Summer Pool Cover Tips: The Truth About That 'Chlorine Smell'
FIRST THINGS FIRST - POOL COVERS ARE FOR HEAT RETENTION, NOT DEBRIS CONTROL
This is the biggest misconception we see. Leaves & debris will still sit on top of the pool cover, and some will still sneak into the pool.
A pool cover’s main job is:
🔥 Holding heat in 💧 Reducing evaporation ⚡ Lowering energy use
Yes, it helps reduce debris, but it doesn’t replace:
- Vacuuming
- Running the robot
- Brushing the pool
- A good filtration and circulation set up
Even with a cover, dust, pollen, sunscreen residue, insects and fine debris still enter the water. A cover is a tool, and not a magic barrier.
☀️ WHY LEAVING THE COVER OFF HELPS IN SUMMER
Many people assume leaving the cover on keeps the pool 'cleaner', but during summer this often creates the opposite effect.
The biggest issue?
Chloramines - the real cause of that 'chlorine smell'
Some may think a strong chlorine smell means the pool is clean.
In reality, a healthy pool should smell like nothing at all.
Here’s why:
What are chloramines?
Chloramines form when chlorine reacts with contaminants such as:
- Sweat
- Sunscreen
- Body oils
- Makeup
- Skin cells
- (Yes) urine
When chlorine binds to these, it becomes combined chlorine - and no longer available to sanitise properly.
What does that smell mean?
That sharp 'chlorine smell' is actually chloramines gassing off the water surface, especially when the pool has been busy.
If the cover is on, the smell has nowhere to go so it builds and intensifies.
How sunlight fixes it
UV from the sun breaks down chloramines naturally. Fresh air lets them escape.
That’s why in summer, the rule is:
🌞 Cover off during the day and let the pool breathe 🌙 Cover on at night and lock in heat
This balance keeps water healthier, fresher, and more stable.
👍 SUMMER POOL COVER DOs
DO let your pool ventilate during the day
Especially after lots of swimming. Sunlight + airflow = chloramine destruction + sparkly water
DO cover it again at night
If your pool is heated, this is the single best thing you can do to keep heat in and energy use down.
DO run your robot (or vacuum) regularly
Covers do not keep the pool debris-free, they simply reduce some debris. Your robot (or vacuum) still needs to work, and manual spot-vacuuming may still be needed.
DO clean the cover occasionally
A dirty cover will drip grime straight back into your pool when it’s rolled off.
DO expect chlorine to be used faster when the pool is uncovered
This is normal, healthy, and a sign the chlorine is doing its job.
🚫 SUMMER POOL COVER DONTs
DON’T leave the cover on for several days at a time
This traps chloramines, forces pH drift, and can leave the water cloudy or 'stuffy'.
DON’T assume a cover means less maintenance
Good filtration, regular brushing and robotic cleaning (or vacuuming) are still essential.
DON’T panic if you smell chlorine
It doesn’t mean the pool is unsafe to use, it means the water just needs some attention, begin with exposing to sunlight, ventilation, or a request a quick balance check from your valet team.
DON’T forget to circulate
Good pump run-times are even more important in hot weather.
🏊 THE BOTTOM LINE
A pool cover is one of the most effective tools for heat retention, energy efficiency, and water savings.
But in summer, especially after heavy swimming days, the pool needs sunshine and airflow just as much.
Cover off during the day, cover on at night, run your robot, and your water will stay clearer, fresher, and far easier to manage.
