Why choose a pool and SPA cover?

Καλύμματα για πισίνες – αλλά και για SPA

Many pool owners σκέφτονται το pool cover μόνο το φθινόπωρο για να προστατεύσουν την πισίνα από τα στοιχεία του καιρού. Όμως τα καλύμματα για πισίνες –αλλά και για SPA- προσφέρουν πλούσια οφέλη όταν χρησιμοποιούνται καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια του έτους. Η κάλυψη της πισίνας ή του SPA σας όποτε αυτέ δεν χρησιμοποιούνται είναι μία καλή επιλογή για πολλούς και διάφορους λόγους:

• Covers offer extra protection against use by children (although adult supervision should not be taken as a substitute).
• Covers maintain water temperature, reducing heating costs.
• Covers reduce the frequency with which chemical cleaners are dissolved and reduce maintenance costs.
• Τα καλύμματα επίσης προστατεύουν από σκουπιδάκια, απλουστεύοντας τη maintenance και μειώνοντας τη φθορά των φίλτρων.

These are some good reasons to invest in a cover, but before you start shopping around, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics.

First of all, when it comes to above ground pools, the covers are bulky and a bit difficult to use. Most above-ground pool owners install them at the end of the swimming season, and during that time, make do with simple sun covers – which maintain water temperature and reduce maintenance costs, but don't prevent the risk of unlicensed and unsupervised use. There are safety covers for above ground pools, but they are not as common.

Covers for classic pools offer more variety. Some are designed to cover the pool for the whole winter, while others are offered for everyday use. Either type can match the shape of virtually any pool – from geometric shapes to free curves. To make sure you buy the cover that suits your needs, consider the following.

Common covers consist of a tarp attached to the base of the pool with water or sand bags. These types of covers maintain the temperature of the water and offer all the benefits related to the maintenance of the pool or spa, but they can be opened easily. To ensure protection for children, you will need a safety cover, which either 'locks' into deck, or moves on rails.

 Lock on deck against running on rails

Beyond just mentioning these two security covers, there are a few more things you should know.

A safety cover that locks in deck, is stretched across the length of the pool like a trampoline, usually made of polypropylene or vinyl. Springs and straps are adjustable according to the pool. Difficult in terms of daily use, it is more preferred for covering the pool during the winter. For easier and more frequent use, try a simple solar cover that moves on reels for even easier insertion and removal, but always remember that it will not offer you safety.

Tracked covers on the other hand are designed for frequent use. They consist of a roll of vinyl which is mounted on rails along the length of the pool. They can be pulled manually (someone will have to open it and pull it) or automatically (these jobs are done entirely by a special mechanism). Test the manual version of this cover to make sure you can work it – especially when it comes to putting the cover back in the pool.

For the construction of a new pool it is recommended to install the cover and the mechanism of the rails under it deck. It costs more, but you won't see the cover when you're not using it, and many manufacturers can make the mechanism cover out of the same material as the rest deck (wood, stone, etc.), so that it cannot be distinguished at all.

As with anything you buy, cover materials and workmanship will vary from pool to pool. Whichever type you choose, pay attention to how thick the vinyl is. Most manufacturers use 285 vinylGr – 400Gr (weight is proportional to thickness). The thicker one is more resistant to scratches and bumps, however it is more uncomfortable to use.

Details

Safety covers that lock in deck they have their own parts that require careful consideration.

First check the weave. Although depending on the manufacturer, only the edges of the cover may be sewn or the entire cover, defects in the weaving can be particularly serious during use. pool cover and SPA

Then, with so much variation in the pool environment now (waterfalls, rock finishes) it's important for a cover to have elastic edges for the best possible fit. Many manufacturers have anticipated, making covers that can cover both the pool and the spa, or anything extra you have placed that is at a different level than the pool. pool cover and SPA

Springs and belts do not have large differences and deviations between the main manufacturers. However, make sure that all the slats are made of stainless steel, so that they are not corroded by the weather, but also to be able to handle the debris or snow that may accumulate on the cover.

Also of note is that a cover can be made of solid vinyl or not. In the second case, the material allows the water to pass into the pool, thus preventing its concentration on the cover. If you are going to cover the pool for the whole winter, get the special set and if the temperature reaches or exceeds 15°C, you should also take care of the micro-organisms inside your pool.

Solid vinyl covers are offered in 2 types. They can be completely solid, or have small channels to expel rainwater that collects on the cover. If it is the first case, you will need an automatic pump that expels the water. However, experts recommend that for greater safety, it is advisable to use an automatic pump even if you have a channeled vinyl cover.

On rail covers, while manual systems require a lot of muscle power, automatic systems have mechanisms that do all the work. If you end up getting the manual version, make sure it's easy to upgrade later if you decide to fit a mechanism. Of course, if you upgrade later the cost will be about 10% more than if you had installed the automatic system in the first place.

For mechanisms located below the deck, prefer the frame of the mechanism to be waterproof, so that it will not be affected at all if it is flooded with water. The waterproof frame is also essential in areas with a humid climate. Even ask about the hydraulic systems, to see if they will work even in full submersion. pool cover and SPA

Also, check the handling options. Many mechanisms allow remote control to be operated from within the home and others require you to be poolside to operate them with a key.

In all cases, always keep an eye on the pool until the cover is fully closed to ensure no swimmers are trapped underneath.

Now that you know a few things about pool covers, start shopping. However, no matter how good a cover you choose, its correct placement plays an essential role. So make sure the seller knows what they are doing. Ask to see other covers he has installed and ask the pool owner if they are working properly.

Finally, find out everything about the guarantee. It is usually valid for 10-12 years and includes defects in equipment and workmanship As with most purchases in life, if you make it from someone who knows the subject matter and customer service, with the right qualifications, you will be rewarded with good cover pool, which will save you from worries and reduce maintenance costs.

Safety rules

Always remember before buying a safety cover that it must comply with European safety standards. pool cover and SPA