Should you have a pool cover? It’s a question the swimming pool contractors from Tipton Pools in Knoxville, TN get asked regularly. They believe that the answer is always, “:yes.” A swimming pool cover performs more than one duty, especialy depending on the type and style you invest in. A swimming pool cover can keep the pool free of leaves and debris, help it retain heat, slow the rate of evaporation, help you use fewer chemicals and can even be an additional layer of safety.
Swimming pools consume a lot of energy and that’s why it’s important to be diligent with pool cover usage especially if you want to keep control of your electric bill.
Should you have a pool cover?
It only makes sense that the largest reason for energy loss in a swimming pool is through evaporation and from the surface of the water. If you heat your pool water, it makes even more sense to cover it to trap the heat. If you heat water by only one degree, it takes 1 BTU per pound of water – for each pound of water that evaporates; from an 80 degree Fahrenheit pool, you lose 1,048 BTUs of heat – and that really adds up! Pool covers save both energy and water by reducing the rate at which water evaporates. Covering the pool when it’s not in use allows you to significantly reduce the energy required to keep the pool at a swim-friendly temperature. With proper pool cover use you could save up to 50% on your heating bill (from the amount having a pool has added to your home’s original electric usage).
What style pool cover should you get?
There are many styles from which to choose, but if you want to go low-tech, a large, thick plastic sheet can be used; this will provide no measure of safety and is not a great option. It is not easy to put on, take off or store, but in a pinch you could use one. For the long term health of your pool and potential money-saving you will want to invest in a better cover. You can buy a cover off the internet, from most any pool supply store or your pool maintenance professional might even have access to them. Solar covers are very popular as they heat the water as well as protect it from debris; they offer no safety measure, though.
If your pool cover is aging, it might be time to look into an upgrade as there have been technology updates in covers. Invest in an automatic pool cover — one that will open and close at the push of a button. These covers glide across recessed tracks housed under the pool’s coping. Another option to consider is a safety cover, and if you have pets or children in the household, these make sense. A safety cover works the same as the other covers, but it can also support the weight of people – handy if a child walks out into the pool area without proper supervision.
Talk with us if you’re looking to invest in your first pool cover, if you want to upgrade your current cover or if you want to add automatic technology to make it easier to open and close the cover.