A backyard swimming pool is an investment offering exceptional benefits, including relaxation and enjoyment in the privacy of your home and an increase in property value. However, you want to take the best care of your little water paradise so that you can continue to benefit from it for years.
An automatic pool cover in Danville might be a great way to protect and maintain your pool. But will it be worth the cost? Is it time for it? This article seeks to find out.
What is an automatic pool cover? And how is it operated?
An automatic pool cover is a motorized covering system designed to cover and uncover a swimming pool easily. It serves multiple purposes, such as maintaining pool cleanliness, improving safety by preventing accidental falls, and reducing water evaporation and heat loss. Here’s how it works and is typically operated:
Components of an automatic pool cover
- Track system: Installed along the sides of the pool, guiding the cover as it opens and closes.
- Cover material: It is usually made of reinforced vinyl or another durable material that can withstand weather elements and pool chemicals.
- Reel system: A spool that rolls the cover in and out, usually housed in a protective casing.
- Motor: The driving force behind the reel system, usually electrically powered.
- Control system: Includes a switch, key, or remote control for operation.
Operation
- Manual activation: Many automatic pool covers can be operated with a switch or key located in the pool. The key is inserted and turned to open or close the cover.
- Remote control: Some systems have a remote control that allows you to open or close the cover from a distance.
- Automated systems: High-end models may include automated systems that can be controlled via a smartphone app, allowing scheduling and remote operation.
How it works
- Opening the cover: When activated, the motor turns the reel, unrolling the cover along the tracks. The cover glides across the pool’s surface until it goes fully retracted into the housing.
- Closing the cover: Activating the close function reverses the process, with the motor rolling the cover back out along the tracks until it completely covers the pool.
What makes an automatic pool cover worth the cost?
While the initial cost of an automatic pool cover can be high, the benefits often justify the investment. It can be a worthwhile investment for several reasons:
- Safety: One of the primary benefits of an automatic pool cover is enhanced safety. It can help prevent accidents, especially involving children and pets, by providing a secure barrier when the pool is unused.
- Energy efficiency: Automatic pool covers help to maintain the water temperature by reducing heat loss. It can result in lower energy costs for heating the pool, as less heat escapes when it’s covered.
- Water conservation: By minimizing evaporation, an automatic pool cover can significantly reduce the amount of water lost from the pool. It means you’ll need to refill the pool less often, saving water and reducing water bills.
- Chemical savings: Reduced evaporation means fewer chemicals dissipate from the pool water. It can lower the amount of pool chemicals needed to maintain the correct water balance, saving you money and effort.
- Debris protection: An automatic pool cover helps keep debris like leaves, dirt, and insects out of the pool. It reduces the time and effort needed for cleaning and maintenance.
- Convenience: The ease of use of an automatic pool cover is a significant benefit. With the push of a button, you can deploy or retract the cover, making it simple to use and ensuring the pool is covered when not in use.
- Extended swimming season: An automatic pool cover can retain heat and keep the pool cleaner, thus extending your swimming season. You can enjoy your pool earlier in the spring and later into the fall.
- Aesthetics: Automatic pool covers are typically designed to be discreet and can blend in with the pool’s surroundings. They provide a sleek, modern look compared to manual covers.
- Property value: Installing an automatic pool cover can increase the value of your property. Potential buyers may see it as a desirable feature due to the added safety, convenience, and cost savings it provides.
Maintenance
Here’s a heads-up when you plan to purchase an automatic pool cover: since it has mechanical components, maintaining this cover takes more than just cleaning its fabric. However, regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring its longevity and functionality. Here are some steps to help you maintain your automatic pool cover effectively:
1. Regular cleaning
- Remove debris: Regularly clear off leaves, twigs, and other debris to prevent them from clogging the mechanism or causing damage.
- Surface cleaning: Clean the cover’s surface with a mild soap and water. Use a soft brush or cloth to avoid damaging the cover material.
- Algae prevention: Use a pool cover cleaner with algaecide to prevent algae growth, especially in humid or rainy conditions.
2. Mechanism maintenance
- Inspect tracks and rollers: Regularly check the tracks and rollers for debris, dirt, and damage. If necessary, clean them with a brush or compressed air.
- Lubricate moving parts: Apply a suitable lubricant to the moving parts, such as the tracks, rollers, and motor. This step will help ensure smooth operation and prevent wear and tear.
3. Water management
- Drain water accumulation: Use a cover pump to ensure there’s no standing water on the cover. Excess water can strain the cover and the motor.
- Check water levels: Maintain proper pool water levels. Low water levels can put extra tension on the cover, while high levels can cause overflow.
4. Structural integrity
- Inspect for damage: Regularly check the cover for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Repair minor tears promptly to prevent them from becoming larger.
- Check anchors and fasteners: Ensure all anchors, fasteners, and other hardware are secure and in good condition.
5. Seasonal maintenance
- Winterization: If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for winterizing your pool cover. This step often involves removing the cover, cleaning it thoroughly, and storing it properly.
- Summer preparation: Before the summer season, inspect and clean the cover thoroughly, ensuring all parts function correctly.
6. Professional maintenance
- Annual Inspection: Have a professional inspect your automatic pool cover at least once a year. They can identify and fix issues you might miss, ensuring the cover remains in top condition.
Regular maintenance of your automatic pool cover will help extend its life and keep your pool clean and safe.
Pool Covers, Inc.’s Infinity 4000™ automatic pool covers
Pool Covers, Inc.’s Infinity 4000™ automatic pool cover system is a high-tech and state-of-the-art automatic pool cover system. Available in two power sources (electric and hydraulic) and types (automatic undertrack and recessed top track), our automatic pool covers are rated as superior, advanced, and high-tech among all the automatic pool covers available today. The Infinity 4000™ includes the following key features:
- A key switch that is low-voltage and remote-located
- It has non-reversing auto-stops that are bi-directional
- It has different power options, including a flood-resistant drive motor with an electric option or a hydraulic system.
Every Infinity 4000™ pool cover system exceeds the ASTM safety standards.
An automatic pool cover in Danville can be an excellent addition to your backyard swimming pool. It’s a perfect way to maintain your pool’s appearance and quality. When you decide it’s time for an automatic pool cover, contact Pool Covers, Inc. today or call 707-864-6674!
