The right swimming pool cover does more than just keep leaves and debris out of the water in the off-season. It keeps children or animals from falling in and becoming trapped underwater. Some automatic covers can be used to prevent evaporation and heat loss as well. To help you reduce maintenance and increase household safety, below are some tips to help you choose a pool cover. 

3 Tips for Selecting a Swimming Pool Cover

1. Weight Limits

Pool covers are designed to support various weight limits. Sturdy models attached to the deck with higher weight limits offer greater safety in case of a mishap. For instance, if someone should fall into the pool with a simple tarp held by water bags, they could submerge, become wrapped in the cover, and suffer serious or fatal injuries. If you're concerned about the safety of children, pets, or wildlife, be sure to buy a cover rated and secured to support sufficient weight.

2. Safety Cover Material

Mesh safety covers allow water to drain through but also allow sunlight as well. This can result in algae growth, even when the pool is covered. Pools with this style will likely incur higher chemical costs with the opening to get back to clean and clear water.

Solid covers block the sunlight and prevent off-season algae growth, but will require the rain and snow melt to be pumped off. An automatic cover pump is recommended to ensure that you do not damage your cover with excessive water weight.

3. Convenience

Most standard and safety swimming pool covers must be applied and removed by hand. This can take from several minutes up to an hour, which could prove frustrating if you must install and uninstall the cover frequently.

Automatic models can be rolled up using a motorized roller, which speeds up and simplifies the process considerably and allows for realistic use during the summer too. If you intend to cover the pool nightly for the sake of safety, evaporation, and cleanliness, consider the more convenient type of cover. 

If you're looking for a quality swimming pool cover, contact Mid-States Pool Services in the Greater Cincinnati area for help selecting the type you want. They have served the Tri-State area since 1988, offering swimming pool maintenance and repair and pool opening and closing services. They also service pool heaters. To learn more about the company, stop by their website or call (513) 521-7000 for a consultation.