Summer’s here, and you’re using your pool more than ever — but is a pool blanket still worth it during the warmer months? The answer isn’t always straightforward.
This guide explains the real benefits (and some downsides) of using a pool blanket in summer, including how to choose the right one, when to use it, and what alternatives are available.
What Is a Pool Blanket?
A pool blanket is a lightweight cover placed over the surface of your pool to:
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Retain heat
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Reduce water evaporation
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Limit debris
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Maintain chemical balance
Common types include:
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Bubble solar covers
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Thermal foam covers
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Roller or hidden retractable systems
Benefits of Using a Pool Blanket in Summer
1. Slows Evaporation
In hot Aussie summers, your pool can lose up to 5–7 mm of water per day through evaporation. A pool blanket can:
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Reduce water loss by up to 90%
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Save on top-ups and water bills
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Reduce environmental impact
2. Retains Heat Overnight
Even if your pool is warm during the day, it cools rapidly overnight. A cover:
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Keeps water up to 5°C warmer
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Helps if you’re using solar or heat pumps
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Extends comfortable swimming hours
3. Saves Chemicals
Evaporation doesn’t just waste water — it also removes valuable chlorine and stabiliser. A blanket:
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Keeps sanitiser levels stable
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Reduces the need for frequent top-ups
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Saves money on chemical costs
4. Keeps Debris Out
Covers keep leaves, dust, and insects from entering the water — meaning:
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Less cleaning
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Less load on your filter
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Lower risk of algae outbreaks
Explore covers and cleaning tools in our pool products range.
Downsides of Using a Pool Blanket in Summer
While they offer big benefits, pool blankets aren’t perfect. Consider these drawbacks:
1. Overheating Risk
In extreme heat, especially with heated pools, covers can raise water temperature to uncomfortable levels (30–35°C). This can:
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Accelerate algae growth
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Make swimming unpleasant
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Damage some pool finishes
Tip: Remove the cover during the day if the water gets too warm.
2. Chlorine Buildup Under the Cover
If chlorine levels are too high when the cover is on, it can lead to:
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Chemical smell or irritation
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Damage to the cover or pool liner
Always test before covering — chlorine should be under 3 ppm.
3. Algae Risk if Water Isn’t Circulated
Blankets limit water movement and sunlight. If the pool is:
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Poorly circulated
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Unbalanced
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Underused
…it can become a breeding ground for algae.
Tip: Run the pump daily and shock the pool weekly during high-use periods.
When to Use a Pool Blanket in Summer
| Time of Day | Use Blanket? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight | ✅ Yes | Retains heat, stops evaporation |
| Midday Heatwave | 🔶 Maybe | Prevents evaporation but may overheat |
| During Swimming | ❌ No | Remove for access and safety |
| After Heavy Rain | ✅ Yes | Helps balance and clarity |
What Are the Best Types of Summer Pool Blankets?
1. Bubble Covers (Solar Covers)
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Traps solar energy
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Affordable and easy to use
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Ideal for daily cover/uncover cycles
2. Thermal Covers
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Insulates better than bubble covers
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Doesn’t heat the water further (good for hot climates)
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Heavier and more durable
3. Liquid Solar Covers (Alternative)
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Invisible layer of chemical film
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Minimises evaporation
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Allows swimming while active
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Doesn’t keep out debris or add insulation
Explore cover types, rollers, and liquid alternatives in our full pool products section.
Do I Need a Roller?
A pool roller:
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Makes daily removal easy
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Extends the life of your blanket
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Allows for tidy storage
Ideal for rectangular pools. For irregular shapes, consider custom-fit or hidden track systems.
Tips for Using a Pool Blanket in Summer
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Test water chemistry weekly
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Remove the cover for 1–2 hours after shocking
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Store it properly when not in use (shade or roller with UV cover)
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Don’t walk or place heavy items on it
Conclusion
Yes, you do need a pool blanket in summer — but not necessarily 24/7. It’s one of the best tools to reduce water loss, retain heat, and protect your chemicals.
Use it strategically: cover your pool overnight, during extreme heat, or when it’s not in use — but uncover it during swim time or if the water gets too hot.
Need a pool cover, roller, or liquid solar option? Shop our full range of pool products and find the perfect solution for a smarter, more efficient summer swim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — especially overnight or during heatwaves. It helps retain heat, reduce water evaporation, and protect chlorine levels. Just remove it when swimming or if the pool gets too warm.
Yes. They reduce heat loss at night and, in the case of solar covers, help warm the pool during the day. They can raise water temperature by up to 5°C.
Only if the water isn’t properly balanced. A covered pool with poor circulation, low chlorine, and warm temps can develop algae. Keep your water balanced and filter running.
It can — especially in very hot weather or if your pool is already heated. Monitor water temperature and remove the cover during the hottest parts of the day if needed.
While not essential, a roller makes it easier to remove and store the cover neatly. It also extends the life of the blanket by preventing folding or damage.
Yes. They can reduce water evaporation by up to 90%, saving you hundreds of litres of water — especially during dry, windy or hot summer days.
Bubble solar covers are popular for affordability and heating properties. Thermal covers are better in extreme heat where you want insulation but not extra warmth.
No. Always remove the cover before swimming for safety. Liquid solar covers are an exception — they form an invisible film that allows swimming while still reducing evaporation.
Yes. A cover reduces chlorine loss, but you still need to test and adjust weekly — especially after rain, heavy use, or high heat.
Browse our full [pool products](https://www.pumpandpoolpeople.com.au/) range for pool blankets, rollers, covers, liquid solar solutions and more — all designed for Australian pools and summers.