A summer full of swimming pool fun without sky-high utility bills? Sounds too good to be true, right? But here’s something most pool owners don’t realize—you’re probably spending more than you need to, and there’s a simple solution you’re overlooking: the pool cover.
If you’ve ever looked at your water bill, your energy costs, and the price of pool chemicals, you already know: your uncovered pool is like a silent money drain. The good news? There’s a smart fix that doesn’t just keep your pool safe and clean—it can also save you money.
At Designer Pool Covers, we’ve been supplying and installing high-quality swimming pool covers in South Africa since 2005. Our custom-made covers are designed to make your pool experience safer, more energy-efficient, and a whole lot easier to maintain.
The Invisible Thief: Evaporation
You may not see it, but evaporation is one of the biggest reasons your pool water disappears so quickly. That warm breeze across your outdoor pool? It’s quietly pulling liters of water into the air—and with it goes your chlorine, pH balancers, and hard-earned cash.
Even worse, the water temperature you paid to heat up? Gone. This means your heating system has to kick in more often, using more energy and hiking up your heating costs.
A pool cover can reduce evaporation by as much as 95%. That’s not a guess—it’s a game-changer.
Your Pool Cover: The Unexpected Solution
A quality pool cover isn’t just a lid for your swimming pool—it’s an investment in long-term savings. A pool cover acts like a shield, drastically cutting down water loss due to evaporation. Less pool water loss means fewer chemicals and reduced top-ups.
It gets better. A cover also traps heat, helping to maintain a warmer pool temperature. That means a longer swimming season and less reliance on a solar pool heating system or electric heater. Fewer chemicals + warmer water = a happier swimmer and a happier wallet.
And if you use an automatic pool cover, it’s as simple as pressing a button to cover and uncover your pool—super convenient!
The Solar Advantage
A solar pool cover isn’t just a basic pool cover. It’s designed with sunlight in mind. These solar pool covers absorb the sun’s rays and warm up your swimming pool naturally. Think of it like free sunshine-powered heating!
So instead of running your solar pool heating system for hours, your solar cover does the work for you. It’s one of the easiest ways to save energy, lower your pool heating costs, and enjoy a toasty pool without the guilt.
More Than Just Savings
Yes, a pool cover saves you money, but there’s more.
- A safety cover protects your kids and pets from accidentally entering the pool.
- A cover helps keep debris like leaves, dust, and bugs out, making cleaning your pool less of a chore.
- A pool cover will keep your pool water cleaner, longer.
- A pool deck cover also shields your surrounding surfaces, keeping your space in top shape.
Using a pool cover is about more than money—it’s about peace of mind and less hassle.
Is a Pool Cover Really Worth It?
You might be thinking, “Is a pool cover worth it?” Fair question.
Let’s say you spend thousands every summer on topping up water, adding chemicals, and paying higher electricity bills to heat your pool. Now imagine cutting all that by 30–50% with one smart move: a cover for your pool.
When you invest in a pool cover, you start saving immediately on your water bill, chemical usage, and even repairs from debris out of the pool.
In short, yes—a pool cover is worth it.
Understanding the Cost in South Africa (2025)
Here’s what you can expect to pay in 2025 for different pool cover options:
- Budget solar covers: R 2,800 – R 9,000 for basic solar energy-friendly options.
- Thermal covers and basic safety covers: R 9,500 – R 28,000. These offer better insulation and security.
- Automatic covers: R 35,000 – R 120,000. For those who value convenience and design.
The type of cover you choose, your pool deck size, and custom features all affect price. But remember—cover vs no cover? The savings on heating and water alone could pay off your cover in a season or two.
At Designer Pool Covers, we help you choose the right pool cover for your needs and budget, ensuring money in the long run.
Real Stories, Real Savings
We’ve heard many stories from pool owners across South Africa who weren’t convinced at first. But after installing a high-quality pool cover from Designer Pool Covers, they became believers.
- One family in Gauteng reduced their water bill by 35% within just two months.
- Another client in Cape Town extended their swimming season by six weeks thanks to a solar pool cover.
- A Durban homeowner said they now clean their pool less and use less energy, thanks to their solid pool covers.
Many pool users find that their pool cover also improves their overall pool enjoyment—less stress, more swimming!
Beyond the Basics: Maintenance & Longevity
A pool cover isn’t something you buy and forget. Like your car or garden, it needs a little TLC.
- Rinse off debris weekly.
- Use a pool cover reel for easy handling.
- Store it away properly during the off-season.
With regular care, solid covers or automatic covers can last 7–10 years, sometimes more. Choosing a PVC pool cover model from a trusted company like Designer Pool Covers means your investment truly lasts.
Installation: DIY or Pro?
If you’re handy, you might consider installing a simple solar cover yourself. But for larger outdoor pools, custom shapes, or an automatic pool, professional installation is the way to go.
At Designer Pool Covers, we offer expert installation services that make sure your cover provides maximum benefit and fits like a glove.
Planning Ahead: If You’re Building a Pool
Building a pool? Think long-term.
Incorporating a safety pool or automatic pool cover into your initial design not only improves aesthetics but also saves on future installation costs. It’s smart planning that pays off in comfort, savings, and design.
Different pool designs benefit from tailored covers, and our team at Designer Pool Covers is here to guide you through the options.
Pool Cover Economics: Pay Once, Save for Years
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will a pool cover really reduce pool costs that much?
Absolutely. A quality pool cover will reduce your overall expenses by lowering water loss, chemical usage, and heating bills. It’s one of the smartest ways to reduce pool costs in the long run.
2. How does a pool cover reduce water evaporation?
A pool cover acts like a shield. It reduces water evaporation by blocking sunlight and wind from pulling moisture out of your swimming pool. This not only saves water but also helps keep your chemicals balanced.
3. Can I still use the pool easily if I have a cover?
Yes! Most modern covers—especially automatic pool covers—make it super easy to use the pool whenever you like. You just slide it open and enjoy, then close it up again to protect your investment.
4. What other benefits do pool covers offer besides savings?
Besides saving you money on heating, pool cover benefits include keeping the pool clean, reducing chemical use, and even improving safety. Some covers offer UV protection and extra insulation, too.
5. Is it better to choose solar or solid covers?
Each has its perks! Solar covers work well with solar energy to heat your swimming pool naturally, while solid covers are excellent at blocking debris and light. Consider your priorities—cover vs convenience, heating, or cleaning—and choose what suits your pool best.
6. Will a cover affect the longevity of my pool equipment?
Definitely, a pool cover helps reduce the wear and tear on your swimming pool heating system and filtration by minimizing debris and evaporation. This means your pool stays cleaner and your pool maintenance gets easier, which also helps save on long-term repair costs. That’s something many pool owners can agree on!
The Verdict: Stop Doubting, Start Saving
So, what’s the bottom line?
A pool cover reduces more than just evaporation. It reduces swimming pool costs, time spent on cleaning, and stress. A pool cover will decrease energy usage, lower bills, and keep the water clean and warm.
Whether you go for a simple solar cover, a solid pool cover, or an automatic pool cover, the payoff is real and fast.
Pool covers are a great way to upgrade your swimming pool without draining your budget. And with over 20 years of experience, Designer Pool Covers is your trusted South African partner in making that happen.
Ready to save on heating, cleaning, and water this summer? Contact us today for a free quote, and let’s find the perfect cover for your swimming pool together. Your pool (and your wallet) will thank you.