Pool covers, winter covers & pool pillows

Covers do different jobs depending on the season. In summer, a cover keeps out leaves, insects and dust. Solar covers – usually bubble wrap – lie directly on the water, keep the heat in the pool and reduce evaporation. Winter covers are tougher and UV-stable and are fastened to the pool edge with a rope or eyelets so they hold under snow and wind.

If a steel-wall pool or large frame pool stays filled over winter, a sheet of ice can form when it freezes and press against the pool wall. An inflatable pool pillow in the middle and ice compensators along the edge absorb this pressure. The pool pillow also makes rainwater run off to the side instead of collecting in the middle of the cover.

The pillow is only inflated to about two thirds and tied in the centre of the pool with ropes. That way it can give way when the ice moves.

Covers should be larger than the pool so they reach over the edge and can be fastened. Manufacturers usually state which pool size a cover is designed for. Solar covers are the opposite: they lie on the water and should cover the water surface as completely as possible without curling up the walls. Many solar covers can be trimmed to size with scissors.

Ordinary pool covers can't be walked on and don't stop children or animals falling into the pool – on the contrary, they can create a false sense of security. Remove the pool ladder when the pool isn't in use, and secure access if young children live in the household.

Clean covers before storing them and let them dry completely, otherwise mildew and mould will form.