Pool Cover
A pool cover reduces evaporation, heat loss, and debris, and — in the case of safety and automatic covers — restricts access to the water when it's not in use.
Most manufacturers estimate this range for a well-maintained pool cover, though the real number depends heavily on usage, water balance, and how consistently it's serviced.
Routine maintenance
- Remove standing water and debris from the cover's surface after rain
- Clean and dry the cover fully before folding or storing it off-season
- Inspect straps, springs, or an automatic cover's track and motor for wear
- Check for UV degradation, tears, or thinning material each season
Common issues
- Solar covers turning brittle and tearing from UV exposure within a few seasons
- Automatic cover motors or tracks jamming from debris or misalignment
- Safety cover anchors or straps loosening or corroding over time
- Mildew growth or fading on covers stored while still wet
When to replace
Solar covers are typically replaced every few seasons as the bubble structure thins out. Safety, automatic, and winter covers are generally replaced once the material tears, straps no longer hold tension, or an automatic cover's track or motor becomes unreliable.
Skimmer logs this pool cover's install date, warranty, and every service visit, so you always know exactly how old it is and what's been done.
See pricing →A heater raises and maintains pool water temperature. Gas heaters heat quickly on demand, heat pumps extract heat from the air efficiently over a slower ramp, and solar heaters route water through rooftop or ground panels that use direct sunlight.
An automatic pool cleaner vacuums debris and, on some models, scrubs the pool floor and walls. Robotic cleaners run independently with their own motor and filter, pressure-side cleaners use return-line water pressure, and suction-side cleaners connect to the pump's suction line.
The filter removes suspended debris and particulates from circulating water before it returns to the pool. Cartridge, sand, and D.E. filters all do this job with different media and different maintenance rhythms.
Not sure what a term means? Check the pool glossary →