Above Ground Swimming Pool Cover Information
During the summer many families spend time near a pool. Whether you have an above ground swimming pool at home or you swim at the neighbors or at grandma's house there's always an element of danger in being around an open body of water.
Every summer you hear of tragic incidents of accidental drowning in backyard pools. The good news is the fact that by using safety precautions most of these accidents are preventable.
Layers of protection
A properly installed and secured above ground swimming pool cover will stop toddlers from falling in, although the cover should not be the only safety barrier around a pool. Other layers of protection around an above ground swimming pool should include:
- Perimeter fencing
- Locked exterior doors
- Self latching gates
- Pool cover
Save energy
Safety isn't a pool cover's only virtue. Especially in hot, humid climates, an uncovered above ground swimming pool lets costly water and energy disappear into thin air! A cover can save heating energy by slowing evaporation and radiation to cooler temps at night by collecting and retaining soar heat.
Types of covers
There are three general types of above ground pool swimming pool covers: fabric covers, mesh covers and solar blankets. Fabric covers and mesh covers are considered safety covers because they are capable of supporting weight.
- Fabric covers. Solid fabric covers are usually made of vinyl and are the most durable above ground swimming pool cover. These covers come in various sizes and weights made to fit above ground swimming pools. Tracks for fabric covers can be installed on surrounding decking to retract automatically or manually.
- Mesh covers. Mesh above ground swimming pool covers are made of close-weave polypropylene reinforced at intervals by webbing. They are manually installed and held trampoline-taut with anchors, clips or springs. Because of the mesh fabric, no water accumulates on the surface and debris can easily be removed.
- Solar blankets. The solar blanket looks like bubble wrap and is an effective insulator. Solar blankets float on the water's surface and cannot support the weight of someone who falls on top.
Using an above ground swimming pool safety cover will help prevents accidents and as an added benefit will save you maintenance and clean up time in the spring.