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The Pros and Cons of a Pool Cover

An increasing number of individuals are opting to include a pool cover for their aquatic oasis. There are four types to choose from, solid, mesh, solar and winter. Any of the four can be beneficial, depending upon the intended purpose.

There are covers that must be applied manually and those that are automated. Some types of pool covers can even be walked on and provide an added level of safety for households with children and pets. It’s important to note that pool covers aren’t without their own maintenance requirements and pool owners will need to decide if a pool cover is right for them.

Pros

Swimming pools lose a significant amount of water through simple evaporation when they’re not in use. That means owners will need to replenish the water supply and that infusion can upset the chemical balance of the pool. A pool cover reduces water lost through evaporation when the pool isn’t in use.

A solar pool cover is the most common and popular type of cover. It works by absorbing the heat from sunlight and transferring the warmth to the pool water. They’re effective for saving money on heating costs and can be used in conjunction with a pool heater. A solar pool cover can increase the warmth of the water by up to 8 degrees.

Pool covers prevent leaves and debris from falling directly into the pool, which lessens the burden on filters and skimmers. They’re also helpful for preventing damage that can occur to pumps if the water level falls below the height of skimmers.

Cons

Pool covers require care and maintenance to keep them looking good and to ensure they’re performing their intended task. Unless owners have installed a solid pool cover, individuals will need to physically remove leaves and debris that accumulate on the cover. Rainwater will also need to be pumped off to prevent the cover from incurring damage from debris and to keep it from sagging.

Depending on the type of cover used, if left on over long periods of time, the cover can contribute to the build-up of algae, precipitating the need for additional chemicals. Other types of covers have the reverse effect. They prevent UV rays from entering that feeds algae growth, thereby reducing the need for vacuuming and chemicals.

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The Perfect Temp all Year Long

A heater is the ideal solution for a swimming pool if it’s going to be used year-round. They keep the water at an even temperature, allowing people to swim, stay fit, and entertain whenever the mood strikes. There are different types of swimming pool heaters and individuals will have to make a decision on which is best for their particular situation.

Solar Pool Heaters

Powered by the sun, solar pool heaters can be real energy savers and pay for themselves in 1.5 to 7 years, depending upon prevailing electricity costs. They can be extremely cost-effective. A solar pool heating system involves the installation of solar panels, typically on the roof of your house.

They’ll require a specially designed system to accommodate the size of the pool, the temperature owners want to maintain, and the orientation of the solar collectors. There may also be specific codes and regulations governing their usage. Solar heaters typically last longer than heat pumps and gas heaters and can also be used to cool the pool.

Gas Pool Heaters

A gas pool heater operates on natural gas or propane and has the benefit of heating pools faster than solar options or a heat pump when water is initially heated. They provide on-demand heating and remain the most popular method. A knowledgeable professional will be required to determine the appropriate size of the system.

An expert will factor in humidity levels, night temperatures, wind exposure, and the volume of water to be warmed, along with the desired water temperature. Scaling in the heat exchanger or burner can reduce efficiency over time.

Heat Pumps

They’re energy-efficient and utilize heat from the surrounding air to warm the water. They’re particularly effective in warmer climates, but not when the air temperature is 50 degrees or less. A professional is required to determine the size pump that will fit the volume of water to be heated and for the desired temperatures.

Temperatures can fluctuate due to multiple factors ranging from the time of day, the number of swimmers, seasonal variations in ground water temperatures, and the amount of water that may have been replaced in the pool due to splashing and evaporation. They can also be combined with solar elements.

Pool Guys of Palm Beach | Lake Worth, FL

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