Pool owners in Vancouver and the rest of BC’s lower mainland are probably well aware of how much difference a pool cover can make each season. Before you may have just thought of a typical pool cover as a large tarpaulin sheet you place over the pool in winter. These days you actually have lots to choose from when it comes to pool covers. To help you find the right one for you, take a look at these five pool covers and the pros and cons of each one.

5 Common Swimming Pool Covers (Pros & Cons)

1. Mesh Covers

One of the newest types of pool covers for in-ground pools in particular is known as a mesh safety cover. This cover differs from a traditional tarp cover in how it actually allows water and melted snow to pass through the mesh into the pool. This is by design, and it can be beneficial for pool owners looking to save water when the time comes to fill the pool in the spring.

Pros: The mesh filters our debris while letting the water fill the pool gradually, without overflowing, over the winter. This means pool owners can save on water costs each year. The solid safety design of this pool cover also can keep people safe from falling in the pool. The cover itself can hold a significant amount of weight without issue, keeping you safe from pool-related accidents and injuries.
Cons: This is definitely one of the most expensive pools cover options, and it requires some hardware installation around your pool in order to work properly. Also, the mesh itself protects from solid objects and debris, but it won’t reflect any UV rays, meaning your pool liner can fade over time, even under the cover.

2. Solid Covers

The solid pool cover is certainly a more traditional option, but it still shares a lot of similarities with the mesh style cover. Rather than letting water pass through, the solid vinyl keeps everything out of the pool, including water. As the water and/or melted snow collects on top, a pump will drain it away so it doesn’t accumulate and damage the pool.

Pros: This solid option is just as secure and strong as the mesh counterpart, and it prevents even the finest debris from getting in the pool. It also provides superior UV protection, preserving the internal liner and colour of your in-ground pool.
Cons: This solid cover won’t last as long or age as well as the mesh cover. You may also encounter situations where you regularly have to drain the water from the surface, or risk damage to your pool, the cover or the anchor system keeping the cover in place.

3. Hybrid Covers

Many people who can’t decide if the mesh or solid in-ground pool cover is the best option usually opt for a hybrid cover. This cover is water permeable like the mesh cover but offers the protection of a solid cover as well.

Pros: Best of both worlds in terms of water drainage, secure protection and UV resistance.
Cons: Probably the most expensive option, and it still requires extensive installation for secure anchorage.

4. Automatic Covers

For a pool cover that comes with even more bells and whistles than the hybrid cover, you may consider the automatic pool cover. This cover can be made solid, mesh or hybrid to give you the exact type of protection you need while being automatically rolled out or retracted at the touch of a button. The cover can run on a track that lies above the pool, or one that is recessed below the edge of the pool deck.

Pros: Simple to use due to automatic push-button control and by far the most aesthetically pleasing option.
Cons: This option is by far the most expensive, and if a problem occurs it is usually not a quick or inexpensive fix. It is also difficult to remove once installed, so make sure you are willing to commit to an automatic cover for years before purchasing.

5. Winter Covers

Finally, we come to the traditional, tried and tested seasonal winter covers. The basic tarp used for this kind of pool cover is versatile enough to be used for both in-ground and above ground pools.

Pros: The inexpensive winter cover is easy to install and does a great job of blocking UV rays which promote algae growth.
Cons: This is the option with the shortest lifespan, as the tarp usually needs to be replaced every five years or so. The water weights that anchor the tarp will also require more frequent replacing about every other year. Finally, this option can support next to no significant weight.

The experts at GRN Pool & Landscape can provide you with expert advice about which pool cover option will be ideal for your needs. To find out more about pool installation, feel free to contact the GRN pool install experts directly via phone or email today.