When it comes to swimming pool covers, there are as many options as there are pools themselves. This means that you have a lot of choices when it comes to finding the pool cover that’s right for you. Use this guide to discover the traits of each cover, their uses, and the benefits.

Bubble Covers or Solar Blankets

It’s the same type of pool cover, but different people call it different names. Bubble Covers and Solar Blankets are best used for keeping the heat in the pool when it gets cooler at night. They will also help to cut down on the amount of water that evaporates from the pool. They offer no safety protection whatsoever. It usually takes two people to take them on and off the pool unless they are attached to a reel system.

Plastic Winter Pool Covers

These pool covers are extremely inexpensive and are designed to separate the good water in the pool from the bad water on top of it during the winter. They will help cut down on evaporation and also help keep leaves and other debris from getting into the pool over the winter. Since these are poorly anchored down, the excess water on top of them has to be drained on a regular basis to keep these from being pulled completely into the swimming pool.

Mesh/Solid Safety Covers

These are one of the two main types of ASTM approved safety covers; they are considered an approved safety cover because they anchor securely to the pool decking and form a barrier on all sides from entry into the swimming pool water. Mesh covers do not have to be drained, but some types of solid covers will have to be drained periodically. These covers will keep most dirt, debris and leaves out of the pool. Because they are time consuming to take on and off a swimming pool, they are best for covering a pool and keeping it safe when it is not being used for long periods of time.

Automatic Pool Safety Covers

These are by far the most versatile of all pool covers. They are ASTM certified safety covers that form an ‘isolation barrier’ on all sides of a swimming pool to prevent entry into the water. The fact they cover and uncover the pool with just a flick of a switch makes them ideal for year round use. They also have been shown to stop evaporation, which saves pool water and chemical usage in the pool. They will keep blowing dirt, debris and foliage out of the pool on windy days. They also have many helpful supporting products that can be used with them such as Wi-Fi controls.

If you’re in the market for a swimming pool cover, we’re happy to help. Give our team a call or stop by one of our Tennessee showrooms and we can help you find the cover that’s right for your family and your budget.