Having a pool at home is great for relaxation, fun, and making lasting memories with friends and family. However, keeping the pool clean, safe, and energy-efficient can be tough without the right gear.
One key part of pool maintenance that people often forget is choosing the right pool safety cover. A good pool cover improves safety, helps keep debris out, can lower energy bills, and keeps children and pets safe from drowning. In this article, you’ll discover what to consider when choosing a pool safety cover.
Types of Pool Safety Covers
Pool safety covers are strong coverings made from reinforced vinyl or mesh. They serve as a protective barrier to stop people and pets from accidentally getting in and to keep out dirt and sunlight. These covers attach firmly to the pool deck using a system of springs and straps, and they can support a lot of weight, so a person or pet can walk on them without falling in.
There are three main types:
- Mesh
- Automatic
- Solid
Mesh Safety Pool Covers
A mesh safety cover is one of the cheapest pool safety covers. This cover can remain functional over 15 years if you take good care of it. It’s pretty light, making it the easiest safety cover to handle. Plus, mesh covers are lightweight, making them easy to install, remove, and store. Even though it’s lightweight, a mesh cover can hold up to a lot of weight.
How They Work
Mesh safety covers attach securely to the deck using stretchy cords and anchors. The perforated mesh lets water and sunlight through, which is beneficial in snowy areas because melting snow can drain into the pool. Since water can pass through, you won’t have to worry about standing water on top.
These covers are designed to stop water from pooling on top by letting melted snow and rain drain directly into the pool. The mesh has been woven close enough to let debris sit on top.
While rain can pass through, you will not find sticks, leaves, or bugs on the floor of the pool when spring arrives. However, you might have some fine particles to clean when you open the pool since the mesh cover can’t completely block dirt and dust.
Mesh safety pool covers come with different sunlight specs. Some can resist the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, while others can block up to 99% of sunlight.
Why should you keep ultraviolet rays out of the pool? The sun helps warm it up when you’re using it, but too much sunlight can be a problem during the off-season.
Sunlight promotes algae growth, and you don’t want your pool to become a ground for algae development. Before you close your pool, use an algaecide (which kills algae) or an algaestat (which prevents it) to keep your water protected throughout the off-seasons without removing the cover.
And if you have an algae problem, don’t cover your pool yet. Closing it while it’s “green” may let algae grow unattended for months, making it a bigger hassle to clean when you reopen it. Instead, tackle the algae first, then cover your pool once the water is crystal clear.
Maintaining Your Mesh Safety Pool Cover
After putting the cover on your pool, don’t forget about it until spring. You need basic maintenance to keep your cover in good shape and safeguard your pool.
If you currently reside in a snowy area, you need to clear the snow from the pool cover. It is advisable to use a broom to push the snow off before it accumulates. Snow can become quite heavy, particularly when the layer at the bottom freezes. By regularly brushing off the safety cover, you can prevent damage such as ripping, tearing, and stress on your anchors.
If snow isn’t a problem in your area, you can use a leaf blower to remove debris from your cover.
When reopening the pool, remember to take off, clean, and properly store the mesh safety cover so it lasts longer.
Solid Safety Pool Covers
Like mesh covers, you can customize solid safety pool covers to fit your pool, and they are secured with spring cords and anchors. However, they are heavier and require more effort to put on and take off than mesh covers.
How Solid Pool Covers Work
Solid safety covers completely block sunlight and debris from entering your swimming pool, unlike mesh covers that let some through. That keeps dirt from piling up in your pool during the winter and helps stop evaporation and algae growth by keeping out the wind and sun.
However, without a way for water to drain, you might end up with a big puddle on top of the cover. If you let that water sit, it can ruin the cover and make it really hard to take off. Plus, it creates a drowning risk, which is exactly what you want to avoid with a safety cover.
Solid safety pool covers usually retail at a higher price than mesh ones because they are often packaged with a cover pump. You place this pump in the center of the pool cover where water normally begins to gather, and it removes the water when needed.
Automatic pumps turn on when the water level rises, but are a bit pricier. Manual pool pumps are a more affordable option. Either type will help keep water from building up on the cover.
Taking Care of Your Solid Safety Pool Cover
Remember to regularly brush or blow off any debris from the pool cover. Don’t let ice or snow pile up on your safety cover, as it can harm the cover, the anchors, the cover pump, and possibly the swimming pool itself.
It’s pretty similar to a mesh cover when it comes to taking off, cleaning, and putting away your solid safety pool cover. The good news is you can clean your solid safety cover even when it’s still on the pool.
Grab some water, mild detergent, and a brush if needed. Use a hose to rinse the debris and soap, then use your pump to remove all the dirty water.
When you’re ready to take off and store the solid safety pool cover, it’s a good idea to have a minimum of two strong individuals on hand since it could be quite heavy, depending on the cover. Some solid pool covers are lighter, which makes this job easier.
Maintaining the Cover Pump
The pool cover pump is the main thing to remember when maintaining solid and mesh safety covers. Some pumps use suspension attachments to stay in place, whereas others come with a cord to pull them in when necessary.
Cover pumps connect to a regular hose, allowing you to direct water anywhere you want. They are rated in gallons per hour, which implies you decide how often to run them to keep the cover free of water.
Check whether the pump is automatic or manual during the off-season to ensure it works correctly. Even with filters, your pump can get clogged and simply cease pumping water.
Now and then, take out the filters, strainer, and other components as your pump’s manual suggests, and thoroughly rinse everything well. If you think there’s a blockage but cannot find it, put the pump inside a water bucket and switch it on. If the hose could be blocked, connect it to the outdoor faucet and turn on the water to help clear it.
If you reside where winter temperatures often fall below freezing, bring your pump inside until it warms up. Letting the pump freeze in ice isn’t a good idea.
When you open the pool, you’ll notice the water is cleaner and clearer than if you used a mesh safety pool cover. If your main goal is to save time when opening the pool in the spring, a solid safety pool cover is the way to go.
Automatic Pool Safety Covers
With an automatic pool cover, you can easily slide it on and off your pool with just a button. Automatic pool safety covers also come with most of the perks of solid safety covers, but they might not hold up as well under heavy snow. You’ll require a cover pool pump to cover any standing water and remove any remaining solid debris.
These covers are the priciest option, but you can use them daily when the pool isn’t in use. Most pool owners believe that the convenience of using them, once installed, makes the expense and upkeep worth it. You can operate them with a keypad, switch, or remote, which is fantastic for maximizing protection during swim season.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Pool Safety Cover
Every home with a pool needs a safety cover, especially for kids. Some models can help your pool heat up better and keep chemicals in. When searching for the best pool covers, keep these factors in mind.
The Type of Pool
When picking the best safety cover, consider the type of pool you have—either above-ground or in-ground. Above-ground pools need winches to secure the cover, while in-ground pools require anchors to fasten the cover to the poolside. If you have an in-ground pool, it’s wise to talk to an expert who can help you customize a cover that fits just right.
The Climate in Your Area
The best pool covers should match the climate where you live. In areas with harsh winters, a mesh cover is perfect for winter. In warmer climates, an automatic cover helps reduce water evaporation.
Purpose
Think about why you need the pool cover. If you aim to keep kids and pets safe, mesh safety covers are a great option. If you don’t have kids or pets, you might want a cover to keep leaves and debris out or to winterize your pool.
Mesh pool covers are great for enhancing safety and preventing accidental drownings. They also come in handy if you live in a place with heavy rainfall.
If trees surround your pool, a leaf pool cover keeps out leaves. Just make sure to pair it with a pool net for added safety.
Automatic pool covers are safe, keep debris out, and help maintain water temperature and chemistry.
Pool Shape and Size
The shape of your pool, its elevation, and other features will influence the cover’s price. Be sure to measure the total surface area and consider the shape when choosing the best pool cover. The overall installation cost will depend on three main factors:
- The pool’s size and shape
- The complexity of the project
- The type of pool cover
Warranty
A long warranty period is a good sign of a quality pool cover. It shows the manufacturer believes their product can handle wear and tear and the elements for a long time.
The static load test checks if the cover can support a weight of at least 485 lbs, enough for two adults and one child, to ensure it’s safe for rescue operations.
Labeling must include essential consumer details like warranty information, necessary warnings according to the standard, and a note that the product is a safety cover.
What You Should Avoid Doing After Installing Your Pool Safety Cover
To make sure your safety cover lasts, there are a few things you shouldn’t do:
- Don’t add chemicals to the pool through the cover. Pull back a corner to do that instead. If you spill any chemicals on the cover, rinse it off with water right away
- Only walk on your pool safety cover when cleaning the drain panels or clearing the region around the pool pump. Stepping on it can put too much stress on the cover. Stay off the cover unless it’s an emergency, since that’s what it’s made for
- When you’re putting the cover on or taking it off, do not drag it. Dragging it over rough surfaces can tear the fabric
- Also, avoid storing the pool cover on the bare ground. Keeping it in its cover bag will protect it from getting wet and keep rodents away
A pool safety cover is a smart investment for your pool’s safety and care. By following these tips, you’ll have a lovely cover that keeps your loved ones and pets safe all winter.
Find a Pool Safety Cover Installer Near Me
For many homeowners, the price of a pool safety cover is worth it compared to the risks of not having one. It’s all about ensuring your backyard stays a relaxing and fun space, free from worries about accidents.
At Oak Wells Aquatics, we’ve earned the trust of many homeowners for decades by providing excellent pool maintenance services, including safety solutions. If you’re in Jacksonville, Florida, our skilled team is here to help you choose the best safety covers for your pool. Call us today at 904-619-3281.
