The cost of a solid pool cover can vary widely depending on the type, size, and shape of your pool. Generally, solid pool covers can range anywhere from $250 for a basic above ground pool to $3,000 or more for an in-ground pool.
The material of the pool cover also impacts the cost, with mesh and solid vinyl pool covers being the most popular options. Pool covers with additional features such as solar energy capture and technology can cost even more.
Once you’ve decided on the type of pool cover, you will want to consider the size and shape of your pool in order to get the most accurate pricing.
Can you cover a pool permanently?
Yes, it is possible to cover a pool permanently. This usually involves filling the pool with a permanent solid or liquid substance such as concrete, foam or asphalt. Most often, it is filled with a bituminous waterproofing membrane, which is a flexible yet strong material that will insulate against heat and water loss.
Often concrete decking is also added, enabling it to be used in the summer months as a patio or leisure area. The level of filling and the waterproofing membrane will depend upon the size and shape of the pool, and the climate where the pool is located.
Additionally, to cover a pool permanently, the surrounding area must be properly sealed in order to avoid water leakage. This can typically be done with a concrete or rubber sealant. It is also important to ensure surrounding pipes and drains are in good condition, as any water will cause damage to the sealant.
Despite being a more permanent solution to covering a pool, this process can still result in repairs and maintenance further down the line. Careful consideration of the local climate, pool size and shape must be taken into account before taking this approach.
Are automatic pool covers worth it?
Yes, automatic pool covers are definitely worth the cost! Automatic pool covers provide a number of key benefits, including increased safety, reduced evaporation, and improved heating efficiency. Regarding safety, an automatic pool cover completely covers the pool when not in use, keeping curious children and pets out of the pool.
An automatic pool cover also helps reduce water evaporation by up to 95%, meaning you’ll have to add significantly less water to your pool throughout the year. And when it comes to heating efficiency, electric and gas pool heaters are much more effective when used with an automatic pool cover, as they are able to retain the heat more efficiently.
Additionally, if you plan on installing a solar pool cover, an automatic pool cover can help extend the warranty of the solar cover, and make the installation process easier and more efficient. In the end, automatic pool covers are definitely worth the cost, as the safety and energy savings they provide add up over time.
What is the difference between a mesh and solid pool cover?
The main difference between a mesh and solid pool cover is the amount of protection they provide for a swimming pool. A mesh pool cover acts as a filter to keep leaves, debris, and other small objects out of the pool.
They also help to keep water temperatures relatively consistent by reducing evaporation, but they do not provide much protection from young children or animals falling into the pool. On the other hand, a solid pool cover provides a much more secure layer of protection.
They completely cover the surface of the pool and are able to hold the weight of children and animals. Solid pool covers also provide even better protection against evaporation and debris than mesh covers.
However, mesh covers are easier to use and require less maintenance, while solid covers need to be installed correctly and regular cleaning and checking is recommended.
What is the cheapest way to cover a pool?
The cheapest way to cover a pool is by using a fitted sheet of mesh or tarp material. Quality mesh material is simply stretched over the pool and secured with weights or anchors around the edges. This type of cover costs significantly less than a solid pool cover and is effective in keeping debris, leaves and other objects out of the pool.
These covers should be inspected periodically and replaced when necessary. Additionally, because it is a lightweight option, it is very simple to remove and store during warm months.
Should pool cover touch water?
No, it is never advisable to touch pool water with a pool cover. Pool covers can accumulate dirt, grime, and other forms of debris, which can get into the pool water if the cover is in contact with it.
Additionally, when a pool cover is in contact with the pool water, it can affect its pH and chlorine balance. As pool water should be well-balanced and properly cleaned in order to be safe for swimming, it is best to keep the pool cover away from the pool water at all times.
Whenever possible, it is also recommended to store the pool cover when it is not in use, as this will prevent it from touching the pool and will also help to extend its lifespan.
Is it worth getting a pool cover?
Yes, it is definitely worth getting a pool cover. Pool covers are incredibly useful for a number of reasons. One of the most important functions of a pool cover is to help maintain the temperature in the pool.
By covering the pool, you can prevent heat from escaping, allowing the water to remain warmer for an extended period of time. This conserves energy and contributes to a lower energy bill. Additionally, pool covers prevent debris, such as leaves and twigs, from entering the pool and clogging the filters.
This cuts down on the frequency of filter cleaning and servicing, saving you money in the long run. Furthermore, a pool cover helps to ensure the safety of children and pets by preventing them from entering the pool without supervision.
All in all, a pool cover is a very wise and beneficial investment.
Can you add an auto cover to an existing pool?
Yes, it is possible to add an auto cover to an existing pool. It will require some work to ensure the cover fits correctly, but the process can be done relatively easily with the appropriate materials and tools.
First, you will need to measure the exact dimensions of your pool in order to get the correct size for the cover. Then, you will need to install the appropriate tracks to the perimeter of the pool that will hold the cover in place.
Depending on the type of pool and its age, you may need to do some additional groundwork to ensure proper installation. After the tracks are installed, the cover panels will need to be attached, and the motor assemblies and other components will need to be set up to enable the cover to automatically roll back and forth.
It is important to consult an experienced pool contractor before installing an auto cover in order to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Should a pool cover be tight or loose?
The tension of a pool cover should depend on the type of cover being used and the weather conditions. Generally, the pool cover should be tight enough to keep the water from seeping through and to keep leaves, dirt, and other debris from getting in.
For solid safety covers, it is important to ensure the cover is tightly stretched over the pool’s edges. This will help keep pets and other animals from wandering into the water or getting caught in the cover.
For winter covers or typical tarp-style covers, the cover does not need to be as tight over the edges, as the goal is mainly to keep debris from entering the water. A looser cover will provide extra protection from the winds that may pick up and blow debris into the pool.
In the winter months and in areas where heavy snowfall is common, the cover should be securely fastened and tight enough to keep the snow from sitting on the cover and accumulating too much weight. If a cover is not tight enough, it could tear, leading to icy patches and layers of snow on the bottom of the pool.
How tight should pool cover springs be?
Pool cover springs should be moderately tight but not so much that they will create a gap when the cover is put on. The springs should be compressed to where they just barely stop moving when the cover is in place.
If the springs are too loose, the cover won’t be able to hold in the water, which could be a hazard. Additionally, if the springs are too tight, they could pull the cover away from the pool walls, creating an area for leaves to accumulate in.
The best way to get the right tension on the springs is to slowly turn the tensioner until they are just tight enough that the cover will not move when it’s put on. This will ensure a tight, secure fit that will be able to keep your pool as clean and safe as possible.
How much water should be on top of a pool cover?
When determining how much water should be on top of a pool cover, you should consider several factors, including the size and shape of the pool and the type of cover you’re using. The general rule of thumb is to fill the cover with the same amount of water that is in the pool.
If you own a large pool, this can mean between 20-50 inches of water on top of the cover. If your pool is round, typically you would use a round cover and fill the water up to the edges of the cover for maximum protection.
If the pool is rectangular or oblong, usually a rectangular cover is used and you should fill the water level up slightly higher than the edges of the cover, since rectangular covers are not designed to maintain a water seal around the entire perimeter.
Ultimately, the amount of water on top of your pool cover will depend on its size and shape, as well as what type of cover you are using. It is important to make sure that the cover is completely waterlogged and the weight of the water is evenly distributed.
This will help ensure that the cover doesn’t become weighed down unevenly, which can lead to it tearing or ripping.
What happens if pool cover is too big?
If a pool cover is too big, it can cause several problems. Firstly, it can be hard to secure the cover properly, which can lead to an unsafe swimming pool environment. Secondly, an oversized pool cover can cause it to sag and bunch up in some areas, which can lead to a build-up of water on the cover and increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Lastly, an oversized cover can affect the water chemistry in the pool, as the cover will restrict the circulation of air in and out of the pool, resulting in increased concentrations of organic matter and bacteria in the pool water.
It is important to ensure that the pool cover used is the correct size and fits snugly on the pool surface in order to avoid any of these potential problems.
How do you tighten a winter pool cover?
To tighten a winter pool cover, start by eliminating any water that is sitting on top of the pool cover. This can be done using a small submersible pump or a shop-vac. Then, use a pool cover tightening tool or a pool cover winch to pull the pool cover taut and secure it in place.
Make sure to start from the center and work your way outward. Finally, use large rock or other heavy weights to keep the cover from blowing up during windy days. Make sure to place the weights evenly on the cover and away from the pool opening.
This will help keep the cover in place throughout the winter months and ensure the pool remains safe.