If you’re a pool owner, you’ve likely heard about pool blankets — but do you really need one? And are they worth the cost?
In this guide, we’ll break down what a pool blanket is, the types available, what benefits it offers, and whether it’s the right investment for your pool setup.
What Is a Pool Blanket?
A pool blanket (also called a pool cover) is a sheet of material designed to sit on top of your pool water when the pool is not in use. It serves several purposes:
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Retains heat
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Prevents debris entering the pool
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Reduces evaporation
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Helps maintain water chemistry
Pool blankets come in different materials and styles to suit different needs and budgets.
Types of Pool Blankets
✅ 1. Solar Covers
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Made of bubble wrap-style plastic
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Traps sunlight to heat water naturally
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Floats directly on water surface
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Ideal for everyday use
✅ 2. Thermal Covers
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Made from thick foam or insulated fabric
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Retain heat better than solar covers
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Do not allow sunlight through (so no algae growth)
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Higher upfront cost
✅ 3. Leaf Covers / Debris Covers
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Mesh or solid covers stretched over the pool
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Stops leaves, branches and dirt from entering the pool
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Doesn’t retain heat
✅ 4. Automatic Pool Covers
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Electrically operated
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Offer safety, heat retention, and debris protection
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Very expensive, but convenient and secure
Top Benefits of Using a Pool Blanket
💧 1. Reduces Evaporation
Up to 95% of water loss from a pool is due to evaporation. A pool blanket acts as a barrier and saves thousands of litres of water each year.
🌞 2. Keeps Pool Warmer
Solar covers raise water temperature by 4–8°C on sunny days. Thermal covers hold heat overnight and reduce heater use.
🧪 3. Preserves Chemicals
Chlorine breaks down in sunlight. A pool blanket protects it from UV rays and keeps pH and chlorine levels stable.
🍃 4. Keeps Debris Out
Less cleaning, clearer water, and a lighter load on your skimmer and filter. Covers also prevent stains from leaves.
💰 5. Lowers Running Costs
With less heat loss, chemical use and filtration time, your pool costs less to maintain.
Are There Any Downsides?
❌ Needs Manual Handling
Unless you install a roller or an automatic system, pool blankets need to be rolled on and off manually.
❌ Can Encourage Algae If Misused
If the water is unbalanced or already turning, a cover can trap heat and make algae grow faster.
❌ Needs Proper Storage
Leaving it folded or bunched up in the sun will damage the material over time.
Do You Really Need a Pool Blanket?
Ask yourself:
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Does your pool lose a lot of water to evaporation?
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Do you want to save on heating costs?
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Do you live in a windy, sunny or dusty area?
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Are you tired of scooping leaves?
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Do you want to swim earlier in spring or later into autumn?
If you said yes to any of the above — a pool blanket is worth considering.
When You Might Skip It
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You have a fully enclosed indoor pool
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You live in a tropical climate where water stays warm naturally
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You rarely use the pool and keep it fully covered year-round
Otherwise, most outdoor pools in Australia benefit from some form of cover — especially solar or debris types.
Pool Blanket Tips
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Always remove the blanket fully before swimming
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Test and balance water weekly, even if covered
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Store the blanket on a roller or in a shaded area
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Don’t leave the blanket on if your pool has visible algae
Where to Buy a Pool Blanket
We stock a range of pool blankets and rollers as part of our pool products range, including:
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Solar bubble covers
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Thermal insulation covers
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Manual rollers
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Blanket accessories
Need help choosing? Our team can guide you on the best option based on your pool size, budget, and climate.
Conclusion
So, do you need a pool blanket? For most Aussie pool owners — the answer is yes. Whether you want to reduce water loss, cut heating costs, or keep the pool cleaner, a pool blanket is a smart, long-term investment.
Ready to get one for your pool? Browse our full selection of pool products to find the right pool blanket, roller, and accessories to make pool care easier and more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar covers use sunlight to heat your pool and reduce evaporation. Thermal covers focus on retaining heat and don’t let sunlight through — so they don’t warm the water but stop heat loss better.
Yes. A pool blanket keeps heat trapped overnight and reduces how often your heater runs. You’ll use less energy and enjoy warmer water, especially in shoulder seasons.
You can — but it’s best to remove it regularly to test water, clean the surface and allow the pool to breathe. Leaving it on constantly can sometimes cause algae if chlorine levels drop.
Measure the longest and widest parts of your pool. Round or kidney-shaped pools can be trimmed after fitting. Always measure to the water line — not the coping.
Yes — especially mesh or debris-style covers. Even solar covers reduce leaf entry, though some debris may collect on top if it’s windy. Using a roller makes cleaning easier.
No. Always remove the cover completely before swimming. It’s a safety hazard and can trap swimmers if left on during use.
In very hot weather, solar covers can raise water temperature above 30°C. If it’s too warm, remove the cover during the day and replace it at night to manage the temperature.
Yes. A pool blanket slows chlorine loss but doesn’t eliminate the need for sanitiser. Test water weekly and adjust as needed. You may use slightly less chlorine overall.
Most solar covers last 3–5 years with proper care. Thermal covers can last longer. Store them out of the sun when not in use and avoid sharp edges that can cause tears.
You’ll find a selection of solar and thermal blankets, rollers, and accessories in our full range of [pool products](https://www.pumpandpoolpeople.com.au/). We can help match the right cover to your pool and budget.