When it comes to caring for your pool and ensuring that it is a safe, fun-filled environment, covers can be your best friend. How do you choose a cover, though, when there are dozens of styles and models available? What is involved in installing the product once you have chosen one? Will it be easy to use? And how do you take care of a cover properly? Read on to find the answers to these and other questions, as industry pros talk about what will likely be one of your best backyard investments.
Why are pool covers a good investment?
In essence, covers provide a horizontal barrier over swimming pools, adding an element of safety while increasing pool cleanliness and durability. The barrier created by covers reduces heat, water and chemical evaporation, thereby conserving energy. Some experts estimate that proper and consistent cover usage can reduce energy consumption by as much as 70 percent.
“Covers allow pool owners to stay excited about owning a pool since they do not have to worry as much about pool maintenance, cleaning and safety,” says Rick Clark, president of Cover-Pools, Inc.
What makes a cover a safety cover?
To be considered a safety cover, the product must have adequate strength to hold the weight of two adults and one child, have adequate drainage to prevent problems in case a child wanders out on it, and not permit any openings large enough to allow a child to get into trouble.
“These standards were developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) in the late 1980s and officially adopted by the industry in 1991,” says Tom Dankel, vice president of Aquamatic Cover Systems. “They were meant to be self-governing; however, many manufacturers go above and beyond by having their products tested by third parties, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).” The UL symbol can add another layer of confidence when shopping for a safe, quality product.
What types of pool covers are available?
There are essentially three types of pool covers on the market: solar blankets or tarp-style covers, tie-down covers and track-style covers.
Solar blankets and tarp-style covers either float in the pool or are held in place by weighted objects around a pool’s perimeter. These covers can minimize heat loss resulting from evaporation and convection. Because they do not meet ASTM requirements, however, they are not considered safety covers and present many hazards to small children, elderly family members and pets.
Tie-down covers are stretched across a pool and anchored into the pool’s deck via recessed hardware. Typically made from dense mesh or solid vinyl, tie-down covers catch large debris while allowing rain and snow to drip through drainage panels or get sucked up by a water-sensing cover pump. Using a tie-down system, two adults can generally cover or uncover a pool in 30 minutes.
Track-style systems may be manual, semi-automatic or automatic, and the tracks themselves may be either deck-mounted or recessed. Manual models are extended across a pool by pulling a rope tether connected to a handle; they are retracted using a hand crank. Automatic covers are operated by a drive mechanism housed at one end of the pool. They open and close in as little as 30 seconds by pressing a button or turning a key to start the motor. “Some models are available with optional ‘invisible lids’ or benches that hide the drive mechanism and its housing from view, adding to the aesthetic value of the poolscape,” notes Wesley Mathis, who is co-chairperson and on the board of directors at Pool Cover Specialists, Inc.
Both tie-down and track systems that meet the ASTM standards qualify as safety covers.
What can consumers expect to pay for a pool cover?
“The investment varies greatly depending on the type of cover, local labor costs and additional cover options,” says Clark. But most experts estimate that basic manual covers typically range from $2,000 to $4,000, while fully automatic track system covers range from $6,000 to $12,000.
What is entailed in pool cover installation and what are the related costs?
Installation for tie-down covers can usually be completed in a few hours and involves drilling holes into the deck and installing anchors. Track systems can also be installed in a day, assuming no modifications are required to the surrounding area. “The entire process of preparing a pool and installing the cover generally runs $1,500 – $2,500, depending on options and other considerations,” says Mathis.
While most manufacturers have dealer networks and/or professional installers, “some charge for installation and some include installation in the cost of the cover,” adds LeeAnn Donaton-Pesta, president and CEO of LOOP-LOC, Ltd. So, be sure to ask upfront.
How long can a pool cover last and how should a cover be cared for to add to its longevity?
Most covers come with a warranty—from six years to as many as 12 years—but the lifespan of the cover material itself averages six to eight years according to most industry insiders.
Proper maintenance, however, is essential. “In particular, it is very important to maintain proper water level to help support the weight of the cover and prevent excess wear,” Donaton-Pesta points out. “Watch chemical management, too,” advises Dankel. “Too many harsh chemicals can dry out and crack the plasticizers in the material. To prevent this, use a pressure washer and brush, along with a mild detergent, to wash down the cover every few months.”
Are there any potential dangers with covers and how can they be managed?
“There are many safety considerations with ordinary vinyl pool covers,” answers Donaton-Pesta. “These types of covers do not prevent children or pets from gaining access to the water. They also easily fill with rain, melting snow and debris, making the top of the cover slippery and dangerous.”
That being said, even safety covers must be used properly to work effectively. To ensure the safest pool environment, “pool owners must use their automatic water removal pump to eliminate any standing water on their pool cover. Anyone who uses the pool cover should be properly trained, and no one should swim in a pool unless the cover has been completely removed,” stresses Clark. To prevent unauthorized use, “keys to key-activated covers should not be left in the controller, and touchpad codes should not be shared with others,” adds Mathis.
Are there any add-ons or accessories that owners might want to consider for their pool cover?
Automation options include a wireless control with digital touchpad and an accessory control board that shuts off water features as the cover closes. In addition, pool owners can choose from a wealth of architectural options to customize their cover. Vanishing lids can hide the mechanism of automatic covers and coordinate with decking material. “Logos, monograms or graphics can be added to the cover fabric for customization,” notes Dankel. “And aesthetic perfectionists may also opt to powder-coat the hardware for a more seamless look.”
Photo courtesy of Omega Pool Structures, Inc.