Are solar bed covers worth the investment for seasonal pool owners who only open their pool for a few months?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

For seasonal pool owners who operate their pools for only a few months, the question of whether a solar bed cover is worth the investment is a common one, and the answer largely depends on specific factors. Many buyers, especially in northern climates with short swimming seasons, evaluate the cost versus the benefit carefully.

Firstly, a primary benefit of solar covers is significant energy savings. They reduce heating costs by absorbing solar radiation and, crucially, by preventing heat loss through evaporation, which accounts for 70-80% of heat loss. Even for a short season, reducing reliance on a gas or electric heater can lead to noticeable savings that quickly offset the cover's initial cost, especially if energy prices are high. If you want to extend your swimming season by a few weeks at the beginning and end, a solar cover is almost indispensable for achieving comfortable water temperatures without excessive heating bills.

Secondly, covers reduce water evaporation. For those in drought-prone areas or with high water costs, conserving hundreds or thousands of gallons of water over even a short season represents a tangible benefit. This also means less refilling and chemical adjustment. Thirdly, solar covers help keep the pool cleaner by blocking debris, reducing the workload for your filter and pump, and minimizing the need for manual skimming. This means more time swimming and less time maintaining.

While the payback period might be slightly longer than for year-round pools, the enhanced comfort, extended swimming opportunities, reduced heating costs, and water conservation often make solar covers a worthwhile investment for seasonal pool owners. Based on common themes from Amazon product reviews, buyers frequently report that covers allow them to enjoy their pool earlier and later in the season, maximizing their brief window of use. So, even for a few months, the cumulative benefits usually justify the purchase.