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 |  | Basic Covers: $15-150 Aboveground; $30-$350 In-ground |  | Solar Covers: $20-$400+ Aboveground; $40-$500+ In-ground |  | Safety Covers: $1,000-$4,000+ |
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A cover is a fashionable swimming pool accessory that comes in a variety of materials and styles -- and is also a wise investment. All covers conserve water by preventing evaporation. Winter covers keep out debris, solar covers use the sun's rays to heat the pool and safety covers prevent young children or small animals from falling into the pool. And some covers perform all three functions.
Typical costs: |
- Standard winter pool covers are usually made of vinyl or other material, and can need cleaning or draining when water and debris accumulate on top of the cover; a basic version runs $15-$150 for an aboveground pool and $30-$350 or more for in-ground. Mesh winter covers require less maintenance because they allow water to drain through instead of building up; they cost about $50-$250 for aboveground and $200-$500 for in-ground pools. An automatic version can be $2,000-$5,000 or more, depending on pool size and the type of automation, and if it's a custom fit.
- Solar covers[1] (also called solar blankets) are made of plastic similar to bubble wrap packaging but the material is thicker and inhibits UV rays; the more expensive versions are sturdier and include a wind-up reel. Expect to pay $20-$400 for an above-ground pool and $40-$500 for an in-ground pool, depending on size and quality. Installing a completely automatic solar cover can cost $1,000-$2,000 and more.
- Winter or solar covers usually don't support any weight. A child or small animal may easily fall through, get trapped and drown. Tightly-fitting safety covers will support as much as 400 pounds of weight or more, eliminating this problem. Because they're stronger and sturdier, safety covers cost more. They are usually mesh but can be solid, and are held in place with hooks or stakes. They cost about $1,000-$4,000 or more; automatic versions run $3,000-$8,000 or more.
Related articles: Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool Drain, Pool Cleaning
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What should be included: |
- Whether a pool is located indoors or outdoors, covering it can reduce water loss through evaporation by 30-50 percent, save 50-70 percent on pool heating costs, cut the use of pool chemicals by 35-60 percent and reduce cleaning time by keeping dirt and other debris out of the pool, according to the US Department of Energy.Some vinyl-liner pool kits and fiberglass pool molds now incorporate the ability to install a cover as a basic part of the design.
Additional costs: |
- You may want a solar tarp for $8-$20, to protect your solar cover while it's rolled up.
Discounts: |
- Some local water departments offer rebates of $50-$200 or up to 50 percent of the cost of an energy-efficient pool cover. Check with your local agency.
Shopping for a swimming pool cover: |
- Major manufacturers include LoopLoc and Garrett Liners[2] . Plus, in 2001 the US Department of Energy compiled a list of pool cover manufacturers[3] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Jennifer Hegg in Virginia Beach, VA. | Posted: May 8th, 2013 02:05PM |
| Type of Pool:: Existing Inground | Type of Cover:: Automatic Pool Cover |
I had an existing pool and wanted an automatic cover. They Installed an in ground flush system with recessed tracks over a 24x40 pool. I love being able to close my pool in seconds with a switch and it never requires skimming anymore. |
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| Posted by: suzzette in Orinda, CA. | Posted: October 20th, 2009 11:10AM |
| Type of Pool:: In ground Pre Built | Type of Cover:: Pool covers-Automatic |
I loved the company I purchased my Pool cover from. This cover has saved me so much money in just water cost alone! |
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| Posted by: a user in San Francisco Area, CA. | Posted: September 9th, 2009 02:09PM |
| Type of Pool:: In ground | Type of Cover:: Pool Covers - Automatic |
We replaced our entire automated pool cover system, including upgrading the motor, new tracks, and cover. Our pool measures 25x50 feet.
One unadvertised bonus is we don;t need solar heating as te cover works great (in Northern CA our pool maintains 85-90 temps)
We loved working with Pool Covers Northern California. Fast and Easy, and we think we got a great price too. |
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External Resources: |
- www.backyardcitypools.com/Pool-Covers-Solar-Blankets.htm
- www.garrettliners.com/pages/swimming-pool-safety-cover-mfctr.php
- www.rlmartin.com/rspec/mfr_covers.htm
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