Pool covers are an essential part of pool ownership. First and foremost, they provide safety, preventing people and animals from accidentally falling into the pool. Next, they keep debris out of the pool, making maintenance easier. Lastly, they are necessary to get your pool through the winter in good shape. If you have done any research on pool safety covers, you probably have come to the easy conclusion that they are an essential accessory for your pool. The question is, how do you choose the right one? In addition, you may be wondering how much does a pool safety cover cost?
Mesh Pool Safety Covers
The cost of a mesh cover will be between $1,200-$3,000. They can be custom-made to fit the shape of your pool. A mesh cover is lightweight and can be folded up for storage. It is secured over the pool by a series of anchors and cords that hold it in place. It is porous, which means that rain, snow, and runoff will get into your pool water, while larger pieces of debris will not. If you want to avoid a green algae/bacteria stew when you remove the cover in the spring, you will have to continue to balance your water chemistry throughout the time the pool is covered. A mesh pool safety cover tends to last 10-15 years.
Solid Vinyl Pool Safety Covers
A solid vinyl pool cover costs just slightly more than a mesh cover at $1,200-$3,500. It is custom-fit to the shape of your pool and held in place by anchors and cords. Its solid construction means that water and snowfall will not get into your pool water, making pool opening in the spring less of a hassle. The solid cover not only blocks debris, but also UV light, which cuts down on algae growth. You may have to have a portable pump accessory to remove standing water and melted snow. The solid pool covers are stronger and heavier than the mesh covers, but can still be folded up for storage. Their life span is typically 7-11 years, but the convenience of an easier pool opening may be a tempting trade-off.
Automatic Pool Safety Covers
The automatic pool cover offers the same features as the solid cover described above, with a few big advantages. One, you can open and close it with the touch of a button. Two, there is the convenience that it rolls up into itself at one end of the pool, eliminating the need to store it elsewhere. Three, you can use the automatic cover year-round on your in-ground pool. An additional benefit of an automatic pool cover is that it can reduce your pool’s chemical consumption and the amount of energy needed to filter it. As if that wasn’t enough, you could extend your swim season and save on pool heating costs.
An automatic pool cover will cost from $12,000 up to $20,000, depending on the size and features included. You may have to replace the vinyl material cover after 6 to 9 years at a cost of up to $5,000. Also, since there are more moving parts than mesh or solid covers, there may be needed service costs over time. In spite of its price tag, the ease, convenience, and long-term energy savings of this type of cover still make it a very tempting option.
When it comes to choosing your pool safety cover, there is more to consider than “How much does a pool safety cover cost”? Your budget is certainly a factor, but you also want to think about what overall features are important to you. Maintenance requirements, ease of operation, and the cost over time for utilities and chemicals are all important factors. When you have questions about pool covers, the experts at Aqua Pools are on hand to help. Let us help you make the right choice for your pool.