Buyers Guide to Pool Covers

Peter Towle on June 5, 2025

Buyers Guide to buying Pool Covers

Choosing the best pool cover for your swimming pool is one of the most important decisions an Australian pool owner can make. A correctly selected pool cover can significantly reduce water loss, lower chemical and heating costs, extend the swimming season, reduce maintenance time, and in some cases improve pool safety. With Australia’s high UV exposure, rising water costs, and increasing energy prices, pool covers are no longer optional accessories — they are essential pool infrastructure.
According to SPASA Australia and multiple state water authorities, evaporation is responsible for up to 70% of total pool water loss annually. An uncovered 8m x 4m swimming pool can lose between 30,000 and 55,000 litres of water per year depending on climate and wind exposure. Modern pool covers can reduce this evaporation by up to 95–99%, saving thousands of litres of potable water each year and significantly reducing ongoing operating costs.==
This buyer’s guide has been developed using industry data, Australian pool retailer benchmarks, manufacturer specifications, and performance research from sources such as GeoBubble®, SPASA Australia, and other leading Australian pool cover suppliers. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear, evidence‑based understanding of which pool cover type is best suited to your pool, climate, and budget.

1. Solar Pool Covers

Solar pool covers — commonly referred to as solar pool blankets — are the most widely used pool cover type in Australia. They are manufactured from UV‑stabilised polyethylene (LDPE4, recyclable) and feature an air‑bubble structure that floats directly on the water surface. These air pockets act as both an insulator and a solar heat transfer medium.
Independent testing and manufacturer data show that the primary performance drivers of solar pool covers are material thickness, UV stabilisation, translucency and colour — not bubble shape. Despite marketing claims, there is no credible data demonstrating meaningful performance differences between circular, oval, or any other shape in terms of evaporation reduction, chemical usage reduction or temperature increase. This is supported by the fact that warranties across reputable manufacturers remain broadly similar for equivalent thicknesses. However, bubble shape, in particular bubble depth does have an impact on heat retention. 
Colour selection does materially impact performance. Translucent and light‑coloured covers (light blue or light green) consistently outperform dark or opaque covers for solar heat gain, while darker covers prioritise heat retention over heat generation.
“Transparent covers were more effective in improving the water temperature than opaque covers because more solar energy could be obtained by the pool water when the transparent cover was used.” – Francey J.L.A, Golding P, Clarke R (1980) Low Cost Solar Heating of Community Pools using pool covers 
Solar pool covers are primarily suited for outdoor pools — both heated and unheated — and are compatible with gas heating, heat pumps, and solar pool heating systems.
 
Performance & Benefits Evaporation
California State Polytechnic University did a comparative evaporation study that tested multiple pool cover types it found that bubble covers along with foam covers and slat covers reduced evaporation by around 95% in controlled conditions. Whilst Solar Discs and Liquid methods were less effective.  
The vast majority of the raw material manufacturers report that Solar pool covers reduce evaporation by up to 99%. For the average Australian backyard pool (approx 42,000L), this equates to approximately 3,500 litres of water saved per month, or more than 40,000 litres annually in warm or windy climates.
 
Chemical Savings
By preventing evaporation, solar pool covers significantly reduce chlorine and salt loss. Industry estimates show chemical usage reductions of 30–50%, as fewer chemicals are required to rebalance water lost through evaporation.
 
Temperature Increase
Solar covers are engineered to let short-wave radiation (UV, visible, and near-infrared light) pass through the cover and enter the pool water. This is the same portion of sunlight that actually warms the water when the sun shines directly on it. The key mechanisms are:
  • Short-wave transmission: The transparent/translucent material of a good solar cover transmits sunlight wavelengths that water readily absorbs, allowing the solar energy to become heat in the water rather than being reflected away.
  • Selective transmission and absorption: Some advanced covers are designed with wavelength-specific transmission characteristics — meaning they maximise transmission of heat-generating wavelengths while minimising the loss of that energy once warmed water re-emits it. This is the physical principle behind selective transmission materials studied in heat transfer research, which can increase absolute heating efficiency compared to non-selective opaque covers.
Heat Retention: How Pool Covers Keep Your Water Warm
A pool cover is the single most effective tool for retaining heat in your pool, primarily by controlling evaporation, which is the largest source of heat loss. According to ASHRAE, as cited by Lund (2000):
“Evaporation losses constitute the greatest heat loss from pools — 50 to 60% in most cases… A floating pool cover can reduce both radiation and evaporation losses… an enclosure can reduce this loss substantially, and a floating pool cover can practically eliminate the loss.”
These findings underline that even a simple cover can dramatically reduce heat escaping from the water surface.
The CSIRO’s research (Czarnecki, 1978) provides experimental confirmation of this effect:
“When a single layer clear plastic cover is placed on the water surface, the heat loss due to evaporation will cease while most of the incident solar radiation will be transmitted through the cover and absorbed in the water…”
“A double layer cover with an air space between the layers … also reduces the convection and radiation heat losses.”
In practical terms, pool covers work in three ways to retain heat:
  1. Preventing evaporation: The cover forms a barrier that stops water from escaping, which is critical because evaporative cooling accounts for up to 60% of total heat loss.
  2. Allowing solar gain: Clear or translucent covers let sunlight pass through, warming the water while preventing heat from escaping.
  3. Reducing convection and radiation: Multi-layer covers or air-bubble designs add insulation, further minimizing heat loss to the surrounding air and sky.
Convenience
Solar pool covers are lightweight and flexible. A 500‑micron cover weighs approximately 500g per square metre, allowing most pools to be covered or uncovered in under 30 seconds when paired with a quality roller.
 
Debris Protection
While not fully sealed, solar pool blanket significantly reduces leaf, dust, and insect contamination, lowering filtration and vacuuming requirements. The ability for a Solar Pool Cover to reduce the leaf and debris load is impacted significantly by the installation method. Long cuts, or installs that allow the material to curve up and under the coping will keep out significantly more material than Flush Cuts. A “tongue” cut into the skimmer box will then allow the leaf and debris to be hosed off the pool cover.
 
Durability & Lifespan
High‑quality pool blankets typically last 8 years (500 micron) and up to 12 years (600 micron) when used with a pool cover roller and stored correctly. Inferior imported materials may degrade significantly faster under Australian UV conditions.
 
Australian Conditions Suitability
Solar pool covers offer the best balance of cost, performance, and convenience for the majority of Australian pools. They are particularly effective in temperate and warm climates where solar gain can be maximised year‑round.

Check out our range of Solar Pool Covers here

2. Thermal Pool Covers

Overview: A Thermal pool cover is typically an insulating cover, it is designed to maintain water temperature and minimize heat loss. Thermal Covers are usually 4.5mm thick  crosslinked polyolefin foam sandwiched between two layers of UV stabilised, polyethylene based polyfabric Canvacon film. Being a Closed Cell foam they have excellent insulation properties, as the material floats on top of the water, it provides significant evaporation reduction, hence a reduction in chemical loss and reduction in leaf and debris material. As the material is opaque it does not allow the Sun’s UV to pass through it and therefore works best on Indoor Heated Pools.

Thermal Pool Cover Benefits

Thermal pool covers are insulating covers designed primarily to retain existing heat rather than generate new heat. They are typically constructed from 4.5mm cross‑linked closed‑cell polyolefin foam, laminated between UV‑stabilised polyethylene or polyfabric layers.
Because thermal covers are opaque, they block solar radiation and therefore do not increase water temperature naturally. As a result, they are best suited to indoor pools or pools heated primarily by gas heaters or heat pumps.
 
Performance & Benefits
Water Savings
Thermal covers reduce evaporation by up to 97%, delivering similar water‑saving performance to solar covers.
 
Chemical Savings
Reduced evaporation translates into chemical savings of approximately 30–50%, depending on pool usage and exposure.
 
Temperature Increase
Thermal covers provide zero solar temperature increase, as UV radiation cannot penetrate the material.
 
Heat Retention
Due to the insulating foam core, thermal covers offer slightly superior heat retention, reducing heat loss by up to 75 – 80%, making them highly effective companions for external heat sources. 
 
Convenience & Handling
Thermal covers are heavier than solar blankets and may absorb water over time, particularly on larger pools. This can impact ease of handling without a robust roller system.
 
Durability
Typical lifespan is approximately 5 years, depending on exposure and maintenance
 
Australian Conditions Suitability
Thermal covers should be primarily used in Commerical Pools, indoor pools, and installations where solar heat gain is not required and maximum heat retention over night is required. It must be noted that as the cover gets older the performance of the cover dwindles as it start to take on/ absorb the pool water. This added water also start to make the pool cover very heavy and cumbersome to use.

For years we have said the  the best Thermal Pool Cover on the market is the Sunbather Thermal Cover,

However, we now firmly believe the best value Thermal Blanket is the Raeguard Thermal Bubble Click here to go through to the product page. The Raeguard thermal bubble has the same thermal properties as a 4.5mm foam cover, is significantly lighter, will not absorb water over time and therefore maintain its performance throughout its lifetime. Which is an 8 Year Warranty vs 5 Years for a Foam Cover. Also a Raeguard is $28 per Sq/m vs a foam cover of $38 per Sq/m. There is just no comparison anymore.

3. Leaf and Debris Pool Covers

Overview: Leaf and debris Pool covers also known as Winter Cover are typically used on high maintenance pools. They are designed to keep bulk leaves, twigs, and other debris up and off the water level, remaining dry so that the wind or a blower vac can be used to move them on. They were originally made from mesh or shade sail material, however, recently this is moved to polyethylene open weave material which is lighter and more durable This type of cover is typically designed to be installed over the winter months and to stay on for the majority of the non-swimming season. The cover is pinned down by a series of removable cleats, and tension applied to the cleats to keep the material off the water level.

Leaf and Debris Cover Benefits

Benefits:

    • Water Savings: Prevents up to 50% of pool water evaporation, with an estimated saving of 4,000 litres to 5,000 litres of water per month

    • Chemical Savings: Reduces chemical usage up to 25%. By reducing the water loss we reduce the chemical loss also

    • Temperature Increase: There may be a negative impact on temperature increase compared to a pool without a pool cover, as the weave will restrict the amount of UV passing into the pool.

    • Heat Retention: Zero Heat Retention as it is an open weave and does not sit on the water surface

    • Convenience: Typically used as a Winter Pool Cover, to reduce maintenance. The cover is pinned down with a series of removable cleats. Putting the cover on and off the pool is typically a 10-15 minute process, therefore is not ideal for pools that have regular use.

    • Debris Protection: Excellent debris protection, the cover is pulled taught up off the water level, so that the leaves and debris remain dry and they can be removed by the wind or a blower vac. The material being an open weave, allows the rain to pass into the pool, which typically means dirt and dust will also pass through. However, pairing with a Cordless Robot like the InverX leads to excellent results in maintenance reduction. A study by the University of Queensland found that using a leaf and debris cover can reduce cleaning time by up to 80%.

    • Durability: Leaf and Debris Covers have a Warranty of 5 Years however, typical lifespan of 10+ years

Australian Conditions: Leaf and debris covers are particularly useful for pools surrounded by a lot of trees or pools positioned under deciduous trees in autumn when leaf fall is at its peak. They are particularly useful for Gum Trees, Bottlebrush, Melaleuca and Jacarandas – along with the leaf drop of deciduous trees like Liquid Ambers. Depending on the climate of the location of the pool, this type of cover may be on the pool 8-9 months of the year and removed for the summer period – Or for a couple of months during the Autumn leaf drop. A lot of the time a Leaf Cover is paired with a Robotic Pool Cleaner and placed on an old pool, that doesn’t get a lot of use now that the kids have moved on to their own homes.
To check out our range of Leaf and Debris Pool Covers Click here

4. PolyCarbonate Pool Covers, Slat Pool Covers or Hard Pool Cover

Overview: Polycarbonate pool covers also known as Hard Pool Covers or Slat Pool Covers are a high-end product, that come in a number of different constructions – High Grade PVC, Extrdued PolyCarbonate or Foam Filled PVC most of which are tongue in groove in their assembly. These covers are precisely measured and laser cut to size. They provide excellent Heat Retention properties and Debris Protection properties. Depending on the colour and extrusion type of the material they can also provide excellent solar transfer heat or thermal transfer of heat into the pool (opaque colours or foam filed do not). The vast majority of Slat Covers due to their precise measure and fit and the material’s weight bearing capabilities (70kg+ per square metre) are regarded as Safety Covers. They can be easily operated by remote control or key, as geared winders are typically installed into the pool roller. This product is the most aesthetically pleasing and convenient of all pool cover types, it has excellent heat retention properties aswell as the added Safety aspect, so is widely regarded as the Gold Standard of pool covers, its drawback – price. Expect to pay between $10,000 – $30,000 for this type of pool cover

Polycarbonate Pool Covers, Slat Pool Covers or Hard Pool Cover Benefits

Benefits:

    • Water Savings: Prevents up to 70% of Water Evaporation, with an estimated saving of 3,000L per month

    •  Chemicals Savings: Reported reduction in chemical usage of 70%, our estimations are closer to 40-50%

    • Temperature Increase: The Translucent Polycarbonate type will heat the pool via Solar Transfer directly into the water. The Translucent with Black Base Polycarbonate Type will add heat via thermal transfer (heating the air in the polycarbonate slat and warming the black base). The opaque Polycarbonate has lesser thermal transfer properties. The amount in Degrees Celsius of how much heat is transferred is unreported.

    • Heat Retention: Excellent heat retention properties in excess of 70%. This is achieved by having a significant air pocket in the polycarbonate slat which acts as a thermal barrier.

    • Convenience: A lot of the Slat Covers are typically mechanised with Automatic rollers, either key or remote operated for ease of use

    • Debris Protection: Great for Debris Protection. A slatted cover is laser plot cut, so it fits perfectly to the shape of the pool (typically suitable for rectangle pools). Being a Hard material a high pressure hose, some water based detergent, and a soft bristle brush are ideal to clean the cover if it gets dirty

    • Durability: Typically comes with a 5 year warranty. Can reportedly last up to 20 years

Australian Conditions: Widely regarded as the cover that is suitable for all locations. Typically used in new pool construction on high-end pools, if it is to be retrofitted to an existing pool, the pool will need to be rectangular or have straight sides with a rounded end.  Great heat retention properties. Depending on colour excellent Solar Transfer or Thermal transfer capabilities. Keeps out the vast majority of leaf and debris and due to its hard nature, will hold up against a lot of large material also. This pool cover could also be treated as a safety cover, however, a pool fence is still required under Australia’s pool regulations. At present there are two leading companies producing this type of hard pool cover they are the Remco SwimRoll and Sunbather’s Automatic CVX Cover. However, Stay tuned the team at Australis Pool Covers will have a competing product in this sector in the coming months.

5. Safety Pool Covers

Overview: Safety pool covers can also be known as ShutDown Pool Covers. They are typically made of a Cross Woven Vinyl, which is impervious to debris material and water. In Australia the two most common differ slightly in their function. The first looks very much like a Leaf and Debris Cover however, the cleats are lockable, and the material is Vinyl. The second has supporting poles spanning the width of the pool, with anchor points in the corner. The second version comes in a Manual and automatic retraction version. The water bearing capacity starts around 70kg and goes up from there.

Safety Pool Covers Benefits

    • Water Savings – 99.6% of evaporation reduction. Around approx. 4,000L per month

    •  Chemicals Savings – Almost zero water loss, means next to no chemical loss. Being Vinyl, there is next to no UV light that passes through the material, therefore this type of cover can allow the pool to be completely turned off in the cooler months

    • Temperature Increase – Zero Temperature Increase due to the material not laying on the water, nor allowing the UV to pass through.

    • Heat Retention – Zero Heat retention as the material is not touching the water and allowing for thermal transfer

    • Convenience – The Convenience for the Safety Cover could be measured two ways. During the Winter months the pool is completely shut down, meaning there is zero maintenance required on the pool, making this type of cover exceptionally convenient. During the swimming months, a manual safety cover would be awfully complicated to get on and off of the pool regularly. An automatic safety cover would be significantly more convenient to get on and off of the pool, however, not as convenient as a solar pool cover

    • Debris Protection – completely eliminated any leaf and debris and dust from the pool.

    • Durability – approx. 5 year warranty depending on the manufacturer

Australian Conditions: Australian Law requires a pool fence to be installed regardless of whether or not a Pool Safety Cover is used. If you are in a Cold Climate, then a Shut Down Pool Cover could be quite cost effective over the lifespan of the cover. If you are in a temperate climate and the pool will get regular use throughout the year, and if you were adamant that the safety features were required, then you would definitely need to invest in the automatic version, otherwise it would be too difficult to get the cover on and off of the pool regularly.

We believe the best Safety Pool Cover on the market is the Remco PoolGuard, for more information Click Here

How to Choose the Best Pool Cover

Choosing the best pool cover depends on several factors, here are some key considerations:

    1. Purpose:
        • Determine the primary purpose of the pool cover. Is it to increase the temperature of the pool, retain heat from an external heat source, stop evaporation, reduce cleaning maintenance, safety, or a combination of these factors?

    1. Pool Location and Local Climate
        • The local climate will impact on this decision, cooler climates will certainly require more heat retention properties, whilst pools in the North of Australia will not need any more temperature increase. Where the pool is located and its surrounding will also determine the type of cover, are there lots of native trees that drop foliage year round, or deciduous trees that have an autumn fall. Is the pool indoors? Is the pool shaded for long periods of time throughout the day

    1. Pool Type:
        • The type of pool – in-ground or above-ground and the shape of the pool can influence the choice of cover. Generally rectangular pools are compatible with most of the types of pool covers listed. Free-form pools, infinity edge pools have their own requirements and nuances that will effect the types of covers

    1. Budget:
        • Budget is a crucial factor. Solar Pool Covers are arguably the most affordable and within this type of cover you have levels of pricing evident. Material made in China is imported extremely cheaply and over the years this material is renowned for not lasting terribly long. However, if you are just needing a cover to meet a Certification requirement like Basix then this might be suitable. Although the European material has improved over the years, Australian made Pool Cover Bubble has a proven track record of lasting longer in Australian Conditions.
          Polycarbonate Pool Covers (Hard Covers) and Safety Covers tend to be at the higher end of the Price scale, in particular the Hard Pool Covers as they typically tick all of the boxes, temperature increase, heat retention, water saving, safety and aesthetics.

    1. Convenience:
        • As a pool cover typically reduces the aesthetic nature of the pool, the ease and convenience of the product needs to be able to combat its overall negative looks. Automatic covers offer convenience but may require professional installation.

Conclusion

For most pools, a Solar Pool Cover like those sold on https://poolcoversandrollers.com.au/poolcovers/ will be the pick of the pool cover types. It is the most affordable, provides a good amount of temperature increase to the pool naturally and without cost. A Solar Pool Cover has excellent heat retention properties, making it an excellent companion product for Gas Heating, Solar Heating and Electric Heating. Will almost eliminate all water loss through evaporation and hence drastically reduce chemical usage/ loss. As the material is light weight and malleable, if paired with a quality pool cover roller like the Pool Cover rollers available at https://poolcoversandrollers.com.au/rollers/ they are also extremely convenient, taking less than 30 seconds to get on and off the pool for most pools, and if buying an Australian made Bubble, the pool owner will also get the longevity of a product, designed for the Australian climate. However, there are certain circumstances where the requirements of the pool lead the owner to one of the many other different pool cover types available.

8 Reasons You Should Get Solar Pool Covers

Peter Towle on November 17, 2020

Pool Covers
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8 Reasons You Should Get Solar Pool Covers

Having a pool is a home improvement project that can come at a hefty cost. Homeowners need to do their research to understand not only what they can afford but also which type of pool is best suited for their home. At this level, the choice you make could increase the value of your property, which is why you don’t want to embark lightly on a swimming pool build project. 

However, having a pool also requires a full maintenance and servicing schedule. Running a pool comes at a cost. On average, homeowners in Australia can spend up to $3,725 per year. Indeed, when you combine the costs of cleaning, chemicals, repairs, maintenance, water top-up, and heating, the annual bill can be hefty. Failing behind essential pool care can make it hard to appreciate your swimming pool year after year. 

But you can make pool ownership more manageable with smart accessories that take a lot of the maintenance hassle off of your plate. One of these smart accessories is a solar pool cover. Below, we’ve compiled eight reasons why you want to consider solar pool covers to make your pool more enjoyable.

#1. Reduce the rate of water evaporation

Regardless of its design, no pool is immune to evaporation. Unfortunately, the hotter your pool temperature gets, the more vulnerable it is to evaporation. Outdoor pools can also lose a lot of water through high winds and low levels of moisture in the air. However, even an indoor pool is likely to experience some level of evaporation. A solar pool cover can provide a barrier to external elements that aggravate evaporation. With a pool cover, you can reduce the rate of water loss through evaporation by up to 95%, which significantly reduces the cost of water top-up. 

#2. Cut chemical usage by half

A direct consequence of reducing water evaporation is chemical consumption. Australian pool owners tend to rely on automatic pumps that keep track of chlorine levels in the water. You need to keep your chlorine levels safe to prevent bacterial development and risks. Chlorine keeps the water clean and safe to use. The more often you need to top your water up, the more chlorine you have to use. That’s precisely where specialist pool covers Australia can make a huge difference to your chemical consumption by preserving your water level. 

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that for sensitive skin that is prone to chlorine rash, the use of a solar pool cover can cut down chemical usage by almost 50%. Bye-bye, chlorine rash, and hello swimming joy!

#3. Significantly heat up your pool

Do you have to push yourself to get into the water? Once you’re past the hot summer days, the water can get a little cold, even for the bravest swimmers. Maintaining the water temperature comfortable at an average 25°C can bring your heating costs up, whether you are using gas or non-solar electric heating. But the addition of pool covers can help increase the water temperature by up to 8°C, as it protects the surface from external factors while maximising sun heat. 

#4. Retain the heat

You don’t need to wait until the temperature is cold to use a solar pool cover. Keeping these when the pool isn’t in use can reduce heat loss, that would otherwise occur in contact with the elements. The wind is the main culprit that can dramatically drop your pool temperature, even when the weather remains pleasant. This will typically happen during the mouths that precede and follow the hotter summer months. You can extend your swimming enjoyment by a couple of months, even when the external temperatures have dropped. 

#5. Improve solar heating efficiency

If your pool heating system already uses solar energy, the addition of a solar pool cover can complement the existing system in place. Ultimately a solar cover enhances direct sun heat to deliver it back to the water. Depending on your standard solar season, you can expect to save 50% to 80% in energy costs across Australia. This will depend on your location, average climate temperatures, and the heat you expect from your pool. Combining solar energy as a heating system and with your cover will increase energy savings significantly.

#6. Keep the pool clean

Whether they are floating on the surface or sunken at the bottom, nobody likes the sight of leaves, small twigs or even dead insects in the swimming pool. These are guaranteed to kill the pool party mood instantly, without mentioning the time and effort you have to invest to keep the pool clean. Even indoor pools are susceptible to debris that can make their way inside your structure. A pool cover offers a safety net that captures the dirt and keeps it off your water.

#7. Compatible with an automatic pool cleaner

Automatic and robotic pool cleaners can save you a lot of time. They’re the kind of smart equipment that does the job while you can sit and enjoy a cocktail in the sun. However, large debris in the pool can strain both their efforts and your skimmer basket. By keeping debris off the water, you reduce unnecessary pressure on your automatic pool cleaning system.

#8. Reduce unwanted intrusions

Swimming pool intruders are more frequent in outdoor swimming pools. However, a surprising number of pests and wildlife creatures can also find their way inside your indoor pool. As such, the addition of a pool cover will protect your water from unwanted guests. Some of the most common guests you are likely to come across are ducks. Yet, don’t be fooled by the cute Instagram potential. Ducks will leave behind debris and waste. Besides, ducklings may not be able to get out of the water by themselves, so there’s an extra challenge for you when you want to have a cosy swim. Lesser pleasant intruders, however, can include snakes, spiders, and even kangaroos. Your pool cover will deter their efforts in finding a fresh spot! It’s also likely to keep your neighbouring wildlife safe, as many wild creatures need to be rescued after falling into swimming pools every year.

In summary, it becomes clear that a solar swimming pool cover is a hard-working addition that enhances your pool. As well as a method to reduce maintenance costs by keeping your chemical, water, and heating bills low, it also makes it easier to maintain and enjoy your pool all year round. Contact your swimming pool cover expert today.

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