What to Look for While Choosing a Swimming Pool Cover

A swimming pool cover is an important tool for maintaining it during winters. It not only helps prevent debris from accumulating in the pool, but also protects people from accidentally falling in, thus, reducing the chances of drowning. This Buzzle post will help you choose the right cover for your pool.

Something Eco-friendly ...Opt for solar blankets or solar covers that are designed not just to heat up the pool water, but also to render it safe during winter.A private swimming pool is always a homeowner's pride. However, proper care has to be taken during the months when the pool remains unused. After all, no one wants to fall into the biting cold water during the winter months.

At such times, investing in a good quality cover for the pool helps protect not just you, but also unsuspecting visitors and stray animals from falling into the pool. Besides, it helps keep the water of the pool free from falling leaves and debris that tend to get accumulated during the colder months. They also prevent the growth of algae on the inside of the swimming pool by restricting the light from penetrating into the pool. Following are the pointers that you need to check before investing in a pool cover.Overlap LengthThe most important factor concerning swimming pool covers is the size. Choosing a cover that spans the length and breadth of a regular pool is the safest bet. In case of an oval-shaped pool, the cover should be able to span across the entire diameter of the pool. While measuring the pool, ensure you do so from one inner corner to the other extreme end. The ideal cover should be a little larger than the actual pool area. This will help you securely anchor the cover in place.Mesh FabricWeigh your options before you purchase the pool cover. While mesh covers are lightweight and easy to carry, they allow light to penetrate through, which promotes algae growth. On the other hand, a solid safety cover blocks out sunlight, thus, inhibiting growth; besides, it effectively resists damage from branches and animals.Solid covers also come equipped with pumps and drains that automatically drain standing water and block contaminants from entering the pool. In addition to allowing atmospheric phosphates and pollutants from entering into the pool, mesh covers also run the risk of being easily damaged by animals and large branches.AnchoringWater tubes, straps, and water bricks are used to secure the cover in place. Ideally, there should be an anchor for every four feet of cover. Premium covers might include extra mounts and straps to keep the weights and tubes attached. A model with greater overlaps will also limit the ability of winds getting under the cover.WarrantyA good quality cover should ideally come with a warranty that lasts for more than two years. It should also include maintenance checks, to keep the cover in optimum shape.Additional FeaturesThickness - Thicker pool covers are more difficult to handle as compared to their lighter counterparts. Opt for a cover that is high in quality and easier to manage.

Grommets and Stitching - Ensure that the grommets are made from high quality material which is also rust-resistant. The cover should also have extra stitching to secure the edges in place.Weave - Judge the cover by its weave pattern. While a tight weave will limit sunlight, debris, and leaves from entering the pool, it will also make it difficult for the water to percolate below. On the other hand, a relaxed mesh weave will successfully keep large debris away, while allowing fine soot and dust to seep into the pool along with the water.Color - The best way to keep sunlight from penetrating the cover is to use a cover with dark undersides. It will ensure your pool remains free from algae when opened in spring.Pool covers do more than just preventing people from falling into the freezing water. It also reduces the amount of chlorine loss by inhibiting sunlight, thereby, reducing your chemical cost. Last but not the least, a pool cover is essential to curb and limit the damage caused by severe weather conditions in winters.