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Swimming pool covers are an essential part of pool gear. Pool owners have some choices, however, when picking the right cover or covers for their needs. This article will provide an overview of the types of pool covers and their most appropriate uses.
Pools need to be covered through the winter season. It is not necessary or even desirable to drain a pool during the off season. A drained pool can work it's way out of the ground or collapse on itself. It needs the weight of the water in place to keep it secure. By covering the pool, you can make the unused pool safer for neighborhood pets and kids as well as protecting the water from a great deal of debris.
Winter covers can be purchased in either solid water-tight material or in mesh that allows rainwater and melted snow to melt down into the pool. Mesh covers are good for a couple of reasons. For one thing, they never develop a puddle of rainwater on top as a solid cover can. These puddles can be a drowning danger. Mesh covers also tend to be more lightweight and easier to handle than solid covers. The downside to a mesh cover is that more dust and dirt will sift into the pool through the winter, making pool opening in the spring that much harder.
Safety covers that can withstand hundreds of pounds per five square feet of surface area double as winter coverings. They are available in both mesh and solid styles. The solid vinyl covers keep condensation down and debris out, but they must be secured properly and can be expensive as well as harder to handle. A good safety cover is important if you have children or if you entertain people with children.
When buying a vinyl cover, remember that higher gauge numbers refer to thicker vinyl and higher quality. Pool covers take a lot of abuse and need to be able to withstand weathering. A thicker cover will last more years than a cheap, thin one. Also, take the time to measure your pool accurately whether it is an inground or aboveground pool. Take this information to your pool supplier so that you can get a cover that fits perfectly. Consider professional installation of your winter cover if you have any misgivings about your own ability to make your pool safe and secure for the off-season.
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