Swimming pool heating costs can be significantly reduced by using swimming pool covers. Use of a pool cover also can help reduce the amount of chemicals (chlorine, etc.) required by the pool. Outdoor pools gain heat from the sun, absorbing 75–85% of the solar energy striking the pool surface. Though a cover decreases the total amount of solar heat absorbed by the pool, the cover eliminates heat loss due to evaporation and reduces heat loss at night through its insulating properties. Most swimming pool heat loss is through evaporation.

The heating effectiveness of a cover depends on type. A transparent bubble cover is the most effective, as it allows the largest amount of solar flux into the pool itself. Thermal bubble covers are lightweight UV-stabilized floating covers designed to minimize heat loss on heated swimming pools. Bubble covers are typically applied and removed by being rolled up on a device fitted to one side of the pool. Covers fall apart after four or five years due to sun exposure, overheating in the sun while off the pool and chlorine attacking the plastic. Bubble covers should be removed during super chlorination.

A vinyl cover absorbs more sunlight directly, allowing temperature to rise faster, but ultimately prevents the pool from reaching as high a temperature as a clear cover. Vinyl covers consist of a heavier material and have a longer life expectancy than bubble covers. Insulated vinyl covers are also available with a thin layer of flexible insulation sandwiched between two layers of vinyl.

Safety swimming pool covers

These covers are typically attached all year round, by hooked bungee cords or hooked springs connected to the pool deck and are usually made in a variety of materials including coated or laminated vinyl or polypropylene mesh. They are custom designed to stop leaf debris from entering the pool but more importantly they also provide safety for animals and small children when designed and installed properly.

Pool cover automation

Swimming pool covers can be either manually, semi-automatically, or automatically operated. Manual covers can be folded and stored in an off-site location. Pool cover reels can also be used to help manually roll up the pool cover. The reel, usually on wheels, can be rolled in or out of place.Semi-automatic covers use a motor driven reel system. They use electrical power to roll and unroll the cover, but usually require someone to pull on the cover when unrolling, or guide the cover onto the reel when rolling up the cover. Semi-automatic covers can be built into the pool deck surrounding the pool, or can use reels on carts.

Automatic covers have permanently mounted reels that automatically cover and uncover the pool at the push of a button. They are the most expensive option, but are also the most convenient. These reels can be run from either an external motor requiring a pit to be dug beside the pool or using an internal motor that spins the reel.Some pool covers fit into tracks along the sides of the pool. This prevents anything or anybody from getting into the pool. They even support the weight of several people. They can be run manually, semi-automatically, or automatically. Safety covers may be required by inspectors for public pools.

Brrrrr – winter ….

In areas where the temperature drops drastically in winter, it is important to close a pool properly. This varies greatly between in-ground and above-ground pools. By taking steps to properly secure the pool, it lessens the likelihood that the superstructure will be damaged or compromised by freezing water.

Let Pool Spa & Filtration provide you with just the right cover for your pool. The pool experts at Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to help you find the pool cover best suited for your pool area. From pool accessories to pool pumps, Pool Spa & Filtration will have just what you need! To find out more about how Pool Spa & Filtration can assist you, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za