As the days cool down and summer comes to an end, that nagging feeling creeps up and a bunch of questions starts to form in the back of your mind.
Do I have to close my pool soon?
Should I purchase a safety cover or a winter cover?
What are the advantages of purchasing a safety cover over a winter cover? Do they make a cover for my pool shape?
How long do custom covers take to make?
Are they really worth it?
We always see an increase in calls and requests for winter and safety covers around this time of year. And with every call, we become more aware of the questions and concerns most pool owners have.
What Is a Safety Cover?
Safety covers are woven mesh or solid vinyl which secures to your pool deck with straps to anchors. The straps are approximately five feet apart around the entire perimeter of your pool. Safety covers prevent accidental drownings and also provide extra protection for kids, pets, and neighbors.
Additionally, safety covers prevent debris, dirt, and leaves from entering the pool. It also helps prevent algae from growing in your pool once the temperature rises again in the spring. They also improve the appearance of your pool area during the offseason.
All covers come complete with brass anchors, stainless steel springs, an installation tool, and a storage bag. Both the mesh and solid covers are strong enough to support up to 4,000 lbs, while the commercial grade can withstand up to 5200 lbs. All of our safety covers meet or exceed all federal safety pool cover performance standards including ASTM F 1346-91.
Solid or Mesh?
Safety covers come in two styles, solid and mesh. Although their durability is the same, there are some minor differences between the two that you should know about before making a purchase.
The mesh safety covers were made from premium U.V.- inhibited polypropylene. The weave on the cover screens out almost all of the algae-producing sunlight, making spring start-up that much easier.
They are generally lighter in weight than solid covers and easy to install and remove. Mesh covers are also typically less expensive than the solid covers and are rather easy to maintain as they allow snow and water to drain through.
Our solid safety covers were made with from a super strong material that is 35% stronger yet 33% lighter than your typical solid safety pool cover. There is an integral mesh square panel in the center of the cover that ensures the cover drains for easy removal while it screens out all but the finest dirt and debris.
The square panel removes the need to purchase an additional cover pump as well. The solid material blocks out all algae-producing sunlight, for a healthier and cleaner pool.
Custom Safety Covers
We offer custom safety covers for non-traditional size and shape pools and also for customers with already existing anchors from their original cover. Please complete the custom safety form and return it back to us. The typical turn around time on quotes vary between 24 – 48 hours.
If you are looking to replace your safety cover and already have drilled in your anchors, the only way for us to match your anchor points is to provide us a template replica of the original cover. Without this sketch, it would be impossible to match the anchors up.
Did You Know?
Did you know pool owners can be held liable for accidental drowning or injuries if their pools are not properly secured and protected? This is called the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine. This doctrine states that landowners may be held liable for injuries to children trespassing on land if the injury is caused by hazardous objects or conditions.
One of the key benefits to purchasing a safety cover is the extra security you are providing not just to your family, but to your pets, neighbors, or uninvited trespassers that may come around.
Winter Pool Covers
It is essential to limit the amount of dirt and debris that gets into your pool. A pool winter cover protects your water and ensures an easier time opening your pool in the spring. Unlike safety covers, winter covers provide no additional security or safeguards against accidental injuries or drownings.
In-ground and aboveground covers are similar in design and purpose, however, they differ in how they hold in place. Most manufacturers recommend water bags to secure the cover in place. In above ground pools, owners place their winter covers over the pool and tighten. Next, you weave a thin cable through the grommets along the perimeter of the cover. Finally, you tighten the cover with a winch.
Winter pool covers are still one of the most popular means of covering your pool during the winter months. They are good for budget-conscious pool owners who are looking to save some money towards the end of the year. They are also much easier to install than safety covers and usually last 1-3 years, depending on your environment.
Solid or Mesh?
Manufacturers make winter covers from solid or from rugged mesh and come in a variety of colors. Our rugged mesh cover has a tightly woven scrim that holds the cover together, ensuring no gaps or holes develop over time.
The rugged mesh allows only rain water and very fine silt to pass through, eliminating the need for a cover pump. The cover is super lightweight and easy to remove in the spring.
Arctic Armor makes their covers from a rugged mesh and with UV protection. They are strong enough to handle ice, snow, sleet and high winds. Additionally, all covers have a 4-foot overlap and include a cable and winch tightener.
Our solid covers have the strength and durability as covers costing twice as much. The covers eliminate sun rays from permeating the cover and also creating a long-lasting product. The cover’s black underside prevents algae growth and heat sealed seams mean a healthier pool. The extra four-foot overlap ensures a proper fit and helps the cover from stretching and ripping like other covers.
Mesh Covers
Pros
- Costs less than a solid cover
- Lightweight, easy removal
- Lasts longer than solid covers
Cons
- Longer spring clean up (due to dirt and debris passing through cover into pool)
Sold Covers
Pros
- Minimal spring clean up
- Little dirt or algae build-up
- Center drain panel means you don’t need a cover pump
Cons
- Heavier, two-person removal
- Models without a center drain panel require a cover pump
Are Pool Covers Covered?
All covers purchased from INYOPools.com come with a pro-rated manufacturer’s warranty. The warranty covers typical wear and tear, manufacturer’s defect, tearing or ripping on the seams, and holes caused by loose threading. Unfortunately, the warranty does not cover physical damage to the cover. To typically submit a warranty claim, manufacturers require pictures of the cover defect.
Hopefully, by now you have an understanding of the differences between winter pool covers and safety covers that will guide you in choosing the cover that will benefit your pool the most. Let us know if you need help deciding which cover to purchase. We are available at 877-372-6038 or you can reach us on our website www.inyopools.com
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