Information on Winter Covers for In-Ground Pools

Functions

• In-ground pool owners look for three things when purchasing winter covers: safety, low maintenance and aesthetics. Winter covers keep dirt, debris and sunlight out of in-ground pools. Those with children and animals value safety features on winter covers, such as secure locks and barriers that eliminate gaps between the pool's and cover's edges. Winter covers also are available in a variety of colors beyond the traditional blue, black, gray and green, which allows in-ground pool owners to coordinate their winter covers with the color of their homes, awnings and outdoor furniture.

Types Available

• Winter covers for in-ground pools can be made of varying materials, including UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene or vinyl, as well as mesh. In-ground pool owners who are concerned with sunlight hitting their pools may opt for a solid cover. However, one of the previous disadvantages of mesh covers --- they did not block sunlight from the in-ground pool --- has been eliminated with newer materials and weaving techniques. Winter pool covers may be applied in one of three ways: manually, semi-automatically or automatically.

Cost Considerations

• Because of the wide cost range for winter covers for in-ground pools, pool owners should first consider their budget before going shopping. Another consideration is the length of the cover's warranty; some brands offer a lifetime guarantee. Basic vinyl winter covers for in-ground pools range in price from as low as $30 to $350 or more, as of July 2011, whereas mesh covers cost $200 to $500. Automatic winter pool covers are considerably more expensive, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Safety covers, because they're stronger and sturdier, run from $1,000 to $8,000, but the chance of a person or animal falling through the cover is eliminated.

Maintenance

• Maintenance of winter covers is an important concern to in-ground pool owners. Vinyl types allow rain and snow to accumulate on the cover surface, which can result in damage and requires more cleaning whereas mesh covers allow these to drain through while still trapping leaves and debris, resulting in less work when opening the pool after winter. Automatic winter covers require additional care, including annual cleaning with an approved product. In addition, pool owners should clean tracks with a pressure washer and grease motor fittings every year.