Sunday, 21 June 2015

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

By April Briggs


Those with a pool look forward to summer when they can once again enjoy swimming in their own backyard, however what they do not look forward to is the time spent cleaning debris out of the water, waiting until it's the right temperature, and maintaining the chemical levels. The best way for Minnesota homeowners to address all of these issues is to install one of the many types of pool covers available.

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.

Much like the bubble wrap used for packing fragile items, a solar cover consists of a lightweight, plastic material comprised of a series of "bubbles" which serve to trap light energy and heat from the sun. Heat that is accumulated during the daytime, keeps the pool warm even during the night. This ultimately means the heater is needed less and money is saved, and it also lowers water and chemical costs by reducing evaporation. It works best with a roller cover.

Perhaps the safest, simplest to use style is the automatic cover. Although more costly to purchase and install, they are easily controlled by the push of a button, and reduce evaporation and water costs, but they also offer a high degree of safety, as they can prevent anyone from falling in the water. There are two designs, snap-down and track.

If algae-growth is of concern, a thermal blanket is a good option, since it actively blocks out UV rays which encourage this. The insulating foam it is made from is also very effective at retaining heat, and minimizing evaporation which saves on costs for water and chemical additives.

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.

Those who do not want a cover that will detract from the beauty of their yard may prefer a hidden cover. They consist of a roller and blanket unit which is contained in a discreet housing at one of the pool's ends and is covered by a lid. Simple to use, all one has to do is lift the lid of the housing and roll out the cover across the surface of the water.

Another option may be either the solar ring or the leaf net. The former helps heat up the deepest sections of pools, and the latter, which may be used along with a winter cover as an in-ground or above-ground design, keeps leaves out of the filter system and prevents clogging.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment