Pools

Pool owners often worry that installing a pool safety cover is an extra cost they don’t need, but veteran pool owners know a good pool covering can and will pay off in the long run. In addition to providing an extra layer of protection in regards to keeping kids and pets safe around the water, pool safety covers also cut down on heating and water costs, as well as reduce pool chemical evaporation and keep dirt, debris and algae at bay. Depending on your needs, all of the pool safety cover options — mesh, solar, retractable, and solid pool covers — are great choices. Read on to learn the benefits of each and which one will be the perfect addition for your pool.

Mesh Pool Safety Covers

Mesh safety covers are designed to keep water from stagnating on top of the cover. If you live in a wet or snowy area, the mesh cover will let the water slip through the gaps into the pool. They are very affordable and lightweight.

Despite being on the light side weight-wise, this pool covering can withstand a lot of weight. That means you can keep it up for an extended time, and it’ll hold the debris that accumulates on top of it.

Pros

• Light, affordable, and drains rainwater into the pool.
• It can take a lot of weight.
• Filters out debris from getting in the pool.
• You can get sunlight resistant mesh covering to block UV rays, preventing algae growth.

Cons

• Mesh covers are not the best at protecting from dust and dirt.

Solid Safety Covers

A solid safety cover is an impenetrable barrier that seals off the pool from all elements. Sun, rain, dirt, or snow, nothing penetrates this covering. If you need to seal off your pool for a long winter, or if you’re going away for a vacation, solid pool covers are a great option.

Pros

• No sunlight passes through this covering.
• Algae and evaporation are prevented because no sun and wind can pass.

Cons

• Water puddles can form in the middle of the pool cover, damaging it.
• Costs more than mesh because you need to invest in a pump to drain water collecting on the cover.

Solar Pool Covering

If you’re worried about energy conservation or the cost of the covering, you can think of a solar pool covering.

Pros

• Saves money on electricity.
• Helps save money on pool supplies, chemicals, etc.
• Get longer swims at a lesser cost because of the low heating cost.

Cons

• The pool cover must be replaced every few years.
• This does not work as a safety cover.

Automatic Pool Cover

Automatic retractable pool covers are the best option, as well as the most expensive. They are worth the investment, especially if you use the pool daily and need to protect it, as automatic pool covers will lessen your workload.

Pros 

• An added layer of safety and keeps kids or pets away.
• No manual work is needed to cover and uncover the pool.
• Keeps the pool protected from elements.

Cons

• The cost of a retractable pool cover installation is more than a mesh or solid covering.
• Need to maintain the covering, cable, motors, and pulleys of the pool cover.

Still not sure as to what you’re looking for? Give your local pool service company a call today to learn more about the different pool covering options and which one will work best for your pool.