Pool Cover Reel vs. Thermal Blanket? A Comparison of Hardbox Summer Covers

Compare a pool cover reel with a thermal blanket from Hardbox. Learn which pool cover provides better insulation, safety, and comfort. Choose the ideal solution for your container pool.

Pool Cover Reel vs. Thermal Blanket? A Comparison of Hardbox Summer Covers

Choosing the right pool cover for the summer is a crucial decision that affects user comfort, operating costs, and safety. Hardbox offers a variety of solutions, with the two most popular being the pool cover reel and the thermal blanket. Which one will be better for your Hardbox pool? We have prepared a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction to the World of Pool Covers

Owning a pool is a pure pleasure, but also a responsibility related to its maintenance. A key element, often underestimated, is the appropriate cover. At Hardbox, we understand that our customers are looking for solutions that combine innovation, functionality, and aesthetics. That's why in our offer you will find both traditional, proven options, as well as modern security systems. Let's take a closer look at two popular types of summer covers – thermal blankets and pool cover reels.

Hardbox pool with cover
Innovative Hardbox pools ready for any weather.

Thermal (Solar) Blanket – Economy and Heat

Thermal (Solar) Blanket

A thermal blanket, also known as a solar blanket, is a cost-effective solution for heating pool water and reducing heat loss. Made of polyethylene film with air bubbles, it acts as an insulator, preventing water from cooling down at night and during colder days. Additionally, the thermal blanket allows solar energy to be absorbed, which naturally heats the water.

Advantages of Thermal Blankets:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Thermal blankets are a relatively inexpensive solution, making them accessible to a wide range of pool owners.
  • Heating the water: By absorbing solar energy, the blanket naturally heats the water, reducing the need for additional heating systems.
  • Reducing evaporation: The blanket minimizes water evaporation, which translates into lower water consumption and reduced chemical loss.
  • Ease of use: Laying and removing the blanket is simple and does not require specialized tools.

Disadvantages of Thermal Blankets:

  • Durability: Thermal blankets are less durable than pool cover reels and may require replacement more frequently.
  • Aesthetics: The appearance of the blanket may not be as aesthetically pleasing as a pool cover reel.
  • Manual handling: Laying and removing the blanket can be cumbersome, especially for larger pools.
  • Limited safety: The blanket does not provide adequate protection against accidental falls into the pool.

Pool Cover Reel – Safety and Comfort

Pool Cover Reel

A pool cover reel is an advanced solution that combines functionality, aesthetics, and safety. Made of durable materials, such as PVC or polycarbonate, it provides excellent insulation, protects the pool from dirt, and, most importantly, prevents accidental falls into the water.

Advantages of Pool Cover Reels:

  • Safety: The pool cover reel provides a solid barrier that prevents children and pets from falling into the pool.
  • Insulation: The reel effectively insulates the pool, reducing heat loss and minimizing energy consumption for water heating.
  • Cleanliness: The reel protects the pool from leaves, insects, and other debris, keeping the water clean.
  • Aesthetics: Pool cover reels are available in various designs and colors, allowing them to be matched to the style of the pool and its surroundings.
  • Ease of use: Automatic or semi-automatic systems make opening and closing the pool quick and easy.

Disadvantages of Pool Cover Reels:

  • Cost: Pool cover reels are a more expensive solution than thermal blankets.
  • Installation: Installation of a pool cover reel may require professional assistance.
  • Space requirements: The reel requires space to be installed, which may be a limitation for smaller pools.

Comparison Table: Reel vs. Blanket

To better illustrate the differences between a pool cover reel and a thermal blanket, we have prepared a detailed comparison table:

FeatureThermal BlanketPool Cover Reel
PriceLowHigh
SafetyLowHigh
InsulationMediumHigh
DurabilityLowHigh
AestheticsLowHigh
Ease of useMediumHigh
HeatingMediumHigh

Summary: What to Choose for a Hardbox Pool?

The choice between a pool cover reel and a thermal blanket depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for a cost-effective solution that will primarily heat the water and reduce evaporation, a thermal blanket may be a good choice. However, if you prioritize safety, insulation, and aesthetics, a pool cover reel will be a better investment. Remember that Hardbox pools are designed to be functional and safe, so choosing a pool cover reel will further enhance these features.

Contact Hardbox

Do you have any questions or need help choosing the right pool cover? Contact our Hardbox experts! We will be happy to advise you and help you choose the best solution for your container pool.

Configure Your Pool

Choose your preferences and create a pool perfectly tailored to your needs

Configure Your Pool

Modular pool visualization

Pool Configuration Summary

Basin Layout:Ladder Entry
Deck Entrance:Integrated Side Steps
Basin Color:
Anthracite Grey
Deck board:Premium Collection - Dark Brown
Dimensions:6.00 × 2.44 m

Technical Specifications

External Dimensions
Length:6.00 mWidth:2.44 m
Height:1.50 m
Basin Dimensions
Length:4.80 mWidth:2.25 m
Depth:1.20 m
Additional Information
Approx. Pool Weight (Empty):3,300 kgWater Volume:12.96

Selected Add-ons

  • Electric Heater

Standard Equipment Included

  • PIR Thermal Insulation
  • Polypropylene Pool Basin
  • Composite Decking Surround
  • RGB LED Pool Lighting
  • Quartz Sand Filtration System
  • Surface Skimmer
  • Bottom Drain
  • Stainless Steel Internal Ladder
  • Automatic Pool Chemical Dosing (pH/Redox)

Currency

PLN
Polish Złoty
$
USD
US Dollar
EUR
Euro

Select Pool Basin Color

Anthracite Grey
RAL 7016
Light Grey
RAL 7046
Moss Green
RAL 6005
Brown
RAL 8019
Light Ivory
RAL 1015
+ $680
Orange
RAL 2003
+ $680
Pink
RAL 4010
+ $680
RAL
Custom RAL
+ $680

Select Basin Color

Light Blue
RAL 5012
Light Green
RAL 6027
Traffic White
RAL 9016
Signal Grey
RAL 7004
+ $810

Select Pool Length (External)

Compact

Compact

6.00 m

Suitable for smaller gardens

Standard

Standard

9.00 m

Popular choice for families

+ $8,100
Premium

Premium

12.00 m

Maximum swimming and relaxation space

+ $14,850

Select Basin Layout

Ladder Entry

Ladder Entry

Internal ladder, maximizes swim space

Best for: Unobstructed swimming area

Classic Steps

Classic Steps

Three standard integrated steps

Best for: Simple, easy entry

+ $810
Steps with Bench

Steps with Bench

Integrated steps with a side bench

Best for: Relaxation and entry

+ $1,080
Full-Width Steps

Full-Width Steps

Steps spanning the entire pool width

Best for: Aesthetic appeal, social area

+ $1,320
Lounge Area with Steps

Lounge Area with Steps

Integrated shallow lounge area and steps

Best for: Relaxation focus, shallow zone

+ $2,300

Select Deck Entrance

Integrated Side Steps

Integrated Side Steps

Steps built into the pool decking

Deck Level Entry

Deck Level Entry

No extra steps (for specific installs)

- $270

Select Deck Board Style

Premium Collection

Classic wood-look composite decking

Dark Brown

Dark Brown

Graphite

Graphite

Light Brown

Light Brown

Gray

Gray

Prestige Collection

+ $810

Exotic wood patterns with enhanced textures

Alaskan Driftwood

Alaskan Driftwood

Arctic Birch

Arctic Birch

Brazilian Teak

Brazilian Teak

Carbonised Osage

Carbonised Osage

Hawaiian Walnut

Hawaiian Walnut

Himalayan Cedar

Himalayan Cedar

Island Mahogany

Island Mahogany

Natural Cedar

Natural Cedar

Composite Wall Panels

Wall panel placement diagram

Diagram shows possible panel arrangements

Short side panel
+ $860

Panel on pool's short wall

Left long side panel
+ $1,940

Panel on pool's left long wall

Right long side panel
+ $1,940

Panel on pool's right long wall

Select Optional Add-ons

Pool Cover System

Choose one cover type for heat retention and safety

Thermal Cover with Roller

Floating cover to retain heat, includes roller

+ $590
Manual Panel Cover (PVC)

Manual Panel Cover (PVC)

Manually operated rigid PVC panel cover

+ $3,650
Automatic Panel Cover (PVC)

Automatic Panel Cover (PVC)

Remote-controlled rigid PVC panel cover

+ $6,480

Counter-Current System

Select a system for swimming in place

No counter-current system

No Counter-Current System

Standard configuration without swim jet

FITNESS – Phalen Jet Swim Motion Classic

FITNESS – Phalen Jet Swim Motion Classic

Counter-current system with flow up to 46 m³/h

+ $2,160
FITNESS PREMIUM – Phalen Jet Swim Athlete

FITNESS PREMIUM – Phalen Jet Swim Athlete

Advanced counter-current system with flow up to 68 m³/h

+ $3,780
PROGRESS – BADU Jet Turbo

PROGRESS – BADU Jet Turbo

Premium counter-current with flow up to 245 m³/h

+ $9,450
PROFESSIONAL – BADU Jet Turbo Pro

PROFESSIONAL – BADU Jet Turbo Pro

Most advanced counter-current with flow up to 350 m³/h

Requires 9m or 12m pool length

+ $13,230

Water Treatment System

Select primary water treatment method

Standard Chemical Dosing (pH/Redox)

Standard Chemical Dosing (pH/Redox)

Automatic monitoring and control of pH/Redox

Salt Electrolysis System Control

Salt Electrolysis System Control

Automatic chlorine generation via salt electrolysis

+ $2,430

Wi-Fi Control Module

Remote monitoring & control via WiFi

+ $410

Heating System

Choose the main pool heating system

Electric Heater

Electric Heater

Standard electric heater (9-18 kW depending on pool size)

Air Source Heat Pump

Air Source Heat Pump

Efficient heating for extended swim season

+ $2,160

Deck Safety Railings

Select railing style if needed (mutually exclusive)

Railing installation diagram

Diagram shows possible railing placement

None

No additional option selected

Stainless Steel Deck Railing

Modern stainless steel safety barrier

+ $1,240

Glass Panel Deck Railing

Safety glass barrier for unobstructed views

+ $1,890

Glass Wall Panels

Choose glass wall configuration (replaces standard wall sections)

Glass wall installation diagram

Glass wall placement options

No Glass Wall

Standard solid pool wall construction

Included

Glass wall 2 x 1 m

Made of acrylic glass

+ $3,510

Glass wall 3 x 1 m

Made of acrylic glass

+ $4,860

Covers & Safety

Options for covering the pool surface and deck area

Rigid Winter Safety Cover
+ $1,220

Durable cover for off-season pool protection

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