5 Things to Know About Pool Covers

You need two separate pool covers No single cover does both safety and heat retention well. Buy one for each purpose.

Solar covers trap heat but are not safe These bubbly blue sheets float on the water and cut evaporation. But they are flimsy and cannot support a child or pet.

Safety covers support weight but don’t retain heat Heavy-duty mesh or solid vinyl covers anchor into the deck. They sit above the water, letting heat escape through gaps or material.

Use the right cover for the season If you have kids or pets, use a safety cover in winter and a solar cover in summer. Never substitute one for the other.

Skip the safety cover only if there is no drowning risk If you only care about heating and have no children or pets, you can skip the safety cover. But never pretend a solar cover is safe.