Which Pool Cover Is Right For You?
As a pool owner, there’s a lot of pool equipment out there that you could use to benefit your pool and enhance your swimming experience. Of course, everyone’s pool needs are different and determining what is best for your pool environment can be challenging. But one of the items we think a pool ‘must have’ in terms of its overall return on investment is a pool cover, sometimes known as a pool blanket.
The right pool cover or blanket can help you save your water while reducing costs associated with energy, chemicals, and cleaning.
This is not only great news for pool owners, it’s great news for the environment too. Let’s investigate this further.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A POOL COVER:
What kind of pool cover is the correct choice for your pool? In this post, we’ll go through the options you should consider when looking to purchase a cover.
Having the right pool cover can save you time and money. How much you are willing to spend, how you want it to look, the shape of your pool, and whether your pool is new or an existing pool, are factors to keep in mind when making your decision.
Depending on what type of pool or needs you have, one of these types of pool covers is the right one for you.
TYPES OF POOL COVERS
There are five main types of pool covers, each comprised of different materials and with different purposes.
Let’s uncover what pool covers are the best option for your pool’s needs.
AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS
Automatic pool covers are released by a flip of a switch which makes it easy and convenient for the pool owner. They provide the best protection for keeping children and pets safe around the pool.
They are the most expensive option but in the long run it saves you a lot of money.
Exploring different options for hiding your automatic pool cover
There are different options for how to hide your automatic pool cover and what types of tracks you use for the cover.
A low profile aluminum lid can be mounted on your pool deck that hides the cover inside of it.
Another option is a flat lid, which is similar to the aluminum lid except it is level with the pool deck. The flush deck lid is installed when the pool is built and goes around your whole pool.
Lastly, there are stone and concrete lids. These are the most discrete lids designed to look like your pool deck and are nearly invisible.
Choosing the Right Track System for Your Automatic Pool Cover
The type of track also plays a role in how hidden your automatic pool cover is. Under Track System, Recessed Top Track System, and Deckmount System are the three types of track systems you can choose from, however, the shape of your pool factors into whether an automatic pool cover is even an option for you.
Automatic pool covers are mostly used for rectangular pools but it is possible to use them for shaped pools. It is easiest to install an automatic pool cover when a shaped pool is being built.
MANUAL POOL COVERS
A manual pool cover is a two-person crank and pulley system. A cover roll is installed at one end of the pool with a hand crank. The cover wraps around this cover roll when you crank the handle.
This type of cover is used a lot for pools that need protection but aren’t used very often. It provides the same savings benefits as the automatic pool cover for a fraction of the price. The difference is that you have to put the cover on yourself manually, instead of just flipping a switch. This cover is also not discrete like the automatic pool cover. It is easy to install, but it is quite bulky.
SOLAR POOL COVER
Solar pool covers are made from LDPE (low density polyethylene) and they provide a physical barrier to evaporation that helps to reduce water and chemical loss. They also retain heat which can increase your pool’s water temperature by up to 8°C. Also known as a bubble cover, this is a thin cover that has air bubbles all over it and is the least expensive option.
Installation is very simple and once the cover is measured and cut to the shape of your pool it is ready for use. It helps to minimize the amount of dirt and debris that get in your pool. Many pool owners use a cover roller with this type of cover to make it easier to put on and take off the pool. A cover roller isn’t necessary though.
An important fact to know is that these covers cannot withstand the weight of a small child, so it is important to take other safety precautions in order to prevent a dangerous situation.
THERMAL POOL COVERS
Thermal pool covers insulate your pool, preventing heat loss and evaporation. These don’t actually heat up your pool but they do have excellent heat retention ability.
SOLID AND MESH POOL COVERS
These are the most common pool covers for closed pool season. They are made from a fine woven mesh that is fitted above your pool. They allow rainwater to pass through but they stop leaves, debris, and even bugs (and ducks) from entering your pool water.
These are the most common pool covers for closed pool season. They are cost-effective, provide great protection, and keep debris out of the pool.
Anchor points must be installed around the pool area for the cover. These anchor points are very small and not very noticeable. This is a great cover for closing your pool because it reduces effective sunlight which limits the growth of algae. Limiting the growth of algae reduces the cost and amount of cleaning that often takes place when reopening your pool.
LIMITATIONS OF MESH POOL COVERS
It’s important to know that whilst these are great, they might not be as helpful if you’re concerned with evaporation or water temperature. However, they do remain a great pool cover for summer.
This type of cover can not be easily taken on and off which is why it is not good for everyday use but great to close your pool with.
POOL COVER AND POOL BLANKET BENEFITS
You might be wondering, ‘are pool covers worth it?’ One of the simplest ways to save money on your pool is to invest in a pool cover. Some pool owners only use their pool cover during the cooler months, but there are plenty of advantages for using them throughout the whole year. See our top money and time-saving reasons below.
Let’s delve into the benefits of swimming pool covers:
PREVENTS EVAPORATION
Did you know that the number one reason a swimming pool loses its water is through evaporation? This occurs when the surface of the pool is exposed to the sun.
Water molecules rise from the surface of the pool and form a vapor before they escape into the atmosphere.
Evaporation occurs year-round, but your pool loses water at a faster rate in summer due to the extra heat. A pool cover will block excess heat from reaching the water and also trap moisture, so it doesn’t evaporate into the air.
Solar pool covers can prevent this evaporation by providing a protective barrier against the elements, reducing the rate of evaporation and saving you water and money, as you won’t have to refill your pool as often.
REDUCED CHEMICAL CONSUMPTION
Pool covers can also help you reduce your chemical consumption. This is because pool covers reduce the amount of UV light that comes into contact with your pool water.
Moreover, chemicals are used to restore your pool back to a healthy state when debris, leaves and even rain can cause an imbalance in your pool water. However, if you have a pool cover protecting your pool from this debris, it means your pool will stay cleaner for longer.
While pool covers do not replace chemicals, it can cut down on the amount of chemicals you will need to keep your pool clean. This reduction in chemical use is not insignificant, and pool covers can save you up to 50% of your chemical use since you’re not constantly having to rebalance your pool water chemistry
REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION
A good quality pool cover will also help with cutting down on energy consumption. Whether you opt for a solar or thermal pool cover, you’ll automatically be reducing the amount of energy you use to heat your pool. Because they provide insulation, pool covers prevent a significant amount of heat loss and can reduce your pool heating costs.
For saltwater pool owners, the same reductions in chemical and energy consumption apply to you too.
INCREASED WATER TEMPERATURE
As well as cutting down on energy costs, the heating benefits of pool covers can help you regulate your pool’s temperature and extend your swimming season.
When the temperature drops overnight, it will usually reduce the temperature of the pool water. However, a pool cover will retain the heat and may even keep it warm enough to swim in the next day, meaning you will save money and electricity by not using your heating system as often.
So, instead of waiting for the weather to warm up, the insulation and heat loss features of your pool cover will keep your pool water at the ideal temperature. This ensures you can enjoy your pool for longer!
CUT DOWN ON CLEANING TIME
Pool covers of any kind can stop leaves, debris, dust and even ducks from getting in your pool, so you can spend less time cleaning it.
It can be an endless battle scooping leaves, bugs and other debris out of your pool each week. To make matters worse, if leaves and other debris are left in the water, algae may begin to grow. This could cause your pool to become cloudy and create a chemical imbalance. How can you help keep debris out of your pool? A pool cover!
POOL COVER – LESS MAINTENANCE, MORE RELAXATION
What would you rather do, clean your pool or relax in it? Without leaves and other debris falling in the pool it means you’ll have to spend less time vacuuming it and if there’s less evaporation, it means you won’t need to refill the pool as much or use as many chemicals to re-balance the pool.
FIND THE RIGHT POOL COVER FROM POOLWERX
If you’re interested in a pool cover, but not sure where to start, our team of certified technicians can help find the pool cover to suit your needs and budget. View our pool cover product range, or call your local Poolwerx today.
And remember that investing in a pool cover is a great way to reduce the time you spend on pool maintenance and increase the time you spend enjoying your pool.
Want to know more?
Poolwerx has worked with pools of all shapes and sizes and would be happy to help you choose a pool cover that is perfect for your pool. View our pool cover range, or Find your nearest Poolwerx to receive expert advice on pool covers.
Alternatively, enter your details below and we’ll contact you with some further information!
