Can I use a pool cover to stop evaporation without overheating the water?

“In Austin, a solar cover can turn your pool into a bathtub by noon.”

With Austin’s Stage 2 water restrictions often in effect, many homeowners want to use covers to stop evaporation. However, in the Central Texas sun, a standard blue solar cover can raise your water temperature to 95°F+ very quickly.

The Balancing Act

Evaporation is actually one of the ways your pool stays cool. As water turns to vapor, it takes heat with it. When you seal that off, the heat has nowhere to go.

Expert Advice:

1. Liquid Solar Covers: These are chemical barriers that sit on the surface. They aren’t as effective at stopping evaporation as a physical cover, but they don’t trap heat as aggressively.
2. Reflective/Opaque Covers: If you use a physical cover, look for one that is reflective or white. This bounces the sun’s energy away rather than absorbing it.
3. Night-time Covering: In Austin, we recommend covering the pool at night (when most evaporation happens) and uncovering it during the day to allow for some evaporative cooling.

Austin Detail: If your pool gets over 94°F, your chlorine becomes significantly less effective, and you’re much more likely to see algae blooms.

Sent from my iPhone while testing water temps in West Lake Hills.