Ways to cover your pool in winter

• Tarp with water bags
• Safety Cover Mesh
• Safety Cover Solid with or without drain panels
• Retractable Enclosures (not covered)

Tarp

   Tarps come in two types, solid and mesh. These covers sit on top of the pool water and are held in place with water bags or tubes placed around the perimeter of the pool.

• Pros – Depending on the size they usually sell for $100.00 to $300.00 with the water bags.  And, if you take care when removing the debris and water off the solid cover before opening the pool, the pool water should be clean and clear.
• Cons –  They don’t last very long and usually need to be replaced every 2-4 years. Water bags don’t last so you will have to be replaced a number of bags every year. It requires a lot of work to remove all debris and water from this cover when opening pool.
• Safety – They are not safe. They pose a great danger to the elderly, children, and even pets. If you fall in the cover sinks in around you and if there is water on the cover you could drown.

Safety Covers

   Mesh is the most popular however you can also get Solid, and Solid with drain panels. Note: Don’t go with any light or super light mesh it’s a waste of money if you interested in safety.

Mesh

   These are the most popular and least expensive of the safety covers. Water passes through these covers but it blocks debris from getting in the pool.

• Pros – They are durable covers that will last for years if you take care of them. Once they are installed you can put it on or take it off in no time. There is no slimy standing water with leafs or bugs on them. The mesh covers weigh less than any of the other safety covers.
• Cons – If you get a thinner mesh it will allows quite a bit of dust and sunlight through. Sunlight will allow algae to grow and the dust (dirt) will coat the bottom of the pool. If it rains a lot before the temperature drops you might have to pump some water out of your pool, you don’t want a high freeze line.
• Safety – They are very safe, that’s why they are called safety covers.
• Note – If you get a thicker mesh they don’t drain as good as less dense mesh cover so they could clog with dirt and pollen.

Solid

   Solid is not hard it’s just not porous, so it will not allow water pass through them. Don’t worry they are just as easy to manage as the mesh type safety covers. Solid covers will require a pump to remove melted snow and accumulated rain water.

• Pros – These covers keep out all water, dirt and sunlight and are as strong as the best mesh cover.
• Cons – These covers cost a lot more than the best mesh cover. They are also heavier and little harder to handle. You need to use a pump and you can’t leave it on the cover. You should keep the water off of the cover so you need to drain both rain water and melting ice.
• Safety – They are very safe, that’s why they are called safety covers.
• Note – Solid with Drains is the same as solid but the drains will help minimizes the need to pump the water off of the cover.

Retractable Enclosures (not covered)