Solar cover
A bubble sheet that floats on the water. It holds heat and greatly reduces evaporation, so you top up less water. It rolls onto a reel at the end of the pool. Use it at night and on days you do not swim.
Winter cover
A sheet stretched over the pool and fixed to the coping or deck. It keeps out leaves and light, and so algae. In spring the pool starts with much less work. See the pool in winter.
Safety cover
Strong fabric or slats that carry a person's weight and lock. It blocks access to the water when nobody is watching. There are also automatic slatted covers that close at the turn of a key. More on pool safety.
Plan it in
A cover reel needs space at the end of the pool or under the deck. If we plan for it, we hide it. If it is added later, it usually stays in view.
