Domakihub How to Choose the Right Pool Cover for Your Property
Match cover type to your climate, usage, and budget before you buy.
Reviewed by Domakihub pool pros · 2026-06-23 · 5 min read
A pool cover is one of the highest-return investments you can make for a home, holiday rental, or hotel in Greece — it cuts evaporation losses, retains heat gained from the Mediterranean sun, and keeps the water safe when guests are off-site. The video above walks through the performance differences between cover types; this guide turns that knowledge into a clear, step-by-step decision process so you buy the right cover the first time. Whether you manage a single private pool or a portfolio of holiday villas on Crete, the same five questions will point you to the correct product.
Why Pool Covers Matter More in Greece Than You Might Think
Greek summers are long and hot, which sounds ideal for a pool — but that same climate drives extraordinary evaporation. An uncovered outdoor pool can lose 5–8 cm of water per week in July and August, meaning you are constantly topping up and re-dosing chemicals. A well-chosen cover slashes evaporation by up to 95 % and can keep water temperature 5–10 °C warmer overnight, so guests step in to a comfortable pool without needing the heater to run all day.
For holiday rental properties in particular, a cover also reduces liability. An unsupervised pool is a hazard, and many Greek regional authorities and insurance providers now ask for documentation that child-safe barriers or safety covers are in place. Choosing the right cover therefore has both operational and legal dimensions.
The Four Main Cover Types at a Glance
Solar covers (bubble covers) are the entry-level choice: lightweight blue or clear PE sheets that trap solar energy and slow evaporation. They are inexpensive and easy to roll up with a reel, but they offer no structural safety — a child or pet can slide under them. Thermal foam covers add an insulating layer and are popular on heated pools in hotels where keeping overnight temperature loss low is a priority.
Safety covers are anchored to the pool deck with stainless straps and springs; they hold the weight of a person and meet European EN 13451 pool-safety standards. Automatic covers — motorised slatted or vinyl roll systems — combine safety, insulation, and convenience into one unit, and their upfront cost is increasingly justified by energy savings over the season. Understanding which category fits your use case is the first decision to make before comparing brands or prices.
5 Steps to Choosing the Right Pool Cover
- 1
Define your primary goal
Write down whether you need the cover mainly for heat retention, water saving, child/guest safety, debris exclusion, or automated convenience. Most covers do several things, but they are engineered around one primary function. A holiday villa where unsupervised guests are common should prioritise a certified safety cover; a private heated pool used by adults daily may get more value from an automatic slat system that is quick to open and close.
- 2
Measure your pool accurately — including the shape
Rectangular pools accept standard-size covers with minimal waste. Freeform, kidney, or L-shaped pools (common in Greek villa construction) require a made-to-measure cover, which adds 15–25 % to the cost but ensures proper anchoring and coverage. Measure the longest length and widest width, then sketch any curves or steps. Most professional cover suppliers will ask for a dimensioned drawing before quoting; have one ready to speed up the process.
- 3
Check your deck for anchor-point feasibility
Safety covers and automatic covers both need fixing points around the pool perimeter. Solid stone or concrete decking drilled with stainless anchors is straightforward. Loose gravel, wooden decking, or paved terraces with sand joints require specialist fixings or resin anchors. Walk the perimeter and note any obstacles — sun-lounger rails, pump housing, steps, or planters — that might block the cover path or require a custom solution from the installer.
- 4
Compare total cost of ownership, not just purchase price
A cheap bubble cover at 150 € may need replacing every two seasons in intense UV conditions; factor in replacement cost, reel storage, and the labour to remove and reinstall it each time. An automatic slat cover at 4,000–8,000 € typically lasts 8–12 years and can cut heating energy by 50 %, which on a heated pool running April–October can save 600–1,200 € per year in electricity or gas. Get a simple payback calculation from your supplier before dismissing premium options.
- 5
Verify certifications and installer credentials
In Greece, pool-safety equipment sold for commercial use (hotels, rental properties) should comply with EN 13451-1 (general pool equipment safety). Safety covers specifically should carry the EN 16582 certification, which confirms the cover resists submersion and that a trapped person can break free. Ask any supplier for the CE declaration of performance, and use an installer who carries liability insurance and provides a written handover including anchor-point locations and maintenance instructions.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Get a vetted pool pro in your city — one number, booked in EN/EL/DE.
FAQ
- Can I leave a solar bubble cover on during the day while guests are swimming?
- No. Solar covers are not safety devices — they must be fully removed and stored on a reel before anyone enters the water. Leaving a bubble cover partially on while a pool is in use is dangerous because it can trap a swimmer underneath.
- How long does a pool cover last in the Greek climate?
- UV radiation in Greece is intense from April to October. Budget solar covers typically last 2–4 seasons before the bubbles degrade and the sheet tears. Mid-range UV-stabilised covers last 5–7 years. Quality safety covers and automatic slatted systems carry 8–12 year manufacturer warranties when professionally installed and rinsed with fresh water regularly.
- Do I need planning permission to install an automatic pool cover in Greece?
- A cover that sits on the water surface or retracts into a deck-level housing generally does not require a permit. However, if you plan a raised housing structure or a separate cover pit excavation, check with your local municipal technical office (Poleodomia) before work begins, as rules vary by municipality and property zoning.