Pool blankets are beneficial for most pools, reducing chemical usage by 35-60%, heating costs by 50-70%, and water evaporation by 95%. The decision depends on your climate, pool usage, and budget priorities.
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While not absolutely required, most pool owners benefit significantly from a pool blanket. Pool covers reduce chemical usage by 35-60%, heating costs by 50-70%, and water evaporation by 95%. The decision depends on your climate, pool usage patterns, maintenance preferences, and budget priorities.
Pool blankets provide substantial chemical savings by blocking UV rays that break down chlorine. Without a cover, your pool loses chlorine rapidly due to photodegradation. With proper CYA (stabilizer) levels of 30-50 ppm and a pool blanket, you can maintain your target FC (free chlorine) levels with significantly less liquid chlorine.
For example, an uncovered 20,000-gallon pool in Arizona might require 2-3 gallons of liquid chlorine weekly during summer, while the same pool with a quality solar cover might only need 1-1.5 gallons weekly. This translates to $200-400 annual savings on chemicals alone.
Evaporation is the primary cause of water loss in pools, accounting for 70-80% of total water loss. An uncovered pool can lose 1-3 inches of water weekly depending on temperature, humidity, and wind. Pool blankets reduce evaporation by 95%, saving thousands of gallons annually. In drought-prone areas or regions with expensive water, this becomes a critical consideration.
If you heat your pool, a blanket is almost essential. Solar covers can raise water temperature 8-15°F through passive solar heating while preventing heat loss overnight. Gas heater costs can be reduced by 50-70% with consistent cover usage. For heated pools, the blanket typically pays for itself within one season through energy savings alone.
These are the most common and cost-effective option, featuring air-filled bubbles that provide insulation and solar heating. Quality varies significantly - look for covers with UV inhibitors and 12-16 mil thickness. Premium brands like Daisy and In The Swim offer better durability and heat retention.
Chemical products that form an invisible molecular layer on the surface. While convenient, they only provide 20-30% of the evaporation reduction of physical covers and offer no heating benefit or debris protection.
Solid covers that completely seal the pool, providing maximum protection but requiring professional installation and removal. These are ideal for seasonal closing or when pools won't be used for extended periods.
If your pool sees constant daily use throughout the swimming season, the inconvenience of removing and replacing a cover might outweigh the benefits. However, even high-use pools benefit from overnight covering.
Saltwater generator pools typically run CYA levels of 70-80 ppm, providing excellent chlorine protection from UV degradation. While covers still provide benefits, the chemical savings are less dramatic compared to traditional chlorine pools.
Pools with natural shade from trees or structures already have reduced evaporation and UV exposure. However, covers still prevent debris accumulation and provide some energy savings.
Desert regions like Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California see the most dramatic benefits from pool covers. High temperatures, low humidity, and intense UV exposure make covers nearly essential for reasonable operating costs.
Areas like Florida and the Gulf Coast have lower evaporation rates due to humidity, but still benefit significantly from UV protection and debris prevention. The heating benefit is particularly valuable during cooler months.
Shorter swimming seasons make covers crucial for extending usability and protecting water quality during shoulder seasons. Winter covers become essential for proper pool closing.
A quality solar cover for an average 16x32 pool costs $150-300. Annual savings typically include:
Most pool owners see payback within 6-18 months, with covers lasting 3-5 years with proper care.
Don't buy the cheapest cover available - thin covers (8-10 mil) deteriorate quickly under UV exposure and provide poor insulation. Invest in 12+ mil thickness with UV inhibitors.
Avoid leaving covers on constantly - pools need air circulation and gas exchange. Remove covers for several hours weekly, especially during algae bloom risk periods or when performing water testing.
Don't ignore water balance - covers can trap gases and affect pH stability. Test water 2-3 times weekly and maintain proper TA levels (80-120 ppm for traditional pools, 60-80 for saltwater) to prevent pH drift.
Clean covers monthly with mild soap and rinse thoroughly. Improper storage causes premature failure - use a cover reel or storage system that prevents folding and cracking. Remove covers immediately if algae appears, as trapped organisms can rapidly multiply in covered conditions.
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