On a hot summer day, there’s nothing more refreshing than jumping into a refreshing pool. However, many pool owners don’t realise that their pools are losing water at an alarming rate – through evaporation. This article will look at the key role that pool covers play in reducing water evaporation, and how this translates into significant financial and environmental benefits.

Evaporation: The invisible killer of swimming pool water.

Studies show that a typical outdoor pool can lose up to 25,000 gallons (94,600 liters) of water per year through evaporation. This means:
You can lose 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) of water per day
In hot, dry climates, evaporation rates can double
Heat loss from evaporation accounts for 70% of a pool's total heat loss
These numbers are shocking, especially in today's world where water is increasingly precious.

How Pool Covers Fight EvaporationPool covers (particularly solar or thermal covers) significantly reduce evaporation through the following mechanisms:
Physical barrier: creates an insulating layer directly between the air and the water surface
Temperature regulation: reduces the difference between water and air temperature (the main driver of evaporation)
Windbreak: reduces surface air movement, further inhibiting evaporation
Data shows that the right pool cover can reduce water evaporation by 50-95%, depending on the type of cover and how often it is used.

Economic Benefit Analysis

The water savings benefits of investing in a pool cover are significant:
Reduced water replenishment needs: Save thousands of gallons of replenishment per year
Reduce chemical use: Reduce chemical consumption by approximately 35-60%
Energy savings: Save 15-50% of heating costs by reducing heat loss
Based on the U.S. average, pool covers typically pay back their investment through savings within 1-3 years.

Environmental benefits cannot be ignoredIn addition to the economic benefits, reduced evaporation also brings important environmental benefits:
Saving water: especially important in arid regions
Reduced chemical emissions: fewer chemicals enter the environment
Reduced carbon footprint: less energy used in water treatment and transportation

Best Practices for Using Pool Covers

To maximize evaporation control:
Cover your pool when it’s not in use
Choose a cover type that’s appropriate for your climate
Make sure the cover fits snugly around the edges of your pool
Perform regular maintenance and repair any damage
Increase use time on particularly hot or windy days

A pool cover is much more than a convenience accessory—it’s an important tool for water management and energy efficiency. By significantly reducing evaporation, pool covers save owners considerable water, chemical, and energy costs while contributing to environmental protection. The ROI and eco-benefits of pool covers make them a smart choice when evaluating pool maintenance options.
Do you use a pool cover? Share your water-saving experiences in the comments!