If you’ve got a swimming pool, you know how awesome it is to take a dip whenever you like—until winter rolls around and your electricity bill suddenly spikes!
With power prices now sitting above R2.57 per kWh, keeping your pool warm can start costing a small fortune. That’s where we come in.
At Designer Pool Covers KZN, we’ve been helping South Africans cut heating costs and enjoy their pools longer for over a decade. Our premium pool covers are designed to trap heat, save energy, and pay for themselves faster than you might think.
Evaporation Facts You Didn’t Know
How Much Does It Really Cost to Heat a Pool in 2025?
Let’s crunch some quick numbers.
A typical pool heater or heat pump draws between 6 and 12 kWh per hour. If you run it just six hours a day at R2.57 per kWh, that’s R925 to R1,850 a week. Over a chilly three-month winter, you’re easily looking at R11,000 to R22,000 just to heat your pool.
And here’s the kicker: most of that heat literally disappears into thin air.
An uncovered swimming pool loses up to 70% of its warmth overnight through evaporation. That means your pool heating system has to work twice as hard the next day—burning more electricity and racking up higher bills.
Now imagine if you could lock in that heat overnight, reduce evaporation by 95%, and cut your heating costs in half (or more). That’s exactly what a Designer Pool Cover does.
Why Pool Covers Are a Must-Have in South Africa
Let’s be honest—South Africa’s got plenty of sunshine and solar energy to go around. But without a pool cover, all that heat from the sun just floats away when the temperature drops.
When you cover your pool (especially your swimming pool when it’s not in use), you’re basically wrapping it in a warm blanket. You’ll:
- Keep 80–90% of your water temperature overnight
- Drastically reduce energy loss and evaporation
- Also reduce chemical usage and filtration needs
- Extend the lifespan of your equipment and surfaces
Even if you’ve got solar pool heating, an uncovered pool still loses precious warmth. Pairing your system with a solar blanket or thermal pool cover is the smart, cost-effective way to get the most out of your solar pool heater setup.
Our Most Popular Pool Covers
Not all pool covers are created equal. That’s why we offer a range of styles—each suited to different pool owners, budgets, and preferences.
1. Automatic Pool Covers
With just the push of a button, your automatic pool cover glides across the water, sealing in warmth and keeping debris out. They’re perfect for both indoor pools and outdoor pools—offering total convenience, safety, and serious energy savings.
2. Solid Safety Covers
Our solid safety covers are built tough using durable vinyl or polyethylene. They’re UV-resistant, strong enough for kids or pets, and made to handle tough weather conditions. They also last longer than traditional covers and require very little maintenance.
3. Solar Pool Covers / Solar Blankets
Want to make the most of solar energy? A solar pool cover (also called a solar blanket) traps heat from the sun during the day and keeps it in overnight. They’re perfect if you use a solar pool heating setup and want to significantly reduce your energy costs.
4. Thermal Pool Covers
If you already heat your pool, a thermal pool cover offers unbeatable heat retention. These covers are ideal for pool heating in South Africa, especially for those looking to help reduce evaporation and save on energy bills.
How Fast Does a Pool Cover Pay for Itself?
Let’s talk savings.
If your pool heating costs you about R18,000 this winter, a top-quality thermal or automatic pool cover from Designer Pool Covers KZN—priced around R10,000 to R18,000—can cut your energy use by up to 80%.
That means you’ll break even in just 6 to 9 months, and every month after that, you’re pocketing real cash.
With a life expectancy of up to 10 years, your pool cover saves you money long after your initial investment has paid off.
Here’s the Energy Comparison
| Factor | Without a Cover | With Designer Pool Cover |
| Heat Loss Overnight | 70% | 10–15% |
| Evaporation | 100% | 5% |
| Electricity Use | High | Up to 80% Less |
| Water & Chemicals | Frequent Top-Ups | Minimal Use |
| Estimated Savings | — | R15,000–R25,000 |
So if you’re wondering whether a pool cover can save you money, the answer is a big, confident yes.
The Extra Perks: Good for Your Wallet and the Planet
It’s not just about the money—there’s an environmentally friendly side too.
A pool cover also:
- Cuts your carbon footprint by using less energy
- Also reduces chemical usage and water evaporation
- Keeps your pool cleaner, which means less filtration and pool care
- Helps prevent algae growth and improves your overall swimming experience
So you’re not only saving cash—you’re saving the environment while you’re at it.
Why Choose Designer Pool Covers KZN
If you’re after the best pool cover in South Africa, here’s why Designer Pool Covers KZN should be at the top of your list:
1. Experience You Can Trust
We’ve been designing and installing swimming pool covers for over 10 years, working with homeowners, architects, and commercial clients across the country.
2. Built for South African Conditions
Our covers are made from durable, UV-resistant materials that can handle our hot summers, strong sun, and unpredictable weather conditions.
3. Designed for Efficiency
We focus on heat retention and energy savings, so your pool stays warm without costing you a fortune.
4. Tailored to You
Every cover is custom-made to fit your swimming pool perfectly—whether it’s a solid cover, solar blanket, or automatic cover.
5. Reputation and Results
We’re proud of our 5-star reviews, positive testimonials, and trusted listings on directories like Snupit and Homeimprovement4U. See our Gallery to view real projects and customer results.
Extend Your Swimming Season
Want to enjoy your pool longer? With the right cover, you can swim comfortably for up to 9 months of the year.
By locking in heat and preventing energy loss, your pool stays warm even when the temperature drops. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor pool, you’ll spend less and swim more.
Quick FAQs
Q1: How much can I save with a pool cover?
Up to 80% on heating costs—depending on your pool heating system and the type of cover you choose.
Q2: Can I use a cover with my solar pool heater or heat pump?
Yes! In fact, combining a solar pool heater or heat pump with a pool cover gives you the best of both worlds—solar energy efficiency and heat retention.
Q3: How long does a pool cover last?
Our covers typically have a lifespan of 8–10 years, depending on maintenance and use.
Q4: Are your covers safe for kids and pets?
Definitely. Our solid safety covers and automatic covers are designed with safety in mind—they can handle real weight and prevent accidents.
Q5: Which is the best cover for saving on heating?
If your goal is to cut heating bills, go for a thermal pool or automatic pool cover from Designer Pool Covers KZN.
Wrapping It Up: Swim Smart, Save Big
Keeping your pool warm doesn’t have to mean sky-high energy bills.
With a Designer Pool Cover, you can reduce evaporation, lock in heat, and keep your pool warm and ready to use—without draining your wallet. Whether you rely on solar pool heating, a solar panel setup, or a heat pump, adding a cover or a thermal blanket will make all the difference.
So if you’re serious about reducing energy use and keeping your pool cozy this winter, get in touch with the experts.
👉 Explore our range of pool covers or Contact us today for a free quote.