Pool Covers and Water Savings in South Africa

What evaporation actually costs

An uncovered SA pool loses 4–7 mm of water per day in summer (SAWS evaporation data). On a 7 × 3.5 m pool that's 100–170 litres/day, 36,000–60,000 litres/year. At Joburg Water tariffs (R28–R45/kL stepped) that's R1,000–R2,700/year in water alone, plus dissolved chlorine lost with that water.

Cover types ranked

From cheapest to most premium:

• Solar bubble cover (R1,200–R3,500): cuts evaporation ~50%, warms water 3–6°C, lifespan 3–5 years
• Thermal foam cover (R3,500–R8,500): better insulation, longer lifespan, easier to handle
• Mesh safety cover (R3,500–R7,500): debris and child safety, lets rain through (good for drought)
• Solid winter PVC cover (R2,800–R5,500): full seal, needs cover pump for standing water
• Slatted automatic cover (R45,000–R95,000): premium, daily-use convenience, doubles as safety

Chemical and electricity savings

Less evaporation = less chlorine top-up. Warmer water = better algae kill at lower free-chlorine levels. Less heat loss = less pump time to maintain temperature on heated pools. Combined: 25–35% chemical reduction, 15–25% electricity reduction.

Compliance angle (Cape Town)

Under Level 1 restrictions, a pool 'must have a water-saving device' or be covered when not in use. A R1,200 solar bubble cover satisfies the rule; enforcement is complaint-driven but documented compliance helps in any dispute.