Between rising water bills, leaves falling into the pool at the slightest breeze, and nightly skimming sessions, owning a pool can quickly become more time-consuming and expensive than expected. Many owners of above-ground pools are looking for a simple solution to protect their water without breaking the budget.
For this summer, Decathlon highlights a very basic yet immensely effective accessory: a pool cover sold from €12 for self-supporting above-ground pools. It is an INTEX-branded protective cover designed for round pools with a diameter of 3.96 m, advertised as available from May 28, 2026 and until stock runs out. The savings, however, do not stop at the moment of purchase.
Why this €12 pool cover at Decathlon can save you money this summer
Without a cover, every gust of wind or storm leaves debris such as leaves, insects, and dust in the water, which demands frequent cleaning, longer filtration, and often more treatment products. A protective cover greatly limits the influx of these contaminants at the surface. This cover reduces cleaning tasks and prevents water from pooling on the cover thanks to a central mesh, which also lowers the risk of dirty overflow into the pool, states the manufacturer INTEX.
Desjoyaux specialists remind that pool covers also help slow evaporation, thus preserving the pool water. An open pool naturally loses part of its volume, especially at night and in hot weather, which requires regularly adding cold water. By covering the above-ground pool, these top-ups are limited, easing the water bill and stabilizing the temperature more effectively. A classic protective cover mainly targets debris and evaporation, while a bubble cover, known as a solar cover, aims more to retain the heat stored during the day.
INTEX protective cover sold at Decathlon: an indispensable summer accessory
The model highlighted by Decathlon is an INTEX protective cover for a round, self-supporting above-ground pool with a 3.96 m diameter. The Decathlon listing notes a cover of about 3.75 m with a skirt of around thirty centimeters, intended to cover the pool’s inflatable edge. On the official INTEX site, the reference shows a diameter of 3.76 m and the same 30 cm skirt, for a package weighing 3.66 kg, which confirms that this is indeed the same product.
This cover is distinguished by its central drainage mesh, which lets excess rainwater escape and avoids the formation of large water pockets on top. A perimeter cord allows you to tighten it around the pool to keep it in place. Price-wise, the pool covers category at Decathlon lists this type of accessory “from €12.00,” starting May 28, 2026 and until stock runs out, while the INTEX listing shows a price of €13.99. The exact amount will depend on the chosen diameter, the partner seller, and availability at the time of purchase.
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Decathlon
INTEX pool cover for above-ground pool, at
€12 at Decathlon
Pool covers: choosing the right type and understanding safety limits
For summer, several families of covers coexist. The protective cover like the INTEX one sold at Decathlon covers the water surface and mainly serves to block debris and limit evaporation. The bubble cover, placed directly on the water, is described by Desjoyaux as the hot-season accessory: it is deployed at dusk to preserve the heat accumulated during the day. The winter covers, heavier, are aimed more at inground pools that are shut down for several months.
On the safety front, Desjoyaux emphasizes that some covers are designed to prevent falls and comply with NF P 90-308, the standard governing pool safety devices. The inexpensive INTEX cover starting at €12 sold at Decathlon is not a safety cover in the sense of this standard; it protects the water, not young children. In family gardens, many owners use it as the first barrier against dirt and evaporation, then, if needed, complement with a bubble cover or dedicated safety equipment such as a barrier or an alarm.
