The best pool cover to protect your pool
A pool cover plays a crucial role in protecting your swimming pool when it's not in use. The cover prevents insects, twigs, leaves and winter debris from falling into the pool. It also minimizes water evaporation and maintains pool water temperature.
Ultimately, this saves you money by reducing the costs of maintaining the pool. Like other swimming pool accessories, pool covers come in different sizes, shapes and materials. For this reason, it’s important to know what type of cover you need. This simple guide will help you find the perfect cover for your swimming pool.
Discover the different pool cover types
Depending on why you want to buy a swimming pool cover, you'll find options that suit you better than others. Some swimming pool covers provide a simple protective barrier for your water, while others offer a robust and impenetrable seal against unwanted contaminants. Below, we look at the different types of swimming pool covers.
Mesh pool covers
These outdoor swimming pool covers stretch, allowing you to fit them in virtually any pool shape. They come with anchors and attachments that enable you to secure them in place. The mesh filters debris while allowing water in. This prevents water from collecting on the swimming pool cover. In addition, they can hold a significant amount of weight, meaning they can effectively prevent you and your family from falling into the pool.
Solid pool covers
Solid covers have many similarities with mesh covers, except for the material used to make them. These covers are mostly made from solid vinyl, which keeps water and contaminants out of the pool. They are strong and secure, preventing even the tiniest debris from entering your pool. Solid swimming pool covers also protect your swimming pool from UV light, preserving the colour of the pool.
Hybrid pool covers
If you're unsure which cover to choose between a mesh and solid cover, a hybrid pool cover is the best option. The swimming pool covers offer the best of both worlds. They allow water in, while providing the protection of a solid safety cover.
Automatic pool covers
If you’re looking for a cover that offers more than a hybrid cover, go for an automatic cover. These covers come in mesh, solid and hybrid versions to provide the protection you need. The automated mechanism allows you to roll out and retract the cover at the touch of a button. They are the easiest swimming pool covers to use.
Winter pool covers
Winter covers or tarp covers are the most basic swimming pool covers you can find on the market. Made from polypropylene, these winter debris covers have stood the test of time. They are also versatile as they can be used to cover both in-ground and above-ground pools.
What is the best material for swimming pool cover?
The material used to make pool covers and their accessories determines their durability and whether or not they will protect your pool. Swimming pool covers come in different materials. The most common materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, and viny. You can also find options in fabric. Let’s take a closer look at the materials.
- Polyethylene: Also known as polythene, polyethylene is the most widely used plastic. It's used in many products, from toys to pipes and garbage bags. Polyethylene is one of the most commonly used materials in cover because it's strong and lightweight. It's also flexible, resistant to mould, and offers good insulation.
- Polypropylene: Like polyethylene, polypropylene is a type of plastic. Automotive industries and houses use large quantities of this material. It's also an excellent material for swimming pool covers as it has high flexural strength and it's resistant to chemicals. However, it is less durable than polyethylene.
- Vinyl: Strong and long-lasting, vinyl is one of the best materials for pool safety covers. It is resistant to moisture and provides great protection.
How to choose the right pool cover size
Another crucial point to consider when shopping for a swimming pool cover is size. You don’t want to buy a cover only to realize it doesn’t fit your pool. Here are simple guidelines to help you find the right cover size.
Measure your pool
When measuring your pool, make sure you include the top rails. Some pools have rail tops, so you need to include this as well. If you have an in-ground pool, choose a cover that extends at least 8 cm past the pool's edge. For an above-ground pool, keep in mind the circumference of the pool. If you don’t know the size of your pool, you can look at the owner’s manual.
Pool shape
You won't have any issues finding a swimming pool cover if your pool has a symmetrical shape. However, you can still find covers for pools with unique designs. You may pay more for these covers, but they are worth having.
Looking for the best swimming pool cover? Explore our collection to find top-quality covers that will work for you.
