Cape Town Tel: +27 (0)21 703 5880
Cape Town Email: info@powerplastics.co.za
Johannesburg Tel: +27 (0)11 234 5949
Johannesburg Email: joburg@powerplastics.co.za
Cape Town Tel: +27 (0)21 703 5880
Cape Town Email: info@powerplastics.co.za
Johannesburg Tel: +27 (0)11 234 5949
Johannesburg Email: joburg@powerplastics.co.za
Thermal covers, commonly called bubble covers, are designed to utilise the sun’s rays to gradually warm the entire pool. These covers float on the surface of the water, bubble side down, and are trimmed to fit all pool sizes and shapes.
Thermal covers can be accessorised with rollup stations and wind protection devices. When used correctly, they have several benefits:
We have a variety of thermal covers to suit different types of pools and individual requirements. The thermals range, ranked in order of heating properties, includes:
For more detailed information and material specifications, please refer to the PDF download: Product Comparison Table
Type |
Materials & Lifespan |
Uses & Benefits |
Thermal Imported |
400 micron polyethylene cover with UV inhibitors |
6-8 °C warmer water, good heat retention |
Solarweave |
400 micron polyethylene, with polypropylene base for additional strength |
High-use pools where covers are removed frequently eg schools, gyms, public pools |
Sol+Guard |
3yr reducing warranty, with correct care will last 4 to 6 yrs |
Harnesses sun's energy for improved heat retention. Will add 8°C. This cover has the most dramatic effect on pool temperature |
CoolGuard |
500 micron polyethylene |
For hot tropical climates where air and water are of similar temperatures |
EnergyGuard |
500 micron materials
|
Warmer water & good heat retention |
Our range of thermal covers can be used on a variety of pool types, including indoor, heated, Olympic-sized, commercial (gyms, schools) and shaped pools. Refer to table below for specific suitability.
Pool shapes/varieties |
Thermal Cover Suitability |
Indoor pools |
Yes |
Heated indoor pools |
Yes - assists in reducing moisture build up/condensation in pool area/surrounds |
Outdoor pools |
Yes |
Pools in windy areas |
Yes, covers can be made secure with the addition of wind protection |
Shaped pools |
Yes, can be manufactured to any size. Trimmed on site to ensure a perfect fit |
School pools and gyms |
Yes. Can be fitted to single lanes or across multiple lanes |
Olympic and Water Polo pools |
Yes |
While a thermal cover is relatively light and easy to use on smaller pools, it is recommended that a roll up station be used in pools exceeding 7m in length. The roll up station will assist in the removal of the cover from the water as well as the neat and safe storage of the material once removed from the pool.
The roll up station is designed to assist in the removal and storage of the thermal cover. Three types are available for use depending upon the size of the pool.
For use with a roll up station, all thermal covers will require both an attachment kit (which secures the cover to the roller of the roll up station) and a leading edge kit which facilitates the closing of the cover across the pool. A unique reinforcing material is added to both ends of the cover to allow a quality connection to the attachment kit and leading edge of the cover.
The roll up stations are secured to the coping or paving by a stainless steel anchor bolt and ground anchor (one on each stand). The roll up station is portable with castors and can be moved away from the pool as required.
A roll up station will allow the neat storage of the pool cover when not in use and will also make removal of the cover far easier to achieve.
In addition, the roll up station is a movable item so it can be stored out of sight or easily moved out of the way when the pool is in use.
Correct use of the roll up station will contribute to increasing the lifespan of the thermal material and prevent damage to the cover which might otherwise occur.
PowerPlastics or an approved dealer will be required to install the roll up station.
All decking and paving around the pool must be such that the roll up station can be adequately secured.
PowerPlastics has extensive experience with the supply of thermal pool covers and roll up stations to schools and commercial pools across Africa.
The Starter Block roll up station is manufactured from coated galvanised steel and aluminium. This is used for schools and other swimming pools which have permanent starter blocks in place. The roll up station is designed to extend over the starter block and can be moved and secured into place with ease.
Please note that sufficient space is needed in the area behind the starter blocks to allow for access and to ensure that they can be quickly and simply used and stored.
Use and Care of Thermal Covers
Always handle the pool covers with care and avoid scraping the bubble surface on or over any obstacles.
Please note that the thermal cover is designed as an insulating cover and not as a safety cover. It must be completely removed from the pool before swimming and under no circumstances should anyone stand, sit or jump on the cover. Never swim when the cover is on the pool or even when the pool is partially covered.
Deploying the cover - When pulling the cover over the water, ensure that the roll up station is secure, otherwise it may be pulled into the pool. If you have a roll up station, protect the handle and do not pick up the station by the handle but rather use the neck area when carrying. Do not allow adults and children to sit on the roll up station.
Focus on protecting the light blue reinforcing as it is in this area that covers take the biggest abuse! Check that the C-clamps are in place and secured tightly by the fitted white nylon bolts and washers. Check regularly and tighten when necessary. Replace lost or missing components immediately, as the cover will wear faster without them.
The guide rope on the leading edge should be long enough to enable the user to walk around the pool and once opposite the cover, pull the cover closed. Ensure that there is sufficient length.
Use the rope to secure the cover when not in use by winding the rope around the cover. Secure neatly. Never let the reinforcing on the leading edge hang on the ground.
The cover is secured to the roll up station with an attachment kit. Check that all blue toggles are in place and on the cover. Replace when required.
Check attachment kits regularly. Ensure that there are no sharp objects affecting the cover.
Roll up in a clockwise direction. This will enable the cover to lie flat on the roll up station.
Always cover the thermal blanket with the UV protection sheet provided when not on the pool. This will ensure a longer life span for the thermal cover.
While wind protection devices can be added to a cover, the cover must be removed from the water when the wind rises above 35kph.
Ensure that the pool salt levels and pH etc. are all within recommended limits. In the event of a harsh chemical treatment, remove the covers from the pool for a couple of days.
Chlorine, when added to pool water, automatically reverts back to its gaseous state (a gas) and dissipates into the atmosphere though evaporation. When a cover is on the pool, evaporation is dramatically reduced which can lead to a chlorine build up. To avoid a higher concentration of chlorine, the level and input of chlorine must be reduced.
All solid safety pool covers and thermal covers without roll up stations can be stored when not in use in a branded PowerPlastics cover. Made from 550gsm blue PVC, this cover allows for neat and tidy storage. The cover is closed using a clip lock system and will allow the cover to be easily packaged and moved away while protecting it from physical damage.
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