Having a pool in the UK may seem like a luxury reserved for a few sunny months, but with the right setup, you can enjoy your swimming pool for much longer than our tiny summer season. Investing in a pool cover or a pool enclosure can transform your pool into a more energy-efficient, cost-efficient, safer, and year-round feature. Here’s why this investment makes sense – backed by science, data, and real-world benefits.
1. Cut Down on Heat Loss and Energy Use
In the UK’s cooler and often unpredictable climate, heating a pool can be expensive. A pool loses up to 80–90% of its heat through the surface, mostly due to evaporation, according to the UK’s Energy Saving Trust and CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers). Without a cover, heat is lost rapidly, especially on windy or cool nights, meaning your heating system has to work harder and longer than necessary.
A pool cover helps to:
- Trap heat and insulate the water surface.
- Reduce heating costs by up to 70% with a high-quality thermal or solar cover.
- Keep pool water warmer naturally, with fewer energy inputs.
- Increase cost-efficiency.
Example: A typical outdoor pool in the UK could save around £700 per year in heating costs by using a well-fitted pool cover (source: UK Pool & Spa Awards panel).
2. Reduce Water Evaporation and Chemical Use
Even in the UK’s temperate climate, evaporation can lead to significant water loss, and not just during hot spells. Windy, dry conditions contribute to continuous moisture loss, which means you need to refill the pool more often and adjust chemical levels, adding significant running costs.
A cover or enclosure helps to:
- Reduce evaporation by up to 95%, conserving thousands of litres of water per year.
- Maintain water chemistry, meaning fewer adjustments and less chemical use.
- Lower overall water bills and maintenance frequency.
Fact: According to the European Union’s Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS), reducing evaporation is one of the top three ways pool owners can conserve water.
3. Enhance Safety for Children and Pets
Safety is paramount, especially if children, pets, or vulnerable adults are nearby. A properly secured pool cover or a lockable enclosure creates a crucial layer of protection and helps meet safety regulations in the UK and EU.
Benefits include:
- Compliance with safety standards (like EN 16582-1 for domestic swimming pools and EN 13451 for pool equipment).
- Prevention of accidental falls, acting as a secure barrier when the pool isn’t in use.
- Peace of mind for commercial pool owners, homeowners, landlords, and holiday lettings.
Note: Safety covers and enclosures are increasingly recommended in Planning Permission approvals for residential pool builds in the UK, especially in family homes.
4. Extend Your Pool’s Use Throughout the Year
UK pool owners often feel restricted to a few warm weeks of pool use. But with a choice of high level pool enclosures, low-level pool enclosures, telescopic pool enclosures or static pool enclosures, you can keep swimming in spring, autumn —and even winter.
Pool enclosures help to:
- Increase the pool’s internal temperature by up to 8–10°C, even without additional heating.
- Protect against wind, rain, debris and insects.
- Turn your outdoor pool into additional usable space.
Example: With a well-sealed enclosure, you can extend your pool usage by 4–6 months a year, depending on your location and heating setup (source: SPATA UK).
5. Increase Cost Efficiency
Although a high quality pool cover or enclosure may seem like a big investment, the long-term savings on energy, water, chemicals and maintenance are substantial.
You’ll save on:
- Heating costs (up to 70% reduction)
- Water top-ups and waste
- Chemicals (due to stable water conditions)
- Cleaning and debris removal
- Wear and tear on equipment
Bonus: Covered or enclosed pools are considered more valuable in the UK housing market and may add value to your property.
A Practical Investment That Pays You Back
Whether you’re installing a new pool or looking to upgrade an existing one, a cover or enclosure isn’t just a seasonal accessory – it’s a smart, sustainable investment that improves comfort, safety, and efficiency.
With UK weather being what it is, the more you can protect your pool from the elements, the better your return on enjoyment and cost.
Interested in finding the right solution for your pool? Whether it’s a sleek, low-profile cover or a fully retractable enclosure, we can help you choose the best fit for your space, style, and budget. Get in touch today.
