Energy Efficiency Specialist and Consultant, Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Consultant, Assessment and Installation of Compliant Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Equipment, Swimming Pool Service, Repair, Pool Openings, Pool Closings, Winter Cover Installation, Coverstar Dealer and Installer, Heater Repair, Hot Tub Repair, Master Spa Service, Anti-Entrapment Covers for Main Drain Installation, Automatic Pump Shutoff Installations, Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) Installations, Pool Kits and Accessories, Pool Deck Resurfacing, Refinishing of Swimming Pool SurfaceOur Location: Kingsport Tennessee

Tuesday, September 9

Safety Covers vs Winter Covers

So, exactly what is a Safety Cover?


A Safety Cover is simply a woven mesh or solid vinyl winter cover that can be used on all inground and some aboveground pools. It is designed to be pulled taut across the pool, and is secured with straps to anchors that you install around the pool's perimeter. Safety Covers not only prevent leaves & debris from getting into your pool water while your pool is closed, they are also designed to prevent accidental submersion, providing an extra level of protection for your family, neighbors, pets and area wildlife.


They offer:
*Superior Protection for Conscientious Pool Owners
*Ideal for all Inground Pools & some decked Aboveground Pools
*Use for both winter shutdown & extended periods of non-use during the swim season
*A More Tailored, Attractive Look than Standard Winter Covers can Provide


Safety Covers Need Approximately 36" of Concrete Decking, Wood, Pavers, or other Suitable Rock Around the Perimeter of the Pool.




What are the Differences Between Solid & Mesh Safety Covers?



Both mesh and solid Safety Covers offer their own benefits. Deciding on the type of material is an important step in choosing the Safety Cover that's right for your pool, your situation:



Mesh Safety Covers: Mesh material is generally lighter and easier to handle than solid material, which means you'll have an easier time getting your new Safety Cover on and off your pool. Mesh material also allows rainwater and melting snow to pass through the cover into the pool, saving on resources and eliminating the need for a cover pump. Safety Covers made from mesh material are also typically less expensive than solid Safety Covers.



Solid Safety Covers: Solid material's big advantage is that it prevents sunlight & fine particles from entering the pool, which helps keep your pool water clean over the winter by preventing dirt and algae accumulation. With a Cover made from solid material, water is kept off the Cover either through use of a drain panel (mesh panel(s) built into the cover) or a cover pump.



Why Should I Buy a Safety Cover for my Pool?

A Safety Cover offers you several important benefits that are simply not available with a standard "tarp-style" Winter Cover:

*Protects your Investment: Safety Covers provide superior protection from the elements during the off-season, keeping your pool and pool equipment in peak condition, and making for an easy, predictable pool opening each spring.
*Safeguards your Family & Pets: Safety Covers form an impenetrable barrier that gives your family, neighbors and pets unparalleled protection from accidental submersion.
*Saves Time & Effort: Safety Covers are simple to use, so you'll spend less time struggling with pool closing & opening chores.
*Saves Money in the Long Run: Because Safety Covers last for years, they pay for themselves in just a few seasons - and give you trouble-free performance, season after season – unlike many standard winter covers.
*Gives a More Tailored "Look": Many pool owners prefer the neater, more tailored and finished look that a Safety Cover provides during the off-season. Standard winter covers simply can't give you this benefit.



Standard Winter Covers offer some protection from the elements: however, the main concern with these covers is the lack of safety. Should someone or something, (a child or pet), walk/fall/step onto a cover of this type, more than likely they will end up in the pool or worse...under the cover, trapped and panicking. These covers are typically help in place by weighted bags filled with water, doing a sufficient job holding the cover down during bad weather, but they usually cannot support the weight of even a small child. (The most vulnerable and likely one the try and crawl onto the cover.) They also require a pump to drain off rain and snow trapped by cover. But that pales in comparison to the safety issue.


My recommendation is the safety cover by Coverstar. The wonderful thing about Coverstar's system is when you are not using your pool, you can lock it down.

It has:

*A Secured Key Switch: No need to worry about unsafe or unauthorized access to a Coverstar safety cover because the power key switch is located in a lockable box.
*An ASTM Safety Cover Material: Coverstar systems use only cover fabric which is tested and certified to meet the American standard for testing and materials (ASTM) standard for safety pool covers.
*A Secured Key Switch: No need to worry about unsafe access to a Coverstar safety cover because the power key switch is located in a lockable box.

Ebay has an excellent selection of swimming pool supplies, including some excellent pool safety covers. Just be sure to check out the seller's rep, read the description carefully and ask any necessary questions--I've found several well priced safety covers and winter covers --including brand new ones on Ebay. Swimming Pool Safety Covers on Ebay

Feel free to email me if you have any questions or would like recommendations about what kind of cover would work best for your own pool at service@callthepoolguy.com
The Pool Guy, TN

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