When you’re talking with a pool contractor about the budget you have for the construction of your Memphis, Tennessee swimming pool, he or she will likely tell you that you need a pool cover. The swimming pool contractors from Advanced Pool Care understand why you need to invest in a pool cover and there are a myriad of reasons!
Swimming pool covers:
- Could keep a pet or child from falling into the water
- Keep the water cleaner
- Will cut back on the amount of chemicals you need to use
- Could help save money on pool water heating costs
Swimming pools lose heat in a myriad of ways with the largest cause of energy loss through water evaporation. To heat water by only one degree, it takes 1 BTU per pound of water – for each pound of water that evaporates, however, from an 80 degree Fahrenheit pool, you lose 1,048 BTUs of heat – and that really adds up! That means the pool is losing heat and you also need to keep refilling it — that is a hit to your home budget, right?
Why you need to invest in a pool cover
- As mentioned, pool covers save energy and water by reducing the rate at which water evaporates. By covering the pool when it’s not in use, you significantly reduce the amount of energy required to keep the pool at a swim-friendly temperature. With proper pool cover use you could save up to 50% on your heating bill (from the amount having a pool has added to your home’s original electric usage).
- There are different styles of pool covers to choose from but if you want to go low-tech, a large, thick plastic sheet can be used. It’s not the best option because it’s not easy to put on, take off or store. In a pinch you could use one but for the long term, it’s not the best choice.
- You can buy a cover off the internet, from most any pool supply store but you may want to talk with your local swimming pool contractor as he or she can measure your pool to ensure you’re getting the cover that fits properly and that will keep the pool safely covered.
- Decide whether you want or need a pool safety cover (these are a good idea when there are pets or children in the house.
- Solar pool covers are popular as a way to cover the pool and heat the water.
As with all pieces of pool equipment, you will need to replace the cover after a few years of use. The sun will be beating down on the top of it and the underside will be continually exposed to water and pool chemicals and that will damage its integrity.
Ask us about the installation of an electric pool cover retractor. Yes, this will be an additional expense, but if the cover is easy to get on and off you’re more likely to use it. A swimming pool cover can be heavy and unweildly and that is what causes many people to not use it as diligently as they should.
