Which Swimming Pool Cover Should I Use?

A pool cover reduces maintenance demands and keeps your pool ready for use by minimizing distractions like leaves and other debris. As for what’s an appropriate covering for your pool, the answer depends on what fits your needs and works for your budget. Below, we give you a general idea of what you can use to cover your pool as you determine what’s suitable for your needs.

Standard Tarp-Like Covers

Usually available in varying shades of blue, tarp-like covers keep debris out of your pool fairly well if they’re properly secured. These covers also keep sunlight out, which minimizes heat loss during shorter periods. You can also use a regular tarp if you prefer something more basic. You’ll just need to make sure it’s secured with enough water or sandbags and pulled as tightly as possible.

Pros

• Affordable
• Fairly easy to use
• Easy to secure with water bags

Cons

• Short-lived—usually 1–3 seasons
• Fairly easy for determined pets to get through
• Could cave in during a heavy rainstorm

Solid Security Pool Covers

Sometimes called safety covers, solid security pool covers are designed to be firmly secured. This can provide some added peace of mind if you have younger kids and pets you want to keep out of the pool when it’s not being used or properly supervised. These covers are commonly used on many in-ground pools.

Pros

• Usually last for 6–10 years
• Spring-loaded straps provide a tighter fit
• Usually strong enough to support lighter weight if an animal gets on top

Cons

• Top pump typically needs adjusting
• Can be affected by colder weather, but this usually isn’t an issue in the San Diego area
• Not all that easy to quickly take on and off

Mesh Security Pool Covers

No pump is needed with a mesh security cover, since it allows rainwater to pass right through. These covers, which aren’t entirely see-through, also have an impressive life span of 10 to 15 years.

Pros

• Doesn’t block all sunlight, which can keep your pool warmer on cooler days
• Keeps water from collecting on top
• Good at keeping leaves and similar debris out of the pool

Cons

• Pool water can get dirty, since rainwater does pass through
• Algae growth is a possibility, since sunlight goes through
• More pool cleaning may be needed if rainwater pushes dirt into the pool

Automatic Pool Covers

Activated by the push of a button, automatic pool covers are appealing if you prefer optimal convenience. These covers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can often be customized to fit a high-end pool. The main drawback is cost, which ranges from $12,000 to just over $20,000, according to some estimates.

Pros

• Constant protection
• Makes pool maintenance easier, since debris is kept out well
• Maintains water temperature

Cons

• If you go with a vinyl automatic cover, it may wear out after 5–6 years
• Your pool’s water may get a bit too warm or even “sauna-like” on really hot days
• Mechanical parts need to be maintained and may need to be repaired or replaced entirely

Properly covering your pool is an important part of preventing damage to its mechanical systems, keeping it clean, and ensuring your family will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. If you haven’t yet built your pool, reach out to San Diego Pools, the pros with decades of experience. We are one of the premier San Diego pool companies, and our team of pool design and construction experts is dedicated to building exactly the pool you want and providing you with the highest-quality service in the industry. To get started building the pool of your dreams, call us today at 888-707-7786.