Deciding to cover your pool can seem like a smart choice for maintenance. However, it’s important to know that pool covers can hold very little weight. This article will explore the various downsides of using a pool cover, offering insights and solutions to common problems.
Keep reading; you might be surprised.
Key Takeaways
- Pool covers spoil the look of your garden and need lots of care. You have to put them on and take them off, which is hard work. They also need a place to be stored when you’re not using them.
- Covers for pools with unusual shapes are hard to find and cost more money. You might have to get one specially made, which takes time and extra cash.
- Mesh pool covers let water through but catch leaves and dirt, making cleaning tough. Automatic covers save time but take up a lot of space and can be very expensive.
- Keeping a pool cover in good shape means checking it often, especially after bad weather. This adds more jobs to your list.
- The price of pool covers varies a lot. Basic ones are cheaper, but if you want one that works by itself, you will spend a lot more money.
The Drawbacks of Pool Covers
Pool covers can detract from the aesthetic appeal of a pool and its surroundings. They require regular installation and maintenance, adding to the workload of pool owners. Despite their utility, they necessitate additional space for storage when not in use.
Finding suitable covers for irregularly shaped pools can be challenging and often comes with added costs.
Aesthetics and Appearance
Many people worry about how a pool cover will look in their outdoor space. The heart of the issue is that some covers might spoil the visual appeal of an otherwise beautiful area. Imagine having a sleek, modern landscape—only for it to be thrown off by a pool cover that doesn’t quite fit in.
Different materials and styles can either blend perfectly or clash horribly with your existing décor.
Mesh security covers, while practical for safety, let water through and can make the pool look uninviting. It’s tricky; you want the safety features but might not love how they alter your pool’s appearance.
Not every cover complements the surrounding landscape, affecting the overall aesthetic impact negatively. Deciding on a material or style requires careful thought about its visual effect on your outdoor living area.
Installation and Maintenance Hassles
Installing a pool cover seems straightforward, but it brings its set of challenges. Maintenance is another area where effort increases significantly.
- First up, dealing with installation: It’s not just about laying a cover over the water. For a secure fit, you often need professional help. This turns what should be a simple task into a project requiring scheduling and possibly even landscaping adjustments.
- Handling the cover isn’t easy either: Standard pool covers can be bulky and unwieldy. Imagine trying to fold a giant piece of fabric in the wind – that’s what it can feel like. The process is often more than one person can manage comfortably.
- Maintenance issues sneak up on you: After installing your cover, you might think you’re done, but no. Keeping it clean and in good condition requires regular checks and clean-ups, particularly after storms or heavy winds.
- Water passage through mesh covers poses problems: While mesh security covers allow water to pass through, this feature can backfire. Debris might find its way into your pool, leading to extra cleaning work and potentially clogging filters.
- Aesthetic concerns are real: Pool covers, unless they are custom-made, may not match your garden or pool area design. This could make your relaxing space less appealing.
- Finding the perfect fit is tough for unique pools: If your pool isn’t a standard shape or size, prepare for some frustration. Getting a bespoke cover can be costly and time-consuming.
- Finally, let’s talk costs: All these hassles— from installation to maintenance — add up. Beyond initial purchase prices, consider the ongoing care required to keep the cover functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Requirement of Additional Space
Pool covers, especially the roll-able pool blankets, demand extra room around the pool area. This means you need dedicated space for storage that doesn’t interfere with your enjoyment or use of the garden.
Think about where you’ll keep it when not in use – perhaps you’ll need a special box or shed, adding to pool shelter considerations.
Automatic pool covers come with their own set of requirements; they require a pump on top which also eats into precious space around your swimming area. Planning for this can lead to looking into various pool storage solutions or even considering alternatives that avoid these spatial constraints altogether.
Effective management and organisation of your pool area become key in ensuring that these additions don’t detract from your outdoor experience.
Difficulty in Finding Suitable Covers for Unusual Pool Shapes
Unusual pool shapes bring character to a garden, but they also present a challenge–finding the right cover. Many off-the-shelf options only fit conventional designs. This means owners of nonstandard pools often have to look for tailored solutions.
Customfit covers, designed specifically for unique contours and atypical configurations, become necessary.
Opting for customised pool covers isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring safety and efficiency too. However, this route often leads to higher costs and longer wait times.
Specialty solutions require precise measurements and meticulous crafting to match each irregular shape or unique design perfectly. For those with unconventional pools, the journey towards perfect protection involves extra steps and expense.
Understanding the Costs of Pool Covers
Pool covers come with a price tag that can vary widely. Some options are relatively affordable, starting at just a few hundred dollars. However, for those seeking the convenience of automation, motorised pool covers present an alluring yet costly solution.
These high-end models streamline the process of securing your pool but expect to invest anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000.
On one hand, vinyl security covers offer a solid middle ground in terms of both protection and expense. With prices ranging between $1,200 and $3,000, these durable covers promise longevity—typically lasting 6 to 10 years.
Meanwhile, automatic pool cover costs fluctuate but always prioritise ease for owners. Investing in any type of pool cover is not just about mitigating physical drawbacks; it’s about weighing up financial commitments against the undeniable perks they bring to table—security, cleanliness and energy savings among them.
Conclusion
Covering a swimming pool does come with its drawbacks, from spoiling your garden’s look to the hassle of maintenance. Not every cover fits all pool shapes, and getting one that does can hit your wallet hard.
Also, they’re not foolproof—safety concerns linger for pets and little ones who might venture too close. Despite their intent to protect and maintain, covers often require more work and investment than anticipated.
FAQs
1. Why should I be cautious about using a pool cover?
Using a pool cover requires careful consideration as it can pose safety risks, especially for unsupervised children and pets.
2. Will a pool cover affect the water quality?
Yes, covering a pool for prolonged periods can lead to decreased water circulation and sunlight exposure, potentially causing algae growth and chemical imbalance.
3. Are there any drawbacks to using a pool cover in terms of maintenance?
Indeed, debris accumulation on the cover may increase cleaning efforts whilst also necessitating proper drainage procedures.
4. Can a pool cover lead to structural issues?
Potential strain on the pool’s structure due to excessive weight or improper installation is among the concerns associated with using a cover.
5. What are the environmental impacts of utilising a pool cover?
The use of certain materials in covers and their disposal at the end of their lifespan may raise ecological considerations such as waste generation and environmental footprint.