Bubble Cover vs Safety Cover: Which Is Right for Your Pool?
One of the most common questions we get from Cape Town pool owners is: “What’s the difference between a bubble cover and a safety cover — and do I need one or both?”
It’s a fair question. After all, the two products look similar at a glance, but they actually solve completely different problems. So, here’s how to tell them apart, and choose the right one for your pool.
What Is a Bubble Cover?
A bubble cover (also called a solar cover or solar blanket) uses UV-treated plastic sheeting with thousands of small air bubbles, similar in concept to bubble wrap. It floats directly on the surface of your pool.
Specifically, its job is to:
- Trap solar heat and raise your pool temperature by up to 8°C
- Reduce evaporation by up to 95%
- Cut chemical consumption by keeping the water sealed from air
- Keep out leaves, dirt, and debris
What it doesn’t do: a bubble cover can’t hold weight. As a result, it won’t prevent a child, pet, or adult from falling into the pool.
What Is a Safety Cover?
A safety cover, on the other hand, is a completely different product. Manufacturers build it from solid, reinforced material (often mesh or solid PVC), and installers secure it tightly around the edge of the pool with anchors, straps, or a frame. Its sole purpose, therefore, is preventing accidental drowning.
Accordingly, its job is to:
- Support the weight of a person or pet who steps onto it
- Meet safety standards for child and pet drowning prevention
- Stay firmly anchored, unlike a floating bubble cover
However, safety covers generally don’t offer the same heat-retention or evaporation benefits as a pool blanket, since their design prioritizes strength and anchoring over solar performance.
So — Which One Do You Need?
| If your priority is… | You need a… |
|---|---|
| Lower water bills, less evaporation, warmer pool | Bubble Cover |
| Reducing chemical use and debris | Bubble Cover |
| Preventing drowning risk for kids or pets | Safety Cover |
| Compliance for child safety | Safety Cover |
Generally, many pool owners without small children or pets around the pool choose a solar blanket alone, since their main concerns are cost savings and pool comfort. In contrast, homes with young children should always treat a safety cover as a non-negotiable, separate from any solar cover.
Important: as we note throughout our site, our solar bubble covers aren’t safety covers, and they’re not intended to prevent drowning. So, if child or pet safety concerns your household, make a dedicated safety cover your first priority.
Can You Use Both?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, many households use a bubble cover during the day while the pool is in use and unattended-safe, and then switch to a separate safety cover overnight or whenever the pool won’t be supervised. In short, it’s not an either/or decision for every home — instead, it depends on your specific safety needs and budget. Is a Pool Cover Required by Law in Cape Town? (2026 Guide)
Get the Right Cover for Your Pool
We specialise in solar bubble pool covers across Cape Town and the Western Cape, and we offer same-day collection, courier delivery, or professional installation. So, if you’re not sure which option suits your situation, get in touch, and we’ll help you figure out what makes sense.
Request Your Free Pool Cover Quote →
We service the Northern Suburbs, Southern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard, West Coast, and Helderberg District and the Western Cape.