The pool cover is an optional piece of equipment that can serve multiple purposes depending on the materials used. The traditional bubble wrap cover that you may be familiar with is known as the solar cover. There are two additional types that can be purchased:

 

Solar Covers

Solar covers allow the sun to heat your pool by up to 8ºC, they retain this heat overnight. They're often a requirement if you have solar heater or use an electric heat pump. Solar covers also stop chemical and water evaporation by roughly 33%. They will do a relatively good job at keeping debris out of the pool, however it will not catch debris that makes its way to the edge as this cover sits on the water. Solar covers are by far the most popular type, acting as an all purpose cover. This type of cover will come in a bubblewrap style, and will require a roller.

 

Thermal Covers

Thermal covers are a lot less common. Reason being is that they're designed for indoor pools. They can however be used outside. They are very similar to solar covers in functionality. This type of cover will come in a thicker foam style, and will also require a roller.

 

Debris Covers

Debris covers serve the sole purpose of keeping all debris out. They are intended for pools that get a significant amount of leaves, sticks and other forms of debris. It's used primarily to get the pool out of action and reduce the maintenance during the swimming off season. They also have a small effect in reducing evaporation and water can pass through. There is no roller for these mesh style covers. They sit on the coping of the pool and hook onto pins that need to be installed all around the edge. They are very heavy and take quite some time to remove, sometimes requiring an extra person. These are the second most common forms of covers.

There is one company that controls the majority of this market, they are known as Daisy Pool Covers. They are are a reliable and reputable business who have a team of technicians that come out and install covers across Australia. You can get an immediate quote for a cover on their website.

A comparison of solar covers and debris covers can be seen below.