Once your pool is filled with water, it’s important to protect your investment, and that’s where pool covers come into play.
Pool covers are a crucial component of maintaining your pool, preserving water quality, and ensuring safety. But how do you know which pool cover is best? Today we’ll take a look at the different types of covers available for pools.
Solar Pool Covers
A solar cover, often referred to as a solar blanket, is a cost-effective choice for maintaining your pool’s temperature.
It works by absorbing sunlight and trapping the heat within the pool water, much like a greenhouse effect. This type of cover is lightweight, easy to install, and particularly beneficial for pools that receive ample sunlight.
Keep in mind, though, that a solar pool cover is not designed for safety and won’t support the weight of a person or pet. They should never be relied upon to prevent unsupervised access to the pool.
The cover’s bubbles capture and transmit solar energy directly into your pool as heat. This process reduces heat loss, making your pool comfortable for those early morning or late-night swims.
Safety Pool Covers
Safety is paramount when it comes to owning a pool, and safety covers are designed with this in mind.
These covers are securely anchored to the pool deck and can support the weight of people and pets, preventing accidental falls into the water. They come in solid and mesh versions.
The solid version blocks all sunlight, preventing algae growth, while the mesh version allows water to seep through, eliminating the need for a pump to remove standing water.
We’re talking here about a piece of equipment that can withstand significant weight, thanks to its sturdy construction and secure anchoring system. While the solid versions of these covers block sunlight and thereby inhibit algae growth, the mesh versions are permeable, allowing rainwater and melted snow to pass through.
This feature reduces the likelihood of water pooling on top of the cover and potentially causing damage. Additionally, because they’re permeable, mesh covers often require less maintenance during the off-season than solid covers.
Winter Pool Covers
When it’s time to close your pool for the winter, a winter pool cover is an indispensable tool.
These covers are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and protect your pool from debris. They come in various sizes and are designed to overlap the pool’s edges to ensure complete coverage.
Winter covers require water bags or weights to secure them in place and often need a pump to remove accumulated water or snow.
Winter covers are constructed from robust materials to resist tears and damage from ice and snow. Even with a pump, though, it’s important to remember to clear off heavy snow loads promptly to prevent any potential damage to the cover.
Also, use air pillows under these covers to allow for ice expansion and reduce the pressure on the pool walls. Properly maintaining your winter cover ensures it remains a reliable protective barrier for your pool.
Automatic Pool Covers
If convenience is a top priority, an automatic pool cover could be a worthwhile investment.
Automatic covers add a layer of luxury and convenience to your pool experience. They are typically made of reinforced vinyl, nylon, or a combination of the two, making them strong and durable.
The roller, which is usually concealed at one end of the pool, houses the motor that drives the cover. The cover slides along tracks installed on the sides of the pool, creating a tight seal when closed.
The real magic of automatic pool covers lies in their dual role as a safety cover and a solar cover, offering the benefits of both. With the push of a button, these covers roll out smoothly across the water’s surface, providing a tight seal.
They offer excellent safety, debris prevention, and heat retention. However, they can be more expensive than other types of covers and may require professional installation and maintenance.
Do I Really Need a Pool Cover?
Pool covers are more than just an accessory; they serve vital functions in the life of any pool.
They reduce water evaporation, maintain temperature, keep out debris, and add a layer of safety by preventing accidental falls into the water. But all covers are not created equal, and it’s important to not only get the right cover, but also a quality cover.
Matching Your Pool with the Right Cover
The type of pool you have plays a significant role in determining the most suitable pool cover.
In-ground pools, for instance, may benefit from automatic or safety covers, which can be customized to fit the pool’s shape and size. On the other hand, above-ground pools may be better suited to solar or winter covers that can be secured with a cable and winch system around the pool’s exterior.
It’s essential to measure your pool accurately before purchasing a cover to ensure a good fit. Talk to a pool specialist if you’re not sure.
Taking Care of Your Pool Covers
Regardless of the type of cover you choose, proper maintenance can extend its lifespan and efficiency.
Always clean your cover before storing it, ensuring it’s free from dirt, algae, and other contaminants. Store it in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew growth. Inspect your cover regularly for signs of damage or wear, and address any issues promptly to keep your cover in optimal condition.
Contact Taylor Farm’s Water Hauling
At Taylor Farm’s Water Hauling, we understand that keeping your pool in top condition involves more than just water delivery.
That’s why we recommend using the right pool cover to protect your pool and enhance your swimming experience. We’re here to fill new pools and top off existing ones, but we also want to help you keep that water pristine and safe.
Our fleet of meticulously maintained tanker trucks is equipped for water delivery, ensuring that your pool is filled quickly and efficiently. We deliver water straight from our trucks to your pool, using a soft hose to avoid any damage to your property.
We’re always ready to answer any questions you might have about pool water delivery. Remember, it’s not just about filling up your pool with water; it’s about ensuring that the water stays clean and safe. With the right pool cover and reliable water delivery you’re well on your way to a fantastic pool season.
Pool covers are an essential aspect of pool ownership, offering a host of benefits, from safety to water and heat conservation.
Choosing the right cover for your pool can make a significant difference in the longevity of your pool and the quality of your swimming experience.
If you’re searching for clean, locally sourced water for your swimming pool, large event, construction site, or emergency service your search is over!
Taylor Farm’s Water Hauling is the area’s leader in water delivery for West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and limited areas of Pennsylvania. You may contact us online or call us at 304.229.1194. We deliver water for any size swimming pool or hot tub, ponds, and cisterns. We also provide potable water for events and emergency services.
