Solar Cover Facts
How Do Solar Pool Covers Work?
Solar pool covers use the sun’s natural energy together with thermal insulation properties to help warm your pool and retain heat more efficiently.
During daylight hours, solar radiation passes through the semi-translucent cover and into the pool water, helping to naturally increase water temperature. The more direct sunlight your pool receives, the greater the potential heating effect.
Lighter and more translucent covers generally allow greater solar penetration into the water, while darker covers absorb more heat within the material itself before transferring it to the pool. Similar to window tinting, darker materials reduce direct light transmission.
Under favourable weather conditions with consistent sunlight exposure, pools may increase in temperature by approximately 1°C per day. Actual performance will vary depending on:
• sunlight exposure;
• geographic location;
• season;
• ambient temperatures;
• wind conditions;
• pool size; and
• surrounding shade.
If a pool receives limited direct sunlight, the heating effect from a solar blanket will naturally be reduced.
Heat Retention & Thermal Protection
One of the most important benefits of a solar blanket is reducing heat loss.
The majority of swimming pool heat loss occurs through evaporation, particularly overnight when cooler air temperatures cause heat and moisture to escape from the water surface.
A solar blanket acts as a thermal barrier by significantly reducing evaporation and helping retain the heat accumulated during the day.
This provides two key benefits:
• solar heating during daylight hours; and
• thermal insulation and heat retention overnight.
Using a Solar Cover with Pool Heaters
Solar blankets are strongly recommended for use with all pool heating systems, including:
• gas heaters;
• electric heat pumps;
• solar heating systems; and
• hybrid heating systems.
By reducing evaporation and heat loss, a solar blanket can significantly improve heating efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Depending on environmental conditions and usage, a properly fitted pool cover may reduce heating costs substantially.
How Solar Covers Help Save Money
In addition to helping warm the pool, solar blankets provide several ongoing operational benefits including:
• significantly reducing water evaporation;
• lowering heating and energy costs;
• reducing chemical consumption;
• reducing debris entering the pool;
• minimising water top-ups; and
• helping maintain more stable water chemistry.
These benefits can save both time and money while improving overall pool efficiency.
Will Salt Water Damage the Cover?
No. Our pool cover materials are designed to be compatible with properly maintained saltwater swimming pools.
However, excessive salt concentrations or poor water chemistry may contribute to corrosion of other pool equipment and may accelerate material deterioration over time.
Pool chemistry should always be maintained within recommended operating ranges.
What Damage Can High Chlorine Levels and Unbalanced Water Cause?
Excessive chlorine levels and chemically unbalanced pool water can significantly accelerate deterioration of the cover material and bubbles.
High chlorine exposure, poor water balance, and concentrated chemical gases may:
• reduce the lifespan of the cover;
• accelerate bubble degradation;
• increase brittleness and material breakdown; and
• void warranty coverage where improper water maintenance has contributed to damage.
Customers should maintain pool chemistry within recommended ranges at all times, including:
• chlorine levels;
• pH balance;
• alkalinity;
• stabiliser levels; and
• calcium hardness.
What Are the Benefits of the GeoBubble™ Design?
The GeoBubble™ design has been developed to improve durability and thermal efficiency compared with traditional bubble designs.
Benefits include:
• excellent thermal insulation properties;
• improved buoyancy;
• strong water surface adhesion during windy conditions;
• improved material strength; and
• smoother, more even operation on roller systems.
Cover Life Expectancy & Care
The usable life of a solar pool cover will vary depending on:
• pool water chemistry;
• UV exposure;
• environmental conditions;
• heat exposure;
• storage methods;
• use of protective roller covers; and
• overall care and maintenance.
Proper care and correct storage can significantly extend the life expectancy of the cover.
Covers that are stored correctly, protected from excessive heat and direct sunlight when rolled up, and used seasonally rather than continuously year-round may achieve a longer service life.
As with all thermal plastic materials exposed to sunlight, pool chemicals, and outdoor conditions, gradual ageing and wear over time are normal characteristics of the product.
For more information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions and Warranty documentation.
