Pool covers or blankets as they are often called have many advantages, yet most people with a pool in their backyard don’t use them. There are two main reasons for this; people don’t like how they look, or they don’t have enough room to install one. Budget may also be important. Most people would prefer an automatic pool cleaner over a blanket.

However, because they are not all that common, many people would not realise just what the advantages of having a pool cover are. Here are the pros and cons of pool covers.

Pros

  • If you live in a climate where winter comes early and the sun is often not hot even in summer, using a pool cover will increase the water temperature by around 4 degrees, making your swim much more enjoyable.
  • It saves a great deal on the cost of heating water in a cooler climate.
  • A pool blanket will keep leaves and twigs out of the pool, making it easier to clean and reducing the amount of chlorine needed to get the pH up to scratch.
  • It reduces the consumption of chlorine because UV rays degrade it. But plastic keeps the UV rays off the water.

  • A cover reduces evaporation, thus saving both water, water costs and the cost of pool chemicals that must be used to correct the balance once more water is added.
  • It keeps the water cleaner by reducing leaf and other litter. This saves on the cost of electricity consumption in cleaning the pool, the cost of chemicals to restore the balance and the time spent in getting rid of debris
  • There is less chance of blockages in the filters and pipes if large debris can be kept out of the pool.
  • There is less need for regular pool maintenance and cleaning, with a cover to keep out debris.

Cons

  • Many people consider pool blankets to be unsightly since they must sit at one end of the pool when rolled up.
  • Using a blanket daily reduces spontaneity as it has to be taken off before you can jump in.
  • The roller reduces available space and may restrict entry to the pool area.
  • Some covers need to have a cover to protect them from the sun while on the roller.
  • They don’t suit pools that have an irregular shape, such as oval or kidney-shaped pools.

Some of these disadvantages can be overcome. For instance, It could be used only in the winter.  You could have a motorised cover that makes it easy and quick to place and remove the cover. You could also have a covered pit at one end to place the roller into, so it is not seen. Not all layouts would be suitable for this, but some would be.