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Protect Your Children And Your Investment With Swimming Pool Safety Covers
One of the leading causes of death and injury to children under the age of 14 is drowning according to the CDC. A swimming pool safety cover can prevent these needless tragedies. There are several types of safety covers available from which you may chose. Standard sized rectangular covers are less expensive than custom covers, but be aware that many manufacturers void the warranty if you use a rectangular cover on a free form, Grecian or oval pool.
The two basic types of safety covers are the mesh cover and the vinyl cover. Vinyl covers are usually not considered to be true swimming pool safety covers since water can accumulate on the surface of the cover. Some vinyl covers are available with a mesh panel in the center which allows water to drain into the pool. There are also pumps which will pump water off the cover. The pumps usually work on a sensor and turn on when they sense the presence of water on the cover.
Mesh swimming pool safety covers protect your pool from leaves and debris while allowing water to drain into the pool. All safety covers are required to be able to support 485 lbs per 5 sq. ft. of pool cover. Safety covers are pulled taut above the water level of the pool and fasten into the pool deck with anchors and loops. Mesh covers may allow silt to filter into the pool when it is not in use for long periods.
Safety covers need to be installed and removed with a special tool and cannot be accidently dislodged. There are also safety pool nets available which fasten to the anchors in your deck and prevent small children from accidently falling into the pool. The nets do not provide protection for the pool itself as the covers do. They stretch above the water and their only function is to protect children and toddlers. The nets are lighter and easier to install than the safety pool covers, but they do not take the place of a swimming pool safety cover.
There are automatic swimming pool safety covers available. These covers roll up on a reel and fasten into tracks on the sides of your pool. They operate with electricity and a key which is used to turn them on. While automatic covers provide convenience, they are considerably more expensive than standard safety covers.
Swimming pool safety covers not only protect against accidents, they also protect your pool from the elements. They prevent debris from getting into the pool and help prevent evaporation. Many have UV protection built in to protect your pool from algae and your liner from fading. The covers are available in several attractive colors.
If you have a swimming pool, whether in ground or above ground, you need a pool cover. The investment in a swimming pool safety cover is well worth the cost. It provides the best protection for your pool and for your family and it will last for years. If you have a pool and you don’t have a swimming pool safety cover, you should consider buying one before it’s time to close your pool for the winter.
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Solar pool covers save energy and water when you use them. They have to be removed before you use your pool. It can be difficult for one person to remove the cover or put it back in place. That’s why you need a solar cover reel. Solar cover reels make it easy to remove your solar cover and put it in place. They also keep the cover neatly out of the way when you aren’t using it.
There are reels available for in ground pools and above ground pools with full decks. Most reels are portable so they can be moved for winter storage. The solar cover reels keep your solar cover or blanket wrapped tightly keeping it clean and out of the way. They also extend the life of your solar cover which may be damaged by pulling or folding.
There are a number of options available for solar reels. You may choose an automatic reel. The automatic reel operates on water power. You simply hook up a garden hose to the reel and flip the lever. It takes the automatic reel about one minute to roll up your solar pool cover and the water it uses goes back into your pool. This takes all the hassle out of removing your solar cover and makes it simple to put the cover back in place when you are done.
Other reels operate with a hand crank. These are easy to use and work on any pool which has a full deck. Rolling your solar pool cover onto the reel is a snap and it can be done by any adult. No help is needed. When you put your cover away for the winter, you may also purchase a tarp which rolls around the reel and fastens to protect your solar cover from tears and damage while it is being stored.
Solar cover reels are available in a variety of sizes to fit most pools. Most reels come equipped with wheels which makes them easy to move when you want them out of the way or when it’s time to store your cover. The reels are even available for some above ground pools without decks. Solar covers can extend the season of your pool by keeping the water warmer and reels make it simple to always keep your pool covered when it’s not in use.
Most reels are made from heavy duty, light weight aluminum. Some are available in steel. Low profile reels for in ground pools will fit under most diving boards keeping the reel out of the way when the pool is in use. All reels are designed to be operated by one person making pool owners more likely to use their solar cover appropriately.
Solar pool cover reels encourage use of your solar pool cover which prevents evaporation of water and chemicals from your pool and keeps your pool warm without the use of your heater. They also keep your pool cleaner and extend the season for use of your pool. If you have a solar pool cover, shouldn’t you have a reel too?
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The greatest loss of heat and water from your swimming pool is due to evaporation. Even when the sun is shining down, the water reflects much of it’s warmth and evaporation causes significant cooling of the water and water loss. A solar pool cover can help capture the heat of the sun and stop much of the evaporation saving energy, water and money.
A solar pool cover may also be called a solar blanket. Solar covers are not safety covers and lay on top of the water in your pool. They do not attach to the pool. Solar covers must be removed before using the pool. They are relatively light weight and reels are available to make it simple for only one adult to remove the cover.
Solar pool covers look like large sheets of bubble wrap. They are usually transparent, but are available in colors. The air in the covers absorbs warmth from the sun and transfers it to the water. The plastic of the cover prevents water from evaporating. Users of solar covers have reported savings of between 40% and 70% on the cost of heating their pools.
Most solar pool covers are sold in standard rectangular sizes. There are other solutions for pools that are irregularly shaped. There are round solar pads with magnetic edges that can be tossed into the pool and will act as a solar cover. While these discs are not quite as effective as a standard solar blanket, they still can save a significant amount of energy. In addition to the round pads, there are liquid filled solar “fish”. These fish shaped solar collectors are not effective at preventing evaporation, but they will collect and disburse solar heat and can be left in the pool while it is in use.
Solar pool covers can be used for outdoor and indoor pools and work for in ground or above ground pools. There are some standard size round covers available for above ground pools. In indoor pools, solar blankets not only help keep the water warm and prevent evaporation, they cut down on the need for ventilation by reducing the humidity of the room when the pool is not in use.
One advantage of using a solar pool cover is that you can extend the season for the use of your pool. The solar heat will warm the water during the day, and the blanket will eliminate evaporation during the night keeping the water warm. Instead of only using your pool during the hottest summer months you can open it early in the spring and close it down later in the fall.
If your pool is oddly shaped or if you don’t want to bother with a solar cover, there is a liquid solar pool cover that can be added to your pool water. The liquid cover is not as effective as the blanket, but it will help keep the water warm and cut down on evaporation. It is safe and will not harm people, animals or the environment. There is no reason not to use a solar pool cover for your pool.