What’s the Best Pool Cover for My Pool?Updated a month ago
Pool covers are essential for Australian pools—they save water, reduce chemical use, and keep your pool clean. While solar and thermal covers are popular, pairing them with a pool roller makes handling effortless.
1. Solar Covers (Bubble Covers)
How they work: Floating plastic sheets with air bubbles trap heat and reduce evaporation.
Pros:
Retains heat: Boosts water temperature by 3–8°C (ideal for cooler regions like VIC/TAS).
Reduces evaporation: Saves up to 70% water in dry climates (SA, QLD).
Budget-friendly: Lowest upfront cost.
Cons:
Manual handling: Can be cumbersome without a roller.
Limited debris protection: Won’t stop leaves or dust.
Shorter lifespan: 2–4 years for your basic models, up to 10 years for the high-end models (UV degrades plastic). The model "number" usually refers to the thickness of the cover, which affects their lifespan.
Best for: Budget-conscious owners prioritising heat retention in mild climates.
2. Thermal Covers
How they work: Heavy-duty insulated blankets or rigid covers lock in heat and block debris.
Pros:
Superior insulation: Maintains heat better than solar covers.
Durable: Lasts 5–7 years (UV-resistant materials).
Partial debris protection: Blocks leaves and light dirt.
Cons:
Heavy: Requires two people or a roller for easy handling.
Mid-range cost: More expensive than solar covers.
Best for: Cooler regions (e.g., southern NSW, TAS) or pools with heaters.
3. Pool Cover + Roller Combo (Recommended)
How it works: A manual cover (solar or thermal) paired with a roller system for easy deployment and storage.
Pros:
Effortless handling: Wind the cover on/off the roller in minutes (solo-friendly!).
Extends cover life: Reduces wear and tear from dragging or folding.
Versatile: Compatible with most solar/thermal covers.
Cost-effective: Cheaper than automatic systems, with similar convenience.
Cons:
Still manual: Requires light physical effort (but far easier than no roller).
Space needed: Rollers require installation space beside the pool.
Best for: Anyone wanting the benefits of a manual cover without the hassle.
Pro Tip: An Under Bench Pool Cover Roller will not only give you the benefits of a pool cover roller, but a bench as well!
Comparison Cheat Sheet
| Factor | Solar Cover | Thermal Cover | Cover + Roller Combo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Retention | Good | Best | Depends on cover |
| Debris Protection | Poor | Moderate | Depends on cover |
| Ease of Use | Low (no roller) | Low (no roller) | High (with roller) |
| Lifespan | 2–4 years | 5–7 years | Matches cover type |
| Cost | $ | $$ | $$–$$$ |
What’s Right for Your Pool?
Heat retention + budget: Solar cover + roller.
Durability + insulation: Thermal cover + roller.
Quick daily use: Roller systems make frequent cover use practical.
Australian climate tips:
Bushfire-prone areas: Use a thermal cover with a roller for quick debris protection.
High UV zones (QLD, NT): Pair UV-resistant thermal covers with a rust-proof roller.
Water-saving: Solar covers + rollers are ideal for drought-prone regions.
Why Rollers Are a Game-Changer
No more wrestling: Say goodbye to tangled covers or dragging them across pavers.
Space-saving: Compact rollers mount to the pool deck or wall.
All-season use: Easily remove/replace covers during storms or heatwaves.
Need a Cover and Roller?
Browse our Pool Covers Collection for solar blankets, thermal covers, and durable rollers. Pair with cover clips or weights for a snug fit.
Final Tip: Don’t let manual handling put you off—adding a roller makes daily cover use a breeze. Protect your pool, save time, and spend less on chemicals and heating.