Should I Purchase an Auto cover with my Pool?
Whether you should buy an autocover for your pool depends on several factors, including your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences. Below is the MOST comprehensive guide to the pros and cons of all things autocovers!
The Pros of Owning An Autocover
Here are some benefits of having an automatic pool cover:
Safety: An automatic pool cover can help prevent accidental drownings by covering the pool when it's not in use.
Energy Efficiency: An automatic pool cover can help reduce evaporation, which in turn can help lower your pool's heating costs.
Maintenance: An automatic pool cover can help keep debris out of your pool, reducing the amount of time and effort you need to spend cleaning it.
Aesthetics: An automatic pool cover can add a sleek, modern look to your pool area.
Safety
Automatic pool covers are designed to provide enhanced safety for your pool. Here are some of the key safety features of an automatic pool cover:
Locking mechanism: Most automatic pool covers have a locking mechanism that helps prevent unauthorized access to the pool.
Lock Box: Most autocover’s operating switch (closing and opening switch) is enclosed in a lockable box for the safety of guests and children who wander into the pool area.
Cover strength: Automatic pool covers are typically made from strong, durable materials, such as vinyl or mesh, that can support the weight of a person or pet.
Emergency release: Most automatic pool covers come with an emergency release mechanism that allows you to quickly and easily open the cover in the event of an emergency.
Fencing Requirements: In some municipalities, having an autocover supersedes the fencing requirements. Make sure to check with your local codes on this one because not all municipalities allow this.
It's important to note that while automatic pool covers provide enhanced safety features, they should never be relied upon as the sole safety measure for your pool. Adult supervision is always recommended when children are near the pool.
Energy Efficient
Automatic pool covers can be energy efficient in several ways:
Evaporation reduction: Automatic pool covers help reduce evaporation, which can significantly reduce the amount of water lost due to the sun and wind. This, in turn, can help lower your pool's heating costs.
Heating retention: By covering the pool when it's not in use, an automatic pool cover helps retain heat in the water, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Energy savings: By reducing evaporation and retaining heat, an automatic pool cover can help you save energy and reduce your overall pool-related energy costs.
Chemical reduction: An automatic pool cover can also help reduce the amount of chemicals you need to add to your pool, as it helps keep debris and other contaminants out of the water.
Equipment savings: By reducing the amount of water and chemicals you need for your pool, an automatic pool cover can also help extend the life of your pool equipment, such as pumps, filters, and heaters.
Maintenance
Owning an autocover can drastically reduce the maintenance on your swimming pool when used intentionally.
Debris reduction: By covering the pool when it's not in use, an automatic pool cover helps keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of the water, reducing the amount of time and effort you need to spend cleaning the pool.
Chemical reduction: An automatic pool cover can also help reduce the amount of chemicals you need to add to your pool, as it helps keep contaminants out of the water, reducing the amount of time and effort you need to spend maintaining water quality.
Skimming reduction: An automatic pool cover can help reduce the amount of skimming you need to do, as it helps keep the surface of the water clean and clear.
Algae reduction: An automatic pool cover can help reduce the growth of algae, as it helps limit the amount of sunlight and other nutrients that algae need to grow.
Water loss reduction: By reducing evaporation, an automatic pool cover can help reduce the amount of water you need to add to your pool, which can help reduce the amount of time and effort you need to spend maintaining the water level.
Aesthetics
Obviously when building a swimming pool, aesthetics are near the top of every owners list. Adding an autocover can add that WOW factor to your project.
Clean lines: Automatic pool covers are typically made from strong, durable materials, such as vinyl or mesh, that can be designed to blend seamlessly with your pool and deck area.
Customization: Many automatic pool covers are available in a range of colors and designs, allowing you to choose a cover that complements the overall look and feel of your pool area.
Hidden design: When not in use, an automatic pool cover can be tucked neatly out of sight, leaving your pool area uncluttered and visually appealing.
The Cons of Owning An Autocover
While owning an automatic pool cover has many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be considered:
Cost: Automatic pool covers can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from several thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars, depending on the size and type of cover.
Maintenance: Automatic pool covers require regular maintenance and cleaning to keep them functioning properly, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
Weather limitations: Some automatic pool covers may not function properly in extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy snow.
Limited compatibility: Automatic pool covers may not be compatible with all types of pools, and may require special installations or modifications.
Cost
The cost of an automatic pool cover is often cited as a disadvantage or "con" because it can be higher compared to other types of pool covers. This is due to the added complexity and technology involved in designing and manufacturing an automatic pool cover.
Initial cost: Automatic pool covers are typically more expensive than traditional pool covers, such as solar covers or winter covers, due to the added technology and materials involved in their construction.
Installation cost: In addition to the cost of the cover itself, installation can also be expensive, especially if your pool area requires additional electrical work or other modifications to accommodate the cover.
Maintenance cost: Over time, automatic pool covers may also require maintenance, such as repair or replacement of moving parts or motors, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
While the initial cost of an automatic pool cover may be a disadvantage, many pool owners find that the long-term benefits, such as increased energy efficiency, reduced maintenance, and improved safety and aesthetics, outweigh the initial investment.
Maintenance
Maintenance is considered a disadvantage of automatic pool covers because it can add to the overall cost of ownership and require ongoing attention to keep the cover functioning properly.
Moving parts: Automatic pool covers typically feature moving parts, such as motors and tracks, that may require regular maintenance or repair to keep them functioning properly.
Weather damage: Automatic pool covers are exposed to the elements, and may be susceptible to damage from weather events, such as strong winds or heavy rain, which can add to the maintenance required.
Age: Over time, automatic pool covers may also experience wear and tear, requiring repair or replacement to keep them functioning properly.
Weather
Weather damage: Automatic pool covers are exposed to the elements, and may be susceptible to damage from severe weather events, such as strong winds, heavy rain, or hail. This can result in tears, rips, or other forms of damage to the cover, which can add to the cost of ownership.
Functionality: Weather conditions can also affect the functionality of automatic pool covers, such as freezing temperatures or high winds, which may prevent the cover from opening or closing as intended.
Wear and tear: Prolonged exposure to the elements can also increase the amount of wear and tear experienced by an automatic pool cover, requiring additional maintenance or replacement to keep it functioning properly.
Compatibility
Pool shape: Automatic pool covers are typically designed for specific shapes and sizes of pools, so it's important to make sure that the cover you choose is compatible with your pool before making a purchase.
Deck design: Some automatic pool covers may also be incompatible with certain deck designs, such as decks with steps or raised features, which can limit the types of pools that the cover can be used with.
Electrical requirements: Automatic pool covers typically require electrical power to operate, so it's important to make sure that your pool area is equipped with the necessary electrical infrastructure to support the cover.
Accessibility: Some automatic pool covers may also be difficult to access for maintenance or repair, which can be a disadvantage for pool owners who need to perform regular maintenance on their pool.
In conclusion, automatic pool covers can offer a range of benefits, including increased energy efficiency, reduced water evaporation, improved safety, and added aesthetics to your pool area. However, it's important to consider the potential disadvantages, such as the initial cost, ongoing maintenance, weather exposure, and compatibility with your pool and deck area.
By carefully weighing the pros and cons, pool owners can make an informed decision about whether an automatic pool cover is the right choice for their needs. In some cases, the long-term benefits may outweigh the initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs, while in other cases, a different type of pool cover may be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific needs, budget, and priorities.
