Pool cover – a pool accessory that extends the swimming season

Mark Toth

With the increasing interest in private pools, the selection of pool accessories has also grown. One such accessory is a pool cover, which may not be obvious to those new to the industry. But when you look at the benefits, you can see why so many choose to invest in it.

A pool enclosure is usually a simple structure made of aluminum profiles and plastic glass. Although they can vary in design, size, and function, they share common benefits. They protect against accidents by preventing children and animals from falling into the pool, retain heat in the water, and prevent dirt from contaminating the pool.

To protect your pool and extend your swimming season, a pool roof can be a good investment. Whether you are looking for a 4×8 pool roof, a smaller 3×6 pool roof, or a larger 5×10 pool roof, we have options that suit different needs and pool sizes.

Extend the swimming season

When you have a pool, naturally you want to be able to use it as much as possible all year round. And since we have such unpredictable weather and sometimes rather cold summers, it can be nice to have a pool cover that helps insulate against the cold and retain heat in the water longer. This also means that the heat accumulates faster in spring, so you can start swimming early in April and then extend the swimming season well into autumn. And who wouldn’t want that? Maximum use and enjoyment, indeed.

Material affects insulation ability

How well a pool roof insulates depends on the material it is made of. The most common materials are twin-wall plastic and clear plastic.

Twin-wall plastic is made of polycarbonate with a built-in air gap, which provides excellent insulation. But because it is not transparent, it can negatively affect the pool’s aesthetics, which is why many choose clear plastic instead.

Clear plastic is a transparent, solid sheet made of either polycarbonate or SAN (a type of acrylic). Polycarbonate is extremely durable and unbreakable, but also more expensive than SAN, which is cheaper but more fragile. Both materials give the pool an elegant look but do not insulate as well as twin-wall plastic.

So it’s a matter of weighing the pros and cons. You can choose twin-wall plastic for good insulation but less transparency, or clear plastic for transparency but poorer insulation. If you choose clear plastic, you can also choose between polycarbonate for durability but higher price, or SAN for lower price but fragility. This is something to keep in mind when making your choice.

Design and construction

There are a number of options to choose from. There are low roofs, ultra-low roofs, high roofs, and full-height roofs. The choice of roof height naturally depends on personal preferences. However, it is important to note that some municipalities require building permits for roofs higher than 1 meter, and sometimes even for lower roof heights. It is therefore wise to check the regulations in your municipality before proceeding with your planning.

A low roof is suitable for those who want to be able to see over the roof, for example towards the garden. On the other hand, a higher roof allows you to go inside and take a shower without having to move the roof. Higher roofs also tend to be a bit more rounded in shape, which means that snow does not accumulate on the roof but instead runs off. It is good to know that in cold and snowy areas, higher roofs require less maintenance compared to lower, flatter roofs. Heavy snow can be a problem, so good drainage is important if you don’t want to have to brush the snow off regularly.

As you can see, there are many aspects to consider when it comes to getting a pool cover. The benefits are many, including safety, cleaning, and heating. Above all, it extends the swimming season and gives you comfort. So it can be a very appreciated investment.

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