So you own a swimming pool? Do you know the best way to maintain it? If you live in northern states, like Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, to name a few, you will need to winterize your swimming pool, which means you will also need to cover it. Understanding the different types of pool covers is essential for maintaining and extending the life of your pool and its equipment. Pool covers come in various styles and materials, and it can be overwhelming to decide which cover is the best fit for your pool and budget. In this blog, we will explore the different types of pool covers, their pros and cons, approximate prices, and which may be best for your pool.
By the end of this blog, I hope to cover the different types of covers available, their pros and cons and approximate prices, and which may be best for your pool.
Key Takeaways
- Types of pool covers include the standard tarp, mesh, solid vinyl, automatic covers.
- The difference between regular and safety covers is that the latter attaches to your pool deck.
- Solar and tarp covers are by far the most economical choices. Automatic covers are the most expensive choice.
- The pool cover you choose depends on the region you live in, the size of your pool, and your budget.
Tarp Covers
Tarp covers are very common and readily available. They are one of the most affordable options for swimming pools. The basic function of the tarp cover is keeping debris, leaves, and sunlight off your pool and preserving your water’s chemical balance. It’s best suited for pool owners with above ground pools or large in-ground pools looking to spend as little as possible on a pool cover. Tarp covers have a lifespan of 4 – 7 years if properly maintained. Prices can range from $100 – $500 depending on the size and quality of the tarp.
Pros
- It covers the entire pool, so you have assured protection.
- It’s an affordable option for pool owners on a budget.
- It’s easy to install.
Cons
- Water collects on top of the tarp, so maintenance can be a chore, especially for those living in wet or snowy regions.
- Doesn’t have the quality as compared to other pool cover options.
- If the cover is damaged, you must replace it entirely, as tarp covers cannot easily be repaired.
Mesh Safety Covers
Mesh safety covers are other types of pool covers for pool owners to consider when protecting their water and pool equipment. The mesh safety cover differs from traditional tarp covers by allowing rain and snow to pass through the cover while keeping out other debris like leaves, branches, or insects.
Mesh safety covers are durable and lightweight and especially great for in-ground pools. They’re also long-lasting and can last up to 10 – 15 years.
Pros
- Pool owners in wet or snowy regions can save on water costs each year because the mesh-like fabric will filter any debris but will still let the water gradually fill the pool.
- Mesh covers require less maintenance as they can hold a lot of weight, even preventing potential pool-related falls.
- They are simpler to repair.
- Today’s mesh safety covers even protect against UV rays which is good news for your pool liner and water chemical balance.
Cons
- They are more complicated to install and require additional hardware.
- Mesh covers are pricey and can range anywhere from $2000 to $5000, depending on how light or heavy the mesh is, also the size of the cover.
Solid Safety Covers
Solid security pool covers are like the traditional tarp pool cover, but more durable and secure. These types of pool covers are also securely fastened to the concrete or decking around your pool, same as the mesh safety cover so they can take a lot of weight before tearing, in most cases. Safety covers are great for people with small children or pets as you take away the risk of having a massive pool of water in your yard by covering it up.
Made of solid vinyl, it ensures nothing enters the pool, including debris, sunlight, water, and even pets or small children! Solid safety covers also require a pump to help drain the excess water collecting on top of the pool. Solid safety covers last 6 – 10 years and cost around $1,000 to $3,000, much like mesh covers. These covers suit pool owners who want something as durable as a mesh covering but as solid as a traditional tarp. They are typically used as winter pool covers.
Pros
- They are just as secure as the mesh safety covers and more durable than the standard tarp.
- They provide UV protection, protecting the pool liner.
- The covers are easy to maintain and repair if damaged.
Cons
- While they don’t last as long as mesh covers, they don’t age as well due to loads they might have to bear over time and weather breaks down the vinyl more easily.
- The pump that drains water away might need replacing every 3-4 years.
Automatic Pool Covers
If you are willing to spend considerably more money, automatic pool covers are a popular choice. This type of cover is most commonly a solid vinyl cover. The cover is rolled and unrolled over the pool’s surface with a push of a button or turn of a key.
Automatic pool covers are great options for those who use their pool a lot and want the easiest option. Although they are convenient and aesthetically pleasing, these covers are expensive. The cost of purchase and installation can range from $10,000 – $25,000, depending on the size and shape of your pool.
Pros
- Safe, simple, and easy to use once installed – ideal for rectangular pools.
- An excellent security option for owners concerned about potential intruders; these covers come with a code for access, giving you complete control over who gets in and out of the pool.
- It is an easy and effective way to retain any heat generated by your pump heater, which helps you save money in the long run.
Cons
- By far the most expensive option: upkeep and repair costs are just as pricey.
- Repairs must be done by a professional.
- This type of cover will not work if you have an unconventional pool shape.
- The lifespan of an automatic pool cover is around 7 years, which is relatively shorter compared to other options.
- Also, for the colder climates it must be retracted, and a mesh or solid safety cover needs to be installed
How to Decide What Type of Pool Cover is For You
The type of pool cover you may consider depends on your budget, surroundings, climate, type of pool, and needs. Here are some key factors to consider when purchasing a pool cover.
In-ground Pools
In-ground pools are larger than above ground pools and tend to come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The best type of pool covers for in-ground pools are solid or mesh safety covers. A solid safety cover is a good idea if you have small children or pets. Mesh covers can protect those who may accidentally fall in a pool, but they won’t keep out smaller debris, while solid covers can do both.
Above Ground Pool
You won’t need a safety cover for an above ground pool because the pool is usually elevated. Most above ground pool owners use a standard tarp cover. Tarp covers are more effective at keeping debris out, and they can easily tear or get weighed down by debris and rainwater.
If you want a durable pool cover for your above ground pool, you can also invest in a thicker vinyl cover. Just make sure to use swimming pool cover clips or a pool cover winch to secure the pool cover.
Budget-Conscious Pool Owners
If you are on a tighter budget, your best bet is to go for a tarp cover. Tarp covers are a good option for budget-conscious pool owners, these are very affordable, but they are not very durable, so I don’t recommend using them in areas with lots of rain, snow, or debris that may collect on the pool cover, weigh it down, and tear it.
Winter covers
You should go for a mesh safety cover or a solid safety cover. Mesh safety covers allow the snow to fall through the holes in the material so the snow will not build up and weigh down the cover. Solid safety covers don’t allow snow to pass through but are durable enough to hold snow.
Easy On And Easy Off
If it is convenience you are after, an automatic pool cover is your best option. These are by far the most expensive option, but they will cover and uncover your pool with the touch of a button.
Whatever type of swimming pool cover you decide on, you are improving the lifespan of your pool and its equipment by protecting it from debris and other elements. A pool cover is a very necessary investment, if you need help deciding we at Kay pool and spa can help you.
