The pros and cons of pool covers

Here, we take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of swimming pool covers to help you did if it’s a necessary addition to your outdoor space.

The main advantages of installing pool covers

Maintain temperature

One of the main reasons people install swimming pool covers is for its ability to maintain and even slightly increase the water’s temperature. If a warm pool is a must-have for you, a pool cover can help to significantly reduce your heating bills.

Reduce water loss

It’s not just leaks or excess splashing that cause a drop in your swimming pool water level. Evaporation is a substantial contributor to water loss and if not controlled, it can lead to damage to your skimmers and pump system. Installing pool covers will reduce the water loss that occurs when the pool isn’t in use.

Minimise chlorine consumption

Pool covers reduce the amount of UV light coming into contact with the water.  This is an important advantage as the pool chemical chlorine is degraded when exposed to UV light. This means you won’t be required to add as much chlorine, which can save you time to refill and money purchasing the chemicals. For those considering a saltwater pool, this will mean the chlorinator system will use less energy.

Compare the maintenance required between a saltwater pool and a chlorinated pool. 

Reduced amount of leaf litter  

Another advantage of a pool cover is that they reduce the amount of leaf litter in your water. This not only reduces the number of times you’ll need to empty your automatic cleaner but also reduces the load off your skimmer net, filter and pumps. The amount of chlorine you’ll need will also reduce, saving you both money and time.

The main disadvantages of installing pool covers

Aesthetics

One of the main reasons people avoid installing a pool cover is its impact on the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. Pools are now considered features of a garden and are designed to create a visually cohesive environment. The stock standard off-the-shelf pool cover can be unsightly and even if you have a modern, well-designed product when covered you eliminate the view of the water from inside your home.

The hassle

If you have a standard manual roller cover, the time and effort it takes to take the cover off can make them less appealing. However, modernised rigid designs can be a solution to this.

Lack of space

Depending on the design of your pool cover, you’ll require some space to store it safely out of the way. Most covers now can be built under a deck or even as part of the deck, but if your space is restrictive this can prevent you from installing any form of cover.

Pool design

Today, pools aren’t just designed as simple rectangles. Pools coming in all shapes and sizes which can prove restrictive if considering a cover. You’ll need to find one that fits the dimensions of your design or get a custom pool cover made.

Feature image: Pool by Mermaid Pools