Pool covers are used by most pool owners in winter. But more and more people are moving towards using their pool covers year-round as the benefits are so numerous.
In this article, I will discuss why you should use pool covers all year round, including during the summer season. I will also point out the best types of summer pool covers and answer some frequently asked questions.
Main Takeaways
- Pool covers should be used in the summer.
- Pool covers used in the summer can save you money on maintenance.
- Foam covers and solar blankets are the best type of pool covers to use during summer.
- Covering your pool during the summer season will not result in the water getting too warm.
The Short Answer
So, should you cover your pool in the summer? The short answer is yes, pool covers can be used all year round. Pool covers don’t only exist to keep your pool water warm, they also provide many other useful functions and benefits when used during the summer.
8 Reasons to Cover Your Pool Year-Round
There are so many benefits to using a pool cover all year round. Here, I will discuss them in greater detail.
Reduce Water Evaporation
Aside from keeping your pool water warm, pool covers are an excellent method of preventing pool water from evaporating. Pool water evaporation is the number one cause of water loss in a pool, aside from an actual leak. Places that are typically hot, humid, windy, or have very little cover from direct sunlight are more likely to experience higher levels of evaporation.
Water evaporation in a pool doesn’t sound like something to worry about, but according to online statistics, the rate of water evaporation is around a quarter of an inch of water each day. If you do the math, it means that an average size pool can lose up to 2500 liters a week, which is a lot of water to lose purely to evaporation. This will cost you a lot of money in the long run!
Using a pool cover will trap the moisture, preventing it from evaporating into the air.
Retain Heat
Using pool covers to retain heat is probably the most common reason people use them. During the summer months, the air temperature can drop in the evenings, cooling the pool water. By using a solar pool cover at night, you can stop the water from losing too much warmth, resulting in warmer water the next day.
This is especially helpful for people who use solar energy to heat their water during the day. If they are fitted properly, pool covers can reduce heat loss by 95%.
Added Safety
As the season changes and the sun comes out during the summer, more people spend time outdoors – especially children. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is estimated that around 400 kids under the age of 15 die each year in pools. Sturdy fitted pool covers, like foam covers, can’t prevent small children from drowning, but they can buy them extra time if they do fall in the water.
Keep Out Debris
It is inevitable that debris like leaves, small sticks, and dead insects will fall into your pool water. Simply using a pool cover when the pool is not in use can prevent debris from landing in your pool water and clogging up the pool filter. It can act as an added layer of protection to prevent your pool filtration system from working that much harder.
Reduce The Amount of Chemicals Needed
Pool water requires a substantial amount of chemicals to clean the water and keep the pool’s pH levels balanced. When a pool is full of debris and the water is dirty, more chemicals are needed to keep the pool water clean. Because the pool cover is preventing debris from entering the water, fewer chemicals are needed to keep the water clean. This is a good thing as sometimes pool chemicals can cause irritation and allergies in the swimmers.
Reduce The Amount of Daily Cleaning
Reducing the need for daily cleaning may be the most advantageous reason to use a pool cover in the summer. Pool covers that prevent debris and algae-causing bacteria from entering the pool water result in less daily cleaning. The number of times you will need to use pool vacuums, brushes, or nets can be reduced greatly.
Extend The Life of The Pool Filter and Pump
The more debris and dirt that enters your pool, the harder the pool filter and pump have to work. Excessive debris and dirt can cause the filter to clog, which means that extra maintenance is required for the pool filter and pump. Pool covers can ease the load on the pool filter and pump, extending their lifetime.
Saves Money
Using a pool cover can save you some money in the long run in multiple ways.
Less evaporation saves you money on refilling your pool.
Energy costs are cut down when pool covers are used at night. In fact, some companies believe that by using a pool cover, you can reduce heat loss by at least 95%. This cut in energy usage can help reduce the cost of heating by a decent 50 to 70 percent.
I previously mentioned that pool covers can reduce chemical consumption, sometimes between 40% and 60% depending on the cover. This reduction can save a bit of money on monthly chemical costs.
This reason alone has many people using pool covers during the summer and all year round.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Type of Pool Cover To Use In The Summer?
There is no “best” type of pool cover as each design has its different pros and cons depending on your pool size, budget, whether you want it for insulation purposes or debris protection, and more. But there are two different pool covers that can be used during the summer season that I would consider the best types: foam covers or solar blankets. Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Foam Cover
Pros:
- Best insulating cover
- Extra strong material
- Protects pool water from debris
Cons:
- Expensive
- Difficult to roll up
Solar Blanket
Pros:
- Adequately retains heat in the pool
- Lightweight material
- Protects pool water from debris
- Easy to roll
- Cheaper than foam cover
Cons:
- Doesn’t last as long as foam covers
- Higher risk of algae growing on cover
Looking at the pros and cons of both, it is easy to decide which pool cover is the best type for you. If you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use cover that doesn’t cost a lot, then the solar blanket may be the best pool cover to use during the summer season.
If you do have a higher budget, can manage a slightly heavier cover that is a little harder to roll up, and are looking for the best possible insulation, then the best type of pool cover to use during summer is the foam cover.
Will The Pool Water Get Too Warm If I Cover It Every Night?
The simple answer is no. Pool covers do not heat the water. They can prevent a certain amount of heat loss in the water temperature, but they cannot actually heat the water. Leaving the pool cover on every day or night will not result in the water getting too warm.
Your biggest concern when leaving a pool cover on for extended periods of time should be the growth of algae under the cover.
Check out my related reading section below to read all about pool covers and everything you need to know!
