15Mar
Choose The Right One For You
Unfortunately, the CDC estimates that 1 in 4 children die as a result of unintentional drowning. The risk of these tragedies can be reduced by investing in safety measures for your swimming pool.
One of the best decisions you can make is to purchase swimming pool safety covers to prevent such a tragedy. It will keep your children, pets, and loved ones from falling in.
Keep reading for answers to your most burning questions about pool safety covers.
What are the Different Types of Pool Covers?
Pool safety covers are built differently and it’s important to know the distinction between different types. The most common types of pool safety covers include:
Mesh Covers
They are relatively new and designed for in-ground pools. Unlike traditional tarp covers, mesh covers allow melted snow and water to pass through the mesh into the pool.
This is particularly beneficial for those who are looking to save water. Mesh covers filter debris and keep people from falling into the pool. On the downside, they are a bit expensive.
Solid Covers
They keep everything, including water and melted snow, out of the swimming pool. They use a pump to drain away any water that collects to prevent damage to the pool.
The main benefit of solid covers is that they prevent the finest debris from getting into the pool while providing superior UV protection. Unfortunately, they don’t last as long as their mesh counterparts.
Hybrid Covers
These offer the best mesh and solid covers in terms of secure protection, UV resistance, and water drainage. They are quite expensive and require extensive installation to ensure secure anchorage.
Winter Covers
Specifically designed for use during the winter, these covers are versatile enough for in-ground and above-ground pools. They are affordable, easy to install, and great for blocking UV rays that promote algae growth.
Automatic Covers
They offer the exact protection you need – mesh, solid, or hybrid – while being retractable by the touch of a button. They are by far the most expensive and the most difficult to remove once installed.
How Much Weight Can Pool Safety Covers Hold?
Standard pool safety covers can hold 485 pounds. This is the standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials for pools that have a diameter greater than 8 feet from the edge.
Of course, pool covers are designed differently and some may be able to hold more weight. The cover manual will tell you how much weight it will hold.
Can You Walk on Pool Safety Covers?
Pool safety covers serve multiple purposes, but they aren’t meant to be walked on. Some pool safety covers can support the weight of two adults.
However, being strong enough to hold that much weight and being designed for regular walking are two different things. With that being said, you can walk on platform pool covers. Usually made from clear or frosted acrylic, platform pool covers are usually rented out for events like weddings and parties.
Some homeowners purchase them to serve as semi-permanent flooring in the off-season. Casinos and hotels use them to conserve space and take advantage of their striking appearance.
Should a Pool Cover Touch the Water?
Yes. Pool safety covers are designed to touch the surface of the water. Therefore, you should always ensure that the pool is always full when covered.
Monitor the water levels and ensure that they don’t go beyond 18 inches from the top of the pool. This ensures that extreme tension doesn’t pull out the fasteners of the cover or rip the cover material.
How Long Do Swimming Pool Safety Covers Last?
The longevity of pool safety covers varies depending on their quality, level of sun exposure, and type of material. That said, every pool safety cover will eventually need to be replaced. This is why it’s important to get the help of a trusted swimming pool professional to examine your pool cover.
For instance, an automatic pool cover can last for 3-7 years while a vinyl cover with maximum UV exposure may last a year. A professional can examine the cover for tears and other signs of damage, and let you know if you need a new pool safety cover.
How Do I Choose a Pool Safety Cover?
Choosing a pool safety cover may seem like a trivial process, but it will help protect your pool. Selecting the right pool cover requires taking into considerations factors like material, pool size, and shape. The experts at Poolarama can help you choose the right safety cover for your pool.
What Size Do I Need?
The size of your safety cover must match that of your swimming pool. Experts recommend that the cover should extend at least three inches past the edge for in-ground pools.
Be sure to measure the dimensions of your swimming pool before shopping for a pool safety cover. It will be fairly easy and affordable to get a safety cover if your pool has standard dimensions. Otherwise, you may need to order a custom pool safety cover.
Should I Cover My Pool Every Night?
While not necessary, covering the pool each night offers several benefits. For starters, it saves on energy costs and conserves water by reducing the amount of make-up.
It also reduces the consumption of chemicals and keeps debris out of the pool, thus reducing the amount of time needed for cleaning.
Does a Pool Cover Cause Algae?
No. Algae growth in pools is at its highest when pool water is exposed to 10-15 hours of sunlight and has a temperature of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Therefore, while your pool safety cover won’t cause algae, the increased water temperature will cause already existing spores to spread rapidly. There is a higher risk of algae growth when there is a chemical imbalance – low chlorine levels or high phosphate levels.
Are Automatic Pool Safety Covers Worth It?
Yes. Automatic pool safety covers offer plenty of benefits. They minimize heat transfer, making them ideal for colder climates where heating costs can add up. They also reduce evaporation, increase safety, and help keep the pool clean.
Call Poolarama for Premium Quality Pool Safety Covers
Whether you want a mesh, solid, or hybrid pool cover, we’ve got you covered. Poolarama is committed to providing the best solutions with Kafko pool covers.
Every cover is designed to last you for a long time with the highest grade materials. Shop for quality swimming pool safety covers today!