What is the primary purpose of a pool cover?

The primary purpose of a pool cover is indeed to keep debris out and reduce evaporation. When a pool is covered, it acts as a barrier to external elements like leaves, dirt, and other debris that can contaminate the water and require additional cleaning and maintenance. This protection can help reduce the amount of time and labor needed for pool upkeep.

Additionally, covers significantly minimize water evaporation, which is especially important in maintaining water levels and efficiently managing water usage. Reducing evaporation not only conserves water but also lessens the need for frequent refilling and balancing of chemicals due to fluctuating water levels.

While maintaining the pool's chemical balance is essential, using a cover does not directly manage chemical concentrations, as this usually involves filtration and chemical treatments. Providing shade for swimmers can be a benefit of certain types of covers, but it is not their primary function. Similarly, while certain covers can help retain some heat from sunlight, they do not typically lead to a dramatic increase in water temperature like a heating system would. Therefore, keeping debris out and reducing evaporation is the main role of a pool cover.