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Are you a swimming pool owner thinking about getting an automatic pool cover? Unlike typical pool covers, swimming pools in Toronto can benefit from an automatic pool cover due to harsh weather elements.
If you already have a pool cover and want to know if you should switch to an automatic one, here’s everything you need to know about automotive pool covers and their benefits.
What is an automatic swimming pool cover and how does it work?
Automatic pool covers are made from UV-resistant, heavy-duty vinyl materials placed on interlocking slats.
This material is so sturdy that a few people can walk on them, and it won’t rip. Typically, the pool cover is located on one end of a swimming pool with the pool cover material rolled up on a sleek roller with two tracks on either side of the pool.
When you’re ready to use it, you can close or open the pool cover with a touch of a button on your smartphone or a separate remote control.
The motor is switched on when you activate the button, and the pool cover unrolls itself across.
Why do I need a pool cover?
Every swimming pool has to be covered, especially in Canada, where swimming pools are used seasonally. During the winter months, it’s wise to cover your pool to protect it from the cold and other winter elements (which we’ll discuss in the next section).
If you choose not to get a pool cover, your pool will get dirty and possibly contaminated.
When it comes time to open your pool in the springtime, you’ll spend a fortune cleaning it up. That’s why an automatic pool cover is a good investment: it saves you money on cleaning and keeps it in tip-top shape.
How do I prevent my automatic pool cover from getting damaged?
An automatic swimming pool cover requires general upkeep to stop several elements from damaging it.
Here’s how to prepare your pool cover against the following elements:
1. Tree protection
If you have landscaping such as tall bushes, or trees with overhanging tree limbs surrounding your pool, make sure you trim them before closing your pool with the automatic cover.
If left untrimmed, they could fall on top of the cover and damage it. If you can’t trim the limbs or leaves on your trees, another option is to install leaf nets over your automatic pool cover during the fall to protect it from falling leaves and brush.
2. Ice protection
During the winter, your automatic pool cover may be vulnerable to the elements. To prolong the life of your auto cover we recommend using a safety cover to winterize your pool.
The safety cover will protect your pool during the harsh winter months and ensure your auto cover isn’t damaged.
3. Debris protection
Similar to tree protection, you can prevent debris from falling on your cover by trimming the leaves from the trees and bushes surrounding your pool.
However, sometimes high winds and thunderstorms can blow debris like scraps, leaves, dirt, and litter to land on your pool cover.
It’s good practice to clean off debris the following day when the storm is over. Do it right away, as leaving debris sitting on your pool cover could attract animals and insects.
Benefits of Having an Automatic Pool Cover
Now that you know how to protect an automatic pool cover from harsh elements let’s take a closer look at its benefits.
It Helps Heat Your Pool
Since automatic pool covers are made with heavy vinyl material, their main purpose is to cover your pool. It also acts as a solar cover that adds 10 to 15 degrees to the pool’s temperature.
If you prefer a lukewarm pool, then an automatic pool cover will keep your pool warm. As well it traps in air and reduces evaporation.
It Acts as a Safety Net
If you have children or pets, an automatic pool cover is considered a certified device that acts as a safety net. So, you don’t need to worry about accidents happening.
This isolation barrier securely seals off all corners of your pool and prevents anyone from falling into it and drowning. If someone were to fall on top of it, it would feel like a water bed, and they could simply crawl out of it.
It Keeps Chlorine in the Pool
Whether you’re using chlorine or a salt generator, an automatic pool cover will keep chlorine in, not letting it evaporate.
This cost-effective solution keeps your chlorine levels at their minimum capacity. Thus, when it comes time to open the pool in the spring, your chlorine levels will be optimized.
It Saves Electricity
An automatic pool cover saves up to 50% on electricity, as it cuts down the energy needed for filtering your pool.
For instance, your pool pump and filter need to operate on electricity. Installing an automatic pool cover, it keeps debris and dirt out without having to use the filtration equipment.
At Solda Pools, we are a swimming pool installation company serving Toronto and the GTA.
We install in-ground pools and spas only. For more information on our swimming pool contractors, call us for a free consultation at 905-796-6500 or contact us here.
