Savings Guide
Pool Cover Savings Calculator (South Africa)
Estimate the water and energy a pool cover can save you each year — by pool size and region, in rand.
Quick answer
A pool cover in South Africa can save roughly R2,600 to R13,700 per year depending on pool size and region, mostly by cutting water evaporation by about 90%, with extra energy savings on heated pools. Estimate your own figure below.
Estimate your savings
Water saved / year
63 kL
≈ R1 892
Energy saved / year
0 kWh
≈ R0
Total indicative saving / year
R1 892
Indicative estimate only, based on the assumptions listed below (evaporation 6 mm/day for your region, 90% evaporation reduction, water at R30/kL). Actual savings vary with usage, weather, tariffs and pool equipment.
The calculation, shown
We keep the formula transparent so you can check the numbers yourself:
litres_saved/yr = area(m²) × evap(mm/day) × 365 × 0.9
kL_saved = litres_saved ÷ 1000
water_rand = kL_saved × R30/kL
energy_kWh/yr = area(m²) × 45 kWh/m² (heated pools)
energy_rand = energy_kWh × R3.20/kWh
total_saving = water_rand + energy_rand
Indicative coefficients: evaporation 4–6 mm/day by region, 90% evaporation reduction, water at R30/kL, heating 45 kWh/m²/season, and an Eskom-linked tariff of R3.20/kWh. These are assumptions for estimation — adjust to your own tariffs for a precise figure.
Indicative savings by size & region
Water-only savings for an unheated pool; heated pools save more.
| Pool size | Highveld | Coastal |
|---|---|---|
| Small (≈ 20 m²) | ≈ R3,900 / yr | ≈ R2,600 / yr |
| Medium (≈ 40 m²) | ≈ R7,800 / yr | ≈ R5,200 / yr |
| Large (≈ 70 m²) | ≈ R13,700 / yr | ≈ R9,100 / yr |
Looking for purchase prices instead? See the 2026 pool cover cost guide or the price estimator.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a pool cover save per year in South Africa?
Indicatively, a cover can save roughly R2,600–R13,700 per year depending on pool size and region, mainly through reduced water evaporation, with additional energy savings on heated pools. Use the calculator above for an estimate specific to your pool.
How does a pool cover save water?
Most water loss from an open pool is evaporation. A cover reduces evaporation by around 90%, which for a medium Highveld pool can save tens of thousands of litres of municipal top-up water each year.
How does a cover save electricity?
On a heated pool, evaporation is the biggest heat loss. A cover retains heat overnight, so your heat pump or heater runs less. It can also shorten pump run-time, further trimming your Eskom-linked bill.
Are these savings guaranteed?
No — the figures are indicative estimates based on typical assumptions. Actual savings depend on your weather, water and electricity tariffs, pool usage and equipment.
What does a pool cover cost to buy?
Prices range from about R5,000 for a thermal blanket to R350,000 for a large automatic system. See our pool cover cost guide for a full breakdown by type and size.