The easiest way to prevent a swimming pool from getting dirty is to keep things from getting in there in the first place! Many types of pool covers can be found on the market, from automatic pool covers that can automatically close when not in use, to solar covers for pools that heat up your pool for you!
While investigating the various types on the market, it’s important to consider your current pool set up, budget, amongst other factors before you ever purchase self retractable or automatic pool covers.
Here are a few of the most common styles of swimming pool covers, along with their pros and cons.
Automatic Pool Covers vs. Roll up pool covers
While roll up pool covers are the most economical and popular, automatic pool covers are gaining in popularity. Automatic covers can come in two formats; you push a button to operate the cover, or some can sense when no one is in the pool and close automatically.Roll up pool covers are generally the most cost effective and simplest to use. But if you do have extra money in your swimming pool budget, the safety and convenience of automatic pool covers is simply unparalleled.
Winter Use vs. Summer use
Pool covers generally come in two flavors, summer & winter pool covers. Summer covers are generally lighter, while above ground swimming pool winter covers are more heavy duty to withstand the elements and retard algae growth in the pool.Just make sure you budget for two styles of covers, one for winter and one for the summer.
Solar Covers for Pools
If you want to heat up your pool water for free, try using solar covers for pools. Even if you already have a pool heater, it’s even more important to use solar covers for pools.Why, might you ask? Well, good solar pool covers can heat up the water temperature by 10 degrees or more, which is less energy that you’re pool heater will have to use. Also, once you heat up your pool with a heater, you don’t want the heat to dissipate into the environment. Good solar pool covers trap heat in the water and prevent it from escaping.
Inground Pool Safety Covers
A final concern when shopping for roll up or automatic pool covers is to consider above and inground pool safety covers, especially if you or your neighbors have children. Good kid safe pool covers are either made of mesh or solid materials to prevent a child from falling into the water if they fall on the cover. Along with inground pool safety covers, a childproof fence and pool alarm are the best defense for protecting children.
As you can see, there is a buffet of mix and match options for pool covers. You could go with a solar automatic pool cover, a safety mesh roll up cover, or hundreds of other options. By having an idea what you’re looking for in a pool cover, you can make a decision that fits your lifestyle and your budget.