Get the best pool covers for indoor pools to save energy, keep water clean, and improve safety. This guide explains different types, benefits, and how to choose the right one for your home.
Owning an indoor pool is a dream for many! Imagine a refreshing dip anytime, no matter the weather. But keeping that indoor oasis running smoothly can sometimes feel like a puzzle. One common puzzle piece that often gets overlooked is the right kind of cover. You might be wondering, “Do indoor pools even need covers?” The answer is a resounding yes! And choosing the right one makes a big difference. This guide is here to help you sort through the options, understand the benefits, and pick the perfect pool cover for your indoor sanctuary. Let’s dive in!
Why Your Indoor Pool Needs a Cover
You might think that since your pool is indoors, it’s already protected. But an indoor pool cover is like a superhero cape for your pool, offering several amazing benefits that go far beyond just keeping out dust.
Saving Energy Costs
Indoor pools need to be heated, and that can add up! When water evaporates from the pool’s surface, it carries heat with it. This is called evaportative heat loss. A good pool cover acts as a barrier, significantly reducing this evaporation. Less evaporation means your heater doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature, which translates directly into lower energy bills. Think of it as giving your heater a well-deserved break!
Improving Water Quality and Reducing Chemical Use
Even inside, dust, debris, and even small insects can find their way into your pool. This not only makes your pool look less inviting but also means your filtration system works overtime. A cover keeps these unwanted guests out, meaning clearer water and less work for your filter. Furthermore, reduced evaporation means fewer pool chemicals are lost to the air, so you’ll use less chlorine or other sanitizers, saving money and being kinder to the environment through reduced chemical usage.
Enhancing Safety
For families with children or pets, or even just for peace of mind, safety is paramount. An indoor pool cover, especially a solid safety cover, can provide a crucial barrier. It can prevent accidental falls into the water when the pool is not in use, acting as a vital layer of protection. Many safety covers are designed to support a significant amount of weight, making them a reliable safety feature for any home with a pool.
Reducing Humidity and Improving Air Quality
Evaporation from an indoor pool significantly increases the humidity in the surrounding pool area. High humidity can lead to a host of problems, including mold and mildew growth, damage to building materials, and an uncomfortable environment. A pool cover dramatically cuts down on evaporation, thereby lowering humidity levels. This not only helps protect your home’s structure and finishes but also improves the air quality in your indoor pool room by reducing musty smells and potential allergens.
Types of Pool Covers for Indoor Pools
When it comes to protecting your indoor oasis, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different types of covers offer different levels of protection, insulation, and convenience. Let’s explore the most common options.
Solar Covers (Bubble Covers)
These are the lightweight, bubbly blankets you often see on outdoor pools. They work by trapping a layer of air between the bubbles, providing a bit of insulation. The dark underside can also absorb solar energy, helping to heat the water slightly.
Pros:
Affordable.
Easy to install and remove.
Helps retain heat and reduce evaporation.
Can provide a small amount of heating from sunlight.
Cons:
Not a safety cover; does not support weight.
Can be damaged by chlorine and UV rays over time.
May require a reel system for easier handling.
Less durable than other options.
Solid Safety Covers
These are robust covers made from strong, taut material, often reinforced vinyl or a similar sturdy fabric. They are anchored to the pool deck with straps and springs. Their primary purpose is safety, but they also offer excellent protection against debris and evaporation.
Pros:
Provide excellent safety by preventing accidental entry.
Effectively block debris and keep the water clean.
Significantly reduce evaporation and heat loss.
Durable and long-lasting.
Can help manage humidity by sealing the pool surface.
Cons:
More expensive than solar covers.
require professional installation.
Can be heavy and take some effort to put on and take off.
Water can pool on top if not drained, which may require a cover pump.
Mesh Safety Covers
Similar to solid safety covers, mesh covers are anchored to the pool deck and offer a high level of safety. However, instead of being solid, they are made of permeable mesh material.
Pros:
Excellent safety feature.
Allow water to pass through, preventing pooling on the surface.
Reduce evaporation and retain some heat.
Lighter and easier to handle than solid safety covers.
Cons:
Allow fine dust and small debris to pass through.
Do not offer the same level of heat retention as solid covers.
More expensive than solar covers.
Automatic Pool Covers
These are often considered the crème de la crème of pool covers, combining convenience with protection. They are typically solid or sometimes mesh covers that operate via a motorized system, either crank-operated or fully automated with a key switch.
Pros:
Extremely convenient and easy to use.
Provide excellent safety, heat retention, and debris protection.
Can be operated with minimal effort.
Modern and aesthetically pleasing.
Cons:
The most expensive option.
Require a track system along the pool edge.
May require professional installation and maintenance.
Mechanical parts can require repair over time.
Manual Retractable Covers
These covers are similar to automatic covers but are operated manually using a crank system. They often consist of a roller bar system that winds the cover up and out of the way.
Pros:
More affordable than fully automatic covers.
Offer good convenience and protection.
Still provide safety, heat retention, and debris prevention.
Cons:
Require physical effort to operate.
Can be slower to deploy and retract than automatic covers.
Roller system can take up deck space.
When choosing, consider your budget, how much effort you want to put into using the cover, and what your primary goals are (safety, energy savings, debris prevention, or a combination).
Key Features to Look For
Selecting the right cover involves more than just picking a type. Several features can enhance its performance and your experience.
Material Durability
UV Resistance: If your indoor pool room has ample sunlight, look for covers that are treated to resist degradation from UV rays.
Chlorine Resistance: Chlorine, while essential for pool sanitation, can break down certain materials. Ensure the cover material is formulated to withstand your pool’s chemical levels.
Tear and Abrasion Resistance: Especially for safety covers, the material needs to be strong enough to withstand wear and tear from installation and use. Reputable manufacturers often use reinforced stitching and high-strength fabrics. For guidance on materials, you can refer to resources from organizations like the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (formerly PHTA) which offers standards and best practices for pool safety equipment.
Ease of Use and Storage
Reel Systems: For solar covers and some manual retractable covers, a sturdy reel system makes deployment and retraction much easier. Look for systems that are easy to crank and store neatly when not in use.
Lightweight Materials: If you opt for a manual system, lighter cover materials will reduce the physical effort required.
Automatic Operation: For ultimate convenience, automatic covers are hard to beat, though they come with a higher price tag.
Safety Certifications
ASTM Standards: For safety covers, look for products that meet or exceed ASTM International standards for pool safety covers. These standards ensure the cover is designed to prevent drowning and meet specific strength and durability requirements. You can find more about these standards through ASTM International.
Custom Fit vs. Standard Sizes
Custom Fit: For safety and optimal performance, a cover that fits your pool’s exact dimensions is always best. Many companies offer custom-measured covers.
Standard Sizes: These are more budget-friendly but might not offer the same level of security or efficiency as a custom-fit option. You may need to trim them to size with a solar cover.
Warranty
A good warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s durability. Look for warranties that cover material defects and seam integrity, and understand what is excluded (e.g., normal wear and tear).
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Getting a new cover is exciting, but proper installation and care will ensure it performs well and lasts for years.
Installation Process
Safety Covers: These typically require professional installation. The process involves carefully measuring your pool, marking anchor points, drilling into your deck, and installing hardware. The anchor points must be precisely placed for the cover to sit taut and securely.
Solar Covers: These are usually DIY-friendly. You’ll need to measure your pool and, if necessary, trim the cover to size using sharp scissors or a utility knife. A reel system also needs to be assembled and attached to the pool deck.
Automatic Covers: These require professional installation due to the track system and mechanical components. The installer will ensure the tracks are perfectly aligned and the motor is correctly set up.
Regular Maintenance
Cleaning: Periodically clean your cover to remove dirt, leaves, or residue. For solar covers, a gentle hose-down and mild soap might be sufficient. Safety covers can often be hosed off. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning specific materials.
Inspecting Anchors and Straps: For safety covers, regularly check that all anchors, straps, and springs are in good condition and properly tightened. This is crucial for maintaining safety.
Draining Water (Solid Covers): If you have a solid cover, water can accumulate on top from rain or condensation. Use a submersible cover pump to remove this water to prevent the weight from straining the cover or its anchors.
* Storage: When removing a cover for swimming, store it properly. Solar covers can be wound onto a reel. Safety covers and automatic covers should be carefully folded or rolled according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage.
Maintenance Schedule Recommendations
Here’s a general idea of how often to perform these tasks:
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Cover | Monthly or as needed | Remove debris. Use mild soap and water if necessary. |
| Inspect Anchors & Straps (Safety Covers) | Seasonally (e.g., Spring & Fall) | Check for wear, damage, and proper tension. |
| Drain Water (Solid Covers) | As needed after rain/condensation | Use a cover pump to prevent excessive weight. |
| Check Reel System (Solar/Manual) | Annually | Ensure smooth operation and check for any bent parts. |
| Inspect Motor & Tracks (Automatic) | Annually (professional recommended) | Ensure all components are working correctly. |
Making the Right Choice: A Decision-Making Table
To help you weigh your options, consider this table that outlines key considerations for each cover type.
| Feature/Goal | Solar Cover | Mesh Safety Cover | Solid Safety Cover | Automatic Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | Heat retention, evaporation reduction | Safety, debris prevention, water drainage | Safety, excellent debris prevention, heat retention | Ultimate convenience, safety, debris prevention, heat retention |
| Safety Level | Low (no weight support) | High (ASTM certified) | High (ASTM certified) | High (ASTM certified) |
| Debris Protection | Moderate (traps some debris) | Moderate (allows fine dust) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Heat Retention | Moderate | Low to Moderate | High | High |
| Evaporation Reduction | High | Moderate | Very High | Very High |
| Humidity Reduction | Moderate | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (with reel) | Moderate to Difficult (manual operation) | Difficult (manual operation) | Very Easy (motorized) |
| Cost | Low | Medium to High | Medium to High | Very High |
| Installation | DIY Friendly | Professional Recommended | Professional Recommended | Professional Required |
| Water Drainage (on cover) | No (water can collect) | Yes (permeable) | No (requires cover pump) | Yes (if solid, requires pump; if mesh, drains) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pool covers really necessary for indoor pools?
Yes! Indoor pool covers are highly beneficial. They significantly reduce water evaporation, which saves on heating costs and chemical usage. They also keep debris out, improve water quality, and enhance safety. For many, the reduction in humidity is also a major advantage.
How do I measure my indoor pool for a cover?
For accurate measurements, extend a flexible tape measure from one edge of the pool to the other, across the longest part and the widest part. If you have a custom-shaped pool, you may need to trace the pool’s perimeter onto paper or use a flexible measuring tape to mark critical curves. Always add a few extra inches to account for overlap and anchor placement, especially for safety covers. It’s best to consult the specific measuring guides provided by the cover manufacturer.
Can I use my outdoor pool cover on my indoor pool?
It depends. If you are referring to a solar cover, it might work if it fits well and is in good condition, but it’s designed for outdoor conditions. However, safety covers for outdoor pools are often made with materials or hardware that may not be ideal for the consistently higher humidity and chemical concentrations found in an indoor pool environment. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure a cover is suitable for indoor use.
How much does an indoor pool cover typically cost?
Costs vary widely based on the type of cover, size of the pool, and material quality. Basic solar covers can range from $200 to $600. Mesh and solid safety covers typically start from around $1,000 and can go up to $3,000 or more. Automatic covers are the most expensive, often starting at $5,000 and potentially reaching $15,000 or higher, depending on the system and pool size.
How often should I use my indoor pool cover?
For maximum benefits, it’s recommended to use your cover whenever the pool is not in use. This means covering it overnight, when you’re away for the day, or even for short periods when you’re not swimming. The longer the cover stays on, the more energy, water, and chemicals you will save, and the cleaner your pool will remain.
What if my indoor pool has a unique shape?
Many manufacturers specialize in custom-fit covers for pools of all shapes and sizes, including freeform, L-shaped, or kidney-shaped pools. For safety covers, a custom fit is essential for optimal performance and security. For solar covers, you can often purchase a standard rectangular cover and trim it to fit, but this requires careful measuring and cutting.
What is the lifespan of an indoor pool cover?
The lifespan of a pool cover can vary significantly depending on the type, material quality, usage, and maintenance. A basic solar cover might last 1-3 years, while a high-quality mesh or solid safety cover, with proper care, can last 10-15 years or even longer. Automatic covers, due to their mechanical nature, may require repairs or replacement of certain parts over their lifespan, which can be 10-20 years.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pool cover for your indoor pool is a decision that pays dividends in comfort, savings, and safety. By understanding the different types of covers available, their unique benefits, and what features to look for, you’re well on
