Types Of Pool Covers
Swimming pool covers play a very large role in the pool maintenance routine. Used correctly they will minimize the time you take keeping the pool clean and the cost of chemical water treatments. Some swimming pool covers will also, under certain circumstances, raise the pool water temperature, whilst others may help insulate the pool and maintain the existing temperature.
The general types of pool covers are as follows:
Pool Solar Covers are the most common type of pool cover in use, often on domestic outdoor pools. In appearance they are very likea heavy duty bubble wrap. They are sold in a range of weights and thicknesses, and also colours ranging from clear to silver and blue. Their purpose is to enhance the temperature of the pool water, and also lessen heat loss due to evaporation. In pool water most heat loss (up to 90%) is due to evaporation.
Heat Retaining Covers are often used on commercial inside pools and consist of a heavy closed cell foam. They can however be sited on domestic outdoor pools. In either case they require a good handling system such as a commercial roller system due to the weight of the cover.
Liquid Pool Covers: These are not really a cover at all. The so called is a liquid film that coats the surface of the pool. As the water itself is therefore not exposed to the air, there is very little evaporation and therefore very little heat loss. But,, in reality, any disturbance to the pool water such as splashing, rain or wind exposes the water beneath the film. Similarly, large amounts of the film are taken away from the pool by the skimming action and people getting out of the pool.
Winter covers: Usually manufactured with a mesh material that allows the rainwater to drain through, and webbing straps that tighten and support the cover, preventing it from sagging into the poolwater. Prevents leaves and other debris from entering the pool water, causing discolouring of the water and pool surfaces. A must to keep your pool clear and clean over the winter shutdown period. Proper use of a cover and chemicals allow quick re opening of your pool in the springtime.
Above Ground Pool Covers: Covers are available for splash pools such as the Intex range of splash pools. The solar covers are usually at the lower end of the thickness choices and are less hard wearing. Debris covers that are solid plastic with a central drain are also available.
It is essential to measure your pool correctly in order to get a good fitting cover. Covers that do not fit the pool correctly can wear more quickly and will not do their job very effectively. All pool measurements should be taken from the pool waterline, not the pool surround. Unusual pool shapes such as a kidney may require specialist techniques such as triangulation in order to measure them accurately.
About the Author
Frank Lowe is a highly experienced pool engineer providing expertise to http://poolwarehouseuk.com/ . A wide range of solar covers and other pool covers can be found at http://www.poolwarehouseuk.com/section/3/1/solar_covers
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