So far, we’ve considered both automatic and tarp and water bag isolation pool covers. We explained that automatic covers often break if they’re used in the winter and tarp and water bag covers tend to need to be replaced after just a few seasons (see Parts 1, 2 & 3). Fortunately, there are a couple of more reliable options on the market.
Use a Cover Pump With Your Solid Safety Cover to Keep Pool Water Clear
A solid pool safety cover is an excellent choice not just for keeping people and pets out of the pool, but for preventing unwanted debris and keeping out precipitation as well. This isolation cover can block a significant amount of material from getting into the pool water. Some solid pool safety covers do contain a mesh area that rests over the deep end. This portion does let rain and melted snow fall into the pool. It is designed this way so a heavy snowfall on top of the cover won’t harm either the cover or the hardware that fastens it to the pool deck.
Since most of the cover is solid, it will do a far better job than a mesh cover at keeping the water clear over the winter. For even better results, you can use a cover pump along with this solid safety cover to pump the accumulated water off of the cover.
For a Vinyl Pool, Consider a Vinyl Lock-In Pool Cover
Owners of vinyl liner pools can consider a vinyl lock-in pool cover option. Vinyl pool liners are designed with a bead that rests inside of a liner track. If you choose to get a lock-in pool cover on your vinyl liner pool, you’ll have another track installed right above the liner track. The lock-in cover fastens into this track.
Even though they’re called “lock-in” covers, this type of cover doesn’t function as a safety cover. They won’t withstand a person’s weight. This type of isolation cover can be customized to fit your pool’s exact dimensions. As with tarp and water bag covers, you’ll need to inspect your vinyl lock-in pool cover carefully for any rips or tears before installing it over your pool for the winter. If you see any, you can patch it with a repair kit that comes with the liner.
Tarp Style Lock-In Covers are Another Option But Lack Durability
If you don’t have a vinyl liner pool but you still like the style of a customized lock-in cover, you could consider a tarp style lock-in cover. They work much the same way as a vinyl lock-in cover that runs along with a vinyl bead that has been sewn onto the tarp style cover. These may not last as long as a vinyl cover, because you aren’t able to just put a patch over them when they rip; they’ll need to be completely replaced.
Whichever cover you choose for your pool, be sure to follow the right steps for making sure the water in your pool stays clear throughout the winter. In our final article, we’ll consider the benefits of using a pool closing kit.
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Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
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