The Good, Bad, and Ugly of a Pool Cover instead of an Enclosure

Pool covers, also known as pool blankets, are a piece of material that spreads on the surface of a swimming pool. These covers can be made of different materials, commonly using PVC, coated tarpaulin, or vinyl, and come in many colors and designs. They protect the surface of the pool water from external environmental factors such as leaves and bugs. There are four types of pool covers that are commonly used: inground or above ground pool covers, safety pool covers, and solar pool covers.

Inground/Above Ground Pool Covers

PROS:

• Inground/above ground pool covers keeps the water clean by covering the surface of the swimming pool
• Reduces cleaning costs by keeping out leaves and debris
• Many kinds of materials and designs
• The cheapest option when looking for a basic pool cover

CONS:

• While these basic covers are usually cheap, they tend to need to be replaced every 5-7 years, making them expensive in the long run.
  
• Are not always sturdy enough to protect people and animals from falling in
• Can’t swim under these covers
• Don’t regulate pool temperatures
• Must clean the top of the cover before it can be rolled up and the pool can be used

PROS

• Safety pool covers are made with the same materials as inground/above ground covers and leaf nets but have the added protection of being secured to the ground
  
• Prevent children and animals from falling in
• Don’t blow away or off in heavy weather
• Come in two types: solid and mesh
• Solid covers keep out leaves and debris but require a drain as they are impermeable
• Mesh covers allow rainwater into the pool but keep out leaves and debris

CONS

• Tend to need to be replaced every 5-7 years, making them expensive in the long run
  
• Can’t swim under these covers
• Don’t regulate pool temperatures
• Must clean the top of the cover before it can be rolled up and the pool can be used
• Mesh safety covers can allow some debris to fall through such as little bugs or small leaves
• Solid covers require a pump or drain to remove water and debris from the top of the cover

PROS

• Keeps water warm by capturing heat from the sun
• Help reduce evaporation, saves on your water bill
• Lightweight and easy to use
• Protects pool from sun rays
• Types include bubble blankets, solar sun rings and automatic covers
• Inexpensive option
• Reduces cleaning costs by keeping out leaves and debris
• Lowers cost of heating the pool

CONS

• Bubble blankets and solar sun rings are not sturdy enough to protect people and animals from falling in
• Can let some debris through
• Will rip and needs to be replaced

Pool enclosures are high quality structures that cover the entirety of the pool. Enclosures are typically made out of solid polycarbonate sheets and aluminium rails. They are customizable and are available in different size options- low, medium, and high profile. Like pool covers, they protect the pool from hard weather and debris.

PROS

• Polycarbonate panels block UV radiation and protect swimmers’ skin
• Allows you to enjoy your pool throughout the year
• You can swim underneath an enclosure
• Maintains pool temperature and lowers the cost of heating the pool
• Reduced evaporation loss
• Prevents algae growth
• Better water quality and reduces the amount of water treatment chemicals
• Prevents children and animals from falling in with safety features and locks
• Offers additional space for gatherings
• Can be easily retractable for open-air swimming
• No need to open and close your pool each season
• Made to last
• Ability to swim all year

CONS

• More expensive
  
• Takes up more space