The Best Pool Covers for Retaining Heat (2026 Buying Guide)

Wednesday, 16th Sep 2026 in Covers & Enclosures

Here is a statistic that surprises most pool owners. Up to 70% of pool heat loss occurs through evaporation off the water surface overnight. Heat does not escape through the walls or the floor. It goes straight up into the air.

That means the single most effective way to cut your heating bills is also the simplest: put a cover on your pool.

Finding the best pool cover for your setup depends on your budget, your pool type, and how often you swim. Below is a simple breakdown of our top heat retention covers, how they compare, and how to choose the right one for your home.Quick Comparison Guide

Quick Comparison Guide

  • Polyweave Heat Retention Cover: Best for summer pools and tight budgets. Lowest entry cost and easy to trim.
  • Heat Retention Supercover: Best for most domestic in-ground pools using a manual reel. Great balance of durability and heat retention.
  • Premium Heat Retention Cover: Best for year-round heating with a standard roller. Maximum bubble insulation and long lifespan.
  • Above Ground Solar Cover: Best for round and oval above-ground pools. Pre-shaped fit with zero trimming needed.
  • Del RollEasy 2 Slatted Pool Cover: Best for pool retrofits wanting an above-ground automated slatted cover with flexible power options (manual, electric, or solar).
  • Del Contura Slatted Pool Cover: Best for a modern above-ground automatic cover with a high-end protective casing and wireless remote control.
  • Del RollEnergy Evolution Slatted Pool Cover: Best for an invisible, in-ground automatic cover that hides away when open.
  • Roldeck Automatic Slatted Pool Cover: Best for luxury, bespoke pools wanting a fully tailored, premium in-roller automatic slatted system.

How Does a Heat Retention Pool Cover Work?

Whether you choose a floating solar blanket or an automated slatted cover, the mechanics are similar. Floating directly on top of the water, a quality cover works in two ways:

  1. Stops Evaporation: It creates a physical barrier that prevents warm water from evaporating into the air.
  2. Traps Heat: Insulated air pockets or slatted chambers seal in warmth overnight, while solar slat options allow sunlight to pass through and heat the water during the day.

By stopping thermal loss, a cover lowers the workload on your heat pump or boiler, extending your equipment lifespan and reducing running costs.

Please note: Solar bubble covers and slatted covers are primarily designed for thermal retention and evaporation control. While slatted covers offer extra firmness, they are not a substitute for safety covers unless fitted with certified locking kits. If safety is your primary requirement, ask us about our dedicated safety covers.

Manual and Bubble Heat Retention Covers

1. Best Budget Option: Polyweave Heat Retention Cover

If you want a low-cost way to stop heat loss immediately, the Polyweave Heat Retention Cover is the ideal starting point. Sold by the square metre, you buy only what you need.

  • Pros: Delivers essential heat retention and evaporation prevention for the lowest initial cost. Lightweight, flexible, and easy to trim to fit custom pool shapes.
  • Cons: Light material means a slightly shorter lifespan and lower heat retention than thicker options. Ideal for seasonal summer pools.

2. Best All-Rounder: Heat Retention Supercover

For the majority of domestic in-ground pools, the Heat Retention Supercover is the sweet spot between price, performance, and longevity.

  • Pros: Thicker material provides noticeably better heat retention and improved resistance against chemical wear and UV radiation.
  • Cons: Higher upfront cost than entry-level Polyweave covers, but pays for itself through increased energy savings over multiple seasons.

3. Best Premium Bubble Option: Premium Heat Retention Cover

If you run your pool heater through spring and autumn, or keep your water warm year-round, the Premium Heat Retention Cover offers maximum performance.

  • Pros: High-density construction offers top-tier thermal performance and durability, spreading your investment over years of reliable service.
  • Cons: Highest price per square metre in the standard bubble range. Best suited for heavily used or heated pools.

4. Best for Above-Ground Pools: Above Ground Solar Covers

Standard rectangular covers can be awkward to trim down for round or oval above-ground pools. Our Above Ground Solar Covers are sized specifically to match standard above-ground dimensions.

  • Pros: Ready-to-use shapes fit popular round and oval pools right out of the box without excess trimming.
  • Cons: Designed specifically for standard above-ground dimensions, so they are not suited for larger in-ground pools.

Automatic Slatted Pool Covers

For ultimate convenience, visual appeal, and insulation, automatic slatted pool covers roll on and off at the turn of a key or the push of a button. They use air-sealed PVC or polycarbonate slats that lock in heat like double-glazed glass.

5. Best for Renovations and Flexible Setup: Del RollEasy 2 Slatted Pool Cover

The Del RollEasy 2 is an above-ground automatic slatted cover that delivers style and strength without complicated civil works.

  • Best For: Pool refurbishments or existing pools where adding wired electrical feeds is difficult.
  • Pros: Available in electric, solar, and manual drive options. The solar version operates completely off-grid. It features customizable end stands in multiple colours to match your garden design.
  • Cons: Sits above ground at the end of the pool rather than hiding beneath the deck.

6. Best for Sleek Above-Ground Automation: Del Contura Slatted Pool Cover

The Del Contura takes above-ground automated covers up a notch, offering a stylized metallic-grey protective casing designed to shield the roller mechanism from the elements.

  • Best For: Homeowners who want an above-ground automated system that looks like a finished piece of high-end equipment rather than an exposed roller.
  • Pros: Comes in electric or solar versions. Features an impact-resistant, UV-stabilized casing, torque-limiting protection for long motor life, and wireless Wi-Key remote operation.
  • Cons: Premium above-ground styling carries a higher price point than basic open-stand rollers.

7. Best for Concealed In-Ground Elegance: Del RollEnergy Evolution Slatted Pool Cover

If you want an automatic cover that completely disappears when opened, the Del RollEnergy Evolution is an in-ground slatted system built for seamless integration.

  • Best For: New builds or major pool refurbishments where you want the cover mechanism hidden away under a submerged bench or dry pit.
  • Pros: Totally invisible when retracted. It includes built-in saltwater chlorinator integration that adjusts chemical dosing automatically when the pool is covered.
  • Cons: Requires submerged installation, making it best suited for new pool construction or comprehensive remodels.

8. Best Luxury Custom Build: Roldeck Automatic Slatted Pool Cover

Roldeck is the original pioneer of automated slatted covers. Every Roldeck cover is custom-made to measure for a precise architectural fit.

  • Best For: High-end, bespoke pool projects and unique shapes demanding maximum thermal performance and effortless push-button operation.
  • Pros: Uses engineered interlocking slats with double-glazing air gaps for exceptional thermal retention. Features an advanced in-roller motor system, eliminating the need for a separate dry motor pit and removing flood risk.
  • Cons: Higher investment cost due to fully bespoke manufacturing.

Which Pool Cover Should You Buy?

  • For occasional summer swimming on a budget: Choose the Polyweave cover for solid performance at the lowest cost.
  • For everyday family pools on a manual roller: The Supercover offers the best balance of warmth and durability.
  • For year-round heating with a standard reel: Invest in the Premium Cover for maximum bubble insulation.
  • For round or oval above-ground pools: Select a dedicated Above Ground Solar Cover.
  • For easy automation on an existing pool: Pick the Del RollEasy 2 or Del Contura for above-ground motorization without major construction.
  • For a completely hidden automatic cover: Choose the Del RollEnergy Evolution or a custom Roldeck system.

Maximise Your Savings with a Reel or Motor

To get the most out of your pool cover, ease of use is essential. A manual cover only saves you money on the nights you put it on. Pairing a manual cover with a roller reel turns covering the pool into a simple ten-second job, while an automatic slatted cover lets you cover the pool with the push of a button.

Need Help Sizing Your Pool Cover?

Whether you need help measuring a custom shape or deciding between a bubble cover and an automatic slatted system, we are here to help.

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