Which Pool Cover is Right for You?

One of the hardest days of the year is the day that you officially close your swimming pool. The seasons are changing and the time for frolicking is over. While this can be a very sad time, there are also many things that need to be done in advance in order for this process to go smoothly. One of the most frequently asked questions that we have during this time deals with pool covers. Many people will ask about the importance of covering the pool and others will struggle about what type of cover to use. Here are a few things to keep in mind about pool covers. 

First, pool covers can be made out of most materials. Some will use an old tarp and others will simply pull thick plastic across the pool. While this is definitely not the best route to go, it is fairly common. When covering your pool, the idea is to keep debris from entering the pool and damaging the liner. This can be accomplished in a few different ways. 

The most common pool cover is the vinyl cover. Older versions of this cover will have large, water filled bags, which serve as weights to hold the cover in place. Newer versions of this cover have metal snaps that actually lock into the pool decking and hold the cover in place. This type of cover works well in a drier area. There is not a lot of tinsel strength to the cover, so large amounts of rain/snow could compromise the cover as well as your pool. 

A mesh cover is also a common cover. This cover snaps in place just like a vinyl cover. As you would imagine, the mesh design allows water to flow through the cover, which eliminates any stress, and weight that could collect in the cover. This type of cover is not a good way to keep your pool clean during the winter months. 

Finally, a hard cover is another option for covering your pool. Many of these covers are designed from fiberglass and they have the ability to hold a substantial amount of weight. This is by far the best cover if you want to keep your pool as clean as possible.