Discover The Benefits Of Each Type Of Pool Covers

By April Briggs


When summer rolls around again, with it comes pool season. As eager as those who own swimming pools may be to get back in the water, they are likely not looking forward to the ongoing work associated with keeping the water clean, warm, dirt-free, and with the proper balance of chemicals. Although a certain amount of maintenance is inevitable, pool covers can help make it somewhat less for Minnesota pool owners who are looking to save time spent on upkeep.

Each cover style has been designed to make operating and using swimming pools easier and with fewer hassles. They differ in terms of construction and the materials they are made from, which affects the way in which they are used, how they can be installed, and their cost.

A solar cover is made from lightweight plastic that resembles bubble wrap and traps light and heat from the sun's rays during the day and holds in warmth overnight which can result in a considerable reduction in heating costs and it also cuts evaporation, which saves on water and chemicals. It is one of the less expensive options, but is generally requires the additional purchase of a roller cover for ease of use.

The modern simplicity and safety of the automatic cover makes it a popular choice, but it does come with a higher price tag as one would expect and it takes more work to install it. Yet it makes it impossible for anyone to fall in the pool when closed, and works by just pressing a button. Both the track and snap-down style also help conserve water and chemicals, resulting in money saved.

Excellent for the prevention of troublesome algae-growth, the thermal blanket effectively blocks UV rays that encourage this problem. What's more, they offer even more warmth retention than their solar counterparts, and also keep costs associated with water and chemicals down through lower evaporation. Made from an insulating foam material, they cost a bit more than solar covers.

Useful for more than just end-of-season pool closure, a winter cover can also be used year-round. Durable in design, they are secured by anchors and usually made from strong polyethylene and are great for protecting pools from damage caused by the elements and also keep out leaves, dirt and other debris. They help slow down algae-growth, but do not hold heat or reduce evaporation as much as some other types of blankets.

Some people may be concerned that a cover will have a negative effect on the appearance of their backyard, in which case a "hidden" cover is the best option. These discreet models consist of a metal housing with a lid located at one of the pool's ends, in which a roller/blanket unit is housed. When one wishes to cover the pool's surface, they just need to lift the lid and pull the cover over.

Leaf nets and solar rings are other options that can be used to add to the cleanliness and comfort of swimming pools. Somewhat like a solar blanket, the solar ring is especially useful for transferring warmth to the coolest, deepest parts of pools which are slower to heat up. Yards with lots of trees, may benefit from the use of a leaf net, either above-ground or in-ground or with a winter cover, which is placed to trap loose leaves that can clog the filter system.




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