WINTER POOL COVERS

We understand it's hard to admit that winter is here and you have to quit using your outdoor pool. If you live in a region where there's just too much ice and snow you have little choice but to protect your pool until the warmer days of summer emerge. Do this with a high quality winter pool cover.

Closing your pool for the winter is one of the most important steps in maintaining a swimming pool properly. Do it right and spring opening is no sweat. Do it wrong and you could meet the creature from the black lagoon, up close and personal. Your choice of a winter cover is key to a successful pool closing. There are four types of generally available pool covers on the market today, each with its strengths and shortcomings. The main types are solid, mesh, mesh safety covers and solid safety covers. You can get solar pool covers, too.

Solid covers represent the largest number of pool covers sold in any given year. They are constructed of woven polyethylene "tapes" in what is called the scrim. Think of this as a flat piece of woven textile. This scrim then receives a coating of plastic on each side for waterproofing. While made by Canadian mills for many years most of these covers today come from Asia.

Advantages-Solid covers are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. When properly installed they do a reasonable job of keeping your pool clean and ready for the next season.

Disadvantages-The fabric is subject to wind damage due to flapping of the material, they collect water and debris and the methods to hold the cover in place can cause problems during the winter.

Safety note: Never use the pool with it partially covered. The covering could come loose and close over your escape hole, trapping you inside. This is a strong potential drowning situation. Always swim with the cover completely removed. You could also become tired and trapped under the covered portion even if there is an escape hole.