Owning a pool is a mix of joy and hard work. On hot days, it’s the best thing ever. But the upkeep? That part isn’t quite as fun. Between scooping out leaves, topping up chemicals, and watching water levels drop week by week, it can feel like you spend more time maintaining the pool than swimming in it.
That’s where covers and rollers come in. If you’ve been thinking about getting one, you’ve probably wondered: Do pool blankets really work, or are they just another pool accessory? And once you’ve got one, do you actually need a roller for your pool cover? Let’s walk through both questions in plain language.
Do Pool Blankets Really Work?
The short answer is yes. Pool blankets aren’t some gimmick; they really do make a difference.
For starters, they keep a lot of junk out of your pool. Instead of waking up to find a layer of leaves, bugs, and dust floating on the water, most of it will be sitting harmlessly on top of the cover. That alone cuts your cleaning time down.
But the bigger benefit is water savings. In summer, especially in hot or windy areas, pools lose heaps of water through evaporation. A decent blanket can cut that by almost 90%. That means less topping up with the hose and fewer chemicals going to waste.
And if you like swimming in warmer water, here’s the bonus: solar and thermal blankets trap heat. Even if your pool isn’t heated, the water will feel a few degrees warmer just from the blanket holding the warmth in. If you do use a heater, you’ll notice you don’t need to run it as much.
So yes, if you’re asking, do pool blankets really work? They absolutely do. The trick is choosing the right one and actually using it.
The Different Kinds of Pool Blankets
Not every cover works the same way. Here are the main types you’ll come across:
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Solar blankets – The ones with the bubble-wrap look. They let sunlight in and trap heat while stopping evaporation. These are the most popular choices for family pools.
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Thermal covers – Thicker and designed for insulation. If you’ve got a heated pool, they’re brilliant for holding in the warmth overnight.
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Leaf covers – These look more like nets. They’re lighter and mainly stop leaves and twigs, but they don’t do much for heat or water loss.
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Solid covers – Heavy-duty, opaque covers that block sunlight completely, which also stop algae from blooming.
Which one you pick depends on what matters more to you: less cleaning, warmer water, or reduced chemical use.
The Downsides Nobody Talks About
Pool blankets work, but they’re not perfect.
For one, they can be awkward to handle. A big, wet cover is heavy, and if you’ve ever tried folding one up, you’ll know it’s not fun. Dragging it across tiles can also damage it, which shortens its life.
And yes, they wear out. Most good-quality ones last five to seven years. Cheaper covers, especially the bargain-bin solar blankets, might only give you two or three summers before turning brittle.
These frustrations are what lead to the second question: Do I need a roller for my pool cover?
Do I Need a Roller for My Pool Cover?
Technically? No. You don’t need a roller. You can roll the blanket up by hand, fold it, or even just shove it to the side of the pool if you’re not fussy.
But here’s the honest truth: without a roller, a lot of people stop using their covers as much. The blanket might start off as a daily routine, but after a while, the hassle of dragging a wet, awkward sheet across the pool gets old. Before you know it, the cover’s sitting in a messy pile by the fence, and all those savings on water and chemicals disappear.
That’s why most pool owners eventually cave in and get a roller.
Why Pool Blanket Rollers Make Life Easier
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Saves time – You can cover or uncover the pool in under a minute.
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Protects the blanket – No more dragging across pavers or rough surfaces.
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Keeps things tidy – Instead of a heap of plastic by the pool, the cover sits neatly wound on the roller.
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One-person job – You don’t need an extra set of hands to help.
So while you don’t have to buy one, a roller makes it much more likely that you’ll actually use the cover.
What Do Rollers Cost?
Prices depend on the size of your pool and the materials. Here’s a ballpark for Australia:
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Budget rollers – $150 to $300. Good for small pools or spas.
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Mid-range rollers – $300 to $600. Solid choice for most family pools.
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Premium rollers – $600 to $1,000 or more. Stainless steel, heavy-duty, often built for big pools or coastal areas.
Yes, they cost money, but many people find the roller helps the cover last longer, so it balances out over time.
Can You Get By Without One?
You can. Plenty of people do. But here’s what usually happens: the novelty wears off, and the cover ends up left off more often than not.
So, do I need a roller for my pool cover? Strictly speaking, no. But practically speaking, yes, if you want to use the cover consistently and get the full benefits, a roller is worth it.
How Long Do Pool Blankets Last?
As mentioned earlier, a good mid-range blanket lasts five to seven years. Premium covers can last up to a decade if you treat them well. Cheap ones might only last a couple of summers.
Using a roller helps here, too, since the blanket isn’t being dragged or crumpled. Storing it neatly and covering it when not in use also stretches its lifespan.
How to Get the Most Out of a Pool Blanket
Here are a few practical tips:
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Use the blanket whenever the pool isn’t being used. Even overnight makes a difference.
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Rinse it off now and then to stop leaves and dirt from rotting on the surface.
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Store it properly in winter, ideally rolled up with a protective cover.
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Don’t wait too long to replace it. An old, cracked blanket won’t save water or chemicals.
Wrapping It All Up
So, do pool blankets really work? Yes. They save water, keep the pool warmer, cut down on chemicals, and reduce cleaning time. They’re not flawless, but they do what they promise.
And do you need a roller for your pool cover? Technically, no. But realistically, most people find the blanket is too much hassle without one. The roller doesn’t make the cover itself better, but it makes it easier to use, which means you’ll actually use it.
If you want the full benefits of a pool blanket, the winning combo is simple: get a quality cover and pair it with a roller. Together, they make pool ownership less of a chore and a lot more enjoyable.