Article Summary:

  • Pool covers drastically reduce maintenance costs related to heating, skimming, and cleaning.
  • Various types of pool covers suit different pools, locations, and families.
  • Consult a professional to select the right pool cover for your needs.
  • Trust professionals to extend your pool’s lifecycle while maximizing savings.

A simple pool cover can significantly reduce maintenance and heating costs. How? By minimizing evaporation, reducing heat loss, and conserving chemicals while keeping debris out.

Pool covers act as your first line of defense against contaminants, preserving water quality and ensuring filtration systems run efficiently. Read on to discover how this cost-effective accessory can lead to long-term savings of up to 50-70%. 

How Might a Pool Cover Save You Money? 

Hampton’s subtropical climate—with warm temperatures, coastal winds, and high humidity—makes water evaporation a constant challenge, especially in summer. Evaporation forces pumps and heaters to work harder, consuming more electricity or gas to maintain desired water levels and temperatures.

Pool covers combat this by preventing excessive cleaning, reducing heat loss, and protecting systems like skimmers, pumps, and filters. In the Hamptons, where shedding trees and shrubs are abundant, pool covers keep debris out while shielding surface water from UV exposure, which slows evaporation.

Additionally, UV rays break down chlorine and other chemicals, reducing their effectiveness over time. A pool cover helps maintain water chemistry, reducing the need for frequent testing and chemical rebalancing, saving both time and money.

What Are the Different Types of Pool Covers? 


Pool covers vary in material, insulation, and functionality, catering to different needs like safety, cleanliness, energy efficiency, and seasonal protection. Here are the most popular options for Hamptons pool owners:

Manual Pool Covers: Manual pool covers are simple protective sheets made of vinyl, meat or plastic – anchored to pool decking. They provide a cost-effective method and are easily deployed, mounted, and rolled for storage. 

Depending on your pool’s size, the cost-effectiveness of this option may be offset by the time that it takes to install and install them. Storage may be a concern while these covers are not in use. Manual pool covers also provide limited safety features, as they are not weight-bearing and may implode under excessive pressure.

Best For: Smaller pools and owners willing to spend time manually managing the cover.

Automatic Pool Covers: Automatic options provide unmatched simplicity and convenience, as these covers are deployed and retracted with motorized action. Although they require a higher initial investment, you will enjoy the dividends in pool access and closure at the push of a button. 

Made from durable materials like vinyl or reinforced fabric, they’re often load-bearing, making them ideal for families and winter protection.

Best For: Families, larger pools, and year-round use.

Solar Pool Covers: Also known as bubble covers, these lightweight covers feature a bubble wrap-like design that reduces evaporation by up to 95%. They trap heat directly above the pool surface, maintaining water temperatures without additional heating costs.

Best For: Reducing water loss and heating costs during warm weather.

Safety Pool Covers: Safety covers are made from strong mesh or solid materials anchored to the pool deck, providing a durable barrier that supports the weight of pets, children, or adults. They also keep out debris, minimizing skimming and cleaning.

Safety pool covers effectively prevent leaves, shrubs, sand, dirt and other debris from penetrating your pool’s surface and beyond, reducing the need for frequent skimming and potential tile cleaning due to staining. 

Best For: Families with young children or pets and those prioritizing safety.

Winter Pool Covers: Designed for cold weather, winter covers protect pools from freezing temperatures, UV rays, and snow. Made of vinyl or polyethylene, they prevent algae growth and reduce maintenance during the off-season.

For added insulation, pair a winter cover with a thermal or solar blanket to retain more heat.

Best For: Seasonal use to protect pools from freezing and debris.

Maintaining Your Pool Cover

Maintenance is required for your pool covers, regardless of the season. Take care of your pool cover, and it will take very good care of you. Here are a few pro tips to help you accomplish your mission: 

  • Clean Regularly: Use a leaf blower, broom, or rake (for load-bearing covers) to remove debris and prevent seepage.
  • Wash Periodically: Rinse with water and a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the material.
  • Store Dry: Ensure covers are completely dry before storing to prevent mold or mildew growth.
  • Remove Excess Weight: Use a pump or siphon to clear standing water, and brush off snow with a soft broom during winter to prevent stretching or tearing.
  • Test Water Chemistry: Continue monitoring water levels and chemistry, as some debris seepage is inevitable. Closed pools can still experience chlorine buildup, leading to irritation and corrosion.
  • Clean Automatic Tracks: For automatic covers, rinse tracks regularly to prevent grime buildup that can strain the motor.

Selecting the right pool cover depends on your pool’s size, usage, and environment. Consulting a professional ensures you choose the most efficient option and follow best practices for installation and upkeep.

With over 40 years of expertise, Tortorella offers tailored pool solutions, from installations to maintenance. Our 24-hour comprehensive service packages ensure your pool remains efficient, safe, and cost-effective year-round.

Get a service quote today and experience the Tortorella difference.