What to Know When Selecting a Winter Pool Cover
Posted on: 3 February 2022
If you are new to owning a swimming pool, you'll eventually need to get the pool ready for the winter weather. This involves investing in a winter safety pool cover so that the water remains free of debris. Here is what you need to know about two different pool cover options.
Mesh Pool Covers
Many pool owners initially buy a mesh pool cover because it is cheaper than the solid vinyl alternative. However, there are a few other advantages to a mesh cover as well. You'll find that a mesh cover will tend to last a bit longer than a solid vinyl pool cover due to the nature of the material. It's a very strong mesh material, and it is designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear over the years.
A mesh cover also does not require any maintenance over the winter. The mesh allows the water to pass through, so you don't have to worry about the weight of water collecting on top of the cover. This does allow water to get into the pool though, which may not be desirable for you.
The mesh does a great job at keeping out solid debris, but it is also going to let in sunlight as well. When the weather gets warmer and you have not quite opened the pool, it can cause the water to heat up and be more prone to growing algae as a result.
Solid Vinyl Pool Covers
A solid vinyl cover has the distinct advantages of not allowing water or sunlight to pass through the cover. This doesn't completely eliminate the problem with algae growth in the warmer months, but makes it less likely to happen. The water will be cleaner when you open up the pool after the winter, making it easier to get the water ready for swimming.
In terms of maintenance, know that the solid cover is going to cause water to pool in the middle. This often requires a pump to drain the water that collects on the pool cover to reduce the amount of weight put on the material.
Of course, the cost of a solid cover is going to cost more money than the mesh cover due to more material being used. It is also harder to place the mesh cover on your pool due to the weight of the material, and you'll likely need some help doing it.
If you'd like to know more about winter safety pool covers, companies such as Budget Pool & Spa Tech Inc are happy to answer any questions.
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