A pool cover will limit the debris entering your pool, reduce algae growth, limit evaporation, and hold heat. There are several types of pool covers available for outdoor and indoor pools. Spa tubs also use covers to hold in the heat and keep the water clean.
Evaporation is controlled up to 98% with a pool cover. Since the chlorine does not evaporate, The chemicals are not needed as frequently.
A good pool cover will keep out leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris when the pool is unused and limits the need to brush and vacuum the pool. The pool skimmer and filter stay clean and free of debris.
Several types of pool covers are designed for different sizes and shapes of pools. A cover should fit tightly on all sides to hold in heat and keep it clean.
The various types of covers include:
Solar pool covers or bubble blankets can be cut to fit the shape of the pool. They are made from a lightweight material, similar to bubble wrap. The covers absorb the heat from the sun during the day and hold it in at night. The pool's temperature can increase up to eight degrees on a sunny day.
The transparent bubbles are face-down in the pool. The cover can cut down heating costs by up to 75% if it fits snugly to the sides of the pool. A solar cover is lightweight but should have a roller to remove it and prevent tearing. Since it is a light material, it will not hold a child's weight.
These can be removed and replaced with the push of a button. As an added safety feature, they will support the weight of an adult. The pool cover comprises interlocking slats that roll up on a reel. The owner may lock the reel when the pool is unused to keep the cover in place.
Snaps on the sides of the pool or a special track hold the automated cover in place. Professional installation is required.
The thermal pool cover is opaque and does not absorb sunlight. It is used at night to hold in the heat. Most thermal covers are 5mm thick blankets with a poly foam core. They attach to the sides of the pool on a roller device. The best covers resist UV rays. They can be custom-made for different pool shapes.
This type of cover is standard with stand-alone spa tubs. It is usually attached to the frame with hinges and covered with the same material.
Loose pool covers are usually laid over the pool without a frame or roller. They offer some protection from evaporation but will not support a child or animal.
A retractable pool cover is a great choice when keeping your pool safe and secure. Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, these covers offer many benefits. The most apparent benefit is providing a physical barrier to keep unwanted debris and animals out of the pool. They also reduce the evaporation rate, meaning your feed pump will run less often and save money in energy costs. Plus, these covers are designed with an innovative "pop up" feature that allows for easy removal when not in use, giving you more flexibility in winterizing and utilizing your swimming hole.
Keeping a pool and spa tub covered indoors saves energy and prevents evaporation. Water will evaporate without a cover and may condense on walls and windows if the air temperature is cooler than the water.
Indoor pools generally use the same types of covers as outdoor pools. Leaves, twigs, and dirt are not a problem for indoor pools unless the area has extensive potted plants. Loose covers hold in heat and limit evaporation. Above-ground spas in an atrium or enclosure use thermal covers.
Choose a durable material for your pool cover. Durable options include special materials, such as UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl.
Having a pool can be a great way to take advantage of the warm weather during the summer months. But when the sun sets and temperatures drop, much of the heat your pool gained during the day is lost. Utilize a solar blanket to keep some of that heat and reduce the energy costs associated with heating it again.
Pool cover costs vary widely. It's important to balance cost and durability when selecting a cover. Thinner covers may cost less, but if you have to purchase them more frequently, you may break even in the end.
Pool cover warranties vary. Expect normal wear and tear. However, comparing pool cover warranties is a good idea when other features are equal.
UV resistance is important when choosing a solar pool cover for your swimming pool. Low UV-resistance solar covers, typically clear and made of lightweight polyethylene, are thinner than 10 mils thick. They will help heat the pool, but we recommend a chlorine stabilizer such as liquid chlorine or bromine to reduce the production of chloramines in the water due to their thinness.
Swimming pool size is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a pool. It must be properly sized for the area and activities that will take place in it. Pool dimensions vary per type of pool, including inground and above-ground models. Focusing on the overall shape of the pool is also helpful since this factors into what kind of solar cover to use. Solar covers are made to fit a variety of shapes, from oval and rectangular to square and custom designs. For round pools, finding a properly fitting cover can be simpler; however, ensuring that any cover chosen is large enough for optimal heat transfer from the sun is essential.
Pool covers are a great way to save money and help keep your pool clean. A low water level in a covered pool indicates a leak. Contact Aquaman Leak Detection if you suspect a pool leak. We will find and repair it quickly. Aquaman serves Brevard County, Florida, and neighboring counties with quick service to keep your pool in the best condition.
This article was originally published in May 2017 but has been updated for accuracy and freshness.
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