Pool Covers have proven themselves to be an
absolute necessity for residential pool owners in this part of the country.
Whether it be to keep the fall and winter debris and mess out of the pool, to
keep the chemicals and heat in the pool, or for the safety of pets and children
around the pool deck, covers are a definite requirement for any pool.
COVER CHOICES AVAILABLE:
Solid Winter Covers: This type of
cover is probably used on more in-ground (and above ground) pool than any
other. PROS: Inexpensive, Very effective at keeping the
pool clean and clear during off season. CONS: Difficult to
install and remove, Very difficult and messy to clean when opening pool,
usually held in place with water tubes which are prone to leaking off during
winter months, if children or pets should wander onto cover, it is likely
that the cover will be pulled into pool creating a significant drowning
risk!
Mesh Type SAFETY Covers: This type of
pool cover has been gaining in popularity in recent years. Can be installed
on most any pool and are held in place by means of brass anchors which are
permanently installed into the deck area around the pool and stainless steel
springs attached to the cover. The originator and probably the top choice in
this type of cover is a company by the name of MEYCO. LOOP-LOC
Safety Swimming Pool Covers is another quality manufacturer.
(BEWARE OF INFERIOR "LOOK-ALIKES"!) PROS: Have
a 10 year life expectancy, making them a cost effective alternative over the
long haul. much easier to install and remove than solid winter covers,
Extremely safe if pets or children should wander onto cover. CONS:
More expensive to purchase than Solid Covers and can be expensive to have
professionally installed, Allow rain/precipitation as well as fine debris to
enter into pool through the cover, not as effective at keeping chemicals in
pool during winter months.
Solid SAFETY Covers: This type of
cover, which is relatively new to the industry, is pretty much a hybrid
between the each of the above two types of cover. PROS: Same as
above, BUT with the added benefit of NOT allowing nearly as much debris into
the pool (Note: This cover utilizes a mesh "drain" patch in the
center which prevents water from collecting on the cover by allowing it to
drain into the pool.)
Solar covers: While not generally used
during the off season, solar "blankets" are indispensable at not
only raising the pool water temperature via solar radiation, but also
extremely effective at preventing the water from cooling off during evenings
and colder days. PROS: Very inexpensive to purchase (.20-.30
per square foot) CONS: Can be a pain in the butt to install
and take off of the pool on a daily basis! The use of a SOLAR REEL can help,
but this will add substantially to the price of the cover, Usually lasts
only 1-3 years because of chemical and UV (sunlight) degradation.
Automatic Safety Covers: Without a
doubt, THIS is the best of all worlds when it comes to covering your
pool...but with a price. This type of cover, being non-permeable, affords
the absolute highest level of cleanliness and chemical retention available.
They also are a TREMENDOUS insulator for the pool (reduce heating costs by
50-70%) and will reduce water costs by 30-50% by reducing evaporation. PROS:
This cover exceeds every safety standard in existence and will support
thousands of pounds of weight! Lowers cost of operating pool
significantly by reducing heat, water and chemical loss, EXTREMELY easy to
install and retract, even multiple times daily! CONS: (Only 1)
This cover requires a much higher initial outlay than any other cover (BUT
the payback is realized in savings in 3-5 years!) Visit the COVER
POOLS Web Site for LOTS of pictures of various applications for their
products and answers to most any questions.
So....
Whether you decide to go for the basics, or for
something more elaborate, drop us a line or stop by the shop for all the
details, as well as for an exact price on what the cover of your choice will
cost for YOUR pool!
