With the growing interest in private pools, the market for pool accessories has also expanded. One such accessory is the pool cover, which may not be an obvious choice for all new pool owners. Despite this, the benefits become apparent upon closer inspection, which explains why so many choose to invest in one.
A pool cover typically consists of a structure with aluminum profiles and plastic glazing. Although design, size, and function can vary, they all share common benefits. They contribute to increased safety by preventing accidents, especially for children and pets, by creating a barrier against the pool. Additionally, they help preserve the heat in the water and protect against debris that would otherwise contaminate the pool.
To protect your pool and thereby extend the swimming season, a pool cover can be an excellent investment. Whether you're looking for a pool cover 4x8, a smaller pool cover 3x6, or a larger pool cover 5x10, there are options to meet different needs and pool sizes.
Extend the swimming season
Once you have a pool, the desire is naturally to maximize its use throughout the year. Given our changeable climate and sometimes cool summers, a pool cover can be a beneficial solution. It helps insulate against the cold and preserves the heat in the water for longer periods. This means the water heats up faster in the spring, allowing for an earlier start to the swimming season, as early as April, and an extension well into the fall. The result is maximum use and enjoyment of the pool.
The material affects the insulation capacity
The insulation capacity of a pool cover is directly linked to the material it is made from. The most common materials are channel plastic and clear plastic.
Channel plastic, made from polycarbonate with built-in air gaps, offers unique insulation. However, its opacity can be seen as an aesthetic drawback, which often leads many to prefer clear plastic.
Clear plastic is a transparent, solid sheet, either of polycarbonate or SAN (a type of acrylic). Polycarbonate is extremely robust and impact-resistant but has a higher cost than SAN, which is more affordable but also more fragile. Both materials give the pool an elegant appearance, but their insulation capacity is not comparable to that of channel plastic.
The choice thus involves a trade-off between advantages and disadvantages. Channel plastic offers good insulation but less transparency, while clear plastic provides transparency but poorer insulation. If clear plastic is chosen, one can also choose between polycarbonate for durability at a higher cost, or SAN for a lower cost but with increased fragility. These considerations are central to the decision-making process.
Design and construction
There are a range of different roof heights to choose from: low, ultra-low, high, and full-height roofs. The choice of roof height is guided by personal preferences. However, it is important to note that some municipalities may require a building permit for roofs exceeding 1 meter in height, and in some cases even for lower heights. Therefore, it is advisable to check the applicable regulations in your municipality before proceeding with planning.
A low roof is suitable for those who wish to be able to see over the roof, for example, towards the garden. A higher roof, on the other hand, allows the possibility to enter and swim in the pool without having to slide the roof away. Higher roofs are often more rounded in shape, which prevents snow accumulation and facilitates runoff. It is worth noting that in cold and snowy regions, higher roofs require less maintenance compared to lower, flatter roofs. Heavy snow can pose a problem, so good runoff is crucial if you want to avoid regular snow removal.
As evident, there are many aspects to consider when acquiring a pool cover. The benefits are extensive, including increased safety, easier maintenance, and more efficient heating. Above all, it contributes to an extended swimming season and increased convenience, making it a highly appreciated investment.
