Pool Covers & Eskom Load Shedding 2026: Will Your Cover Still Work?
Willem de Wet · Managing Director
NSPI Accredited Member · SABS SANS 10134:2016 Certified
It's the question every South African pool owner asks: "What happens to my automatic pool cover when Eskom cuts the power?" After 14+ years of installing pool covers through every stage of load shedding, we have definitive answers — and practical solutions for every cover type.
How Each Cover Type Handles Power Outages
Hydraulic PoolLock Covers — Built-In Fail-Safe
The PoolLock hydraulic system is arguably the most load-shedding-resilient automatic cover on the South African market. When power cuts, the hydraulic mechanism locks mechanically in whatever position it's in. If the cover is closed, it stays closed — no electricity required to maintain the seal.
- Closed position: Mechanically locked. Supports up to 250 kg/m². Fully tamper-proof.
- Open position: Cover stays retracted. Pool remains accessible for swimming.
- Mid-cycle outage: Cover stops where it is. Simply resume operation when power returns.
- No surge risk: The motor is located away from the pool, and the hydraulic pump handles voltage fluctuations well.
Slatted PoolDeck Covers — Buoyancy Advantage
PoolDeck slatted covers have a unique advantage: the polycarbonate or PVC slats float on the water surface. Even without power, a closed slatted cover stays in place by buoyancy. The motor only drives the roll-up mechanism — it doesn't hold the cover in position.
Manual Safety Covers — Zero Dependency
The simplest solution is often the most reliable. Our manual safety covers require zero electricity — they're operated entirely by hand. During extended load shedding periods (Stage 6 and beyond), many clients tell us this is the feature they value most.
The 24V Low-Voltage Solution
For electric-motor covers, we offer a 24V low-voltage motor option that's specifically designed for South African conditions. This motor runs from:
- Standard car battery (12V, paired with a simple converter)
- Deep-cycle leisure battery (100Ah provides 5–10 full cycles)
- Household inverter/UPS — if you already have backup power, the cover simply connects to it
- Solar panel + battery combo — completely off-grid operation for properties with solar installations
A 100Ah deep-cycle battery typically delivers 5–10 complete open/close cycles depending on your pool size. That's enough to handle multiple days of Stage 4 load shedding rotations without recharging.
Protecting Your Cover From Power Surges
Load shedding doesn't just cut power — the power surges when electricity returns can damage sensitive electronics. Here's what we recommend:
- Surge protector on the motor circuit — a basic DB-board surge protector costs very little and prevents damage to the motor controller
- Dedicated circuit breaker for the pool cover motor — isolates it from other household spikes
- Delayed restart — our installation includes a soft-start feature that waits 30 seconds after power returns before activating
- Annual service check — our maintenance schedule includes surge protector inspection
Choosing the Right Cover for Load-Shedding Resilience
| Cover Type | Power Needed? | During Outage | Battery Backup? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PoolLock Hydraulic | To operate | Mechanically locked | Optional UPS |
| PoolDeck Slatted | To operate | Floats in place | 24V battery option |
| Electric Cover (Saf-T3) | To operate | Stays in position | 24V battery option |
| Manual Safety Cover | None | Fully operational | Not needed |
| Thermal Blanket | None | Fully operational | Not needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my automatic pool cover work during load shedding?
It depends on your system type. Hydraulic systems lock safely in position during outages. Electric systems with our 24V low-voltage motor option can run from a car battery or small UPS. Manual covers are completely unaffected. We can retrofit battery backup to most existing installations.
How many times can a pool cover operate on battery backup?
A standard 100Ah deep-cycle battery provides 5–10 full open/close cycles depending on pool size and cover type. This is typically enough to cover multiple Stage 4 load shedding rotations before needing a recharge.
Is my pool safe during a power outage if the cover is closed?
Yes. Both hydraulic PoolLock covers and slatted PoolDeck covers remain locked in the closed position during power outages. There is no risk of the cover accidentally opening. Hydraulic systems use mechanical locks that hold without power, and slatted covers rest on the water surface by buoyancy.
Can I retrofit battery backup to my existing pool cover?
In most cases, yes. Electric motor systems can be connected to a UPS, inverter, or dedicated deep-cycle battery. Hydraulic systems don't need backup power as they lock mechanically. Contact us for a free assessment of your specific installation.
Which pool cover type is best for areas with frequent load shedding?
For areas with frequent outages, we recommend either the 24V low-voltage electric option (runs from any 12V battery source) or the hydraulic PoolLock system (completely mechanical locking, no power needed to stay secure). Both meet SANS 10134 safety standards regardless of power status.
Want a Load-Shedding-Proof Pool Cover?
We'll assess your pool, your existing backup power setup, and recommend the most resilient cover solution for your home.