Why You Should Use a Swimming Pool Cover

The big question most pool owners have about swimming pool covers is whether it is actually necessary. Covers are used primarily to prevent leaves, bugs, branches and twigs from falling into your pool and creating more damage. This consideration alone prompts many pool owners to want a cover.

The most important consideration when you decide to buy your pool cover is the size. It must fit properly. You may be tempted to cut corners and buy a standard cover for your pool, but you will have less grief in the long run if you simply get a custom cover.

Your cover should be able to fit all the angles, steps, and other areas of your pool. Purchasing something standard that does not quite cover your pool defeats the purpose of protecting it. If any of the debris you are guarding against makes its way into your pool, you are faced with the same problems you would have faced initially with no cover.

Next, you will need to decide whether you want a safety cover, water bag cover or automatic cover.

Water bag covers give you an extra advantage because they use weighted bags to hold your swimming pool cover in place. This is an added security feature during heavy winds, rains and storms. Water bags are placed either inside the pool or on top of the cover and are about two or three feet apart.

Warranties will be an important consideration during your purchase. The time limit on most of them is about two years, but always read the fine print and know what the manufacturer covers.

Stitching is a strong determining factor for quality in pool covers. It should be more than 10 x 10 to meet the definition of “sturdy,” and it costs a little more than regular covers. You will not be able to prevent some winter damage to your cover. You can, however, cut down on the wind damage by placing a little bit of water atop the cover.

Swimming pool covers should be about four feet larger than the pool they intend to cover. The important thing is to make sure your pool is protected. Being preventive will save you a lot of headaches in the spring and summer when the heat returns.

The Swimming Pool Accessories Guide was established to help people learn about properly usage of swimming pool accessories.

By Tom Moseley