The Best Pool Covers to Prevent Algae

Solid Pool Covers

• Installing a solid cover blocks sunlight and moisture from entering your pool, leading to reduced algae growth. Such covers also shield the pool from melting snow, leaves, dead insects and other debris. This type of cover protects your pool during long stretches, such as the winter months. Solid pool covers aren’t ideal for use in the summer, however, because they don’t allow the sun’s rays to reach the water, thus cutting down on natural solar heat. Solid pool covers also allow water to pool on top of them, creating an environment for algae to grow.

Mesh Pool Covers

• Unlike solid pool covers, mesh covers are laid on top of the existing water and are constructed from a porous material that doesn’t allow for algae growth. This is because the melting snow and rainwater are permitted to penetrate the porous material, which doesn’t allow standing water to form on the cover’s surface. Mesh pool covers are also suitable for use during the winter months and lightweight enough for use in the summer. The mesh material also allows natural light to hit the water, allowing the sun’s rays to heat the pool naturally.

Correct Pool Cover Use

• Cover your pool with the solid or mesh product whenever the pool isn’t in use. This includes overnight, during longtime storage and in between swims. This allows you to maximize your ability to prevent algae growth. If algae growth occurs on your solid pool cover, clean it away with a mixture of one part bleach and four parts water before removing it and using the pool.

Algae Prevention and Removal Techniques

• Watch the pool pH levels and adjust them accordingly to maintain a chlorine level of between 1 and 3 parts per billion. This ensures there’s enough chlorine to keep the algae at bay. Use pool skimmers to remove any large amounts of floating algae. Clean the pool equipment between uses to prevent spreading algae spores during future uses. Shock the pool by adding a large amount of chlorine to remove any large algae outbreaks. Algaecides also remove algae outbreaks in the pool and must be used over the course of several weeks to be effective.