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We have a large indoor pool (212,000 gallons) that includes 6 lap lanes (25 yds., shallow end 3 feet to deep at 5 feet) and an adjoining diving well (12 feet deep). Water temp is 84 degrees, air temp is (minimum) 86 and a minimum of 50% humidity (sometimes much more). Conversation has begun about getting a pool cover for this pool. It seems all the 'pros' for this idea come from the vendors. Does anyone have any other sources or insights on why this is a great idea?
Thanks for any help!

While initially expensive, pool covers will do wonders for your heating bill. The money saved on your heating costs will offset those covers in just a few years and the covers will last a very long time.


I am not a vendor, just someone who has managed pools with and without covers and there is no comparison.

Indoor Pool Covers will save you approximately 40% on water heat and 30% on building heat and 25% on water and chemicals. They pay for themselves quickly.

I've seen these statistics, but I guess I'm wondering, then - why don't you see more BIG indoor pools with covers? Like at universities where they (you'd think) would have the initial funding readily available? All the information I seem to be finding points to smaller indoor pools rather than those with commercial uses.

Secondly, I'm wondering which comes first: covering the pool to fix heating issues (evaporation leading to high humidity and heat that can't be vented by our system), or a dehumidifier (or what-have-you) to fix air issues so that evaporation is more limited.

At any rate, thanks for the replies!

WE have thought about this but have balked for a couple of reasons. First, where are we going to store it when it is off the pool? Second, how much staff time will it burn up in the course of a year, and to what extent will that offset energy savings? Another concern is the potential for mold/mildew build up if left stored for a couple of days.

An indoor pool already has a pool cover, it is called walls and roof. Although I am an AFO-C with over 20 years aquatic experience, I am not an expert, I would suggest asking Kent Williams, or another recognized authority.
Adding a cover would not substantially (if at all) change any $ factors, and can introduce dangers. The aquatics industry is innundated with manufacturers and marketers who promote products that are unnecessary, costly, often do not add qualtiy or savings to the business, and at times can be unsafe.
A wiser investment would to to assess your aquatic "box". If you pool is built within a fixed structure you control the environment and have eliminated reasons to justify a pool cover -you are not exposed to environment and have a permanently fixed structure.
Is your air exchange/dehumidification unit efficient, operating and maintained properly? Any air leaks in your structure?
If you have money to waste on an unnecessary addition to your indoor facility buy the cover, if you want to improve your internal environment invest your $ on improving the efficiency of your operational equipment.
Personally, I would steer away from vague and unsubstantiated claims of 40% water heat, 30% building heat, 25% on water and chemical savings in regard to an indoor pool. Sounds like sales and marketing claims to me.
My thoughts (don't buy one). Good luck.

I would have to say Caveman has it right! If you have money, spend it wisely.

For those of you who are not convinced that pool covers save money, go to RSPEC and print out the information on Indoor Pools, Pool Covers,etc. Pool covers save in three areas: (1) If you have dehumidification, once you cover the pool there is "nothing to dehumidify" basically - therefore the dehumidifier does not run 98% of the time. On a commercial pool that is large savings in utility costs. The second area is that when a pool is covered, you are not losing the heat from the pool that evaporates with the water and chemicals. Cover the pool, you do less pool heating. Lastly, chemicals- they don't evaporate with the water when covered; hence you use less chemicals. RSPEC is not a vendor or a manufacturer of pool covers.... they've got nothing to sell. The reason large commercial pools did not cover the pool is due to the expense of the cover; however, many commercial facilities are now considering them as the payback can be in 3-5 years or less as utility costs continue to go up. I will separate responses to pool cover vs. dehumidifers vs. waste ventilation.

A roof and walls are NOT a pool cover in any aquatic facility. Water as it evaporates rises and that moisture stratifies on the ceiling areas first. Moisture saturates walls and ceiling areas and without negative pressure established or dehumidification installed, can and will over time (depending upon geographics) cause mold, rot, deterioration of the overall structure. Not knowing what state you are in... but exchanging outdoor air for indoor air is generally not sufficient to maintain the ASHRAE recommended guidelines for controlling humidity in an indoor pool environment. The outside temperature must e exactly the same all year round - 365 days a year for air to air exchange and waste ventilation to work. These systems are basically called just that "waste ventilation" because you 'throw out the bath water with the baby" -- meaning you are not only throwing away free heat (outdoors), but you have to temper any incoming air you bring in. In cold climates, that means you have to heat the incoming air before introducing it... with high heat and humidity demographics, you will not be able to maintain 50-60% RH within the environment on a daily basis. Even in areas such as FL, TX etc. that required outside air be brought in.... it can increase the size of a dehumidification system to accommodate the additional moisture load. In reality- there are many factors that go into a structure - it is just not a pool cover and just not a dehumidifier-- but those two items alone will lower utility costs and provide a healthy stable environment all year round.

Wow, good, thoughtful information from all. Glad I found this forum as we are completing design on a new center with indoor 8-lane pool.

Good luck for the design. I imagine that would be a great pool to swim.

Hi...,

When you have a swimming pool, one of the most useful investments you can make is to purchase a pool cover, as it very essential. They have less maintenance cost, saves money, reduces the energy costs, stops evaporation, helps swimming pool retain heat and protect the pool water from the sun.

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edited by Andrew on 7/16/2012