The Pros and Cons of Automatic Pool Covers
- mike
- 14 minutes ago
- 3 min read
AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS
Automatic Pool Covers are a great option to add to your pool project for quite a few reasons but like everything in life there are disadvantages to owning an automatic pool cover too. To help sort out the pros and cons and to help you decide if an automatic pool cover is right for you we create this great article " The Pros and Cons of Automatic Pool Covers".
PROS OF OWNING AN AUTOMATIC POOL COVER
Safety: Automatic pool covers provide an added layer of safety by preventing unwanted access to your pool. Once the pool cover is closed no one can access the pool
Energy Efficiency: Automatic Pool Covers help retain heat in your pool, reducing heating costs and maintaining a comfortable water temperature for a lower operating cost.
Debris Protection: Automatic Pool Covers help keep the majority of leaves, dirt, and debris out of the pool, reducing the amount of time you spend cleaning your pool.
Water Conservation: Automatic Pool Covers greatly minimize evaporation, helping to conserve water and reduce the frequency of refilling the pool.
Convenience: Automatic operation allows for quick and easy covering and uncovering of the pool, making it user-friendly.
CONS OF OWNING AN AUTOMATIC POOL COVER
Initial Cost: The upfront cost of purchasing and installing an automatic pool cover can be high compared to manual covers. Most automatic pool covers cost between 19 and 23 thousand dollars.
Maintenance: While they reduce debris, the mechanisms of automatic covers require regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning.
Potential for Malfunction: Electronic components may fail, leading to costly repairs or operational issues.
Weight Limitations: Some covers may not support the weight of individuals walking on them, posing a risk if misused.
Limited Aesthetic Appeal: Depending on the design, some automatic covers may not blend seamlessly with the pool area.
Wear Components: Automatic Pool Cover Fabric will need to be replaced every 5-6 years on average and that can cost upwards of $6-$7k dollars. The fabric will wear out quicker if its used as a winter too!
Water Chemistry Issues: Automatic Pool Covers are great at sealing up the pool, almost too great at times. Automatic Pool Covers need to be left open at least a few times each week. If not, the pool chemicals can build up because they are trapped under the cover and not allowed to "gas off". If this happens for an extended period of time it can lead to damage to the finish of your pool.
Salt Water Incompatible: Most major manufacturers of Automatic Pool Covers are not compatible with salt water pools. There is even language in the warranties of auto covers that void warranties if a salt water system is used in conjunction with an automatic pool cover. This is due to the corrosive tendency of salt water. Over time automatic pool cover components will begin to deteriorate and need to be replace which can be costly. Our advice is to avoid a salt water system in general.
POOL COVER TIPS
NO WINTER COVER: Do not use your automatic pool cover as a winter cover. This will help save
wear and tear that will shorten the life of your automatic pool covers fabric which will lead to you
replacing it more frequently
FLOODED COVER: Do not operate a flooded pool cover. Do not allow your water features to flow onto the pool cover.
COVER PUMP: Keep your cover pump on the pool and plugged it at all times. This will help
keep water off of the top of the cover and to reduce the risk of someone drowning on top of the
cover.
MORAL OF THE STORY
While Automatic Pool Covers are great they do come with some downside. As long as you are aware of the good and the bad this will allow you make an educated decision on if an automatic pool cover is right for your pool project.
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