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Judging a Pool by Its ‘Automatic’ Cover
There are many amenities that make you proud of your pool. And while an automatic cover may be a less sexy item than, say, swim-out steps, tanning shelves, and lap sections, these covers do provide plenty of bragging rights.
First, the nitty gritty of an automatic cover.
Automatic covers run on a track along the sides of the pool, and with the flick of a switch, roll up into a storage box that can be artfully hidden at the end of the pool.
If you already have a pool, and are worried about how adding such an amenity might affect your pool and surroundings, there need be no concern. Each cover is prepared for your specific pool and you can choose a cover with the best vault-concealment for your pool’s design.
In addition, pool experts familiar with automatic pool covers ensure that your existing pool and surround won’t be damaged in the process.
If you have an “in-pool spa” such as shown in our fifth photo below, only one cover is needed for both water vessels. If not, a separate cover can be made for the spa. While this might cost more, having two covers allows you to close your outdoor pool and still use the spa — a great boon in colder months.
“Above all, you want your pool enticing,” says co-owner Patrick Bonawandt. “With an automatic cover, your pool’s always clean and at ideal temperature — ready to dive in whenever the urge moves you.”
In the Long Island area, Haven has found pools stay in the mid-80s through July and August without using a heater. In addition, the pool season can be extended two-to-four weeks in both the spring and fall.
“An automatic cover is just as valuable when it comes to security,” says Craig Bonawandt. “These covers are safety covers. Several adults can walk on the cover at the same time. We also recommend saving the auto cover and using a separate winter cover when the pool is winterized.”
Now, the bragging. Here’s some of our projects with automatic covers.
Easy-Peasy Automatic Pool Covers:
Because an automatic pool cover operates at the touch of a button (or turn of a key), you’ll use it often, even during peak pool season, because there’s no effort involved.
Pool Safety Covers:
While young children (and pets) should always be supervised near a pool, it is a comfort to know that because these covers are safety covers, they make it impossible to fall into the water. In addition these covers will hold the weight of up to ten adults, so if a child and pet should gain access without supervision, they are totally safe.
Landscaping Near Pools:
We all love a lush backyard, don’t we? But foliage, dirt, and twigs and branches do move about. By keeping debris out of your pool (which changes your pH balance), you’ll use fewer chemicals and reduce maintenance costs.
Extending Pool Seasons:
An automatic cover keeps the pool warmer by reducing evaporation, and by trapping heat in the pool the water temperature can be easily increased by 10+ degrees; this helps extend the pool season.
Energy Savings from Automatic Pool Covers:
In addition, trapping heat through regular use of your automatic pool cover saves you money — some reports conclude a savings of up to 80% of your pool’s overall operating costs. Of course, by using less energy and saving water through less evaporation, it is also very eco-friendly.
In-home Pool Covers:
An automatic cover for your in-home pool will mean you won’t need to use the dehumidifier nearly as much; of course, the extra safety it offers applies for in-home pools as well as outdoor ones.
