The Numbers Are Significant
In Phoenix and Tucson, the average evaporation rate is approximately 6 feet per year, meaning the average pool evaporates roughly its entire contents (about 20,000 gallons) annually.
During Phoenix summers, an uncovered pool loses approximately ¼ inch of water per day (around 5,000–7,000 gallons per month for a 15,000-gallon pool).
In Arizona, a standard uncovered pool loses four to six feet per year to evaporation, most of which occurs during summer, roughly the equivalent of filling the pool entirely every year.
Evaporation also pulls chemicals out of the water: topping up means diluting, which means more chemical spend.
What This Costs You in Real Money
Water isn’t free, and rates have risen across every major Arizona city. Here’s what 20,000 gallons of annual evaporation actually costs, broken down by city.
| City | Official rate page | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | phoenix.gov/water-sewer-rates | Seasonal tiered pricing (summer rates highest) |
| Tucson | tucsonaz.gov/water/residential-bill | FY2026 rates effective Aug 4, 2025 |
| Scottsdale | scottsdaleaz.gov/water/rates-fees | FY25/26 rates |
| Chandler | chandleraz.gov/utility-rates | 15% increase effective March 2026 |
| Mesa | https://www.mesaaz.gov/Government/Management-Budget/Utility-Rates | |
| Gilbert | https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/public-works/water-conservation |
At Phoenix’s current summer tier rates, 20,000 gallons of preventable evaporation represents a significant line item. Check your city’s rate page above to calculate your own exposure.
Managing a community pool or commercial facility? Multiply these numbers by your number of pools. An HOA with 3 uncovered pools may be losing 60,000+ gallons per year to evaporation alone, before counting any leak or splash loss. Save on water and heating costs with a HeatSaver Commercial pool cover. →
How Much Can a Pool Cover Actually Reduce Evaporation?
At Solar Safe, we’ve measured evaporation reduction across installations throughout the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas over 22+ years. Our results:
| PowerLock Safety Cover | HeatSaver Thermal Cover | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation reduction | ~95% | ~90% |
| Annual gallons saved | ~19,000 of 20,000 lost | ~18,000 of 20,000 lost |
| Primary benefit | Child & pet safety, reduced maintenance, water conservation | Heat retention + water conservation |
| Best for | Families, Snowbirds, pools not being used | Year-round swimmers, heating cost savings |
| Learn more | PowerLock Safety Cover → | HeatSaver Thermal Cover → |
Arizona Water Facts, a public resource maintained in conjunction with water conservation programs, independently confirms that 90–95% of pool and spa water lost to evaporation can be saved by installing a pool cover. SSPC’s measured results align precisely with this benchmark.
Your pool doesn’t stop evaporating when you leave for the summer
If you spend May through September out of state, your pool is sitting in the Arizona heat with nobody home, losing water every single day, running up your water bill, and getting cleaned by a service company for a pool no one is swimming in.
A typical pool loses its entire volume to evaporation over the course of a year, most of it during summer
The average snowbird is away May through September (Phoenix’s peak evaporation season)
Estimated pool service cost while you’re gone, for a pool that isn’t being used
A pool cover changes the equation for both seasons, not just one.
HeatSaver Thermal Cover
While you’re here enjoying the Arizona winter, the HeatSaver keeps your pool warm overnight so you’re not heating water you’ll lose by morning.
- Reduces evaporation by up to 90% while you’re swimming regularly
- Retains heat overnight and extends your swim season without extra heating cost
- Custom-made to fit your pool and manufactured on-site in Phoenix
PowerLock Safety Cover
Before you head out for the summer, the PowerLock seals your pool completely, stopping evaporation, blocking debris, and protecting the water chemistry while you’re away.
- Reduces evaporation by up to 95%, so your pool holds its water all summer
- Keeps debris and UV out, reducing chemical demand and service frequency
- ASTM-rated safety barrier meeting Arizona pool safety requirements
A pool that’s sealed for summer needs less maintenance, not more. With a PowerLock cover in place, debris stays out and chemical demand drops significantly. Many snowbirds eliminate pool service completely while they’re away. Combined with the water savings, the cover pays for itself faster than you’d expect.
Free on-site estimates available. We can schedule your installation before you leave, or coordinate directly if you’re already out of state.
Arizona’s Drought: Why This Matters Now
Arizona has been in a megadrought for more than 20 years, with the state experiencing some level of drought condition continuously throughout that period.
The City of Phoenix’s own Drought Management Plan specifically names pool covers as a recommended drought response measure, listed alongside banning turf irrigation as a conservation tool during water restriction scenarios.
Check Arizona’s current drought status: ADWR Drought Data Dashboard →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does a pool lose per day in Phoenix?
About ¼ inch per day in summer, roughly 60–120 gallons depending on pool size, wind exposure, and temperature.
Does a pool cover really reduce evaporation?
Yes. Solar Safe’s PowerLock reduces evaporation by approximately 95%; the HeatSaver reduces it by approximately 90%. Arizona Water Facts confirms a quality cover can save 90–95% of water that would otherwise be lost.
How much water can I save with a pool cover in Arizona each year?
A typical uncovered Arizona pool loses 16,000–20,000 gallons annually to evaporation. A Solar Safe cover can save 15,000–19,000 of those gallons, roughly the equivalent of filling the pool from scratch every year.
Is it required to cover a pool during an Arizona drought?
Not currently mandated, but the City of Phoenix has identified pool covers as a tool in future drought restriction phases. Covering now is voluntary and puts you ahead of any potential future requirements.
Do pool covers help HOA and commercial pools with water conservation?
Significantly. A commercial or HOA pool typically has a larger surface area than a residential pool, meaning evaporation loss (and savings from covering) scale proportionally. A cover on a community pool is one of the highest-ROI water conservation investments available.
What’s the difference between PowerLock and HeatSaver for water conservation?
Both cover 90%+ of evaporation losses. The PowerLock adds ASTM-certified child and pet safety (100% impenetrable barrier). The HeatSaver adds insulation that retains heat overnight, ideal if you also heat your pool. Both are custom-made on-site in Phoenix.
Stop Losing 20,000 Gallons a Year
Custom pool covers made and installed in Phoenix & Tucson. Free on-site estimate. 22+ years. ROC #316530.