A Two-Minute Pool Cover Buying Guide for Newbies

A swimming pool at home can be a huge source of enjoyment for family and friends during the summer months. However, you need to take good care of it even during the rest of the year when it is not in use. Instead of leaving it open and exposed to the elements, it is sensible to buy a pool cover. A quick examination of the various benefits of investing in a pool cover and considerations in making a good choice:

Why Buy a Pool Cover?

There are many benefits of buying a pool cover. It keeps the pool clean by preventing dust, debris, garbage, leaves, insects, rain, and snow from contaminating the water. A pool cover also minimizes water loss due to evaporation, which is vital since freshwater is becoming increasingly scarce. A pool cover also helps maintain the temperature of the water, which means you spend less time and money keeping the water at a comfortable temperature. According to Energy.gov, a pool cover can significantly reduce the cost of heating pools. Another vital benefit of a pool cover is that it prevents small children and pets from falling into the water accidentally.

Pool Cover Buying Considerations

The material and the size of the pool cover are the two most important elements of a pool cover. You can get to choose from a large assortment of materials as well as shapes and sizes to suit your requirements. Common options most manufacturers offer include the open-weave mesh, solid polyethylene, and heavy-duty polyethylene. An open-weave mesh will not keep dust and rain out but is effective for keeping debris, leaves, and garbage out of the water. If you want complete protection, you will do well choosing a polyethylene cover.

The size of the cover also affects the price significantly. You must always get a full pool cover because leaving some area uncovered will not help to protect it adequately. When you buy a cover, you must measure the dimensions of the pool and get one that is slightly larger so you can secure it better.

Types of Pool Covers

Leaf nets: Leaf nets are great for preventing leaves, twigs, paper, plastic, and other wind-blown garbage from getting into the pool; however, they will not stop rainwater, hail, snow, etc., from contaminating the water. These nets are relatively cheap.

Solid cover: These coverings are great for all-year poop protection, especially during the winter as it prevents the water from freezing over due to better heat retention. Since the sunlight does not enter, it also prevents algae from growing, resulting in cheaper pool maintenance. If the cover has a drain port, it will prevent rainwater and melted snow from pooling on the cover and making it sag.

Safety cover: These are handy for preventing unauthorized access to the pool. It also secures it from unsupervised children and pets from falling in accidentally. This type of pool cover must comply with stringent safety guidelines and is, therefore, more expensive.

Conclusion 

By investing in a good-quality pool cover, you can keep your pool clean, reduce water evaporation, and reduce the effort and expense of maintaining it.