Do solar bed covers attract algae or bacteria, and how do I prevent it? What are the best practices for hygiene?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

A common concern for pool owners is whether solar bed covers attract algae or bacteria. While the covers themselves don't directly "attract" these organisms, the conditions they create can inadvertently accelerate their growth if proper pool hygiene is not maintained.

Solar covers are designed to retain heat, which is excellent for extending your [swimming season](/qa/how-do-solar-bed-covers-affect-pool-water-temperature-and-swimming-season) by warming the water. However, this warm water also creates an ideal breeding ground for microscopic organisms. Additionally, a covered pool reduces direct sunlight exposure to the water and inhibits aeration, which can impact the pool's chemical balance and allow algae to take hold more easily if not managed.

Prevention and Best Practices for Hygiene

To enjoy the benefits of a solar bed cover without battling unwanted pool visitors, follow these best practices:

• Maintain Consistent Chemical Levels:
 This is the most critical step. Regularly test your pool water for proper levels of:
• Chlorine (or other sanitizer)
• pH
• Alkalinity
• Calcium hardness

While a pool cover reduces sanitizer consumption by preventing evaporation, it does not eliminate the need for sanitization. Many users find they can reduce their [overall chemical usage](/qa/how-do-solar-bed-covers-impact-pool-chemical-consumption-and-water-clarity-do-i-need-less-chemicals), but consistent chemical addition is still essential. Aim for slightly higher chlorine levels before covering the pool for extended periods.

• Shock Your Pool Regularly:
 Periodically "shocking" your pool - especially after heavy use or prolonged periods under the cover - will kill off any nascent algae or bacteria. This is a crucial practice for pool owners with solar covers.

• Brush and Vacuum:
 Even with a cover, some debris can enter the pool. Regular brushing of walls and vacuuming the floor helps remove potential breeding grounds for algae.

• Clean the Cover:
 Don't forget to clean the solar cover itself.
• The top surface can accumulate debris, dust, and even algae from external sources.
• The underside, which is in direct contact with the water, can also harbor microorganisms.
 Periodically hose down both sides with water. If necessary, use a mild pool cover cleaner. Ensure the cover is dry before [storing for the off-season](/qa/what-are-the-best-practices-for-storing-a-a-solar-bed-cover-during-off-season-to-maximize-its-lifespan) to prevent mold and mildew. More tips on [cleaning the cover](/qa/how-do-i-clean-and-maintain-my-solar-bed-cover-to-prevent-algae-or-mold) are available.

• Run Your Filtration System:
 Despite the cover, continue to run your pool's filtration system for the recommended duration daily (usually 8-12 hours). This is vital for circulating water and distributing chemicals effectively. Some mistakenly believe a covered pool needs less filtration, but this is a misconception. Understanding how [solar bed covers affect your pool pump and filtration system](/qa/how-do-solar-bed-covers-affect-my-pool-pump-and-filtration-system-do-i-need-to-adjust-runtime) can help optimize this.

Related questions

• [How do solar bed covers affect pool water temperature and swimming season length? What's the typical temperature gain and how much can it extend my season?](/qa/how-do-solar-bed-covers-affect-pool-water-temperature-and-swimming-season)
• [How do solar bed covers impact pool chemical consumption and water clarity? Do I need less chemicals, and are there any negative effects to consider?](/qa/how-do-solar-bed-covers-impact-pool-chemical-consumption-and-water-clarity-do-i-need-less-chemicals)
• [How do I properly clean and maintain my solar bed cover to prevent algae or mold buildup and ensure its longevity?](/qa/how-do-i-clean-and-maintain-my-solar-bed-cover-to-prevent-algae-or-mold)
• [Can a solar bed cover prevent algae growth and reduce debris in my pool?](/qa/can-a-solar-bed-cover-prevent-algae-growth-and-reduce-debris-in-my-pool)
• [How do solar bed covers affect my pool pump and filtration system? Do I need to adjust runtime?](/qa/how-do-solar-bed-covers-affect-my-pool-pump-and-filtration-system-do-i-need-to-adjust-runtime)