Pool covers are one of the most cost-effective investments any pool owner can make, offering benefits that extend far beyond simple debris protection. Whether you’re looking to reduce maintenance time, lower heating costs, improve safety, or extend your swimming season, the right pool cover can transform how you experience and maintain your backyard oasis. From basic debris protection to sophisticated automatic systems, understanding the different types of pool covers and their specific advantages will help you choose the perfect solution for your needs and budget.
There are three main type of pool covers.
Thermal Blanket Pool Cover
Thermal Blankets are the ultimate heat retention option for your heated pool. They retain heat, and they do it very well.
Thermal blanket pool covers float on the pool surface. The closed cell foam core creates an insulating layer which traps heat in the pool.
If you are serious about heating your pool with a desire for a long swim season, then in New Zealand the bulk of your heat will be coming down the pipe from an external heat source. Don’t let your heat disappear – use the superior heat retention capabilities of a Thermal Blanket to keep that expensive heat in the pool. If you are intending to run a heated pool, a thermal cover translates into huge energy savings. We prefer to use BMH thermal pool covers, more details here.
Solar (bubble) Blanket Pool Cover
The solar pool covers we use are a layer of dimpled clear plastic laminated to a layer of flat clear plastic. They look like bubbles! The plastic is U.V. stabilised and formulated specifically for the harsh pool environments in New Zealand.
Solar Blanket pool covers are designed to fully utilise the suns solar energy. These covers are translucent which allows the suns heat to pass through the cover and heat the pool water directly. The air cells on the bottom of the cover then act as in insulating layer to trap that heat in the pool. The cover also acts as a barrier to minimise evaporation and chemical loss
Solar blanket covers float on the pool surface. The air bubbles create an insulating layer which traps heat in your swimming pool.
Automatic Slat Pool Covers
If aesthetics and ease of use are important to you, then a slat cover for your swimming pool, indoor or outdoor, is a smart investment.
Slat covers consists of a series of hollow poly-carbonite extrusions. Each slat is sealed to trap a pocket of air which acts as a thermal barrier, insulating your pool. As the cover unrolls, the air trapped in the leading slats makes them float. As more slats are unrolled, they push the leading slats down the length of the pool. The slatted cover floats on the surface and fits snugly under the coping surrounds of the swimming pool. The slats are joined together using a unique hinge connection, so the cover can flex as it is wound onto the roller. The roller system can either be submerged or above ground. Built-in limit settings automatically prevent the cover from going out too far onto the pool or retracting too far back onto the roller.
Automatic slat covers enhance the experience of pool ownership with the simple turn of a key. An efficient, simple and an exclusive choice for the discerning pool owner, our slat covers are purpose-made to suit a wide range of rectangular swimming pools and we make and install automatic pool covers NZ wide.
Reasons to choose a slat pool cover?
If running costs, the environment and safety are important to you, then a slat cover for your swimming pool, indoor or outdoor, is a smart investment…
- Reduces water loss
- Reduces algae growth
- Reduces chemical costs
- Reduces heating costs
- Simple to use
- Low maintenance
Debris mesh
A must for pools in a leafy areas going into winter when the leaves are blowing around.
The debris cover overlaps the pool to effectively keep your pool clean from leaves, branches, twigs and rubbish in the winter months, or when you’re not swimming in your pool for extended periods.
A debris cover can be used on its own during winter, or can be used with any other type of pool cover. For example, you could combine a mesh cover to keep debris off your thermal cover or slat cover.
Pool Cover Reels
Getting a cover on and off your swimming pool can be a drag, and if using your pool is not quick and easy, you’re not going to use it as much. A pool cover with a roller will change all that. An easy-to-use pool gets used.
The most common pool cover reel we use is the My-T 60. Designed to be free standing at one end of the pool. Your pool cover is permanently attached to the reel with cords. You rotate the reel using the handle to roll the cover off the pool.
In short, a pool cover reel simplifies the task of removing your thermal or bubble cover. It reduces dragging and damage to your swimming pool cover.
Not sure which pool cover is right for you? Let’s chat!
Pool Cover Storage Options
While pool covers offer excellent benefits for water conservation and heating efficiency, their storage can become an unsightly challenge that disrupts your outdoor living space. Many pool owners struggle with finding attractive ways to store these essential accessories without compromising their pool area’s visual appeal. The good news is that modern pool cover storage solutions can seamlessly blend functionality with style, transforming necessary equipment into design features.
Read our article on pool cover storage options, all of which are available for every Bermuda Pool.
