Securing your swimming pool with a cover demands precision. A poorly fitted cover can lead to water wastage and potential hazards. Our guide simplifies the task of measuring your pool, ensuring a snug, safe fit for any shape or size.
Dive into our easy-to-follow steps and find the perfect cover today!
Key Takeaways
- Know your pool shape and size, including any special features like steps or curves. This affects how you measure for a cover.
- Use an AB line to take precise measurements of the pool’s perimeter and mid – length to ensure the cover fits well.
- Measure extra features like steps by checking their widest point across and longest point deep.
- Take several reference distances around your pool so that the cover will fit perfectly over all areas.
- Consider an automatic pool cover if you want something easy to use; it opens and closes with the push of a button.
Identifying Your Pool Shape
You need to know your pool shape before you can get the right cover. Pools come in many shapes like squares, rectangles, circles, ovals or more complex forms with curves and steps.
Each shape needs its own way of measuring so that the pool cover fits perfectly. If your pool has unique features like stairs sticking out, this also changes how you measure it for a custom pool cover.
Look at your swimming pool from above to see its whole shape clearly. This will help you decide if you can use a standard cover or if you must order one made just for your pool’s size and form.
Use a tape measure to check all sides of the pool including any parts that stick out or are cut in such as stairs or a centurion feature. Knowing exactly what your swimming area looks like is key to getting a safety cover that keeps everyone safe when they’re not swimming.
Standard Measuring for Common Pool Shapes
When measuring for a pool cover, it’s important to consider the shape of your pool. Different shapes require different measurements, especially if your pool has protruding steps or other features.
Longest length and widest width measurement
To get the right size for your swimming pool cover, start by measuring the longest part of your pool. Use a measuring tape and go from one end to the other. Write down this number because it is very important.
Next, measure the widest point across your pool. This tells you how wide the cover needs to be.
You must do these steps inside your pool’s edges for the best fit. You want your new pool blanket to cover every bit of water without any gaps or overhangs. Make sure you have numbers that are bigger than standard sizes if you need them for an above ground pool or another kind of pool with set size rules.
Measurement for pools with steps
Measuring a pool with steps needs extra care. Start by measuring the length and width of the main part of the pool at water level, just like you would for any shape. Then measure each step from side to side at the widest point, and from front to back at the longest point.
Write down these numbers carefully because you will need them when looking for a cover that fits well.
For pools with steps on one end or corner, find out if your cover can have a flap that goes over the steps. Measure this area as instructed above, making sure it’s separate from the main pool area measurements.
This makes sure your entire pool is covered properly so it stays clean and safe when not in use.
How to Measure a Swimming Pool for a Cover
When measuring for a swimming pool cover, it is essential to take perimeter and mid-length measurements, as well as measure the footprint of any pool features such as steps or ladders.
This will ensure that you get a cover that fits your pool perfectly.
Taking perimeter and mid-length measurements
Measure around the edge of your pool to find out the perimeter. You need to walk all the way round and keep the tape close to the pool edge. Then, measure from one side of your pool to the other at its longest part – this is your mid-length.
It’s important these measurements are right so that your cover fits well and keeps leaves and dirt out.
Measuring the footprint of pool features
After you have your perimeter and mid-length numbers, look at any extra pool features like slides, diving boards or steps. These parts need special attention because they can change the shape of your cover.
Use a tape measure to find out how far these features stick out from the edge of the pool. Write down these sizes so you don’t forget. You’ll add them to your main measurements later on to make sure your cover fits well over everything.
It’s key that the cover goes over all parts of the pool for safety and cleanliness.
How to Take Accurate Measurements
To ensure you get the right size for your pool cover, it’s important to take accurate measurements. This involves creating an AB line, marking AB points, and then measuring the distance from A and B to get the correct dimensions for your pool.
Creating an AB line
Creating an AB line is a smart way to measure for your pool cover. First, choose two points on the edge of your pool. Make sure they are a good distance apart. These will be your A and B points.
This line between A and B will help you work out the shape and size of your pool.
You then use this AB line as a starting point to measure other parts of the pool. For each feature or curve in the pool’s edge, measure how far it is from both point A and point B.
This method helps you get all your measurements right so that your cover fits perfectly.
Marking AB points
Mark AB points on the pool perimeter to start measuring. Choose spots for A and B that make a straight line, also known as the AB line. Make sure this line is far enough from your pool so you can use it to measure every part of the pool edge.
Next, stand at point A to check distances across different parts of the pool. Then do the same from point B. This way you can draw an exact map of your pool’s shape by connecting all these measurements together.
Moving on, measuring from A and B lets you get the details right for where things like steps or plants are around your pool.
Now let’s go over how to measure distance from A, and distance from B.
Measuring the distance from A, and the distance from B
After marking the AB points, measure the distance from point A to the pool’s nearest feature or obstacle. Then take the distance from point B to this same feature. For pools with steps or irregular shapes, remember that it’s important for your A-B line to be at least 3 feet away from the closest point on the pool perimeter.
The distances between these points and numbered markers will guide you in accurately measuring your pool for a safety cover.
Always ensure accurate measurement between points A and B concerning any features present around your swimming pool as this directly affects how well a cover will fit over it.
Reference distances
When measuring a pool for a cover, reference distances are vital. By taking 3-4 reference distances, you can ensure the accuracy of your measurements and guarantee that the cover will fit perfectly.
Professionals use these points to measure the distance between them and then input the information into a computer program to determine the scale required for the pool cover.
Exploring Cover Options: What is an Automatic Pool Cover?
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An automatic pool cover is a type of pool covering that operates with the push of a button. It provides complete protection from debris and is retractable, folding on itself with permanently mounted reels.
These covers are made of heavy vinyl and can increase the temperature of the pool by 10 to 15 degrees. When considering a pool cover, it’s important to think about size, types, prices, benefits, and drawbacks including those specific to automatic pool covers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, measuring for a pool cover involves identifying the pool shape and taking accurate measurements using simple techniques. These practical methods ensure an efficient process that leads to the correct size of cover needed.
The importance of proper measurement cannot be overstated as it ensures the cover fits securely and provides essential protection. By utilising these strategies, pool owners can confidently choose the right cover for their specific needs, ensuring safety and ease of maintenance.
Find more guidance on pool covers from expert resources to make informed decisions.
To learn more about enhancing your pool’s convenience and safety, discover what an automatic pool cover can do for you.
FAQs
[Article 2 Title]: How to Measure for a Pool Cover
[Article 2 Language]: British English
[FAQs]:
1. Why do I need to measure my pool for a cover?
It’s important to measure your pool so you can find the right size cover that fits perfectly, helping keep your pool clean and safe when not in use.
2. What tools do I need to measure my pool?
To measure your pool, you will need a long tape measure that reaches across the entire length and breadth of the pool area.
3. Do I include any steps or ledges when measuring for a cover?
Yes, you should include any steps or ledges in your measurements because the cover needs to protect every part of the water surface.
4. Can someone help me if I’m unsure how to measure properly?
Of course! If you’re not sure how to get accurate measurements, it might be best to ask a professional who knows about pools and covers for help.
