Heat retention (thermal) pool covers

Covering a pool when it is not in use is the single most effective means of reducing pool heating costs. You can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by using a pool cover. TenCate Nicolon offers coated, water impermeable covers and also special heat retention (Thermal) covers.

How They Work

Swimming pools lose energy in a variety of ways, but evaporation is by far the largest source of energy loss (up to 70%). The evaporation rate from an outdoor pool varies depending on the pool's temperature, air temperature and humidity, and the wind speed at the pool surface. The higher the pool temperature and wind speed and the lower the humidity, the greater the evaporation rate. In windy areas, you can add a windbreak—trees, shrubs, or a fence—to reduce evaporation.

Indoor (municipal) pools aren't subjected to the environment, but they still can lose a lot of energy from evaporation. They even require room ventilation to control indoor humidity caused by the large amount of evaporation. The ventilated air also must be conditioned, which adds to the energy costs. Pool covers minimize evaporation from both outdoor and indoor pools. Covering a pool when it is not in use is the single most effective means of reducing pool heating costs. Savings of 50%–70% are possible.

Pool covers on indoor pools not only can reduce evaporation but also the need to ventilate indoor air and replace it with unconditioned outdoor air. You can also shut off exhaust fans when an indoor pool is covered, which saves even more energy.

Types of Coated Pool Covers

It's best to use a cover designed specifically for swimming pools. They're made of special materials, such as UV-stabilized polyethylene or polypropylene.

The heat retention (Thermal) covers have an additional foam layer that insulates the pool even better to keep the heat in the pool for a longer time. 

How to Use a Pool Cover

Pool covers should be used during your swimming season. If you use your pool during the daytime, take off the cover just before swimming and replace the cover as soon as you're done using the pool.