Pools are mainly used during summertime. They are used for fun-filled activities. However, during winter they are required to be covered.
In this post, we will discuss in-depth why seasonal pool cover UK should not be overlooked, provide a detailed overview of cover options to choose from and offer extensive tips for ensuring your pool’s safety, water chemistry, and equipment are fully protected throughout the colder months ahead.
The Benefits of Pool Covering
There are numerous compelling reasons why thoughtfully covering your pool when not actively using it is important for proper seasonal care. Let’s examine some of the key benefits in more detail:
- Preventing Algae Growth
Stagnant, uncovered pool water provides the perfect breeding ground for numerous types of algae once water temperatures drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As days grow shorter and the pool remains still, algae only need minimal sunlight and moderate warmth to take hold and multiply rapidly. A pool cover helps deny algae this opportunity by blocking sunlight needed for photosynthesis. Less algae means less scrubbing, and chemistry adjustments are required in springtime before reopening the pool.
- Maintaining Balanced Water ChemistryÂ
Evaporation which naturally occurs even in a still pool accelerates without a protective barrier. This minor water loss over several months is enough to deplete vital chemical concentrations like chlorine and pH adjusters that fend off algae blooms. A pool cover seals in these treatments, keeping levels stable rather than necessitating frequent additions or complete rebalancing later. Temperature swings also affect chemical equilibrium, so insulation is another chemistry-preserving attribute of proper seasonal covering.
- Reducing Energy Consumption
Heated pools demand a significant amount of energy to maintain a comfortable swimming temperature, even with reduced usage in fall and early winter. Daily evaporation can suck away up to 1 degree Fahrenheit of heat through the exposed water surface alone. They are covering cuts evaporation by 95%, resulting in noticeable savings on your gas or electric bill over the off-season. Reduced run-time means less wear and tear on heaters and other equipment too.
- Choosing the Right Seasonal Cover
With the many important benefits of thoughtfully covering your pool established, the next consideration is selecting the appropriate style and construction of cover to suit your needs.
The main season pool covering categories are:
- Safety Covers: Safety or rigid covers are constructed of strong yet flexible materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or aluminum that form a solid surface preventing unauthorized entry even with weight upon it. They are inflatable to ensure a tight seal along the deck while withstanding a considerable load without breaking or bending.
- Winter Covers: Similar to safety covers but engineered specifically for insulation properties, winter or insulating pool covers utilize thicker, reinforced materials like polyethylene that better retain heat.
No matter which style suits your seasonal needs, only invest in a properly sized and installed pool cover made from durable, UV-resistant materials suited for the task.
Tips for Successful Pool Covering
Here are detailed steps for ensuring effective protection of your water quality, equipment, and safety during pool winterization:
1. Thorough Final Cleaning
Before applying chemicals or covering, spend a full day scrubbing all surfaces, vacuuming debris from the bottom, and using an air blower along edges to remove lingering leaves or sediments that could trap bacteria or algae over winter.
2. Balance Water Chemistry
Test and adjust pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels to recommended ranges on the day of covering to start in good standing. Chlorine should read 1-3 ppm.
3. Add Winterizing Chemicals
Defoamers, anti-freeze, copper, and scale preventatives all fight issues associated with stagnation without circulation in formulations safe for cover contact periods.
4. Drain & Blow Out Plumbing
Plumb a wet-vac hose to pool return jets and remove caps/plugs on the pump, filter, and main drain to fully evacuate water before winter freezing risks.
5. Close Valves & Disconnect Hoses
Turn off all flow to the filter, heater, and pump then bleed lines with compressed air to ensure full evacuation after draining. Disconnect pump and heater power/gas lines.
6. Clean & Store Pool Equipment
Scrub pumps, filters, and heaters clean before garage/shed storage through winter. Inspect gaskets, and o-rings for replacement before startup next season.
7. Brush & Empty Skimmer Baskets
Remove debris trapped in baskets that could harbor bacteria or freeze equipment over winter months. Wash baskets while they’re out.
8. Apply Safety Cover & Secure
Inspect for holes/tears before installing. Anchor the perimeter securely with ground stakes or weighted objects along tied tapes to prevent uplift in strong winds.
9. Clean Pool Furniture & Store Upright
Rinse off dirt/minerals before garage storage through winter. Stand furniture on its legs or edges above grade level to allow airflow below.
10. Periodic Checks & Maintenance
Every 4-6 weeks, lift the cover slightly to ensure balanced water by testing and adding needed chemicals in small amounts directly through the opening, then push the cover back down tightly. Sweep off accumulated snow loads as able.
Following these thorough steps ensures a successful winter hibernation for your pool net cover with minimal effort each season. Storage provides time to plan repairs or renovations before unveiling refreshed water for family fun under the summer sun. Come spring, remove the cover, add start-up chemicals, and restart equipment primed for swimming bliss. With some preparation up front, seasonal covering more than pays for itself in reduced costs and greater longevity overall.
