If you have a pool, you are probably familiar with swimming pool covers. What you might not realize is that there are several different types of swimming pool covers to choose from, and just because you have always used one type doesn’t mean that it is the best choice for your particular pool. Safety is the primary use of swimming pool covers, as well as keeping dirt and debris out of your pool, especially in the winter months when you aren’t using it. If your pool is heated, it may also function to keep the heat in the pool. Reducing or preventing evaporation is another important function of swimming pool covers.
When you are choosing between swimming pool covers, you must consider what type of pool you have, the climate where you live and what kind of warranty you want. Often, it is worth paying more for a quality pool cover because it will typically last longer and perform better than a cheaper one.
Here are several types of swimming pool covers to consider:
- Mesh: This type is easy to clean and store because it is lightweight. They usually last about 10 to 15 years.
- Heavy-duty mesh: Heavy-duty means heavier than other mesh options, so why would you choose this type? It reduces the amount of light that permeates into your pool, which reduces algae growth. These also last 10-15 years.
- Solid: These are even heavier and are made from solid polyester or vinyl. They can be harder to put on and take off because they are heavier, but they block 100% of sunlight from your pool. They usually only last 7-11 years.
- Automatic: If you are looking for a convenient way to keep debris out of your pool, an automatic cover that you can easily use daily might be the best option.