Which Pool Cover is Right For You? The Automatic Cover Versus the Safety Cover

Pool Safety Covers vs. Automatic Covers: Which One is Right for You?

As you get your in-ground pool closed for winter, now is a great time to consider your pool cover. Is it time for an upgrade or replacement? Are you planning to build a pool and don’t know which kind of cover to choose? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered 😉 When it comes to pool ownership, safety is paramount. Whether you have kids, pets, or just want to ensure your pool is secure during the off-season, choosing the right cover is essential. Two popular options in the Midwest are safety and automatic covers, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the differences between these cover types to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Safety Cover?

A safety cover is a mesh or solid cover designed to keep people, pets, and debris out of your pool in the off-season. Latham’s solid winter covers are made from best-in-class, durable materials to protect your pool. This style of cover is secured tightly over the pool and anchored to the ground, providing a reliable barrier to protect your pool from winter weather and ensuring no one accidentally falls in.

Pros of Safety Covers:

1. Safety First: As the name suggests, safety covers are designed to prevent accidental drownings. They can hold a good amount of weight, so they’re effective at keeping children and pets safe during the off-season.
2. Low Maintenance: Most safety covers require minimal upkeep. They can be cleaned easily, and many are designed to allow rainwater to drain through, preventing pooling on the surface. They’re also easier to install compared to automatic covers.
3. Variety of Styles: Safety covers come in various designs and colors, allowing you to choose one that complements your backyard aesthetic. They are custom-made to fit your pool precisely.

Cons of Pool Safety Covers:

1. Manual Installation: Unlike automatic covers, safety covers must be installed and removed manually, which can be cumbersome, especially for larger pools and windy days.
2. Weather Dependent: While they do a great job at keeping debris out, heavy snowfall or standing water can lead to stretching and ultimately damage the cover.

What is an Automatic Pool Cover?

An automatic pool cover is a motorized cover that is custom-fitted to your pool and can be opened and closed at the flip of a switch. They’re a popular option here in the Midwest where the majority of in-ground pools are rectangular. Made from heavy-duty vinyl fabric, Coverstar automatic covers slide over the pool when not in use, providing a secure barrier rated to hold up to 2,000 pounds.

Pros of Automatic Pool Covers:

1. Convenience: The main advantage of an automatic cover is convenience. With just the flick of a switch, you can quickly cover or uncover your pool, making it easy to secure from unsupervised swimming, bad weather, or just falling leaves.
2. Energy Efficiency: Automatic covers help retain heat and reduce evaporation, which will save you money on heating and chemical costs over time.
3. Enhanced Aesthetics: When closed, automatic covers provide a sleek, streamlined look to your pool area.

Cons of Automatic Pool Covers:

1. Higher Initial Cost: Automatic covers can be significantly more expensive to install than safety covers. However, the convenience they offer may justify the investment for some homeowners.
2. Pool Shape: Automatic covers are easiest to install on rectangular-shaped pools, which is the most common shape that we build in this area. While it is possible to install them on other shapes, it’s just a bit trickier.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the decision between a pool safety cover and an automatic cover boils down to your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Safety Concerns: If your primary concern is safety, particularly with small children or pets, an automatic cover is worth the investment. With the flip of a switch, your whole pool can be covered in a matter of seconds.

Budget: If you’re just looking for a cost-effective way to keep your pool covered during the off-season, a safety cover is the way to go.

Convenience: If you want the ultimate in convenience and ease of use, an automatic cover is the way to go.

Maintenance: Consider how much time you want to invest in maintaining your pool. Automatic covers tend to make cleaning and chemical balancing easier because you can just close the cover if there’s a lot of debris getting in the pool. If it’s hot out and no one is swimming, you can close the cover to prevent evaporation. Safety covers are easy to maintain, but they only keep debris from falling into your pool in the winter when your pool is already closed.

Conclusion

Both safety  and automatic covers have their merits, and the right choice for you will depend on your individual preferences. If you’d like to be able to cover your pool at any time for safety concerns, energy efficiency, or to keep it clean, an automatic cover is for you. If you are only concerned with protecting your pool during the winter, a safety cover will suffice.  Whichever you choose, ensuring that your pool is covered and secured is a crucial step in responsible pool ownership. Happy swimming!