The Pros and Cons of Automatic Pool Covers

Posted by  on 18 March, 2014

Automatic pool covers have become a popular accessory for home swimming pools. Pool owners strive to maintain their pools throughout the year and provide a new level of safety for their families.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_pool#mediaviewer/File:PCS_pool_cover.jpg)

Automatic covers provide a convenience that manual ones have never been able to achieve. But automatic pool covers have advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully analyzed before deciding on purchasing one.

Pros

  • Versatility – Automatic pool covers are versatile in relation to the type of pools that it can serve. They can be used for concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass pools, making them an option for many homeowners.
  • Safety – An automatic pool cover makes it impossible for someone to fall into the water. This is especially important as drowning among small children has become the biggest danger in owning a swimming pool.
  • Saves Energy – They keep debris from getting into your pool’s water. This saves the time and energy needed to filter and treat your water. It also reduces the amount of maintenance required over time.
  • Saves Water – Automatic covers have been shown to lower water evaporation. This maintains a consistent pool temperature and is a real benefit to drier locations where water conservation is a concern.
  • Saves chlorine – When there’s less water contamination due to decreased debris, less chlorine is used.
  • Reduced Circulation – Using an automatic pool cover decreases the amount of circulation time required for your pool. Over time, this adds up to significant savings in cost.

Cons

  • High cost of installation – The initial investment for an automatic pool cover can be as high as $20,000 depending on the model you purchase. This can be a major drawback for many pool owners who have already invested a significant amount into their pool’s construction.
  • Limited pool shape – Automatic pool covers are limited to pools that are a standard rectangle shape. This can reduce your design options once you decide to incorporate an automatic cover in your new pool.
  • Wear and tear – The vinyl that automatic covers are made of last for a limited time. After about 5 years, you’ll need to replace it, which can result in additional costs.

    Many of the system’s components can also break down over time. When the motor, tracking, or any other of part fails, your pool can’t be opened for use.

  • Overheating – Automatic pool covers have been known to excessively heat up the pool’s water. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach 95 degrees, making the water too hot to enjoy.

Making a Decision

Investing in an automatic pool cover will require some careful consideration. Although there are many benefits that it provides, there are some drawbacks that can cost you money and prevent you from enjoying your swimming pool.

Taking the pros and cons into account will help you make the right decision. A pool cover can provide safety while saving you energy and costs. Looking at the big picture will make it clear whether an automatic pool cover is right for you.