Maintaining a swimming pool requires consistent effort, especially when it comes to keeping it clean, conserving water, and managing temperature. One of the most effective tools in pool maintenance is a pool cover. However, a question that often arises among both seasoned pool owners and newcomers is: Does a pool cover need to touch the water?
This article delves into this topic comprehensively, addressing the types of pool covers, their intended functions, the pros and cons of different installation methods, and practical advice for maximizing the benefits of a pool cover. Whether you’re preparing for winter, seeking to improve energy efficiency, or simply interested in best pool care practices, this guide will provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Types of Pool Covers and Their Functions
Before answering the question directly, it’s crucial to understand the different types of pool covers and what each is designed to do. Not all covers are created equal, and each serves a slightly different purpose—whether insulation, evaporation control, or debris protection.
Solar Blankets (Solar Covers)
Solar blankets are typically made from a thick, bubble-like plastic material. Their primary function is to trap heat from the sun and transfer it into the pool water. By doing so, they help maintain or raise the water temperature, reduce evaporation, and minimize the loss of heating energy.
Do they need to touch the water? Yes, solar covers should be in direct contact with the water to function effectively. They are designed to absorb sunlight, which warms the water below as the cover transfers heat directly.
Thermal Blankets
Thermal blankets are more advanced than standard solar covers and are especially useful in cold climates or during off-season use. These covers are often heavier and offer better insulation, which can significantly reduce heating costs.
Recommendation: These covers should be kept in contact with the water to maximize their thermal retention and heat absorption capacity.
Mesh Safety Covers
Mesh safety covers are typically installed over the pool during the off-season. They are durable and designed to keep debris and animals out of the pool. They also have the added benefit of acting as a layer of safety, preventing accidental falls into the pool, especially for homes with children or pets.
Contact with water: These covers are designed to float above the water, often supported by water bags or anchors on the deck. They do not need to touch the water, and in fact, touching the water can lead to damage from ice expansion during freezing conditions.
Winter Pool Covers
Winter covers are heavy-duty, solid sheet covers used during closed seasons—most commonly on in-ground pools. They are typically designed to be water-impermeable and come with mechanisms to hold them securely in place.
Contact considerations: In many cases, solid winter covers are kept above the water using a pool cover pump or an air pillow to allow for rainwater and snow to drain off. Excessive contact with water could stretch or tear the cover.
Automatic Covers
These are retractable, motorized covers that can be rolled open and closed. They are built into the structure of the pool deck and offer maximum safety and automation.
Do they need to touch the water? Since automatic covers close tightly against the edge of the pool deck and remain sealed, they do not need to touch the water. Their primary functions are safety and evaporation control, not thermal insulation.
When Should a Pool Cover Touch the Water?
The short answer: It depends on the type of pool cover and the goals of the pool owner. Let’s explore this in greater detail.
Solar Covers and Thermal Efficiency
Solar covers are unique in that their design relies on direct contact with the water to work efficiently. The bubbles on the underside of the cover absorb solar radiation, which is then transferred to the pool water. Additionally, the contact helps limit evaporation and keeps the pool cleaner.
Key benefits of touching water:
- Heat retention and transfer
- Reduced water evaporation
- Minimized chemical loss
If a solar or thermal blanket is not in direct contact with the water, it will still serve a purpose—such as reducing debris—but it will not perform as well in temperature regulation or evaporation control.
Debris Covers and Winter Covers
For mesh or solid winter covers, the situation differs. These types of covers are not meant for consistent contact with pool water for several reasons:
Material Concerns
Winter covers, particularly solid vinyl ones, are not flexible in the same way as solar blankets. Immersion or prolonged sitting on the water can stretch or weaken the material.
Ice Damage Prevention
During cold weather, ice can form on the pool surface, which expands in volume as it freezes. If a winter cover is lying directly on the water, the growing ice can put pressure on the material and cause rips.
Water Accumulation
Solid winter covers may collect rain and snow, which must be drained to avoid stress on the cover. Air pillows are often placed under the cover to raise the center and facilitate water runoff.
Best practice: Keep solid winter covers safely above the water using floats or air pillows, and drain accumulated water regularly.
Common Misconceptions About Pool Cover Use
As with many areas of pool maintenance, misconceptions abound regarding the proper way to install and use pool covers. These can lead to inefficient use, early wear, or even damage to the pool structure.
“If it floats, it’s fine” – Myth Debunked
While floating covers (like solar blankets) can be laid directly on the water surface, improper placement—such as bunching, stretching, or partial coverage—can weaken their effectiveness and reduce lifespan.
“Any cover is a good cover” – A Costly Error
Choosing a cover not suited to your specific purpose—say, using a winter pool cover for summer evaporation control—will not help meet your energy-saving or maintenance goals.
“The cover must always stay on” – Not Always True
While pool covers significantly reduce chemical evaporation and water loss, they should be removed for extended swimming sessions. Otherwise, they can trap debris, cause algae growth in dark, warm conditions, and possibly reduce oxygen levels near the surface.
Choosing the Right Pool Cover for Your Needs
When determining the suitability of allowing your pool cover to touch the water—or not—you should first identify your primary goals in using a cover. Below is a table to help match covers to specific needs:
| Pool Maintenance Goal | Recommended Cover Type | Should It Touch Water? |
|---|---|---|
| Heat conservation and solar gain | Solar Blanket | Yes |
| Insulation in cold weather | Thermal Blanket | Yes |
| Debris control during off-season | Mesh Winter Cover | No |
| Protection from freezing damage | Solid Winter Cover with air pillow | No |
| Child and pet safety | Safety Cover | No |
| Daily evaporation and energy control | Automatic Pool Cover | No |
Installation Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
Proper installation is just as crucial as choosing the right type of pool cover. Whether your cover must rest on the water or be suspended above it, consider the following tips for optimizing performance.
For Floating Solar and Thermal Covers
Use a pool reel system to make installation and retrieval easier. This also helps prevent wrinkles and folds that reduce efficiency.
Do:
- Cover the pool at night and during unused hours
- Clean covers periodically to maintain UV penetration
- Trim excess cover material to reduce flapping and wind resistance
For Winter and Safety Covers
Ensure a snug but stress-free fit across the pool. Use water bags, anchors, or support rods as indicated by the manufacturer’s instructions.
Don’t:
- Leave the cover submerged under standing water
- Use improperly rated covers (e.g., using a summer solar cover for winter)
- Allow snow buildup without removal or drainage
The Role of Water Level in Cover Functionality
Maintaining the proper water level in your pool also affects how a cover functions. Even with the right type of cover installed, if the water level is too high or too low, issues can arise.
Low Water Levels
If the water level drops below the mid-skimmer level, applying a solar cover may damage the pool by allowing exposed metal or plaster areas to heat excessively in the sun, causing thermal cracking.
High Water Levels
Too much water can force the cover into stretching or cause overflow issues when it rains or snows, placing undue pressure on winter covers and reducing their lifespan.
Best Water Level Practice: Maintain the water level at about one-third to halfway up the skimmer opening. This allows for safe thermal expansion and proper cover support.
Seasonal Considerations in Pool Covering
From climate to usage patterns, the time of year significantly influences which pool covers to use—and whether or not they should come in contact with the water.
Summer Pool Maintenance
During warm months, the primary goals usually include minimizing evaporation and reducing cooling loss at night. Solar covers work best when in direct contact with the water.
Cover Tip: Remove covers during full pool use, and store them properly to avoid UV degradation.
Winterization Tactics
Winter demands different considerations. The objective then is to protect the pool from debris, water accumulation, ice damage, and freezing.
Winter Cover Installation Instructions
- Lower water level as per manufacturer guidelines.
- Install air pillows to keep water bags from damaging the cover.
- Stretch the cover tightly without over-tensioning.
- Secure with water bags or anchors.
- Use a pool cover pump to remove excess water buildup.
Advancements in Pool Cover Technology
Modern engineering has brought improvements to pool cover technology, making them more versatile, durable, and efficient.
Smart Pool Covers
Some automatic and solar covers now come with smart technology integration, allowing them to open and close based on pool usage sensors or weather patterns. Such systems optimize water temperature regulation and energy conservation without manual intervention.
UV-Resistant Covers
New solar covers feature enhanced UV protection, lasting longer under sun exposure. This eliminates the need for frequent replacements and improves coverage longevity.
Drainage-Integrated Covers
Certain thermal blankets come with perforated designs or built-in channels for water drainage, allowing them to resist degradation from standing water.
Conclusion
So, does a pool cover need to touch the water? The answer depends on the cover type and your goals. Solar and thermal blankets must be in contact with the water for maximum efficiency in heating and evaporation control. Winter and safety covers, on the other hand, should remain above the water to prevent strain, ice damage, and tearing.
Understanding the relationship between your pool cover and the water surface will not only help preserve the condition of the cover but also protect your pool infrastructure and enhance energy efficiency. Whether you’re closing shop in the winter or trying to catch the last rays of summer sun, selecting and using the correct pool cover is a critical factor in maintaining a clean, safe, and functional swimming pool.
Investing time in learning about your pool cover—and how to use it correctly—ensures that it serves you reliably for many seasons to come.
Does a pool cover need to touch the water for it to be effective?
A pool cover does not necessarily need to touch the water to be effective, but doing so can enhance its performance. Solid safety covers and winter covers are typically designed to rest directly on the water surface or just above it, providing a secure barrier that prevents debris and evaporation. However, some covers, like automatic or solar covers, can function properly without full contact, especially when they are part of a roller system that allows them to be partially retracted.
The effectiveness of the cover also depends on its type and purpose. For instance, solar covers are more efficient when they make contact with the water because this allows them to trap heat and reduce evaporation, which helps maintain water temperature and conserve chemicals. On the other hand, mesh safety covers are designed to stay slightly above the water surface, allowing rainwater to drain through while still offering safety benefits. Understanding the intended use of your cover will help determine how much water contact is necessary.
What are the benefits of having a pool cover touch the water?
Having a pool cover touch the water offers several advantages, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and water conservation. When a solar cover makes contact with the water, it helps retain heat by minimizing evaporation, which in turn lowers heating costs and keeps the pool at a more consistent temperature. In addition, covers that contact the water prevent evaporation, which helps reduce water loss and keeps chemical levels more stable, decreasing the need for frequent adjustments.
Another major benefit is the reduction of debris accumulation. Covers in direct contact with the water surface act as a barrier, preventing leaves, dirt, bugs, and other contaminants from entering the pool. This results in a cleaner pool interior and reduces the time and cost of maintenance. Moreover, safety covers that lie flat on the water can help prevent accidental drownings by offering a secure surface that supports the weight of children or pets—making contact not just functional but crucial for safety in some cases.
What types of pool covers are designed to touch the water?
Several types of pool covers are specifically designed to touch the water, including solar covers, solid winter covers, and safety covers. Solar covers are made to remain in direct contact with the water to maximize heat retention and chemical conservation by reducing evaporation. Solid winter covers, typically used during off-season periods, are tightly sealed over the pool and often press against the water to keep debris out and maintain water balance during long periods of disuse.
Safety covers, which are installed for year-round safety, are also designed to touch the water, especially when they are the solid variety. These covers are securely anchored around the pool perimeter and can either lay flat on the water or hover slightly above it, depending on the installation. Automatic pool covers, which roll out and retract over the pool surface, also make full contact with the water and provide a barrier that keeps the pool clean and safe while maximizing efficiency in heat and water retention.
Are there pool covers that should not touch the water?
Yes, certain types of pool covers are not intended to touch the water and may be less effective or damaged if they do. Mesh safety covers, for example, are designed to stay slightly above the water surface to allow rainwater to pass through and drain into the pool, which helps reduce strain on the cover. These covers are primarily used for safety, preventing people or animals from falling into the pool, rather than heating or evaporation prevention.
Automatic pool covers, although they span the entire surface of the pool, are sometimes used over slightly elevated water levels, depending on the system’s design. Furthermore, some leaf covers and temporary covers may not need contact with water to serve their intended purpose of keeping large debris out. It’s important to follow the manufacturer guidelines regarding water contact to ensure proper function and longevity of the cover, particularly when it comes to water chemistry and cover durability.
How can I ensure proper water contact with my pool cover?
Ensuring proper water contact with your pool cover starts with choosing the right type of cover for your specific pool and purpose. For covers designed to touch the water, such as solar or winter covers, it’s important to ensure the cover is stretched out evenly and secured properly so that it lies flat against the water surface. Using water tubes or anchors can help hold the cover in place and prevent it from floating or blowing off due to wind.
It’s also essential to maintain the correct water level in your pool. If the water level is too high, it can cause the cover to shift or result in water spilling over the edges when the cover is in place. Conversely, if the water level is too low, the cover may not extend far enough to make proper contact. Regular adjustments and inspections, especially after periods of heavy rain or evaporation, will ensure that your cover remains effective and continues to perform its function without issue.
Will a pool cover that doesn’t touch the water still save on chemicals?
A pool cover that doesn’t fully touch the water can still help reduce chemical usage, though not as effectively as one that does make contact. Covers suspended slightly above the surface can block sunlight, which helps prevent the growth of algae and reduces the breakdown of chlorine. They also act as a barrier for large debris, minimizing contamination and reducing the need for chemical adjustments due to organic material decay.
However, without direct contact, evaporation will still occur to some extent, leading to water loss and fluctuations in chemical balance. Solar covers, which are specifically made to float on the surface, are far more efficient at keeping evaporation at bay, which preserves both water and chemicals. For maximum savings, especially in areas with high sun exposure or during off-season storage, a cover that touches the water is generally a better choice for maintaining a stable chemical environment and reducing overall maintenance costs.
How often should I check my pool cover’s contact with the water?
It’s advisable to check your pool cover’s contact with the water regularly, ideally once a week or following major weather changes. For covers meant to rest on the surface, such as solar or winter covers, consistent monitoring ensures they remain properly positioned despite wind, rainfall, or pool water level changes. If you use automatic covers or a reel system, it’s important to inspect the alignment each time it’s deployed to ensure it makes full and even contact across the pool surface.
Environmental factors like heavy rain or evaporation can significantly affect water levels and cover placement. In winter climates, snow and ice melt can raise water levels, causing shifting in rigid covers. In hot weather, water evaporation can drop levels below the cover, reducing effectiveness. By regularly checking and making adjustments, pool owners can maintain the efficiency of their covers, safeguard chemical balance, promote heat retention, and ensure the overall health of their pool throughout any season.