As temperatures drop, many pool owners assume it’s time to say goodbye to swimming until spring. But with the right pool cover, you can hold onto warmth for longer, reduce maintenance, and make reopening your pool far easier.

Getting your pool winter-ready isn’t just about closing it off, it’s about protecting the water, retaining heat where possible, and choosing the right cover for how you use your pool.

This guide will show you how different pool covers work, what to look for, and how to choose the best one for your pool.

Why Do Pool Covers Matter in Winter?

Pools lose heat quickly over winter, especially overnight.

A well-chosen pool cover can help:

• Reduce heat loss overnight
• Minimise evaporation (which also helps maintain water levels)
• Keep debris out of the pool
• Reduce the need for cleaning and chemicals
• Make reopening your pool faster and easier

Solar covers, in particular, are designed to capture warmth from the sun and reduce heat loss, helping maintain a more comfortable water temperature while lowering water and chemical use.

The Two Main Types of Pool Covers

When preparing for winter, most pool owners are choosing between:

• Solar pool covers (thermal blankets)
• Debris or winter covers

Each serving a different purpose.

Solar Pool Covers: Holding Onto Heat

Solar pool covers are the go-to option if your goal is to retain heat and extend your swimming season.

They sit directly on the water’s surface and work by:

• Trapping heat already in the water
• Reducing evaporation (a major cause of heat loss)
• Capturing warmth from sunlight during the day

What to Look For

Solar covers are measured in microns, which refers to thickness. Generally:

• Lower micron covers are lighter and easier to handle
• Higher micron covers are thicker, more durable, and better at heat retention

This is where products like the Oasis Premium Blue 550 micron or Daisy 525 micron options come in. They offer a thicker material designed for durability and improved heat retention over time.

Real-World Use

If you’re still using your pool occasionally through autumn or early winter:

• Put the cover on overnight to keep warmth in
• Remove it during sunny days if you want direct heating
• Use it consistently to maintain temperature between swims

Debris & Winter Covers

If your pool sees less use over winter, a debris or winter cover becomes essential.

Products like the WinterKleen or Pooltex debris covers are designed to:

• Stop leaves, dirt, and debris entering the pool
• Reduce cleaning time and maintenance
• Keep water clearer while the pool is not in use
• Provide a physical barrier during stormy or windy weather

For example, WinterKleen covers are made from durable, lightweight polypropylene mesh and are customised to fit your pool, helping keep water clean while allowing water to pass through.

Debris & Winter Covers are perfect for:

• Your pool sits under trees
• You’re not planning to swim regularly
• You want to reduce cleaning before reopening
• You want long-term seasonal protection

Choosing the Right Cover for Your Pool

The “best” option depends on how you plan to use your pool during the colder months.

If You Still Swim Occasionally

Go with a solar pool cover:

• Helps maintain a more comfortable temperature
• Reduces heat loss between uses
• Available in different thicknesses for durability

If You’re Closing the Pool for Winter

Choose a winter/debris cover:

• Keeps leaves, dirt, and debris out
• Reduces cleaning before reopening
• Offers long-term protection

Getting the Right Fit

A poorly fitted cover can reduce heat retention and have less debris control.

Clark Rubber covers can be:

• Custom made to your pool shape and size
• Designed to suit different pool layouts, including steps and curves

When measuring:

• Allow for slight overlap on in-ground pools
• Account for steps or irregular shapes
• Consider how you’ll remove and store the cover

If you have any questions on how to measure your pool for a pool cover, please visit or contact your local Clark Rubber store, and one of our friendly experts will be able to assist you.

Practical Tips for Winter Pool Cover Use

A few small habits can make a big difference in how well your cover performs:

Keep It Clean

• Remove leaves and debris regularly
• Prevent build-up before it enters the pool

Use It Consistently

• Covers work best when used daily (especially solar covers)

Store It Properly

• Avoid dragging covers across rough surfaces
• Use a roller system for larger pools to reduce wear

Think About Access

• Heavier or thicker covers offer benefits, but it's important to make sure they are manageable for you and your setup

What Winter-Ready Really Looks Like

Getting your pool ready for winter also includes getting it set up properly for the months ahead.

With the right cover, you can:

• Hold onto warmth for longer
• Keep your pool cleaner with less effort
• Reduce water and chemical loss
• Make spring reopening quicker and easier

Whether you choose a solar cover, or a debris cover, the key is matching the cover to how you personally use your pool.

Winter doesn’t have to mean neglecting your pool or starting from scratch in spring.

A well-chosen pool cover helps you maintain control over temperature, cleanliness, and maintenance, even when the weather cools down.

If you’re unsure which option suits your pool, please visit our friendly experts instore who will be able to help you find the pool cover that works for you.