SWIMMING POOL COVERS
This is a
necessary pool
accessory that many people don't initially think about. They
are far more interested in playing in the pool than covering it up.
It's usually not until they have spent several hours cleaning out
leaves and dirt that have fallen in that they realize a cleaner
pool could be enjoyed if they had a pool cover.
Swimming pool covers range in price and materials. There are a
few standard catagories including solar pool covers, winter covers,
automatic covers and safety covers.
Safety is a very big issue if you have small children around.
You'll need to get a cover that young children or pets cannot
wiggle under or move around. The best safety covers are generally
tied down or attached in some manner to prevent moving them without
an experienced adult.
Pool covers do a lot more than just keep out debris, they also
prevent water loss from evaporation, passively help retain heat and
can even boost heat if its a thermal pool cover.
When shopping for a swimming pool cover your best first step is
to visit your local pool builder and home improvement store to see
what they recommend for your size and type of pool. In ground and
above ground pools require different types of covers. The specialty
pool supply store will have demo models available and lots of
additional literature from the various manufacturers. Don't forget
to check on any warranties available and what the warranty
covers.
Most pool covers come on a reel, either automatic or hand
cranked, that will spool up the cover when not needed and allow for
easy unrolling when its time to protect.
If you wish to avoid the market of pool heaters and want your
cover to do double duty, you'll need to consider one of the many
solar pool covers available in
order to protect the pool and gain the added benefit of passive
heat gain. This type will float on the water's surface allowing for
direct contact in order to raise the water temperature.
Winter covers however, are
strictly designed to protect the pool during the non use period of
winter months. They are generally made of more durable, heavy vinyl
and are designed to prevent damage from ice and snow chunks.
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