Pool covers: covers, tarps and awnings for tubular and inflatable pools.

Pool covers: covers, tarps and awnings for tubular and inflatable pools.

If you have a tubular (shell/metal) pool or an inflatable pool , there's a simple accessory that changes everything: the pool cover (cover, tarp, net, or thermal blanket). Besides keeping the water cleaner, it helps reduce evaporation , can retain heat , and decreases maintenance work. The key is choosing the right type—because a generic cover can be difficult to put on, blow away in the wind, or even create hazards if misused.

In this Portuguese (Brazil) guide, you will see:

  • Types of roofing (thermal/solar, summer, leaf screen, winter, security)

  • How to choose the right pool for above-ground pools (tubular and inflatable)

  • materials, durability and wind resistance

  • Practical safety rules (for children and animals)

  • Purchase checklist + FAQ

Because it's really worth covering the pool.

1) Less evaporation = less water and lower costs.

Evaporation depends on temperature, humidity, and wind. The U.S. Department of Energy explains that the rate of evaporation increases with warmer water, stronger winds, and lower humidity—and that covering the pool minimizes evaporation .
The EPA (WaterSense) reports that using a cover can prevent up to 95% of evaporation and also reduce cleaning and chemical use (when applied correctly).

2) It maintains the temperature better (and saves energy)

Covering the pool when not in use is described as the most effective way to reduce heating costs, with potential savings of 50%–70% on heating.

3) Less dirt, leaves and insects

A good filter cover acts as a physical barrier: less debris in the water → less time spent vacuuming, less strain on the filter, fewer "surprises" at the bottom.

Types of coverage: which one to choose for each purpose

1) Thermal blanket (solar covering / “bubbles”)

  • Ideal for summer and for those who want to retain heat and reduce evaporation.

  • It is usually the cover that comes into contact with the water (the "bubble/solar" type).
    The DOE describes bubble covers as low-cost coverings, similar to bubble wrap but with thicker material and UV inhibitors .

Warning: thermal blankets are not safety covers (they cannot support weight) — they are for water/temperature/evaporation.

2) Summer cover / lightweight, dirt-resistant canvas

  • Good for reducing leaves, dust and insects .

  • It tends to be easier to put on and take off than a large thermal blanket.

  • For tubular pools, look for models with a rope/adjustment ; for inflatable pools, models with elastic .

3) Leaf netting

  • Excellent when you have trees nearby.

  • It allows rainwater to pass through, but traps larger leaves and debris.

  • Excellent as a "first barrier" on windy nights.

4) Winter cover (reinforced opaque tarp)

  • For those who want to close their pool (or reduce maintenance) during the colder months.

  • It is usually opaque to reduce light in the water and limit algae growth (depending on the type and how it is used).

  • It usually comes with a fastening system (cable, tensioners, eyelets).

5) Security coverage (when there is actual certification)

There are coverings designed to act as a physical barrier, but not all "covers" are safety coverings . Some international standards (e.g., in France there is NF P90-308 for safety coverings) clearly distinguish between protective/waterproof coverings and safety coverings.
If your primary goal is child safety, "normal" coverage isn't enough (we've already discussed this in the safety section).

6) Awnings / tents / shelters (shade above the pool)

This doesn't replace covering the water, but it helps a lot in Portugal:

  • Creates shade for more comfortable bathing.

  • It can reduce overheating and protect children from the sun.

  • reduces some dirt (depending on the format)

Note: Outdoor pools receive a large portion of their heat from the sun. The DOE reports that pools absorb 75%–85% of the solar energy that reaches their surface, and that pool covers can reduce this gain depending on whether they are transparent or opaque.
Therefore, if the water gets "too hot," an awning can balance comfort (but remember: shade can also reduce useful heating on cooler days).

How to choose the right pool cover (tube vs inflatable pool)

Step 1 — Define your priority

  • Water + heat savings: thermal/solar blanket

  • Fewer leaves and debris: summer cover or leaf netting.

  • Season closure: reinforced winter canvas

  • Shade and comfort: awning/tent/shelter (combined with cover)

Step 2 — Measure correctly (so you don't have too much or too little)

To buy without making a mistake, measure:

  • Round: diameter (e.g., 305 cm, 366 cm, 457 cm)

  • Rectangular/oval: length and width (e.g., 400 × 200 cm)

  • Please confirm whether you want a snug fit (in contact with water) or one with a brim/overlap for secure attachment.

Tubular pool (structure/“legs”):

  • You choose covers made for the model/size, because the legs may require adjustment for a proper fit.

  • It looks for fastening by rope, eyelets or straps.

Inflatable pool (inflatable ring):

  • Covers with elastic bands usually work best.

  • avoid heavy covers that “pull” the ring and deform it.

Step 3 — Wind and sea spray (critical point in PT)

The DOE reminds us that wind increases evaporation and even suggests using windbreaks (without creating turbulence or excessive shade).
In practice, in coastal areas (wind + salt):

  • prefers covers with real fastening (rope/straps/eyelets), not just "sitting on top"

  • It prioritizes materials with UV protection (they last longer in the sun).

Materials and durability: what to look for

The DOE recommends pool covers specifically designed for swimming pools (and not "construction plastic"), because it tears, is difficult to handle, and degrades in the sun.
Common materials used in pool covers include UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl .

Quick tips for choosing:

  • Thermal blanket: look for good UV resistance and a thickness compatible with the size (the larger the item, the more important the robustness).

  • Winter tarp: reinforced seams + eyelets + cable/tensioner.

  • Leaf netting: durable mesh (and secure fastening to prevent it from flying away).

Safety: children, animals, and the myth of the "cover that solves everything"

It's important to be very clear here:

  • SNS24 recommends that private swimming pools be fenced off and safety rules be followed.

  • The Portuguese Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs (DGC) (document “Playing and swimming safely”) reinforces that physical barriers (fences) can be an effective solution and cites NP 4500 as the Portuguese standard for minimum requirements for protective fences at pool access points (including removable structures). It also emphasizes that no protection replaces supervision .

  • APSI is explicit: other systems such as coverings exist, but their effectiveness depends on human placement and therefore they are more prone to failure.

  • There are also European analyses warning that certain types of pool covers may not be effective in preventing drowning and may even create a risk in some scenarios.

A rule of thumb for your blog (and for clients):

  1. "Regular" covers (blankets/tarps) are not child safety devices.

  2. For security, the foundation is fencing/barriers + supervision .

  3. If someone is looking for "safety coverage," it must be a product sold and specified as safety (with load capacity, fastenings, instructions, and applicable compliance) — and even then, it does not replace supervision.

Good usage practices (for durability and less maintenance)

In everyday life (summer)

  • He puts the cover on whenever the pool is not in use (especially at night, when there are more losses due to evaporation and cooling).

  • On very windy days, reinforce the fastening (straps/rope) to prevent the cover from flying off and tearing.

Water maintenance (even with a cover)

Covering helps, but it doesn't "treat" water. IPQ recommends controlling parameters such as pH (e.g., 7.2–7.6 in guidelines for private use) to ensure the disinfectant's effectiveness.
Practical suggestion: test the water regularly and maintain filtration and disinfection as usual.

Save and clear

  • Wash the cover with fresh water (especially near the sea).

  • Dry before storing (prevents mold and odors).

  • Store away from direct sunlight when not in use (this prolongs the life of the material).

Purchase checklist (perfect for "buy" intent on Google)

  • Pool type: tubular / inflatable

  • Exact shape and measurement: diameter or length x width

  • Main purpose: thermal / leaf protection / winter / shade

  • Fastening: elastic, rope, eyelets, straps (wind in Portugal is crucial)

  • UV-protected material: designed to last in the sun (and less likely to tear).

  • Ease of use: need a winder? handle? storage bag?

  • Security: Do not confuse "cover" with "security cover" (barriers/fences are still essential).

FAQ

1) What is the best cover for an above-ground tubular pool?
It depends on the objective: to retain heat and reduce evaporation, use a thermal blanket; for leaves, use a cover/net; to "close" the season, use a reinforced winter tarp. Covering reduces evaporation and can lead to significant energy savings.

2) Does solar paneling really heat the water?
It helps retain heat and reduce losses through evaporation. The DOE explains the rationale behind roofing and the role of solar gain, including differences between transparent and opaque roofs.

3) Does a thermal blanket serve as safety protection for children?
No. Common coverings (e.g., "bubbles") are not safety coverings; child safety requires barriers (fences) and supervision.

4) Does the coating prevent me from needing to use chemicals?
It doesn't eliminate the need. It can reduce some evaporation loss and make maintenance easier, but water parameters (pH, disinfection) still need to be monitored.

5) In windy areas, what should I look for?
Strong fastening (eyelets/straps/cord) and UV-resistant material. Wind increases evaporation and also damages the cover.

6) And what about pool awnings/tents: are they worth it?
They are useful for comfort (shade) and for managing overheating. But they don't replace covering the water when the goal is evaporation/leaves control.