and other rubbish from ending up in your bath. Thanks to a good insulating cover, the heat of your pool water is also better preserved.

With a good pool cover, you can simply lower your the annual cost of your pool.

Here are all the potential benefits of pool cover at a glance:

• Less pollution from leaves, pruning, plastic, etc.: so less work for you and your pool systems
• Reduced risk of damage to the installation
• Less evaporation: this means, among other things, fewer heating costs
• Reduced risk for children and pets. Nevertheless, you should of course always keep an eye on them.
• Sleek finish/nicer than a swimming pool that is not in use.

Summer and winter pool cover?

If you are looking for the optimal cover for your pool, you should first decide when you want to use that cover, in summer or winter.

Winter cover

Above all, a winter cover should insulate well, reduce evaporation as much as possible and must not let light through to prevent algae growth.

A winter cover is really an advantage for any outdoor pool. Among other things, it prevents pollution, frost damage and a sky-high energy bill.

Especially if you plan to use your pool even in the cold months — and with a compact, sustainable swimming pool like a Swimm Intelligent Pool, that's certainly not a bad idea — you should buy a winter cover.

Want to know how to get your pool ready for the winter? Read it in our blog: How do I prepare my pool for winter? [6 Easy Steps].

Pool cover in the summer months

When it comes to a cover for the warm months only, thermal insulation is slightly less important.

Summer covers should reduce contamination by leaves and the like and to minimize evaporation. Most people will swim a little more often in the summer, so the controls should also be practical.

Do you want to know how to get your pool ready for the warm weather again? You can read it in our blog: how to restart your pool after the winter.

Double protective cover

Ideally, you should buy both a summer and a winter cover. In many cases, you can place the winter options on top of the summer cover and benefit from “double” protection and insulation.

Of course, two covers are also a considerable investment. Depending on your budget, this will not work (immediately). Then it's important to analyse your priorities. This is what the next chapter is about.

Which cover to choose? Ask yourself the following questions

Pool covers come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. The perfect cover for all swimming pools does not exist, you always have to analyse your own situation and then make choices. Ask yourself the following questions and identify your specific needs:

• Do I have (or want) an indoor or outdoor pool? 
  Outdoor pools need more protection against dirt and more thermal insulation.

• Do I want a new pool or do I want to better protect an existing pool? 
  Some solutions are not available as an upgrade or there is a substantial additional cost. For example, it is quite complicated to add a niche for a slatted deck to your pool afterwards.

• What are the dimensions of my pool? 
  Some covers are only available for “smaller” pools,
  e.g. a sturdy winter cover. So check which cover you have pool size fits.

• Do I want a summer or winter cover or a combination? 
  See previous chapter. If you are planning both a summer and a winter cover, make sure that your summer cover can withstand the extra weight in the winter or that you can easily exchange the covers.

• Which aspects are most important to me? 
  Excellent thermal insulation, convenience, aesthetics, etc. - what is your priority?

• What is my budget? 
  With a high-quality cover, you can significantly save energy and maintenance costs, although the investment is slightly higher. You also usually pay extra for convenience. And the larger the swimming surface, the bigger the cover and the more you pay for it.

Which pool cover do you go for?

If you have a good idea of your situation, wishes and needs, you can immediately explore the pool cover market in a completely different way.

Next, we will give you an overview of the available types of pool covers, their advantages and disadvantages and a price indication. Some brands offer coatings that help heat water or prevent algae growth.

1. Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap consists of PVC and/or polyester and is rolled out over the bathing water. The foil is cut to size for each pool.

Price indication: from 15€/m²

Pros:

+ low purchase costs
+ in principle for every pole size and shape
+ less evaporation
+ available with coating for, among others
UV protection, anti-algae effect,
solar function (supports water heating)

Downsides:

- foil floats on the water, so little protection against contamination
- limited thermal insulation
- no protection for children or pets
- roll-up system is next to the pool, no sleek finish
- may not be combined with a winter cover

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2. Summer/winter/4-season sail

This type of tarp usually consists of PVC and is placed over the edge of your pool. The summer sail is fairly thin and mainly prevents contamination. Winter and 4-season sails usually insulate slightly better.

Unfortunately, the appointments are used differently by different brands and sellers. Sometimes, for example, bubble wrap is also offered as a “summer sail”. It is also not obvious that the winter sail is waterproof. So read the product description very carefully before purchasing such a cover.

The design can also differ: sometimes the (PVC) sail comes standard in a metal frame, sometimes there is only a reinforced frame. Some sails are rolled out, others are stretched over the pool.

Price indication: from 20€/m² (summer sail, prefab)

Advantages of a (4-season) sail:

+ low purchase costs
+ in principle for every pole size and shape
+ less evaporation
+ depending on the version:
reasonable protection for children or pets
+ depending on material + version:
good protection against pollution

The drawbacks:

- thermal insulation varies greatly (--> material, thickness, design)
- roll-up system is possible next to the pool, no sleek finish
- often manual control, this is uncomfortable with larger pools

3. Foam cover

This tarpaulin consists of a type of foam foam and is usually rolled out onto the swimming water just like bubble wrap. The foam layer insulates better than average bubble wrap and often looks a little higher quality.

There are also systems that place the foam cover over the pool edge and thus provide even better protection against evaporation and contamination. In any case, inform yourself in advance how a certain product performs in the cold months.

Price indication: from 50€/m² 

Advantages of this type of cover:

+ reasonably low purchase costs
+ in principle for every pole size + shape (if floating on water)
+ less evaporation
+ depending on the version: reasonable protection for children or pets
+ depending on version: good protection against contamination

The drawbacks:

- roll-up system is possible next to the pool, no sleek finish
- often manual control, this is uncomfortable with larger pools

4. Rod cover

A rod cover is a plastic tarp that is reinforced with metal bars.
The cover is rolled out over the pool edge. In principle, it offers all the advantages of a (summer) sail and is extra sturdy and easier to operate thanks to the bars.

You can also use various versions with rod covers (watertightness,
encounter thickness, etc.). Read the product description carefully or inquire
with the seller.

Price indication: 1650€ (Swimm rod cover) for our Intelligent Pools
Advanced (4 m x 2.25 m)

Pros:

+ more than sufficient thermal insulation in the summer (note the insulation values in the product description)
+ good protection against dirt
+ reasonable protection for children or pets

Downsides:

- roll-up system is possible next to the pool, no sleek finish
- if manually operated: uncomfortable with large swimming pools
- often only prefab available

5. Slatted cover

This pool cover consists of slats that are (automatically) rolled out onto the swimming water. A slat cover has the most luxurious look of all pool covers. They reasonably protect bathing water from pollution and evaporation.

Slat systems are quite sturdy and if your children or pets accidentally fall on them, they won't sink through so quickly. Of course, they are not meant to walk or jump on them.

Price indication: 7200€ (Swimm slat cover for our Intelligent Pools Advanced 4 m x 2.25 m)

The benefits of a slatted cover:

+ reasonable protection against pollution and evaporation
+ luxurious look
+ automatic shutter system
+ sturdy
+ available with coating for, among other things, UV protection, anti-algae effect, solar function (supports water heating)
+ reasonably good protection for children and pets (some models are available with additional safety mechanisms)

The less good points of this type of pool cover:

- high purchase costs
- sufficient thermal insulation in the summer, but is not the most energy-efficient choice as a winter cover

6. PS blocks (winter cover)

Compact swimming pools can also be insulated in the cold months with polystyrene blocks, for example. These sturdy blocks are manually placed over the pool and come to rest on the pool edge. They do not let light through and offer excellent thermal insulation and very good protection against evaporation.

For Intelligent Pools, for example, Swimm sells care. Swim cover - 4 blocks of sturdy Polystyrene covered with skai leather (a type of synthetic leather). So well insulated, you can heat a compact swimming pool energy efficiently even in the cold months. Then the swimming season will never have to end for you.

Price indication: 2200€ (for Swimm Advanced models, l x w = 4 m x 2.25 m)

The advantages of a winter cover:

+ excellent thermal insulation
+ very good protection against evaporation
+ sturdy
+ good protection for children and pets
+ can be combined with most summer covers

Curious about the less strong points? Check them out below:

- manual control
- not available for larger pools

7. Special covers: canopy + sliding terrace

Want more than the standard options? Then there are still the special cases, the canopy or the sliding terrace.

A canopy is a type of roof that you can (electronically) slide over your pool on rails.
A canopy optimally protects bathing water against evaporation and pollution. Depending on the height, you can even swim underneath it. You would have to open the canopy slightly to get access.

There are also systems that slide a kind of terrace over your pool. If you're not using your swimming pool for a while, you'll get a piece of terrace in no time.

Price indication: from 5.000€ (prefab, swimming area +/- 6.5 x 3.5 m)

The advantages:

+ excellent thermal insulation
+ excellent protection against evaporation
+ maximum safety for children and pets
+ sturdy
+ luxurious look

The drawbacks:

- high purchase costs
- canopies are usually high and can look colossal
- not available for all pole sizes and shapes
- you may need a separate building permit

Points to consider when using your pool cover

Whichever summer or winter cover you choose, they need a little bit of attention to keep working well in the long term. So pay attention to the following points:

• Wipe leaves, trimmings, etc. off the cover before removing them. Otherwise, they will still end up in the water or cause stains/damage to the cover or retractor.
• Is there a thick layer of snow, ice or heavy water on your cover? Remove that as soon as possible to prevent damage.
• Do not switch on automatic retractors, especially the louvered shutter, if there is snow or ice on the cover.
• Always keep an eye on your kids and pets near your pool.
• When a cover is not in use, always store it according to the instructions.
• Clean your cover regularly. Refer to the user manual for recommended cleaning agents and intervals.

Choosing your perfect pool cover: key points at a glance

• A good pool cover preserves the pool and saves costs.
• You can choose from different types of covers: bubble wrap, summer and winter sails, foam covers, rod covers, slat covers, PS blocks, and special options such as canopies and sliding terraces.
• Your choice depends on pool type, budget and usage.
• Winter covers insulate and protect your pool from frost.
• Summer covers reduce pollution and evaporation.
• Choose a combination of summer and winter covers for optimal protection.
• Maintenance and instructions are crucial.
• Explore your options and choose the cover that suits your situation.

Looking for a sustainable bath with a good cover?

With our Swim Intelligent Polish you can go in any direction when it comes to pool covers and thanks to the highly energy-efficient systems - in combination with a good winter cover - you can enjoy your pool even in the cold months.

Discover the possibilities of the Swimm Intelligent Pools - on our website - or create one right away appointment to come and try your hand at swimming and experience it for yourself!

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