Those with a pool look forward to summer when they can once again enjoy swimming in their own backyard, however what they do not look forward to is the time spent cleaning debris out of the water, waiting until it's the right temperature, and maintaining the chemical levels. The best way for Minnesota homeowners to address all of these issues is to install one of the many types of pool covers available.
There are several kinds of covers on the market to enhance and improve the use of swimming pools. The particular construction of the cover determines how it will accomplish this task, and the price and work involved in installation varies accordingly.
Much like the bubble wrap used for packing fragile items, a solar cover consists of a lightweight, plastic material comprised of a series of "bubbles" which serve to trap light energy and heat from the sun. Heat that is accumulated during the daytime, keeps the pool warm even during the night. This ultimately means the heater is needed less and money is saved, and it also lowers water and chemical costs by reducing evaporation. It works best with a roller cover.
Perhaps the safest, simplest to use style is the automatic cover. Although more costly to purchase and install, they are easily controlled by the push of a button, and reduce evaporation and water costs, but they also offer a high degree of safety, as they can prevent anyone from falling in the water. There are two designs, snap-down and track.
Excellent for the prevention of troublesome algae-growth, the thermal blanket effectively blocks UV rays that encourage this problem. What's more, they offer even more warmth retention than their solar counterparts, and also keep costs associated with water and chemicals down through lower evaporation. Made from an insulating foam material, they cost a bit more than solar covers.
Winter covers are normally heavier and made of polyethylene or a similar material. They must be anchored down to the ground and are most often used for closure at the end of the season, however it is possible to use them throughout the year as well as a cover that will discourage algae, keep debris out, and protect against damage caused by the elements. However, they are less efficient when it comes to retaining heat and limiting evaporation.
Those who do not want a cover that will detract from the beauty of their yard may prefer a hidden cover. They consist of a roller and blanket unit which is contained in a discreet housing at one of the pool's ends and is covered by a lid. Simple to use, all one has to do is lift the lid of the housing and roll out the cover across the surface of the water.
Other covering options for pools include the solar ring and the leaf net. A solar ring is similar to a solar cover but they are even more effective for transferring heat the pool's deepest sections. A leaf net is a type of cover which may be in-ground or above-ground and is often used in conjunction with a winter cover that serves the purpose of trapping any loose leaves which would otherwise float on the water's surface and clog up the filter.
There are several kinds of covers on the market to enhance and improve the use of swimming pools. The particular construction of the cover determines how it will accomplish this task, and the price and work involved in installation varies accordingly.
Much like the bubble wrap used for packing fragile items, a solar cover consists of a lightweight, plastic material comprised of a series of "bubbles" which serve to trap light energy and heat from the sun. Heat that is accumulated during the daytime, keeps the pool warm even during the night. This ultimately means the heater is needed less and money is saved, and it also lowers water and chemical costs by reducing evaporation. It works best with a roller cover.
Perhaps the safest, simplest to use style is the automatic cover. Although more costly to purchase and install, they are easily controlled by the push of a button, and reduce evaporation and water costs, but they also offer a high degree of safety, as they can prevent anyone from falling in the water. There are two designs, snap-down and track.
Excellent for the prevention of troublesome algae-growth, the thermal blanket effectively blocks UV rays that encourage this problem. What's more, they offer even more warmth retention than their solar counterparts, and also keep costs associated with water and chemicals down through lower evaporation. Made from an insulating foam material, they cost a bit more than solar covers.
Winter covers are normally heavier and made of polyethylene or a similar material. They must be anchored down to the ground and are most often used for closure at the end of the season, however it is possible to use them throughout the year as well as a cover that will discourage algae, keep debris out, and protect against damage caused by the elements. However, they are less efficient when it comes to retaining heat and limiting evaporation.
Those who do not want a cover that will detract from the beauty of their yard may prefer a hidden cover. They consist of a roller and blanket unit which is contained in a discreet housing at one of the pool's ends and is covered by a lid. Simple to use, all one has to do is lift the lid of the housing and roll out the cover across the surface of the water.
Other covering options for pools include the solar ring and the leaf net. A solar ring is similar to a solar cover but they are even more effective for transferring heat the pool's deepest sections. A leaf net is a type of cover which may be in-ground or above-ground and is often used in conjunction with a winter cover that serves the purpose of trapping any loose leaves which would otherwise float on the water's surface and clog up the filter.