If you have an inground pool, you should always make sure it is safe, clean, and protected all year long. A safety pool cover is an essential item to buy for your pool. In addition to preventing accidents and trash from entering, safety covers keep the water clean and require less money for upkeep.
Since there are so many options to pick from, how do you decide which is best for you?
This guide covers everything you should know about selecting the best safety pool covers for inground pools in Staten Island.
Why Safety Pool Covers Matter?
A safety pool cover is useful in many ways.
- Prevents Accidents: Particularly necessary when you are concerned about the safety of either your children or pets. When your cover is strong, it can carry the weight of a person or animal and help prevent accidents.
- Lowers Evaporation: Covers save water by reducing evaporation.
- Saves Money: Using a cover is less expensive to clean and utilizes weaker chemicals. Covers also protect the house from a changing environment.
Not all covers have the same safety and durability, so make sure you get the right one for your needs.
Types of Safety Pool Covers
Inground pools often have three different types of safety covers.
1. Mesh Safety Covers
- Features: Made of tightly woven material that allows water to drain through while blocking debris.
- Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Stops rain and snow from gathering.
- It doesn’t need much upkeep.
- Cons:
- The sun’s rays and tiny particles can pass through, which might encourage algae growth.
- Not entirely hidden.
2. Solid Safety Covers
- Features: Constructed from durable vinyl or other impermeable materials.
- Pros:
- It blocks sunlight, so algae don’t have a chance to grow.
- Ensures no water or debris can get into your home.
- Cons:
- Heavier than mesh covers are.
- To get rid of the water, you should have a pump.
- More expensive.
3. Automatic Safety Covers
- Features: Automatic drive systems for sliding the cover open or shut.
- Pros:
- Extremely convenient and easy to use daily.
- Offers consistent protection and energy efficiency.
- Cons:
- Higher upfront cost.
- Requires professional installation and maintenance.
- It may not suit all pool shapes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Safety Pool Cover
When picking the best pool covers for your inground pool in Staten Island, there are other things to keep in mind apart from the cover’s material. Here’s what to pay attention to:
1. Pool Size and Shape
- You should measure the size of your pool before shopping for a cover.
- Pools that are not standard shape may call for a specially made cover.
- It is easier and less expensive to find covers for rectangular pools.
2. Safety Ratings and Standards
- Choose covers that comply with or are better than ASTM F1346-91 specifications. This is the industry benchmark for safety pool covers.
- A compliant cover must support the weight of two adults and one child, prevent entry, and withstand repeated usage.
3. Climate and Weather Conditions
- If you live in an area with heavy snow or rainfall, opt for a mesh cover with strong anchoring or a solid cover with a water pump.
- A durable opaque cover works in bright weather by shielding algae from the UV rays of the sun.
4. Ease of Installation and Use
- Most people find that mesh covers are simpler to put up and keep when not in use.
- Automatic covers make life easier but are more expensive and must be put in by an expert.
5. Maintenance Needs
- Mesh covers usually need less upkeep—no need to drain water off the top.
- Solid covers may need occasional cleaning and pump monitoring.
6. Budget
- Mesh covers: ~$500 to $1,000 (plus installation).
- Solid covers: ~$700 to $1,500 (plus pump cost).
- Automatic covers typically cost between $6,000 and $15,000, with installation added.
Evaluate what you will gain in the future against how much you are spending at the moment.
Installation Tips for Safety Covers
- Professional vs. DIY: Some people try to attach mesh and solid covers themselves, but it’s better to have a professional do it for complex or automated systems.
- Anchoring: Covers must be fastened fairly tightly to the ground so they don’t move. The majority attach brass anchors to the deck around the pool.
- Tension: A properly installed cover shouldn’t sag or be loose.
Maintenance and Storage
Taking care of your pool cover will help it last longer.
- Clean Before Storing: Before you put away your rugs, make sure to clean them first.
- Dry Thoroughly: Store your clothes somewhere that won’t let them get damp to prevent mold and mildew.
- Inspect for Damage: Regularly check for tears, worn edges, or loose anchors and repair as needed.
Additional Features to Look For
Here are some extra features you should look for to make your pool cover better:
- Preventing Ultraviolet Light: UV coating helps stop the breakdown of materials because of sunlight.
- Reinforced Stitching: Increases durability and tear resistance.
- Drain Panels (for Solid Covers): With these panels, rainfall is automatically drained from the surface without using a pump.
- Custom Fit Options: Custom-fit packages are very useful if you have a freeform or kidney-shaped pool.
- Warranty: Manufacturer warranties should last at least 10-15 years for your roofing system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Opting Based on Cost Alone: A cheaper cover may not be strong or safe.
- Improper Measurements: Always measure correctly, including pool steps, ladders, and spas.
- Ignoring Local Regulations: Certain locations require special kinds of safety covers or fencing.
- Neglecting Maintenance: Even the best cover will fail without proper care.
When to Replace Your Pool Cover
Even with good care, safety covers will eventually wear out. Here are signs it’s time to replace it:
- Visible rips or holes
- Frayed straps or broken anchors
- Reduced tension or sagging
- Persistent water accumulation (for mesh covers)
Final Thoughts
Picking the best safety pool covers for inground pools in Staten Island involves more than looks—it’s essential for pool owners. It keeps your loved ones safe, maintains your pool, and ensures you feel at ease once swim season ends.
Begin by checking the shape of your pool, considering the local weather, and listing out your needs. Think about the good and bad sides of mesh, solid, and automatic security systems. Never overlook safety and purchase a product from a trusted company.
Having the right cover ensures your pool will stay protected, clean, and enjoyable each year.
