Pool covers play a major role in reducing water loss, chemical usage and electricity costs in South African swimming pools. While many types of covers exist, the largest water savings come from covers designed specifically to reduce pool water evaporation, rather than to heat the pool.
For homeowners primarily focused on water conservation, our Enviro-Bubble water-saving pool cover is designed to reduce evaporation by over 95%.
Adding a pool cover saves you electricity, chemicals, water and effort – And did I mention can increase your water temperature by 8°C
If you have a swimming pool, one of the fastest ways to save money is by adding a pool cover to your open pool. It’s a myth to think that pool covers are too expensive. Just the water savings alone will cover the cost of the pool cover. We recently did some cost estimates and I challenge you to do the same based on the water, electricity and chemicals costs in your area.
Let’s say you have a pool that is 8 meters by 5 meters and holds 50 000 litres with a 1kw pump costing you R2 every hour in electricity to run. Now let’s say you run it for 8 hours per day 365 days per year. That would cost you R5840 per year to run. If you could halve that cost you would save R2920 per year. Now think of the water savings, – If in summer you could reduce your evaporation by 80- 90% and only have to top up once every month rather than every five days, what would that save you? And if you could reduce chemical usage by half, that may save you another R100 per month. Environmentally you have done a great thing!
Adding a pool cover will catch most of the leaves and debris which means you need to clean your pool less and you need to have the filter running less (especially in the winter months when you are not using the pool).
The pool cover also reduces direct sunlight thereby reducing algae build-up and therefore reducing your need for chemicals and extends the effectiveness of the chlorine in the water.
With up to 90% reduction in evaporation depending on what type of cover your choose, a pool cover reduces the amount of times you have to top-up the pool with water and therefore reduces your water bill considerably. Do you know how much water flows from your backyard hose per minute? Of course it will vary with local water pressure but on average, it can be around 15 litres per minute. So, how often do you top up your pool in summer and for how long?
As an example: 30minutes x 15 litres / minute x 6 (every 5 days/month) = 2700 litres per month
Water is a precious resource that should be conserved at every opportunity. A pool cover can reduce monthly tops ups to just once a month which is a saving of 83% on water that is simply lost to evaporation every month.
However, with all this said, the best benefit to me is the increased water temperature of up to 8°C that not only makes my pool more luxurious but also extends the months that I can use the pool, making all the cost and effort worthwhile. Just imagine a pool that was once 20°C in summer now a delicious 28°C!
Not all pool covers are designed for heating — some, like fully opaque water-saving covers, focus instead on stopping evaporation and algae growth.
There are a number of different product choices you can make with regards to pool covers and these range from the Leaf Catcha, the Ultra Dome solar blanket, the Aqua-Guard Solid cover and the multifunctional Solid Safety Cover. All the covers pay for themselves over their lifespans.
Article updated in January 2026 to reflect current water-saving practices and pool cover technologies in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water can a pool cover save in South Africa?
In South Africa’s warm and often windy climate, evaporation is one of the biggest causes of pool water loss. A pool cover can significantly reduce evaporation, meaning the pool needs far less topping up over time. Actual water savings depend on factors such as pool size, location, exposure to wind and sun, and how consistently the pool is kept covered, but the reduction can be substantial when the cover is used regularly.
What causes most pool water loss — evaporation or leaks?
For most swimming pools, evaporation is the primary cause of ongoing water loss, especially during hot, dry or windy weather. Leaks do occur, but they usually result in a steady and noticeable drop in water level even when the pool is not in use. If water loss is irregular or worse during hot weather, evaporation is usually the main factor.
Do pool covers reduce chemical use?
Yes. By reducing evaporation and limiting sunlight exposure, a pool cover helps stabilise the water balance and slows the breakdown of chlorine. This often means fewer chemical top-ups are needed, as the chemicals already in the water last longer and work more effectively.
Will a pool cover reduce electricity costs?
In many cases, yes. A cleaner pool with more stable water conditions can reduce how long the filtration system needs to run, particularly outside of peak swimming season. Pools that stay cleaner also require less intensive circulation and maintenance, which can help lower overall electricity use over time.
Do pool covers stop algae growth?
Covers that block or significantly reduce sunlight can greatly limit algae growth, as algae needs light to thrive. Other types of covers may still help by keeping debris out and preserving chlorine, but covers that reduce light penetration are the most effective at preventing algae-related problems.
Do solar covers save water or only heat the pool?
Solar covers do both. They reduce evaporation by acting as a barrier over the water surface, which helps save water, and they can also increase water temperature by capturing heat from the sun. The amount of heating varies depending on the cover design, weather conditions, and sun exposure, but evaporation reduction is a consistent benefit when the pool is covered.
How often should I keep the pool covered?
For the best results, the pool should be covered whenever it is not being used. This is especially important overnight and during hot or windy days, when evaporation rates are highest. The more consistently the pool is covered, the greater the water, chemical, and energy savings.
What type of pool cover saves the most water?
Different types of pool covers reduce water loss in different ways. Lightweight covers can limit evaporation when used regularly, while more robust covers form a stronger barrier over the water surface and may also reduce sunlight exposure. The most effective option depends on how consistently the cover is used, how well it fits the pool, and whether additional benefits such as debris control or algae reduction are needed.