If you own a pool, buying a reliable pool cover and a few accessories has probably crossed your mind more than once. When it comes to pool covers, the best ones all tend to have the same qualities: they are affordable, easy to use, come with a reel for efficient storage, and cover your pool in its entirety. Your personal choice and taste come more into play far as accessories are concerned.
Either way you look at it, there are some choices to be made, and that often calls for a little research. With that in mind, here are some of the best and most reliable pool covers and a few accessories that you might find useful.
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The Different Types of Pool Covers
Before we delve into the reviews, it’s best to mention that there are five main types of pool covers:
Solar pool covers: These are the least expensive type. They absorb the sun’s heat and use that to heat up your pool. They also reduce your pool’s evaporation by 99% thus saving you on expensive water bills. The biggest disadvantage they have is that they cannot withstand any kind of weight. Not even your child’s or small pet’s weight.
Automatic Pool Covers: These are the safest pool covers that can be retracted at the push of a button.
Thermal Pool Covers: These types block the sun’s UV rays, thus preventing the growth of algae. They, however, don’t heat up your pool.
Winter Pool Covers: Even though they are called “winter pool covers”, they can be used throughout the year. They need you to install anchor points around the pool and do a wonderful job of keeping algae, debris, and the elements out of your pool.
Hidden Pool Covers: These are the most aesthetic pool covers in the market. They can roll into the side of your pool automatically, semi-automatically, or manually. They are safe and good for all types of pools.
That being said, here are some of the best pool covers in the market today.
Blue Wave Rectangular In-Ground Pool Safety Cover (20-ft by 40-ft)
Made out of heavy-duty 2-ply mesh, the Blue Wave Rectangular In-Ground Pool Safety Cover is the perfect cover to protect your pool against harsh weather, debris and keep your kids/pets safe as well. Designed to withhold up to 4,000 pounds, this pool cover is both durable and strong enough to withstand heavy weight.
Pros:
- Easy to install (can be done within 5 minutes)
- Protects your pool against UV light which causes algae
- It’s very durable
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a warranty
Blue Wave Bronze Round Above Ground Winter Pool Cover (18-ft with 8-Year Warranty)
This is a pool cover that has a rugged polyethylene scrim that helps it withstand the harshest of storms during winter. The blue wave bronze pool cover is UV protected, which means it can last you a very long time even under direct sunlight. It has a black underside that keeps your pool free of algae, and it comes with a heat-sealed seam that keeps your pool from freezing over.
Pros:
- UV protected which makes it last a long time
- It comes with an 8-year warranty
Cons:
- That 8-year warranty is only fully rated for one year
Rectangle Loop-Loc Safety Pool Cover (20 x 40)
This Loop-Loc swimming pool cover is one of the toughest and strongest options in the market today. It’s made out of a newer and much thicker weave, which blocks out almost all of the sun’s rays while letting rain and snow through so that it doesn’t break. It’s designed to withstand the weight of an adult and most pets.
Pros:
- Comes fully kitted with installation hardware
- It can take a lot of weight
- It’s made out of a newer, thicker weave that blocks the sunlight
Cons:
- It tends to soak up a lot of rainwater
These are just a few reliable pool covers for both in and above ground pools. Now, let’s take a quick look at some fun accessories to have in your pool.
The Best Swimming Pool Accessories to Buy
Whenever you want to buy a pool accessory, think of something that is both fun and functional. Here is a shortlist of some of the best pool accessories in the market today:
Floating Wireless Pool Speaker from ECEEN
Think back to the last time you had a pool party? Did you have to turn your in-house speakers to face outside then turn the volume way up till the neighbors called the cops? These floating wireless pool speakers from ECEEN are designed to prevent all that are some of the best pool accessories for people who love to lounge by or in their swimming pools.
Pros:
- Completely waterproof
- Has several volume levels
- Comes with a powerful sub-woofer to give you well-rounded sound
- Can connect to your computer, smartphone, and tablet
Cons:
- Charge only lasts for up to five hours of playing time
Inflatable Floatmingo Drink Holders
Let’s face it. Nothing is quite as relaxing as being able to lounge in your pool all day in the heat of summer. The only problem is that in many cases, you can’t do that with your drink in your hand because you will probably fall asleep and let all that chlorinated water into the drink. Either that or you have to leave it by the side, so you have to swim back and forth. How about solving that issue by getting yourself a few inflatable floatmingo drink holders from GoFloats?
Pros:
- Come in a complete pack of 6 inflatable drink holders that look like flamingoes
- Can hold up to 12 oz. of drinks
- Keeps your drinks upright and chlorine-free
Cons:
- Not as durable as you might like them to be
The idea behind having a pool, a swimming pool cover, and all the necessary accessories is so that you have a wonderful time lounging by and in the pool with your family. The options listed here will not only help keep your pool clean and debris free, but the covers will also help keep the pool area safe for your kids and pets. The accessories are just a luxurious addition to your pool lounging life. We could all do with a little luxury!
