BLUE ICE POOL

When you own a pool, whether it is an above ground swimming pool, a lap pool, an inground pool, or one of several types of fiberglass pools, you need to take the proper measures to make sure it is well kept and usable for a long time.  Some of these measures include cleaning the pool regularly, scrubbing the sides of the pool, using a pool vacuum for the bottom, cleaning out the pool filters regularly, and putting a pool cover over the pool when you’re not using it (of course, you could always hire a professional pool service to do this).  A pool cover is one of the most essential pool accessories you need to extend the longevity of all inground swimming pools, and it will certainly keep your pool cleaner with regular use.  This is also true for anyone who owns a hot tub...be sure to use a hot tub cover!

Placing a pool cover over your pool when you’re not using it is one precautionary measure that doesn’t take a lot of effort and will increase the lifespan of your pool by many years. Simply by covering your pool during the off season you are saving yourself a ton of wasted time and money.

What to Look for in a Pool Cover

When you think about it, all a pool cover really is a giant sheet of plastic. You could head over to your local Home Depot and get a plastic sheet big enough to cover your pool and consider that a pool cover but it probably isn’t the best option available. You can find a ton of different pool cover types online and at pool supply stores.

When you’re out shopping for pool covers keep in mind that a pool cover is going to keep out the heat from your pool. If you’re looking to the sun to heat your pool you should look for a transparent pool cover made of thick plastic rather than vinyl. You can also find specific solar pool covers that are designed to lock in heat and heat up your pool as it is covered.

What Do Pool Covers Protect Against?

Weather Damage

An inground pool cover.

You had the inground pool installed in your New England home because the spring and the summer is gorgeous right? But what happens to that same pool when the winter comes and the blizzards begin to hit? Well, if you don’t properly prepare your pool by covering it with one of the many winter pool covers you will soon find your pool in disrepair.

Pool covers shield the innards of the pool from weather damage. Heavy rains can overflow the pool and ruin the filtration system. Snow and ice, as it settles and thaws, can expand and contract the walls of your pool and cause serious cracks to develop.

Silly Children, Abusive Neighbors, Tiny Woodland Critters, and Pets

A swimming pool safety cover will keep that dog out!

You might not think about it when you’re first buying your pool but if you own an exposed pool in a neighborhood full of kids and mooching neighbors you’re going to have to fight them off. You don’t want these pool owner wannabes to get into your pool and start splashing around uninvited do you? If you put up a pool cover when you’re not in the house you can rest easy that no one is going to be getting into your pool without you knowing it.  Also be sure to take out all the pool floats and pool toys before covering the pool up.  Please note that a pool cover is not an acceptable replacement of proper pool fencing, required by law in many states.

Automatic Pool Covers or Manual Pool Covers?

Without pool cover pumps you will have to cover your pool manually...your choice!

 

Covering your pool every night can be a lot of work if you’re doing it manually. Luckily there are some automatic pool covers that can cover the length of your pool with just a flip of a switch. The automatic covers use a motor that sits at the edge of your pool. When you turn on the power it will unfurl the pool cover over your pool and lock it into place. You will often see above ground pool covers with automatic motors but it is uncommon to see them for inground pools.  Getting a good pool cover pump will be useful for both manual and automatic pool covers.

Another good idea would be to get yourself a retractable porch awning to go over your pool.  This obviously won't offer as much protection as a pool cover, bit can offer a little bit if you don't own one.  Its also great for blocking against the sun, and if you want to be in the sun, you can just retract it back!

Swimming pool covers are some of those basic pool maintenance things that you just have to deal with as a pool owner. You’re shooting yourself in the foot if you’re not covering up your pool some how during the off seasons because you will spend a whole lot more money and time dealing with the damage caused.