A pool can be everyone’s favorite place, but leaving it uncovered when it is not in use exposes it to leaves, dirt and weather. Closing your pool properly, with the right cover, protects it. You can do this yourself or hire a professional pool closing service. Either way, your pool needs a cover that fits it and how you use it. Here are the most common types of pool covers.
The Main Types of Pool Covers
Pool covers come in several types for different pools and seasons. Whatever the type, the main job is the same: keep debris out and protect the pool. Read on to see what each type does well, so you can choose the right cover for your pool.
1. Solar Pool Cover
Want to warm your pool and keep it clean at the same time? A solar cover does both. It traps the sun’s heat in the water and keeps out leaves and dirt. Before you buy one, know that it is not a safety cover: it cannot hold the weight of a child or pet.
Solar covers are thin sheets with air bubbles, which is why they are also called bubble covers. Thicker covers hold in more heat. They are affordable, which makes them a good choice on a budget, but they wear out faster than other covers and need replacing more often. Solar covers are meant for swim season, not for winter closing.
2. Winter Pool Cover
Winter covers fit over the whole pool and are anchored around the edges to protect it while it is closed. They come in two main types. Mesh covers let rain and melted snow drain through while keeping leaves and debris out, so water never pools on top. Solid covers block water and sunlight completely, which helps prevent algae, but they need a cover pump to remove rainwater that collects on top.
If you have children or pets, choose a safety cover. Safety covers are anchored to the deck and built to the ASTM F1346 safety standard, so they can hold the weight of a person or animal. A basic winter cover held down with water bags is not a safety cover. Whatever cover you choose, a fence around the pool adds another layer of protection.
3. Slatted Automatic Pool Cover
Want to open and close your pool with the push of a button? An automatic cover does exactly that. Slatted automatic covers are made of interlocking slats that roll out over the pool and back onto a reel. They work for indoor and outdoor pools, and once installed, a switch or remote does the work.
Many automatic covers meet the ASTM F1346 safety standard when they are installed correctly, which helps keep small children and pets from falling in. Check the rating before you buy, and make sure the cover closes fully every time. An automatic cover is a great fit for owners who want convenience and a high-end look, and it can be controlled with pool automation.
To Wrap It Up
The better you care for your pool, the more fun you get out of it. Many owners focus on cleaning but forget to cover the pool when it will not be used for a while, which leads to dirty water and extra work later. Clear Tec Pools can help you choose a cover and install it as part of our pool closing service in Hoschton. For a step-by-step guide, see how to close your pool for winter.
Need help with your pool in Hoschton or nearby? Call Clear Tec Pools at 678-679-0165 or book online.