Are you struggling to keep your pool clean and safe? A hard pool cover could be the solution you’ve been hunting for. This article will guide you in understanding everything about hard pool covers, from types and benefits to considerations when choosing one.
Read on to uncover how a hard pool cover can transform your swimming experience!
Key Takeaways
- Hard pool covers provide safety and security by acting as physical barriers, preventing water entry and reducing the risk of accidents or drowning incidents.
- They reduce pool maintenance requirements by keeping debris out, saving time and money on cleaning and chemical treatments.
- Hard pool covers improve energy efficiency by trapping heat inside the pool, reducing heat loss and preventing excess water evaporation. This leads to lower energy bills.
- They offer protection from debris and weather elements, keeping the pool clean and well-maintained while extending its longevity.
Detailed Review of Hard Pool Covers
Hard pool covers come in many types. Winter covers last one to three seasons but they may not look nice during the off-seasons. All-Safe Pool Safety Covers is a brand that offers walkable hard pool covers.
These are great because you can use them as extra space when your pool is not in use.
Another type of cover is the hybrid safety cover. It adds both solid and mesh features for more benefits. Some people pick automatic pool covers too. They have heavy vinyl which works better than solar ones at warming up water.
Transparent bubble covers and opaque ones are also options, but they don’t soak up sun heat well. Transparent ones cut down sun heat by 5-15% and fully dark ones reduce it by 20-40%.
So, picking the right cover matters a lot based on what purpose you want it to serve.
Types of Hard Pool Covers
The types of hard pool covers include thermal blankets, pet and child safety covers, PoolDeck slatted automatic pool covers, and automatic vinyl safety covers.
Thermal Blankets
Thermal blankets are a great type of hard pool cover. They use small air pockets to cut down heat loss from the pool surface. This is much like how insulation works in your house or double glazing on windows.
These covers help to keep the water warm and can stop up to 98% of water from evaporating. Some thermal blankets even make use of solar power to heat your pool! They keep pools safe and save energy at the same time.
Pet and Child Safety Covers
Pet and child safety covers are a must for all pool owners. These hard pool covers keep children and pets safe from falling into the water. They can hold up to 150 kg of weight, thanks to their strong PVC material, aluminium battens, and steel ratchets.
The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover is one popular choice that meets all needed rules for use. A solid cover does two jobs at once: it blocks access to the water and keeps leaves out of your pool.
It’s worth buying one to keep your loved ones safe and your pool clean.
PoolDeck Slatted Automatic Pool Covers
PoolDeck slatted automatic pool covers are top-notch for safety. They cover all the water with floating slats. You can custom-make these covers to fit any pool size or shape. The best part is they are light and easy to manage due to an automatic roll-up system.
Known as a mix of textile covers and deck covers, they give you the best of both worlds! A handy hydraulic drive controls their movement. This type of hard pool cover won’t fail in its duty to keep your pool safe and clean!
Automatic Vinyl Safety Covers
Automatic Vinyl Safety Covers are special pool covers made of heavy vinyl material. You can run these covers by tapping a button. That makes it very easy to open and close the cover.
These safety pool covers are good at warming up your pool water. They can boost the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees. The best part is, these hard pool covers come with reels that do not need to be moved about.
These reels stay fixed in one spot and work on their own to roll out the cover or tuck it back in! Aquadeck is one top brand that offers such automatic vinyl safety covers for pools.
Maintenance and Longevity of Hard Pool Covers
Maintaining hard pool covers is crucial to ensure their longevity and effectiveness in protecting your pool. Regular maintenance services should be scheduled to inspect and clean the covers, checking for any damages or wear that may affect their performance.
Is your cover due for a maintenance service?
All pool covers need good care. This makes them last longer. Solid or vinyl pool covers must stay clean. Automatic pool covers have parts that move. These moving parts should get a check-up every year.
If you do not do this, they might break in just three years! Taking care of your cover makes it work well for a long time.
How long do pool covers last?
Pool covers have different life spans. Premium safety covers can last for five to 10 years. They are made from strong stuff! But a tarp placed over the water may only survive 1-3 seasons at most.
The lifespan of thermal pool covers is longer than normal tarp-like ones. Most common tarp-like covers need replacing after 1-3 seasons. Solid security pool covers serve as good guards for an average of six years, keeping the pool free from water.
Proper use and care of pool covers
To ensure that your pool cover is effective and lasts a long time, it’s important to use and care for it properly. Here are some tips:
- Clean the pool cover regularly to remove dirt, leaves, and debris.
- Use a soft brush or broom to gently sweep off any accumulated debris.
- Avoid using sharp objects or abrasive cleaners that could damage the cover.
- Check for any tears or holes in the cover and repair them promptly.
- Remove snow or ice from the cover to prevent damage.
- Store the pool cover properly when not in use, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Make sure the cover is completely dry before storing to avoid mold and mildew growth.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on the pool cover as this can cause stress and damage.
- Use a pool cover pump if there is excessive water accumulation on top of the cover.
- Follow all safety guidelines and recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
Benefits of Hard Pool Covers
Hard pool covers offer numerous benefits including enhanced safety and security, reduced pool maintenance requirements, improved energy efficiency, and protection from debris and weather elements.
Safety and security
Using a hard pool cover is an effective way to ensure safety and security for your pool. These covers act as a physical barrier, preventing water entry and reducing the risk of accidents or drowning incidents, especially for children and pets.
Pool safety nets are designed to withstand weight, providing added protection. Secure safety covers are made from solid vinyl material, making them durable and long-lasting. In addition to safeguarding against unauthorized access, using a hard pool cover also protects the pool from debris and weather elements.
This means less time spent on maintenance and cleaning while maintaining energy efficiency. Installing a security cover for an in-ground pool also provides additional support against heavy snow, rainstorms, and strong winds.
Reduced pool maintenance
Using a hard pool cover can greatly reduce the amount of time and effort spent on pool maintenance. The cover acts as a barrier, preventing debris such as leaves and dirt from entering the pool.
This means that you won’t have to constantly skim the surface or use a net to remove unwanted items. With less debris in your pool, you’ll also spend less time vacuuming and cleaning the water, saving both time and money.
Additionally, by keeping your pool covered when not in use, you can significantly decrease water evaporation levels. This means that you won’t have to refill your pool as frequently, saving on water bills and reducing chemical treatment needs.
Energy efficiency
Hard pool covers offer significant energy efficiency benefits. By keeping the heat trapped inside the pool, they help in reducing heat loss and preventing excess water evaporation.
This means that less energy is required to heat up or maintain a comfortable temperature for your pool. In fact, using a pool cover can lead to up to 20% energy savings. Additionally, these covers also prevent condensation, which can cause damage to surrounding materials and devices.
With hard pool covers, you can enjoy lower energy bills while enjoying a warm and well-maintained swimming pool all year round.
Protection from debris and weather elements
Hard pool covers offer excellent protection from debris and weather elements, ensuring that your pool stays clean and well-maintained. These covers act as a barrier, preventing leaves, dirt, and other debris from entering the water when the pool is not in use.
This means less time spent on cleaning and more time enjoying your pool. Additionally, hard covers provide protection against harsh weather conditions such as rain or snowfall, keeping your pool water safe from contamination.
With a properly anchored cover in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that lightweight objects won’t accidentally fall into the water. So not only do hard pool covers help to maintain a clean and inviting swimming environment but they also protect your investment by extending its longevity.
Choosing the Right Hard Pool Cover
Consider factors such as pool size, safety features, brand reputation, and installation process when selecting a hard pool cover.
Factors to consider in selecting a pool cover
When selecting a pool cover, there are important factors to consider. These include:
- Type of material: Different pool covers are made from various materials such as vinyl, mesh, or hard cover. Consider which material suits your needs best.
- Size of the pool: The size of your pool will determine the size of the cover needed. Measure your pool accurately to ensure a proper fit.
- Intended purpose for the cover: Determine why you want a pool cover. Is it for safety, energy efficiency, or keeping out debris? This will help you choose the right type of cover.
- Inground pool cover design: Consider the design features of inground pool covers. Some may have additional safety measures or features that make them more convenient to use.
- Inground pool cover function: Think about how you plan to use the cover. Will it be manually operated or automatic? Decide which option suits your preferences and lifestyle.
Popular brands and suppliers
Top-rated solar pool covers can be found from popular brands such as “In The Swim,” “BlueWave,” and “BigXwell.” These brands offer high-quality pool covers that are designed to efficiently absorb the sun’s heat, warming up the water in your pool.
When it comes to purchasing a hard pool cover, it’s important to consider reputable suppliers who specialize in pool cover supplies and installation. Their expertise ensures that you receive a durable and properly fitted cover for your specific needs.
Price range and availability
When it comes to the price range and availability of hard pool covers, it’s important to consider factors like the size and shape of your pool. The cost can vary depending on the type of cover you choose.
For example, a solid security cover made of vinyl typically costs between $1,200 and $3,000 and lasts for about 6-10 years. If you prefer an automatic pool cover, be prepared to spend between $5,000 and $20,000 USD based on your specific requirements.
One popular option is the Aquadeck fully automatic hard pool cover which can range from approximately $6,000 to $8,000 in cost. However, if you’re looking for a sliding deck pool cover that is custom-made to fit your pool perfectly, prices can go up significantly – up to $75,000 or even $100,000 depending on the size and shape of your pool.
In terms of availability, there are various brands and suppliers that offer different types of hard pool covers in the market. It’s recommended to do some research and compare prices from multiple sources before making a decision.
Additionally considering factors such as durability and affordability will help you choose the right hard pool cover that suits both your budget and needs. Professional assistance may also be required for installation purposes since some covers require specialized knowledge or skills during setup process.
Overall,
prices for hard pool covers can greatly vary based on factors like size,
shape,
type (such as thermal blankets or safety
covers),
and brand.
Before purchasing a hard
Installation process and professional assistance
Installing a hard pool cover can be a complex task that usually requires professional help. Here are some important factors to consider during the installation process:
- Hiring a professional: To ensure proper installation, it is recommended to hire a professional pool cover installation service.
- Comparing manual and automatic covers: Decide whether you want a manual or automatic pool cover. Automatic covers are more convenient but tend to be more expensive.
- Factors to consider: Consider factors such as the size and shape of your pool, the type of cover you want, and any specific requirements or features you desire.
- Popular brands and suppliers: Research reputable brands and suppliers who offer high-quality hard pool covers. Look for reviews and recommendations from other customers.
- Price range and availability: Determine your budget and compare prices from different suppliers to find a cover that fits within your price range.
- Installation process: Understand the installation process involved for the specific type of hard pool cover you choose. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or seek assistance from professionals if needed.
- Benefits of professional installation: Professional assistance ensures that the pool cover is properly installed, maximizing its effectiveness in providing safety, energy efficiency, and protection against debris and weather elements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hard pool covers offer a range of benefits including safety, reduced maintenance, energy efficiency, and protection from debris and weather. They come in different types to suit various needs and preferences.
By choosing the right hard pool cover and properly maintaining it, you can enjoy a clean and secure swimming experience all year round.
FAQs
1. What is a hard pool cover?
A hard pool cover is a durable, solid covering made from materials like plastic or fiberglass that can be placed over a swimming pool to provide protection and safety.
2. How does a hard pool cover benefit me?
Using a hard pool cover helps to keep your swimming pool clean by preventing leaves, debris, and dirt from entering the water. It also acts as a safety barrier, reducing the risk of accidents and drowning.
3. Can I walk on a hard pool cover?
No, it is not safe to walk on top of a hard pool cover as it may cause damage or breakage. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and maintenance.
4. How do I install a hard pool cover?
Installing a hard pool cover typically involves securing it in place using anchors or straps around the edges of the swimming pool. Follow the specific installation instructions provided by your supplier or manufacturer.
5. Are there different sizes available for hard pool covers?
Yes, there are various sizes available for hard pool covers to fit different shapes and dimensions of swimming pools. Measure your own pool before purchasing to ensure you choose the correct size for proper coverage and protection.
