Types of Pool Covers: Which One Should I Buy?

November 2, 2023

Pool ownership comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and one of the most crucial tasks is proper maintenance. As we gear up for another chilly winter here in Chicago, many responsible pool owners are preparing to cover their pools for the season.

Covers not only keep out debris but also help conserve water, maintain water temperature, and add an extra layer of safety for your children. If you’re a new pool owner, you might be wondering which pool cover best suits your needs.

There are several types of inground pool covers available, each with its unique advantages and features. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the five main types of pool covers: mesh, solid, automatic, solar, and water bag covers.

As you gain a better understanding of your options, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which pool cover is best for your inground pool.

Solar Pool Covers

If you’re the kind of pool owner who wants the ability to enjoy your pool year-round, this is a great option to consider. Solar pool covers, also known as solar blankets or thermal pool covers, are designed to harness the sun’s energy to reduce heat loss and keep your pool warm—even during the chilly season.

Benefits of Solar Pool Covers:

Energy Efficiency: Solar covers trap heat from the sun, warming your pool water and reducing the need for additional heating.
Cost Savings: By conserving energy, solar covers can lower your heating costs significantly.
Reduced Chemical Use: Solar covers help stabilize water chemistry, reducing the need for chemicals.

While this type of pool cover is incredibly cost-effective, it’s also ultra-lightweight, which means it won’t be able to hold the weight of a child or pet. Solar pool covers also are not as efficient at keeping out debris as some other cover types.

Mesh Pool Covers

Mesh pool covers are popular choices among pool owners for their ability to keep debris out while allowing water to pass through. This feature is beneficial for homeowners living in areas that receive a significant amount of precipitation during the winter months because it prevents water buildup on the cover, reducing the risk of damage.

Benefits of Mesh Pool Covers

Debris Prevention: Mesh covers effectively keep leaves, twigs, bugs, and other forms of debris out of your pool.
Reduced Algae Growth: Because they allow sunlight and rain to pass through, mesh covers inhibit the growth of algae.
Durability: High-quality mesh covers are long-lasting and can withstand harsh weather conditions, which is helpful when you live in an area like Chicago.

However, it’s important to note that while mesh covers are great for debris control, they don’t provide the same level of heat retention or safety as other types of pool covers.

Solid Pool Covers

Solid pool covers are designed to completely block sunlight and prevent debris of any kind from entering your pool. These covers are typically made of a solid material like vinyl and offer fantastic protection during the off-season.

It’s worth noting that this pool cover type is on the heavier side but is still easier to store than some types. Many pool owners with custom-designed pools opt for a solid pool cover because of its ability to be custom-fit to your pool.

Benefits of Solid Pool Covers:

Debris Protection: Solid covers provide full protection against debris and sunlight, minimizing the need for pool cleaning when it’s time to reopen.
Heat Retention: By blocking sunlight, solid covers help to retain heat in the pool water, reducing heating costs.
Safety: Solid covers, when properly secured, are an excellent safety measure to prevent accidental falls into the pool, especially during the off-season when you wouldn’t think to pay close attention to the pool area.

One potential drawback of solid pool covers to be aware of is that they require a pool cover pump to remove water accumulation, which can become heavy and cause damage if left unchecked. We recommend working with professionals for the opening and closing of your pool to ensure that your equipment is handled with care.

Automatic Pool Covers

With many of the same advantages of solid pool covers and an added layer of simplicity, automatic pool covers are the epitome of convenience. These covers roll on and off with the push of a button, eliminating the need for storage and making them incredibly user-friendly.

Benefits of Automatic Pool Covers:

Convenience: Automatic covers are easy to use and can be opened or closed quickly.
Safety: When closed, they provide a barrier that enhances pool safety, preventing unauthorized access.
Energy Efficiency: Automatic covers help conserve energy by reducing heat loss and water evaporation.

Convenience comes at a cost, and the initial installation cost of automatic pool covers can be significantly higher than other types. Additionally, proper maintenance is crucial to ensure their longevity.

Water Bag Pool Covers

Water bag pool covers, often referred to as tarp-style covers, are the most basic option for pool owners. Like solar covers, they sit at the bottom of the cost spectrum. This is a suitable pick if you’re looking for something simple and cheap to keep leaves and bugs out of the pool during the off-season.

Benefits of Water Bag Pool Covers:

Affordability: Water bag covers are typically the most budget-friendly option.
Debris Protection: When properly secured, they can provide decent debris protection.
Simplicity: Easy to install and remove, making them a straightforward choice.

Water bag covers only last for up to two or three years before they need to be replaced, unlike other types of pool covers that can last for over a decade. While this is a more heavy-duty alternative to solar covers, it’s still too lightweight to offer protection. Water bag covers are also prone to damage from freezing temperatures.

Choosing a Cover For Your Chicago Pool

Choosing the right pool cover for your inground pool depends on various factors, including your climate, preferences, and budget. What works for you might not work for another pool owner, so it’s crucial to weigh your options and figure out which features are most important to you.

By considering the benefits and limitations of each type of pool cover, you can make an informed decision that will help you enjoy your investment to the fullest. If you’re a new pool owner in need of a cover or a pool owner looking for help with the winterization of their inground pool, our Chicago pool experts are here for you.