The end of the summer season brings immense sadness to pool owners who having to close their pools for the rest of the year. With this unfortunate closure often comes the question: “do I need a pool cover?” While pool covers aren’t completely necessary, there are many benefits that come with using one — benefits that you’ll come to find are indispensable for facilitating proper pool maintenance. Below, you’ll find a few reasons as to why you should invest in a pool cover.
Types of Pool Covers
Solar Covers
Solar covers, also known as solar blankets, are large sheets of plastic that contain air-filled bubbles, giving them the appearance of huge bubble-wrap. Solar covers are used during the pool season, and are placed on top of the pool’s surface after a day of swimming and on days in which you don’t plan on using the pool. They usually last between two to three years, though many pool owners replace them every year.
Uses
1) Maintains temperature
The most evident use for a solar cover is that these covers maintain the temperature of your pool. Oftentimes, solar covers can even slightly increase the temperature of your pool’s water, which can help lower your heating bills.
2) Reduces water loss
Another one of the main reasons as to why people install a solar cover on their pool is to reduce water loss from evaporation. Depending on the pool’s temperature, the weather, and humidity levels, evaporation can occur fairly quickly. If this isn’t controlled, your skimmer and pool pump could incur damages.
3) Minimizes chemical usage
Solar covers will reduce the amount of time a pool is exposed to UV light. This lower exposure is important when considering the loss of effectiveness of chlorine when exposed to UV rays. By covering your pool on days in which you are not using it, you will therefore by lowering the amount of chemicals you use in order to keep it clean. This will not only save you money in the long run, but will also save you time. When it comes to saltwater pools, a pool cover will help your chlorinator system use less energy.
Winter Covers
Winter covers
are pool covers that are used once the pool season is over and the weather starts to get cooler. Because these are secured by weights (so that the cover won’t fly off with big gusts of wind), most winter covers are effective at preventing accidents, like preventing animals and children from falling in the pool. Easy to install, winter covers are inexpensive, and depending on the quality, can last a few years.
Uses
1) Keeps debris out
Winter covers are a great way of protecting your from all of the debris that come with the fall season, like fallen leaves and branches. Since winter covers keep debris out, you’ll have a much easier time opening your pool for the next spring. It’ll also take a load off your skimmer net, filter, and pump, and can delay the growth of algae.
2) Protects your pool
Long Canadian winters can wreak havoc on one’s pool. The harsh weather conditions can cause damage to your pool equipment as well as to its plumbing. Freezing temperatures can even cause the pool shell to crack! A winter cover is therefore a huge investment when considering the cost of these repairs.
Though not completely necessary, there are many benefits to having a pool cover. It can help you save time, energy, and money by preventing damage from occurring to your pool so that you don’t have to call a pool expert for repairs. With this peace of mind, you are sure to enjoy the swimming season to the fullest!
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