The right pool cover keeps your inground pool cleaner, warmer, and safer, and it can cut your running costs a lot. The U.S. Department of Energy says covering a pool when it’s not in use can lower heating costs by 50% to 70%, reduce the water you need to add by 30% to 50%, and cut chemical use by 35% to 60%. The best type depends on whether you care most about heat, safety, or winter protection.
That’s a big payoff for one piece of equipment. Below, you’ll learn how pool covers save money, the main types, and how to pick one that fits your pool and your family.
Why a Pool Cover Saves You Money
Most of the heat your pool loses doesn’t escape through the walls. It goes into the air. According to the Department of Energy’s Energy Saver guide, evaporation is by far the largest source of energy loss in a pool. Each pound of 80°F water that evaporates takes about 1,048 Btu of heat with it.
Evaporation gets worse when the water is warm, the wind is strong, and the air is dry. A cover blocks that process. So the water stays warmer, less of it disappears, and your heater doesn’t have to work as hard.
The benefits at a glance
| Benefit | What the DOE says |
|---|---|
| Lower heating costs | 50% to 70% savings possible |
| Less water to top up | 30% to 50% less make-up water |
| Fewer chemicals | 35% to 60% less chemical use |
| Less cleaning | Keeps leaves and debris out |
Other Reasons to Cover Your Pool
Less cleaning
Leaves, bugs, dust, and pollen find their way into an open pool fast. A cover keeps most of that out. That means less skimming, less vacuuming, and less strain on your filter.
Better safety
A strong, anchored safety cover adds a layer of protection for kids and pets. The DOE notes that track-mounted safety covers can support several people. But no cover replaces adult supervision and a proper pool fence. Think of it as one layer in your safety plan, not the whole plan.
Off-season protection
In colder areas, a winter cover protects the pool while it’s closed. It keeps debris out and makes spring opening much easier.
Types of Pool Covers
Solar (bubble) covers
These look like thick bubble wrap. The DOE calls them the lowest-cost covers made for pools, and they’re built with UV inhibitors to last longer in the sun. They’re a great choice if your main goal is holding heat and cutting evaporation.
Vinyl and insulated vinyl covers
Vinyl covers are heavier and last longer than bubble covers. Insulated vinyl covers add a thin layer of flexible insulation between two vinyl layers, which helps hold even more heat.
Safety covers
Safety covers are made from strong mesh or solid material and anchored around the pool deck. They’re built to bear weight and keep people and pets from falling in.
Automatic covers
These covers open and close with a button or switch. The DOE says automatic covers cost the most but are the most convenient. Because they’re so easy to use, you’re more likely to actually cover the pool every night.
A cover to skip
Plain plastic sheeting is cheap, but the DOE notes it tears easily, breaks down in sunlight, and usually lasts only one to two seasons.
How to Choose the Right Pool Cover
- Pick your main goal. Heat and savings point to a solar or insulated cover. Safety points to a mesh, solid, or automatic safety cover.
- Measure carefully. Note the length, width, and shape, including steps and curves.
- Think about your climate. Cold winters call for a dedicated winter or safety cover.
- Be honest about effort. If you won’t drag a cover on and off daily, an automatic one may be worth the extra cost.
- Check the warranty. Longer warranties usually signal better materials.
One trade-off to know
Covers can also block some free solar heat. The DOE says a clear bubble cover may reduce solar absorption by 5% to 15%, and an opaque cover by 20% to 40%. For most pools, the savings from stopping evaporation still outweigh that loss.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pool cover worth it?
For most pool owners, yes. The U.S. Department of Energy says covering a pool when it’s not in use can cut heating costs by 50% to 70%. Covers also reduce water loss and chemical use, and they keep debris out. If you heat your pool, a cover often pays for itself over time.
What is the best type of pool cover?
It depends on your goal. Solar bubble covers are the lowest-cost way to hold heat and cut evaporation. Insulated vinyl covers hold even more heat. Safety covers protect kids and pets, and automatic covers are the most convenient. Many owners use a solar cover in summer and a safety or winter cover off-season.
Do pool covers really reduce evaporation?
Yes. Evaporation is the biggest source of heat loss in a pool, according to the Department of Energy. A cover blocks the water’s surface from the air, so less water escapes. The DOE says covers can cut the amount of water you need to add by 30% to 50%.
Should I leave my pool cover on during the day?
It depends on your cover and climate. A clear solar cover lets some sunlight through, so many owners leave it on during the day to warm the water. Opaque covers block more sun. If your pool is overheating in summer, removing the cover during the day can help.
Can a pool cover keep kids safe?
A properly installed safety cover adds protection, but it isn’t enough on its own. Children still need constant adult supervision, and your pool should have a fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Solar bubble covers are not safety covers, so never let anyone walk or play on them.
Cover Your Pool and Save
The right pool cover cuts heating costs, saves water and chemicals, and keeps your pool cleaner. Choose a solar or insulated cover for savings, a safety or automatic cover for protection, and skip cheap plastic sheeting.
Your next step: measure your pool this weekend, decide on your main goal, and compare two or three covers that fit both your pool and your routine.
