By Jenn Blum
An automatic swimming pool safety cover allows homeowners to readily enjoy leisure time at their pool. By simply entering their activation code on the cover control and pressing uncover, in less than one minute, a family can be ready to enjoy pool water that is clean, sparkling and at the perfect temperature. After taking a few hours for a refreshing swim, fun with the kids, or even just a float about in the pool, the homeowner simply recovers the pool and carries on with their day.
However, pool professionals know there is still a flurry of activity back at the pool. The filter, pump, heating system, cleaners, sanitizers, controls and the pool cover are all working together as a team to preserve the perfect pool experience with maximum efficiency.
What is the pool equipment team fighting for? Balanced, clean water at a comfortable temperature, giving the pool owner peace of mind by making pool operation more convenient, energy efficient and fun. What is the team fighting against? The buildup of dirt, debris, leaves and contaminants, and reducing heat, chemical and water loss. In the game of pool maintenance, an automatic safety cover is the homeowner’s defensive line.
Safety first
Uncovered pools are tempting to children and pets. First and foremost, a safety cover provides protection against unattended access to the pool.
All swimming pool safety products, such as locking doors, gates and fences, pool alarms and safety covers can contribute to a safer pool. However, when an outdoor pool is unattended or the pool owner is away, a safety cover can be the most effective way to create a secure safety barrier.
Homeowners looking to install a safety cover have several options. They can choose between an automatic cover, a manual cover with tracks and reel system, or a manual anchored system. These vinyl or mesh covers are attached to the pool coping or deck surface and can support the weight of several adults. All types of solid-weave vinyl safety covers offer added benefits of keeping the pool free of dirt, while also preventing water, heat and chemical evaporation. The main differences between each cover system are their ease of use and convenience factors, as well as the available architectural options.
Future pool owner, Jodi Emery, cites convenience as her number one reason for including an automatic cover system in her building plans. As the parent of a curious and independent three-year old boy, she knows the allure of pool water and the need for a protective barrier.
“You can’t get much easier than typing in a code and pressing a button to cover and uncover your pool,” says Emery. “With an automatic cover, we have no excuse not to keep the pool covered whenever we’re not using it.”
The key aspect is convenience: if the pool owner does not actually cover the pool, then the safety cover’s benefits are irrelevant.
