A cover not only improves safety, but also conserves water and reduces maintenance costs. Most pool covers have serviceable parts and are covered by long warranties.
Sheets of plastic might meet the requirement for a pool cover, but they are difficult to manage, tear easily, and allow sunlight to quickly deteriorate the chlorine. You’re better off with a pool cover that is designed specifically for swimming pools.
Bubble Covers
Bubble covers keep pool water pleasantly warm and free of leaves, dirt, and debris. They also prevent undesired heat loss caused by evaporation.
These covers work by transferring solar energy to the water via tiny air pockets within the cover that act like mini-magnets. The short wavelengths of light that pass through the air pockets generate heat and can even raise a pool’s temperature without using a pump. This is an economical option that can save up to 50% on heating costs.
Because the bubbles are anchored in a circular pattern, they create a protective seal around your pool that’s perfect for preventing nighttime heat loss. The small air pockets also help to reduce the amount of leaves and other debris that make their way into your skimmer basket and pump strainer basket. This means less frequent maintenance and fewer repairs.
You can use a bubble cover year-round, but it’s best to limit its usage to summer months, when the cover’s main purpose is to retain the sun’s heat and prevent unwanted evaporation. Leaving the bubble cover on when there is sunlight shining directly on the pool from reasonably high in the sky and when it’s not windy (which increases evaporation) will maximize its benefits.
These covers can be manually operated with rollers, or they can be automatic with motor-driven reel systems that open and close the cover at the push of a button. They’re usually more expensive than manual options, but their convenience and long-term savings more than offset the initial investment. Proper installation and regular maintenance are essential to maximize their performance and longevity.
Mesh Covers
A mesh pool cover allows water to pass through, gradually filling the swimming area. This helps keep the water clean, reducing cleaning demands. It also prevents evaporation, which can lower chlorine levels. However, this type of pool cover allows sunlight into the water, which encourages algae growth. It also lets dirt and sediment pass through, which can increase your cleaning responsibilities.
These covers are ideal for facilities such as schools and clubs, where safety is a major concern. They feature a strong, sturdy design to keep small animals and children from falling into the pool. In addition to keeping them safe, they help to prevent unauthorized entry into the pool area.
Unlike other types of pool covers, they don’t require a pump to operate. Depending on the model, this could reduce your maintenance and energy costs.
The most important factor when choosing a mesh pool cover is its fit. The cover must be a perfect match for your pool, so it’s best to measure your pool beforehand and bring those measurements to the store when buying. You should also take into account the location of steps and ladders. This information can help a salesperson give you an accurate quote. The cover’s size and shape will also affect the cost since a bigger cover requires more material.
Heavy-Duty Mesh Safety Covers
A popular option for those wanting a lighter cover is a mesh pool safety cover. These covers allow some sunlight to filter through while blocking most organic materials and bacteria from entering your pool – this helps you save money on chemicals (Stabilizer, Borates, Salt, etc.) at initial startup come Spring and reduces your time spent scrubbing, vacuuming, and pumping the water of the pool.
We also offer a Heavy Mesh version of this safety cover that’s 50% stronger and offers even better protection against wind and snow. The extra strength also reduces the risk of the cover sagging under heavy weight or tearing during Winter winds.
The trade-off with a mesh cover is the amount of work it requires throughout the Winter to keep it clean and functioning. You’ll need to remove leaves, snow, and debris from the cover as needed to prevent a buildup. You’ll also need to regularly check and remove standing water from the cover to avoid the water line touching the pool water when it rains.
Unlike standard mesh safety covers, the patented Klenn-Screen drain filters dirt particles as small as talcum powder – this is what makes the GLI branded Safety Covers the best choice for a pool owner looking to cut back on chemicals and spend less time maintaining their pool over the Winter. These covers are also easier to maintain than solid safety covers.
Solar Covers
Solar covers are essentially transparent bubble wraps for your pool, and they work by trapping sun rays that would otherwise evaporate the water. They’re also effective at reducing energy costs, as they prevent heat loss during the night and reduce humidity.
They don’t keep out large debris, however. They’re only as effective as the water underneath them, so you need to regularly check for leaves, twigs, and other objects that could blow into the water. Also, they don’t block UV rays, which can damage the pool water’s chemistry.
The air bubbles in a solar cover are also what make it puff up during the day to help maintain the water temperature, but they deflate at night as the sun goes down. This means that they have a relatively low rate of heat retention. They are also fairly cumbersome to use, as they must be rolled off the pool when you want to swim and put back on afterward.
Liquid solar covers do not add warmth to the water like a thermal blanket, but they do prevent evaporation by up to 85 percent (only 5 percent less than our overall best pick). That helps keep your pool warmer and requires adding water less frequently, which cuts down on utility costs. And if you’re looking for something even easier to deal with, consider a reel system that makes it simple to wind up your physical solar blanket when not in use.