Friday, 12 June 2015

Guide To The Different Types Of Pool Covers And The Advantages Each Has To Offer

By April Briggs


When summer arrives, swimming season comes with it which is very exciting, especially for those with a backyard swimming pool. The downside to this is all the work of getting the water the right temperature, keeping it clean, and balancing the chemicals. The use of any of these types of pool covers is an effective solution to many of these problems which Minnesota residents with pools should seriously consider.

Many different types of covers are available to meet the needs of people who wish to make caring for their pools simpler. They function in different ways from each other according to the material they are made out of and their general construction, which in turn can influence their price and installation requirements.

A solar cover is made from lightweight plastic that resembles bubble wrap and traps light and heat from the sun's rays during the day and holds in warmth overnight which can result in a considerable reduction in heating costs and it also cuts evaporation, which saves on water and chemicals. It is one of the less expensive options, but is generally requires the additional purchase of a roller cover for ease of use.

The modern simplicity and safety of the automatic cover makes it a popular choice, but it does come with a higher price tag as one would expect and it takes more work to install it. Yet it makes it impossible for anyone to fall in the pool when closed, and works by just pressing a button. Both the track and snap-down style also help conserve water and chemicals, resulting in money saved.

Thermal blanket covers help prevent algae from growing in pools by blocking UV rays, and are also highly efficient when it comes to retaining heat. They are made from insulating foam which typically holds heat better than a solar cover does and because of this, they are somewhat more expensive. Water and chemical expenses are also lowered, through reduced evaporation.

Some pool owners think winter covers are only for season's end closure, yet it is possible to use them year-round if desired, provided the proper fastening anchors are in place to secure them. Very durable, these polyethylene blankets are great for preventing damage from the elements, algae-growth, and leaves and debris from entering the pool. However they are less effective for maintaining warmth and limiting evaporation.

Some people may be concerned that a cover will have a negative effect on the appearance of their backyard, in which case a "hidden" cover is the best option. These discreet models consist of a metal housing with a lid located at one of the pool's ends, in which a roller/blanket unit is housed. When one wishes to cover the pool's surface, they just need to lift the lid and pull the cover over.

Leaf nets and solar rings are other options that can be used to add to the cleanliness and comfort of swimming pools. Somewhat like a solar blanket, the solar ring is especially useful for transferring warmth to the coolest, deepest parts of pools which are slower to heat up. Yards with lots of trees, may benefit from the use of a leaf net, either above-ground or in-ground or with a winter cover, which is placed to trap loose leaves that can clog the filter system.




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