Adding a pool cover to the team
An automatic safety cover can be installed on a pool during new construction or remodelling, or it can be retrofitted to an existing pool if the cover was not included in the initial plans. For current pool owners, the return on investment (ROI) will be readily apparent since they are familiar with the particular costs associated with owning their pool. For new pool owners, estimating the financial savings for energy, water, chemical and operating costs can help justify the upfront investment in an automatic safety cover. In both cases, consumers are continually educating themselves about the extra benefits safety covers offer in addition to the custom options that are available.
Al Horwood of Pool Patrol, an installer of automatic safety covers in Vancouver, B.C., says he is getting more calls about pool covers from homeowners who are in the planning and design phase of a new pool.
“Before they even dig, they want to consider how they’re going to protect the pool,” says Horwood. “They’re doing research on the Internet, contacting experts and figuring out their options.”
Many of these homeowners are incorporating automatic covers on vanishing-edge pools and elaborate pool designs with water features, so it pays to plan ahead and consider all of the available architectural options, he says.
“With custom lids and hidden leading edges, for example, some of these installations require extra site visits and extra time,” Horwood adds. “However, the end result is an impressive showpiece.”
A winning defense
Ultimately, the automatic pool cover works defensively on the front line to protect the pool, while also keeping the ownership experience fun, convenient, safe and efficient. An MVP in the lineup of essential pool equipment, safety covers deliver the stats for efficiency, safety and convenience so that families can spend more time simply enjoying their pools.
Jenn Blum is marketing director for Cover-Pools Inc., a subsidiary of Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc. She has worked in sales and marketing for more than 18 years and has been part of the Cover-Pools team since 2001. She can be reached via e-mail at jenn.blum@zmp-zodiac.com.
