Purchasing a pool for your home will provide hours of fun and entertainment for your family and friends, but it also comes with great responsibility. Other than the pool itself, the most important choice you will make is the type of cover that will go over it. Swimming pool covers are an important accessory that provide safety, convenience, and energy efficiency. The three most common categories of pool covers are solid, mesh, and automatic. Each provides different features that will fit what you are looking for based on your main priorities.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of the three most popular pool covers:
Mesh Covers
- Allows sunlight to filter through, warming the water while covered
- Rainwater is able to filter through the holes into your pool
- Eliminates need for a cover pump
- Attached via anchors and springs to be able to support weight
- Light weight for easy installation and removal
Solid Covers
- Eliminates all sunlight, protecting your pool from algae
- Made of tarp-like materials that can be custom-shaped to your pool
- Attached via anchors and springs to be able to support weight
- Requires a cover pump or drain for water removal
Auto Covers
- Operated by computerized program or switch so that only authorized users can uncover the pool
- Often more aesthetically-pleasing, but less of a variety of colors to choose from
- Virtually impossible for anything to penetrate
- Requires a cover pump or drain for water removal
Another consideration would be to purchase two pool covers – one for daily summer use and one for weatherization. Any pool cover is better than none, but you should decide which mixture of safety, convenience and efficiency is right for you.
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