What does a pool cover have to do with a pool opening? Isn’t that something you think of in conjunction with a pool closing? Yes, indeed. However, you should know that your pool cover is just as critical to a successful pool opening as a closing.
At Goodall Pools & Spas, we’ve spent nearly 60 years servicing pools (many of which we’ve built ourselves). In that time, we’ve seen many customers breathe a sigh of relief when they reopen their pool in the spring. Others screech at the sight. Our advice is this: if you want to fall into the first category, invest in a good pool cover.
Why is a pool cover so important now for next year’s season?
You’ve cleaned your pool for the last time this year. The water level has been adjusted properly. And the winterization chemicals are in their place keeping the organic matter at bay. Now, it’s time for the finishing touch: fastening a reliable safety cover over your favorite swimming hole.
“Why is this step so important?” you may ask. “Why not just drain the pool and give it a solid scrub down once spring rolls around? That eliminates the need to spend money on a safety cover.” First and foremost, don’t drain the pool.
The purpose of keeping a certain level of water in the pool during the colder months is to keep the pool walls in contact with the winterization chemicals that have dissolved in the water. Without taking this step, your pool structure becomes the best hangout spot in town for bacteria and other organic matter that leads to stubborn algae. In short, you end up with a runaway swamp that compromises the pool’s integrity and shortens its lifespan.
It’s decided, then. The water stays in the pool! But winterization chemicals alone aren’t enough to keep algae from rearing its head eventually. That’s where the pool cover comes in. A sturdy, expansive cover blocks debris like dirt, plant matter, and the heaviest of hitters, snow, from entering the pool. As a result, your winterized pool water can continue doing its job uninterrupted, and you’ll breathe that satisfying sigh of relief when winter thaws.
What type of pool cover is best for winter use?
If you ask a Goodall team member about how to cover your pool in winter, you’re likely to hear the words “safety cover.” More specifically, we set our customers up with customized safety covers from Merlin Industries, cut specifically to match the shape of their pools.
These safety covers are made from either solid vinyl or mesh. As such, they’re engineered to hold up under a heavy load. In fact, they’re called safety covers because they help prevent people and pets from falling into the pool when it’s not being used.
This composition is what makes safety covers great protection against debris and snow accumulation in the wintertime. Whereas a typical winter cover (which is a tarp-like cover) may sag under the weight of melting snow, Merlin’s covers do well at limiting any puddling you may encounter when removal time comes. Additionally, safety covers are anchored into the concrete, whereas traditional winter covers are only held on with the weight of water bags.
So put the final seal on your pool with a safety cover before winter. Your pool will return the favor with cleaner water and, thus, less effort on your part when reopening time arrives.
Where can I get a safety cover in central Pennsylvania?
Goodall Pools & Spas is your premier source for pool maintenance needs, including pool covers, in central Pennsylvania. Contact us or visit one of our five locations today. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to close your pool this year and open it again next year.
