POOL COVER CATEGORIES
Pool covers serve two very different jobs, so we group them into two main families:
1. Floating Covers – day-to-day heating & maintenance
Floating covers rest directly on the water. They install in minutes, can be trimmed on-site, and roll up neatly when you want to swim.
| Floating-cover type | Construction | Best for | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar (bubble) cover | 2-layer film: smooth UV-stabilised top + 8 mm air-bubble underside | Free solar heating and overnight insulation | Collects sun during the day, traps that heat at night. A true all-rounder. |
| Thermal (foam) cover | 4.5 mm closed-cell foam underside + woven polypropylene top | Maximum heat retention (e.g. pools with heat pumps) | Generates little solar gain but keeps purchased heat locked in. |
Why the names overlap: A quality solar cover is also a very effective thermal insulator, so most owners find it delivers the best balance of adding heat and holding heat.
Advantages of floating covers
Free energy: Solar covers extend the swimming season by harvesting sunshine.
Do-it-yourself fit: Trim to shape with sharp scissors; no special tools.
Effortless daily use: They lie below coping level, so wind can’t lift them and no tie-downs are needed.
Roller compatible: One person can roll the cover off or on in under a minute.
Water-saving: Evaporation is cut to near-zero, so top-ups are rare.
Less skimming: Leaves land on the cover instead of in the water; a quick blow or broom clears them.
Disadvantage of floating covers
Debris that collects on top still needs a quick sweep or blower.
2. Tie-Down (Leaf / Winter) Covers – long-term protection
A tie-down cover stretches above the water and fastens to anchors around the pool. Its sole purpose is to keep out every leaf and twig; only rainwater passes through the mesh.
Typical use: weeks or months at a time—over winter or during an extended absence.
Common pairing: ~90 % of customers who own a tie-down cover also keep a floating solar cover and roller for the warmer months.
Advantage of tie-down covers
Total debris exclusion: Leaves, branches and even fine gum-tips stay out—your pool remains virtually maintenance-free while the cover is on.
Disadvantages of tie-down covers
Time to secure: A medium-size pool needs roughly 30–40 anchor points, so removing and refitting takes noticeably longer than rolling up a floating cover.
Custom manufacture: The cover must be factory-cut to the exact pool shape; you can’t trim it on-site. The extra labour and hardware make it around three to four times the cost of a floating solar cover.
Choosing the right combination
Everyday convenience + heating? A solar bubble cover on a roller is the go-to solution.
Running a heat pump? Add a thermal cover for maximum efficiency, or use solar if you still value free sun-heat.
Seasonal shut-down? A tie-down cover keeps the pool pristine during long breaks—and pairs well with a solar cover for the rest of the year.
By matching the cover (or covers) to how—and when—you use your pool, you get the best balance of comfort, cost-savings and low maintenance.
