Skate-Wear Central

Cover Winter

Pool Covers Help Maintain a Clean and Healthy Swimming Pool

Covers for your swimming pool are important and provide primarily two functions.  First, they can reduce your pool’s maintenance cost, and second, safety covers will help lower the probability of any serious accidents.  There is a wide selection of pool covers marketed and you should be able to find one that meets your needs. The four main types of pool covers are Solar Covers, Winter Covers, Safety Covers, and Leaf Nets.  They are constructed with a variety of materials including mesh fabric and vinyl material.  Leaf nets and winter covers protect your pool from accumulations of dirt, leaves, and other debris.  Covers for in ground pools and above ground pools differ in use and design, but there are stock and customized covers made that fulfill the needs and wants of most customers.

Solar covers or blankets conserve both energy and water.  They will raise your pool’s water temperature by an average of ten degrees by absorbing sunlight during the day and trapping the heat in the pool overnight.  A solar cover will reduce your water and chemical evaporation by up to 70 percent, which can save gallons of water each month.  If you use a heater, the heat retained by a solar cover helps to reduce your heating costs which can mean a savings of up to 90% in the summertime.  Other advantages of solar covers are that they help keep debris out of your pool, and they reduce the run time of your filter pool pump.

Winter pool covers primarily serve as a protection for the pool from winter weather and to keep limbs, leaves, dirt, and other debris from falling into the pool.  For an in ground pool, a solid cover is held in place with water bags placed around the pool’s edge inside sleeves attached to the cover.  An above ground pool uses the same type of solid cover but it is held in place by a combination winch and cable assembly that runs through grommets in the cover.  Inflatable air pillows rest on the water under the cover to make stick and leaf removal easier and helps water to run off the cover.  A winter cover also blocks sunlight that inhibits algae growth.  A winter cover is a vital step to correctly winterizing your pool, and this makes your springtime opening much easier and less expensive. 

So what does a leaf net do?  Leaf nets are lightweight covers made of an open weave material that fits over your winter cover or solar cover and helps you avoid accumulations of wet, heavy, saturated leaves and twigs on top of your winter or solar cover.  These nets ensure a quicker removal of leaves and help prolong the life of your winter or solar cover.  They can be used in any season and are a big help if your pool is located in an area surrounded by trees. The open weave allows water to pass through the net but will block twigs and trash.  They help make it easier to remove your pool cover.

Finally, there are safety covers which are the most expensive type of pool cover, but also the most essential.  A safety cover is a maintenance cover as well as a safety barrier over your pool.  All safety covers must meet the requirements in the ASTM standard F1346-91 (1996); this means that a cover must be able to support the weight of a small child or animal should they walk out onto the cover.  A proper safety cover is securely anchored into the deck area surrounding the pool and lies flat so there are no gaps between the pool and the cover that could allow a child to get under the cover and into the water.  They give the pool owner peace of mind.  Sharp objects can create a hole in your safety cover, but a good cover is made from material that will not run, so the hole will not automatically increase in size.  Safety covers follow the shape of the pool and have a proper number of anchors embedded around the pool to hold the cover in place.  Some covers require professional installation but many can be installed by the owner.  Safety covers are available in a mesh or a solid material.  Mesh covers are lightweight and allow the water to pass through, but not debris.  Some solid covers also contain a draining mesh area. 

It is important to remember these points.  A covered pool will experience less freezing than an uncovered one.   A covered pool will be much easier, and will cost less, to open up in the spring time.  And safety covers will protect children and animals from tragic accidents by falling into the swimming pool. 

About the Author

Trey Collier is owner of BackyardCityPools.com – North America’s finest resource for quality pool supplies, including a wide selection of Swimming Pool Covers.

White Winter Hymnal (Fleet Foxes Cover)

Mens Quiksilver Stab n Dodge Paddle Cover $29.95 Stab n Dodge Paddle Cover

Dakine Paddle Cover $15.95 The Dakine Paddle Cover is the ideal way to keep your SUP Paddle protected when not in use

Womens Roxy Beach Blanket Cover Up $48 The Beach Blanket Cover Up from Roxy is perfect to throw on after a long day in the sun.

Mens Billabong Majestic Sweater $39.5 Get ready for winter in this casual sweater from Billabong.

Smartwool Toe Sock Micro $14.95 The SmartWool Toe Sock Micro are definitely going to be your favorite socks this winter

Mens Patagonia R2 Front-Zip Full Wetsuit – Regular $549.95 Stay warm this winter in the cold surf with the Patagonia R2 Front-Zip Full Wetsuit – Regular

Womens Dakine Katelyn Hoody $31.95 The Katelyn Hoody from Dakine is soft, cozy and an easy addition to your winter wardrobe.

Mens Old Guys Rule Leather Oval Cap $19.95 The Old Guys Rule Leather Oval Cap is a classy way to cover up what might have used to be a head full of thick lustrous hair

Womens Rainbow Sandals Baja Boot $119.95 Just when you thought Rainbows were only sandals – Rainbow proves you wrong with the Ladies Baja Boot. This fabulous winter boot comes in your favorite Rainbow colors and features a footbed and arch support that molds to your foot – yep, the same footbed that made you fall in love with Rainbows in the first place. We know, it does not seem to get any better than that but it does because these boots are lined with sheepskin on the inside and out, and are trimmed and supported with nubuck leather. Fall in love with the Baja Boots the same way you fell in love with Rainbow Sandals and you’ll be sure to wear them for many winters to come. Sheepskin is a natural product so it is normal to have some irregularities and variations in color and texture. These are sure signs you have a quality sheepskin product, and will only add to the beauty and character of your boots.The Baja Boots tend to run large so when ordering please use the following guide:For half  sizes please order a half size down.For whole sizes please order next size down.

O’Neill Starfawn Cover Up $19.95 It was a cold winter but now that you finally have an opportunity to wear cute dresses again don’t wear the same old styles from last year. Step up to an amazing O’Neill dress like the Starfawn. This 100% rayon cover up is designed to accentuate your hottest features and keep you comfortable while doing it.

Mens Kill Winter, Charcoal $130 65% cotton 35% acrylic, Duffle coat, Faux fur trim at hood, Hidden center front zipper with toggle detailing at center front, Fully lined with taffeta, Mikey Taylor signature label package, OFFERED IN YOUTH, Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL

Rusty Paradiso Cover Up $58 Rusty Paradiso Cover Up

Warren Miller Children of Winter DVD $19.95 When the days get short and cold, and the land is cloaked in white—that’s when you come out to play. You are beckoned by the thrill of speed, the joy of air and unclimbed mountains asking for someone to stand atop them and declare, “Winter’s open for business!” Deep power, huge airs, world-class cinematography and an awe-inspiring soundtrack—it’s all part of Warren Miller Entertainment’s 59th feature film, “Children Of Winter.” The world’s greatest action sports filmmaker showcases spectacular footage shot in Japan, Austria, British Columbia, Alaska and Iceland with jaw-dropping performances by an impressive assembly of world-class athletes, including Johnny Mosely, Daron Rahlves, Marco Sullivan, Seth Wescott, Gerry Lopez and Wendy Fisher. For decades, Warren Miller Entertainment has sought out the greatest athletes and inspiring locations—the perfect playground for the children of winter to play in.

Spy Optics Hunter Black Knit Cap $18 Cover up your dome while wandering the winter wilderness in this Hunter cap by Nixon with a drop panel at the back for added warmth!

O’Neill Naomi Cover Up Dress $46 O’Neill Naomi Cover Up Dress

Warren Miller Children of Winter Blu-ray DVD $29.95 When the days get short and cold, and the land is cloaked in white—that’s when you come out to play. You are beckoned by the thrill of speed, the joy of air and unclimbed mountains asking for someone to stand atop them and declare, “Winter’s open for business!” Deep power, huge airs, world-class cinematography and an awe-inspiring soundtrack—it’s all part of Warren Miller Entertainment’s 59th feature film, “Children Of Winter.” The world’s greatest action sports filmmaker showcases spectacular footage shot in Japan, Austria, British Columbia, Alaska and Iceland with jaw-dropping performances by an impressive assembly of world-class athletes, including Johnny Mosely, Daron Rahlves, Marco Sullivan, Seth Wescott, Gerry Lopez and Wendy Fisher. For decades, Warren Miller Entertainment has sought out the greatest athletes and inspiring locations—the perfect playground for the children of winter to play in.

CUPCAKE IPHONE 4 COVER $10.8 Silicone cover fits the iPhonee–4. iPhonee– is a trademark of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple is not responsible for the product’s compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Women’s adidas Stan Winter Hi $69.99 Distinctive classic snowboot style looks great with all winter apparel; Full-suede upper is comfortable and abrasion resistant; Soft fleece lining is oh so warm and cozy; 10-inch pull on shaft for easy on-and-off; EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) midsole cushioning provides lightweight flexible comfort and support; Durable rubber outsole with high-traction tread pattern designed for maximum grip;

Hurley Every Rose Strapless Cover Up Dress $49 True romance. The Every Rose Cover Up works as a chic swim cover up as well as a cute sundress. The strapless design and lace up back feature make it functional yet feminine. Color: White. Content: 100% Slub Jersey.