Pool covers in Napa protect your pool from dirt, debris, and water loss due to evaporation. If they’re safety covers, they should be durable enough to protect kids and pets from drowning. However, pool covers decline over time, requiring eventual replacement.
You want to take steps to extend the useful life of your pool cover so you don’t have to replace it very soon.
Durable pool cover buying tips
The following tips will help you choose a cover built to last.
- Material quality: Look for covers made from durable and UV-resistant materials like reinforced vinyl or heavy-duty polyethylene, which resist sunlight and harsh weather.
- Weight capacity: Choose covers rated to handle weight (especially winter covers), ensuring they won’t tear under snow or debris.
- Stitching & reinforcements: Inspect stitching and reinforcements at the edges and anchor points, as double-stitched or reinforced edges are more durable against wear and tear.
- Fit & compatibility: Choose a cover that fits your pool dimensions tightly; loose covers can wear down faster from constant movement.
- Warranty: Look for covers with a multi-year warranty, which is often a good indicator of durability and manufacturer confidence.
- Tear resistance: Tear-resistant covers are ideal, especially if you have sharp-edged pool equipment or nearby plants.
When do you know if your pool cover needs to be repaired or replaced?
If your pool cover has visible damage, you may wonder whether it should be repaired or replaced. The answer depends on the extent of the damage.
To determine if a pool cover needs repair or replacement, consider the following signs and guidelines:
- Tears and holes: For small tears up to six inches, a patch kit can typically repair the damage, especially if it’s in a less-stressed area. However, if the tear is near the edge or a seam, the pool cover needs replacement, as these areas are more prone to further damage.
- Discoloration or brittleness: Over time, exposure to the sun and chemicals can make the cover brittle, causing it to crack or tear more easily. If your cover feels unusually stiff or shows significant discoloration, it may need replacement rather than repair.
- Weakened straps or grommets: Loose or broken straps or grommets indicate wear that can lead to more extensive issues. Repair kits can help, but a cover with numerous worn areas may not be secured effectively and could require replacement.
- Sagging or pooling: If your cover is sagging significantly, allowing water to pool, it may be stretched beyond repair. It can indicate compromised integrity that could lead to structural failure.
A patch kit can repair a six-inch tear or less in a non-stressed area. However, if the cover has multiple issues or is worn, consider replacing it to ensure safety and protection.
When your pool cover finally needs replacement
If the damage is too extensive repairs, your pool cover is no longer functional and needs replacement.
Replacing your pool cover doesn’t have to be that hard. It’s pretty much like buying a pool cover for the first time. If you already know what you need in a pool cover, it shouldn’t be hard to choose which size, type, or style of a pool cover you want to buy.
If you don’t know your pool’s dimensions, it’s important to measure it carefully to ensure the new cover fits correctly. As you measure your pool, consider any unique features (such as ladders, fountains, diving boards, etc.).
New manual pool covers are relatively easy to install. DIY-ers can even install the covers themselves, provided they follow the correct procedures and safety guidelines.
As for automatic pool covers – if only the fabric is damaged or worn out, you generally don’t need to replace the entire mechanism. Most automatic pool covers are designed with separate, replaceable components, so you can swap out the fabric while keeping the tracks, reel, and motor system intact. But it’s also a good idea to have the mechanical parts professionally inspected, especially if you’ve been using the cover frequently or for a considerable time.
The replacement pool covers for every need
Shopping for a new pool cover? There are several types of pool covers designed to meet different needs, from safety and weather protection to heat retention and debris control. Here’s a rundown of the main types of pool covers and the benefits of each:
1. Safety pool covers
- Purpose: Ideal for families with children, pets, or anyone concerned about accidental falls.
- Features: Made from durable materials like woven mesh or solid vinyl, safety covers are anchored securely around the pool. They bear significant weight, keeping the pool area safe when not in use.
- Mesh vs. solid safety covers:
- Mesh safety covers allow rainwater to seep through, preventing water accumulation on top, though they may let some fine debris into the pool.
- Solid safety covers block debris entirely but requires a drain or pump to prevent water buildup on the cover.
2. Winter pool covers
- Purpose: Essential for pools in regions with heavy snowfall or freezing temperatures.
- Features: These covers are typically thick and durable, built to withstand harsh winter weather. They protect the pool from debris, dirt, and damage caused by freezing temperatures, ensuring easier cleanup and maintenance come spring.
- Benefits: They help prevent freeze damage to the pool’s structure and plumbing, reduce algae growth, and keep water cleaner through the winter months.
3. Solar pool covers (solar blankets)
- Purpose: These covers retain heat, making them ideal for extending the swimming season in sunny climates or lowering heating costs.
- Features: Made of bubble-like plastic, they float on the pool’s surface and use solar energy to warm the water. They also help retain heat overnight and reduce water evaporation.
- Benefits: Solar covers can raise the pool’s temperature by 10-15°F and reduce chemical and water loss due to evaporation.
4. Automatic pool covers
- Purpose: These covers are perfect for ease of use and versatility, especially for those who cover and uncover the pool frequently.
- Features: These covers are powered by electric or hydraulic motors and can be opened or closed at the push of a button. They also serve as safety covers, offering extra protection for kids and pets.
- Benefits: Automatic covers are user-friendly, add a level of security, and help retain heat and reduce debris in the pool.
5. Thermal pool covers
- Purpose: Mainly used to retain heat in the pool, these are especially beneficial in areas with cooler nights or frequent temperature fluctuations.
- Features: Thermal covers are made of thicker, insulating materials, helping the pool to retain warmth without relying on solar energy.
- Benefits: They help maintain a consistent water temperature, reduce energy costs associated with pool heating, and minimize water evaporation.
6. Mesh pool covers
- Purpose: These covers are great for pools in windy or rainy areas. They keep debris out while allowing water to pass through.
- Features: Mesh covers are lighter and easier to handle than solid covers. They’re also durable and can handle snow and rain without requiring drainage.
- Benefits: They reduce maintenance by keeping large debris out, allowing some water to pass through so it doesn’t accumulate, and work well in areas with frequent rain or snow.
7. Leaf pool covers
- Purpose: Leaf covers are ideal for areas with several trees. They prevent leaves and large debris from entering the pool.
- Features: Typically made from netting or lightweight mesh, leaf covers are easy to install and remove.
- Benefits: They prevent leaves from falling into the pool, thus reducing the time and effort required to clean it and preventing clogged filters and drains.
Each pool cover serves a specific purpose, so it’s best to consider your climate, safety needs, and maintenance preferences when choosing the right cover for your pool.
Replacing pool covers in Napa doesn’t have to be a complicated decision, especially if you already know the dimensions of your pool and your specific needs.
Choose an established pool cover company, such as Pool Covers, Inc., to provide quality pool covers that will serve your needs for years. Call our Pool Covers, Inc. team at 707-864-6674 or customerservice@poolcversinc.com. We’ll be happy to help!
