solar cover reel

solar cover reel

Need a pool cover? Here's your options

The swimming season is over and now you need an energy-efficient safe way to cover your pool for the winter. Pool covers come in as many shapes and sizes as pools do and they can either fasten to the pool itself or the deck. And when you're deciding on a pool cover, keep in mind whether the pool will be used at all during the winter months, whether a pet or child could run across the deck and stumble onto the pool cover – in that case you'll have to look at safety cover designs and/or protective cover guards.

1.  Basic covers: When looking for a pool cover you can shop low budget and look for a cover that will help keep your pool temperature up – you can look into a bubble cover. These covers are made of a material that looks similar to packing bubbles, it floats on the surface of the pool and the bubbles also absorb solar energy and disperse it to keep the water warmer than a simple plastic sheet cover. A bubble cover will increase sun absorption by up to 15 percent.
2. Luxury covers: If you want to spend a bit more money, you can opt for a pool cover with a longer life expectancy that might bring with it easier operation and installation. Choose a cover made of vinyl, or even an insulated vinyl that has at least two layers of vinyl and insulating material. If you pick an opaque vinyl cover it is will draw in more of the sunlight and increase the solar energy by up to 40 percent. ith more investment you can opt for slightly longer-lasting materials and an easier operation assembly. Instead of a basic bubble cover made from polyethylene, select a cover made of vinyl. You can expect vinyl to last longer than bubble and be more resistant to any wear or tear, especially advisable if your pool is exposed to the outdoors without a screened-in covering.
3. Pool cover installation: Bubble, and other covers, operate either on a reel system where you hand-crank the cover, or it can simply be laid over the pool and stretched from side to side. For a further upgrade you can choose a motorized pool cover mechanism.
4. Playing it safe: If you have pets or children, even in the winter, safety should always be front of mind even with your pool cover. If you decide to install a floating cover you will also need to install a safety fence around the pool. The fence needs to be clear of any items that a child or pet could walk on and climb over. There are also safety covers that extend snugly over the edges of the pool and could be sturdy enough to support the weight of a child. Even in this instance, though you need to be vigilant and it is still recommended to have your pool alarm activated even in the winter months.

It is not recommended to leave your pool uncovered during the winter months. Even if you opt for a low cost floating pool cover, it will still help keep debris out of the pool and make it easier to clean when you reopen it in the spring.

About the Author

Robbi Hess is a blogger/editor for www.poolinfosite.com where she blogs about all things pool-related.

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