Swimming pools have a lot of accessories. One of the most important accessories you must have, especially in Arizona, is the pool cover. However, it is not that easy to choose a pool cover because of the vast array of options.
When you go shopping for a pool cover, it is best to familiarise each option first by knowing its pros and cons. So here are the different types of pool covers that you will find, along with their pros and cons.
Mesh Pool Cover
The first pool cover we will be talking about is the mesh pool cover. This is the newest type of in-ground pool cover that you can find today. It is different from the traditional tarp pool cover you are used to, but this cover has its own benefits.
Pros:
- The design of the mesh pool allows snow and rainwater to pass through the material and into the pool. Because of this, pool owners will be able to save a lot of water.
- Mesh pool covers effectively filter leaves and debris from entering the pool while letting water in without overflowing it.
- It has a solid safety design that effectively keeps people from falling into the pool, especially children. In addition, the material used for mesh pool covers is sturdy enough to hold significant weight.
- Despite its sturdy material, mesh pool covers are the most lightweight of all pool covers.
Cons:
- Mesh pool covers are one of the most expensive types of pool cover available.
- A lot of hardware is needed to install it properly on your pool.
- Could not protect your pool liner from the sun’s UV rays. Because of this, expect your pool liner to fade over time even if you installed the pool cover.
Solid Pool Cover
The next pool cover you might want to consider installing on your pool is the solid pool cover. This option is the most common one, making it the traditional pool cover everyone knows about. However, before you choose this option, you might want to know its pros and cons so that you can decide whether it is the right one for you or not.
Pros:
- It is an excellent counterpart of the mesh pool cover. It is as secure and as strong as the mesh pool cover.
- It contains dirty water and prevents it from entering the pool.
- Solid pool covers provide better UV protection which means that your pool liner will not fade quickly.
- Prevent even the tiniest debris from entering the pool.
Cons:
- These pool covers do not last as long as the mesh pool covers. So if you are looking for a more long-term cover, you might want to steer away from the solid pool cover.
- Water and snow can accumulate on top of the cover, which requires to be drained or removed because solid pool covers are made from non-permeable material, which means that water could not penetrate the material. This type of pool cover usually has a submersible pump in the middle that drains all water accumulated on the cover.
- Solid pool covers need initial anchor installation.
- It can damage your pool if you do not drain the water accumulated on top of the pool cover.
Hybrid Pool Cover
The hybrid pool cover is a pool cover that provides you with the best of both worlds. If you figure out that both the mesh and solid cover are the best for you, you might choose the hybrid pool cover. A hybrid pool cover has both the features of the mesh and solid pool cover. Here are the pros and cons of the hybrid pool cover if you choose this option.
Pros:
- The number one pros that this pool cover option will provide is that this cover allows water to pass through the material and into the pool, along with the protection of the solid pool cover. This means that you will never have to drain water out of the cover, and it also protects your pool from UV rays.
- Hybrid pool covers also offer sensitive filtration.
- It is made from a strong material, just like mesh and solid pool covers.
- It supports high amounts of weights, just like mesh and solid covers.
Cons:
- Even more expensive than solid or mesh pool covers.
- If you want to install a hybrid pool cover, it needs to have an initial anchor installation.
Automatic Pool Cover
The automatic pool cover is a type of cover that can be automatically retracted if not in use. This pool cover can be made from mesh, solid or even hybrid. The only thing that makes this option different is its automatic feature. If you want a pool cover that can be rolled in and out with a simple touch of a button, then the automatic pool cover is your best option. However, you might still want to check out its pros and cons just for the sake of deciding whether this would be best or not.
Pros:
- It is simple to put away if you want to swim. You will only need to push the button, and it will automatically retract, and you can now enjoy the pool.
- The automatic pool cover is the only pool cover that is aesthetically pleasing. It does not only offer protection to your pool, but it also makes it look nice and clean.
Cons:
- If mesh and hybrid options are expensive, wait till you see the price tag of the automatic pool cover. You will find automatic pool cover to be out of your budget, so you must know about this before choosing to buy one.
- You will need to hire a professional to install the cover for you. You cannot install it on your own because of its complicated components.
- The automatic pool cover is as difficult to remove as it is to install.
Takeaway
Pool covers come with different materials and different features. Therefore, when shopping for one, you must choose the cover that is within your budget and will provide you with the protection you need for your pool. With this information provided, you are now ready to decide which one suits your needs best.
