How to Choose the Best Inground Pool Covers

Swimming pool owners are aware that the ideal upkeep of their facilities is essential to ensure that they’re in swim-ready condition. So, even during the cold months, pools need upkeep. This is where the inground …

Swimming pool owners are aware that the ideal upkeep of their facilities is essential to ensure that they’re in swim-ready condition. So, even during the cold months, pools need upkeep. This is where the inground pool covers come into play. But it’s no secret that buying these covers can be an uphill battle.

After all, the market is littered with a plethora of them that’ll have you scratching your head, wondering which one to settle for. Fret not! Here are some vital factors that’ll steer you towards making a great pick. Read on!

The Purpose

Before hastily purchasing the first inground pool cover that catches your eye, critically think about the purpose. For instance, your goal is to keep your pets and little ones safe. Alternatively, you may want an inground pool cover for winterizing or to keep the debris and leaves out of your pool.

So, once you’re armed with a clear vision of why an inground pool cover is a must-have, you can take your pick based on the different types available.

  • Mesh Safety Cover: With a striking resemblance to a trampoline, these inground pool covers have spring-loaded straps to anchor them into the concrete and hold them in place. This makes them an excellent option for elevating safety and keeping accidental drowning at bay. They also come in handy if you reside in an area that’s prone to heavy rains.
happybuy pool safety cover (photo)
  • Automatic Covers: Made from vinyl material, these covers require you to come out of pocket but are indeed a worthwhile investment. The heavy material makes the cover a beast in heating your pool while keeping out leaves from the trees surrounding it. It also curbs drowning if your pet or child wanders to the pool when no one is looking. Automatic covers aid in the preservation of your pool water temperature while minimizing evaporation.
Pool Boy III Battery-Powered Swimming Pool Solar Blanket Reel System - Up to 20 Foot Wide
Pool Boy III Battery-Powered Swimming Pool Solar Blanket Reel System - Up to 20 Foot Wide
Automated Pool Reel that is battery powered for a pool up to 20' wide and 40' long.; The Pool Boy 3 has a 3 year pro rated warranty.
$1,199.99

Cold Climate

Are you on the quest for an inground pool cover that can withstand the harsh sweater weather? Then a winter pool cover will do the trick. It’ll seal off your pool from debris, dirt, leaves, and even invading wildlife, depending on where you reside. So, what’s the best winter pool cover to buy?

blue wave gold pool winter cover (photo)

Solid vinyl covers are an ideal choice because they form an airtight barrier over your pool. This prevents anything from seeping through. Therefore, when the long offseason is over, and it’s time to open the pool, solid vinyl covers ensure it’s in the same condition you left in.

Warm Climate

sun2solar rectangle blue pool solar cover (photo)

It’s no secret evaporation occurs year-round. But, when summer rolls around, you may not realize that your pool loses water at a drastically high rate because of the extra heat. So, the best inground pool covers have the uncanny ability to block this excess heat from reaching the water while trapping moisture by up to 95%. This prevents it from evaporating into the air.

Preview
8 Mil Pool Solar Cover - 12 ft Round
in The Swim 20 x 44 Foot Rectangle Premium Pool Solar Blanket Cover 12 Mil
In The Swim 12 x 20 Foot Rectangle Ultra Clear Pool Solar Blanket Cover 16 Mil
Title
8 Mil Pool Solar Cover - 12 ft Round
in The Swim 20 x 44 Foot Rectangle Premium Pool Solar Blanket Cover 12 Mil
In The Swim 12 x 20 Foot Rectangle Ultra Clear Pool Solar Blanket Cover 16 Mil
Customer Rating
Prime Benefits
-
-
-
Thickness
8 Mil
12 Mil
16 Mil
Warming Ability
Average
Good
Best
Color
Blue
Blue
Clear
Limited Manufacturer Coverage
3 Years
7 Years
8 Years
Reduces Evaporation
Up to 80% Thermal Efficiency
Reduces Chemical Loss
Quick Heating
-
-
Supreme Insulation
-
-
Price
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Preview
8 Mil Pool Solar Cover - 12 ft Round
Title
8 Mil Pool Solar Cover - 12 ft Round
Customer Rating
Prime Benefits
-
Thickness
8 Mil
Warming Ability
Average
Color
Blue
Limited Manufacturer Coverage
3 Years
Reduces Evaporation
Up to 80% Thermal Efficiency
Reduces Chemical Loss
Quick Heating
-
Supreme Insulation
-
Price
Price not available
from Amazon
Preview
in The Swim 20 x 44 Foot Rectangle Premium Pool Solar Blanket Cover 12 Mil
Title
in The Swim 20 x 44 Foot Rectangle Premium Pool Solar Blanket Cover 12 Mil
Customer Rating
Prime Benefits
-
Thickness
12 Mil
Warming Ability
Good
Color
Blue
Limited Manufacturer Coverage
7 Years
Reduces Evaporation
Up to 80% Thermal Efficiency
Reduces Chemical Loss
Quick Heating
-
Supreme Insulation
-
Price
Price not available
from Amazon
Preview
In The Swim 12 x 20 Foot Rectangle Ultra Clear Pool Solar Blanket Cover 16 Mil
Title
In The Swim 12 x 20 Foot Rectangle Ultra Clear Pool Solar Blanket Cover 16 Mil
Customer Rating
Prime Benefits
-
Thickness
16 Mil
Warming Ability
Best
Color
Clear
Limited Manufacturer Coverage
8 Years
Reduces Evaporation
Up to 80% Thermal Efficiency
Reduces Chemical Loss
Quick Heating
Supreme Insulation
Price
Price not available
from Amazon

Warranty

One major indicator of a topnotch inground pool cover is a long warranty. It shows that a manufacturer is confident that its products are a beast in withstanding wear and tear from the elements for a long timeframe.

Deluxe 25' x 45' Rectangle Winter Pool Cover (photo)

For instance, the Deluxe 25′ x 45′ Rectangle Winter Pool Cover comes with a 10-year warranty. And, it’s designed from sturdy and durable polyethylene tapes that ensure it holds up even during the long winters. During summer, it prevents sunlight from seeping through, which means no algae in your pool.

Why Choose The Best Inground Pool Covers?

Below are some of the reasons that make selecting the best inground pool covers a great idea that’ll overall make your life easier.

Lower Energy Consumption

According to the U.S Department of Energy, pool covers are one of the most efficient ways of lowering pool heating expenses. And, roughly 70% of energy is lost through water evaporation. But did you know that pool covers notably minimize this evaporation?

You’re probably puzzled, wondering how? Well, here’s where 6th-grade science comes into play. Do you remember the cool experiments you did that showed how evaporation works? If not, then let’s jog your memory.

Evaporation is the process by which a liquid takes a different form and becomes a gas with the application of heat. The water molecules move so fast that they escape into the atmosphere as a vapor. And, the rapidness of water evaporation is based on other aspects such as humidity, wind, and temperature. Keeping that in mind, a swimming pool loses 25,000 to 50,000 gallons of water through evaporation.

So what does this mean for you? You’ll go through the hassle of frequently refilling your pool. This implies that your water heater will need to need more energy and time to heat the refilled water.

But, with a pool cover, this all goes away. They retain the heat in the pool long after you turn off the heater. What’s even better is that investing in a solar cover means that it amasses the sun’s heat and then channels it into the water to naturally warm it. This lowers your energy consumption and saves you the hassle of refilling your pool every week.

Promotes Hygiene

Skimming the bugs, the leaves, and debris from your pool daily or weekly is an endless battle. And what about algae spores and dirt that’s clinging to the sides and bottom of your pool which aren’t immediately noticeable until there’s an entire infestation? So, the best inground pool covers are the foolproof solution to cutting back on these unhealthy and annoying pool invaders. It also means less cleaning for you.

Chemical Use Reduction

It’s a no-brainer that the most common pool chemical used in chlorine. But what you probably don’t realize is that chlorine deteriorates under the exposure to direct sunlight. So, by investing the best cover, you protect your pool water from the sun. This cuts down on the amount of chlorine you need to add to your pool every week.

Closing Remarks

There’s no way around it; each pool should have a cover. Sure, there are pool owners that get by without one. But they spend lots of money and time on maintenance than those with excellent covers.

If you’ve ever gone a swimming season without a good pool cover, then you probably understand the value of investing in one. So, decide on your most important needs and select a pool cover today! Your future self (and bank account) will thank you for it.