Thinking About a Solar Cover for Your Pool? Here’s What You Need to Know

So, you’ve got a swimming pool, and you’re wondering if a solar cover is worth it. Fair question. It’s not a huge investment, but you still want to know if it actually makes a difference. Spoiler alert: it does. A good solar cover can save you money, keep your pool warmer, and make maintenance easier. Let’s break it down.

What Does a Solar Cover Actually Do?

Think of a solar cover like a giant bubble-wrap blanket for your pool. It traps heat from the sun and stops the water from evaporating as quickly. That means:

• Warmer Water – Your pool warms up naturally during the day and holds onto that heat overnight. No more freezing morning swims.
• Lower Power Bills – If you have a pool heater, you won’t need to run it as much. Less energy, lower costs.
• Less Water Loss – Pools lose a surprising amount of water through evaporation. A cover slows that down.
• Fewer Chemicals Needed – When less water evaporates, fewer chemicals get lost. That means you don’t have to top up as often.

Do They Work in New Zealand’s Weather?

Yep. Whether you’re dealing with chilly mornings in Dunedin or hot, dry summers in Hawke’s Bay, a solar cover helps regulate your pool temperature. Even in Wellington, where the wind loves stealing pool warmth, a cover can stop heat loss overnight.

What Kind of Solar Cover Should You Get?

You’ve got a couple of choices, but let’s keep it simple:

• Bubble Covers – These are the most common. They look like bubble wrap, float on the surface, and trap heat. They’re affordable, easy to use, and work well in most NZ conditions. You can find them at places like Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ or Trade Me (just check the seller reviews).
• Thermal Covers – These are thicker and better at retaining heat, but they cost more and can be heavy to handle. Good for really extending the swim season.
• Liquid Solar Covers – This is a special liquid you pour in that forms an invisible layer on the water. It’s not as effective as a physical cover but works if you want something super low-maintenance.

How Do You Use a Solar Cover Properly?

A solar cover isn’t just a throw-it-on-and-forget-it thing. To get the most out of it, do this:

1. Keep It On When You’re Not Swimming – The more you cover the pool, the better job it does heating and preventing evaporation.
2. Take It Off If It’s Really Hot and You Don’t Want Extra Heat – Believe it or not, in peak summer, your pool can get too warm. If that’s the case, let it breathe during the day.
3. Store It Properly – If you’re not using it, roll it up and keep it in the shade. Sunlight can break down the material over time. Consider a reel system from Kiwi retailers like Para Rubber to make handling easier.

Is a Solar Cover Worth It?

If you like swimming in warmer water and want to save on heating costs and maintenance, then yes. They don’t cost much, and they make a noticeable difference. Plus, they help reduce evaporation, which is handy during summer water restrictions.

Where to Buy One in NZ

If you’re ready to get one, check out:

• Pool & Spa Warehouse – Good range of pool covers and accessories.
• Para Rubber – They’ve got affordable bubble covers and rollers.
• Trade Me – You can often find deals, just make sure to check product details and seller reviews.

Anyway, that’s the rundown. If you’re sick of freezing water or watching your pool water disappear, a solar cover is the simple fix. Give it a go—you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.