You’ve invested a lot into your pool – time, money, and care – so why leave it exposed to risks that can easily be avoided? A pool safety cover isn’t just an add-on; it’s the smartest way to protect what you’ve built. 

That being said, selecting the right cover is the key here. This guide will fill you in on features to look for, PLUS the mistakes to avoid during its installation. 

Peace of mind: If you’ve got kids or pets running around, you know how quickly things can happen. One minute, they’re playing; the next, you’re worried about what could happen near the pool. A safety cover takes that worry off your plate. It’s designed to isolate the pool completely and is sturdy enough to hold their weight if they ever wander too close.

Keeps the water pristine: It’s not just about safety; a pool cover does wonders for keeping your water pristine. It stops leaves, dirt, and all kinds of debris from getting into the pool, no matter how wild the weather gets. And here’s a bonus: solid safety covers block UV rays, which means your chlorine doesn’t break down as quickly, and algae don’t stand a chance. Come spring, you’ll uncover water that’s clean and ready for a quick touch-up, not a full-blown rescue mission.

Minimal cleaning and maintenance: Picture this: no endless scooping, scrubbing, or fiddling with chemical levels every time you want to swim. A good safety cover cuts down on maintenance, so you can spend less time working on the pool and more time in it. When you reopen your pool after the off-season, you’ll find it just as you left it – clear, clean, and almost swim-ready.

Huge $$$ Savings: Here’s where it gets even better: a pool safety cover actually saves you money. With fewer contaminants, you’ll need fewer chemicals and cleaning supplies. Plus, it helps minimize evaporation and retains heat, reducing your water and heating bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a cover can save you up to 70% on heating costs. Imagine the difference that makes over a year – or five.

Weather protection: Rain, snow, wind – your pool safety cover will bear it all. It protects your pool’s structure, liners, and equipment from damage year-round. You don’t even need a separate winter cover; a sturdy safety cover is enough.  

Here are a few things to consider when selecting a pool safety cover:

Types of cover

• Mesh covers: These covers are lightweight and easy to handle, allowing rainwater to seep through while blocking debris like leaves and twigs. However, their porous nature means sunlight can still reach the pool, which may encourage algae growth. Mesh covers are ideal if you want a low-maintenance option but plan to keep up with chemical balancing during the off-season.
• Solid covers: If you want to keep everything out – sunlight, dirt, snow, and rain – a solid cover is your best bet. Made from heavy-duty vinyl, these covers completely seal off the pool, significantly reducing the risk of algae blooms. However, they’re heavier and require a pump to remove accumulated water from the top. While more labor-intensive, the added protection is worth it for long-term pool care. 

Material Quality

Look for materials like reinforced vinyl or heavy-duty polyethylene that can withstand weather elements over time. In addition to that, keep an eye out for features such as double stitching and reinforced webbing to ensure the cover holds up under pressure, extending its lifespan and minimizing replacement costs.

Anchor Points

The strength of a pool safety cover lies in its anchor system. Covers with more anchor points – such as a 3-foot grid system compared to a 5-foot grid – offer better support and reduce sagging. As a result, the cover holds its shape, even under heavy loads like snow or fallen branches.

Size and Fit

A safety cover that doesn’t fit properly is more than inconvenient – it’s dangerous. The cover should extend at least 3 inches beyond the edge of the pool to eliminate gaps where accidents might happen.

Weight capacity

Ideally, your pool cover should be able to withstand at least 250 pounds per square foot as recommended by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. This is what makes it effective at preventing accidents when pets or kids venture onto it in your absence. 

Water removal mechanism

Solid covers, while effective, can collect rainwater on top, which adds weight and stresses the cover. So always choose one with a built-in water removal mechanism like drainage holes, a zipper system, or a pump. These features prevent water accumulation, which could compromise the cover’s structure or create a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

 Ease of installation and removal 

Think about how often you’ll need to install and remove the cover. Manual covers are budget-friendly but require more effort, while automatic covers provide unmatched convenience at a higher cost. If you’ll be covering and uncovering your pool frequently, the time and effort saved by an automatic system will be worth the investment. 

When you’re shopping for pool covers, these are the two main categories you’ll come across. 

Automatic Pool Covers

If you want your pool covered and uncovered in seconds with a quick press of a button – automatic pool covers are for you. They require no tugging, folding, or manual effort. This can be a lifesaver after a late-night swim or when you notice the sky turning stormy out of nowhere- it’s all done in an instant.

Beyond convenience, automatic covers add a polished, seamless look to your pool area. They sit flush with the edges, giving your backyard a modern, streamlined vibe that complements any design.

That said, these covers are an investment, with costs ranging from $8,000 to $20,000 depending on your pool’s size and the materials or features you choose.

Manual Pool covers

In comparison to automatic covers, these are more budget-friendly – almost 50% cheaper. Despite the lower cost, they don’t compromise on safety or effectiveness – they still do a great job of keeping your pool protected.

Manual covers also come in a variety of styles, like snap-down designs or track systems, so you can find one that suits your pool’s unique shape and size. And if your pool has an irregular design, manual covers are often easier to customize than their automated counterparts.

Another perk? No motors, no electronics, no fuss. This means fewer maintenance issues and no worrying about technical malfunctions. It’s a simpler system that still gets the job done.

Expect to spend between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on your pool’s dimensions and the type of manual cover you choose.

Here are some tips to increase the longevity of your pool safety cover.

• Clear debris regularly using a soft brush or leaf blower. This prevents buildup that can stress and damage the cover.
• Use mild cleaners and rinse your cover thoroughly to remove any residue.
• Install a cover pump to remove standing water. It prevents excess weight that can damage the cover.
• Maintain proper water levels – within 18 inches of the cover during winter to help support snow loads and reduce strain on the cover.
• Inspect the cover for tears or stretched straps and use a repair kit to DIY small issues quickly.
• Watch chlorine levels. Ideally, keep them below 3 ppm to prevent corrosive damage, and wait for chemicals to stabilize before covering the pool.
• For automatic covers, clean the tracks and lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth operation and remove debris from tracks to prevent blockages.

Proper installation of the pool safety covers is the key to reaping all its benefits. Here are 4 common mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect measurements:  Always use a flexible tape measure to get the exact dimensions, including any odd angles or protrusions. When cutting ropes or tracks for automatic covers, it’s better to have a bit of extra length than cutting too short.

• Overtightening for snug fit: You want the cover to be snug, but over-tightening can put too much stress on the cover and its anchor points, leading to potential damage. Stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines for tension levels.

• Insufficient anchoring: Misplaced or insufficient anchors can result in a loose, ineffective cover. Again, the key is to follow the instructions carefully for anchor placement and use enough eyebolts (especially around curves) to avoid gaps or puckering that can let in debris.

• Lacking a raised rub strip:  Without a raised “rub strip” along the edge of the cover, friction with your pool’s coping can cause wear over time. So don’t forget to add this to your cover, especially if you have stone coping.

Pro Tip: It’s always a good idea to call in a professional for pool cover installation. They’ll save you time and ensure the job’s done right, preventing potential headaches down the road.