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Winter Pool
Safety Covers

Winter pool covers offer a combination of safety, maintenance, and cost-related advantages, making them a popular choice among pool owners living in the New Jersey, New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Connecticut area looking to protect their investment and ensure a hassle-free pool opening when warmer weather returns.

In addition to the many benefits winter pool covers provide they also provide an aesthetically pleasing feature to the backyard when the pool is closed.

Safe for kids and pets

Keeps the pool clean

Reduces Algae growth

Reduces Maintenance

Types of Pool Covers

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There are three types of materials that are commonly used in the manufacturing of winter pool covers, namely Mesh, Solid (sometimes called “Hard Covers” and a hybrid between the two called a High Density Mesh. When installed properly all three of these materials should provide a safe environment for the family and pets.

The main differences between a mesh safety cover and a solid safety cover is how the water that collects on top of the cover from rain, or snow melt, gets treated. In the case of the mesh materials the water will seep through the cover, whereas, a solid cover is non-porous and the water must be eliminated through the use of a pump on top of the cover, or, the cover must be manufactured with a drain panel to allow the standing water to enter the pool. The following illustrates some of the differences and results you may expect from the different materials:

Material Mesh Pool Cover Solid Pool Cover High-Density Mesh Pool Cover
Safety – Prevents water accumulation – Allows rain and melting snow to pass through, reducing the risk of drowning – Offers support, reducing the risk of accidental falls – Prevents access to the pool water – Strong barrier, reducing the risk of drowning – Supports the weight of people and pets – Combines features of mesh and solid covers – Allows water to pass through while offering stronger support – Reduces the risk of drowning
Debris Prevention – Provides effective debris prevention – Requires less maintenance – May allow smaller debris to enter pool – Blocks debris effectively – Reduces the need for frequent cleaning – Acts as a protective barrier against leaves and debris – Provides effective debris prevention – Similar to solid covers in blocking larger debris – May allow fine debris to pass through
Algae Prevention – Allows some sunlight to penetrate, possibility of algae growth – Blocks sunlight, preventing algae growth – Requires chemical treatment to maintain water
quality
– Blocks sunlight like a solid cover, preventing algae growth – May require less chemical
treatment compared to traditional mesh covers
Weight and Durability – Generally lightweight and easy to handle – Often will outlast a solid cover – Heavy and durable, providing long-lasting protection – Resistant to harsh weather conditions – Combines durability with some weight advantages – Resistant to wear and tear – Suitable for various weather conditions
Maintenance and Cleaning – Requires less maintenance but may need occasional cleaning – Easy to remove and store – More maintenance but may require occasional cleaning – Removal and storage can be more challenging due to weight – Requires moderate maintenance – Similar to mesh covers in terms of cleaning – Easier to handle compared to traditional solid covers
Cost – Typically more affordable upfront – Can result in cost savings over time – Higher upfront cost but may offer long-term savings in maintenance and water – About the same as a solid cover – Offers a balance between affordability and long-term benefits

Why Choose

Pool Safety Systems?

We are not your typical dealer that offers just one brand of cover, with a one size fits all mentality. We know from decades of experience in the pool cover industry that there are options that customers may, or, may not, want that’s why we offer choices in pool cover brands. We know that some customers may prefer a particular brand of pool cover because they may have had good experience with that cover, or, on the other hand may want to change because the pool cover may not have lived up to their expectations. We are truly unique when it comes to pool cover buying experience, because we offer different brands of pool covers to choose from. Giving you the freedom to choose the best options that make sense for you.

We have a variety of manufactures to choose from with a color selection that will compliment any backyard. Our computerized measuring app guarantees that the cover will fit and be safe for children and pets. Since we deal directly with the manufacture our covers arrive faster and but more importantly the communication between the measuring team, the design team and the installation team is seamless reducing delays and errors. That’s why some of the nations largest pool builders and many award winning pool builders use Pool Safety Systems to measure and install pool covers for their customer’s pools. In many cases, pool cover manufacturers have also engaged Pool Safety Systems to assist in the installation of very complex pool covers because they know we have the experience and the knowledge to make the cover fit perfectly.

Pool Cover Gallery

What does

A pool cover cost?

You are just a few clicks away of calculating the cost of a pool cover. We will ask you just a few questions to get started. You will need to provide us with some details regarding your pool such as, the shape of the pool, any special features like a waterfall, or raised wall, any additional special features like a raised spa, the spa dimensions, obstructions like dive rocks, dive stands, raised steps, permanent handrails, rocks and other permanent obstructions of any type within 18” from the pool.

Click the link below that describes your pool cover:

Frequently asked pool cover questions:

In many cases replacing an existing pool cover may not require professional installation. However, when installing a new pool cover, we recommend that you leave it to a pool cover professional with years of experience that insures it meets the ASTM standard for safety.

There are various types of winter pool covers available, including mesh covers and solid covers (Hard Pool Covers”). When choosing a pool cover for a pool in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, its important to choose a cover that best protects your pool and fits your budget, see the chart above that describes the differences.

Algae is an aquatic plant and just like any plant needs sunlight in order to grow. By reducing the amount of sunlight entering the pool will reduce algae’s ability to grow. Solid covers eliminate all sunlight as do high density mesh covers which eliminate so much sunlight that it make it nearly impossible for algae growth

Even though winter pool covers are designed to hold a significant amount of weight, it is Not recommended to walk on a pool cover unless it is an emergency situation. For additional safety products see other products like Pool Fences and Pool Nets. Its important to note that not all covers are safe. A winter pool cover may look safe, but, if the cover is old or has signs of wear and tear it may no longer be safe to walk on and should be avoided at all costs. If you are not sure if your pool cover is safe we recommend that you reach out to us at 888-255-8800 or, a pool cover safety specialist for their professional opinion.

If the pool water is at the appropriate level (not lower than 18” below coping level) the design of the cover will allow it to move up, or down based on the weight loads of snow and ice without the need to remove any snow. In situations where the water is too low and the weight loads are excessive, removing snow from the cover may be needed. In this case use extreme caution, do not stand on the cover, do not use any sharp things like a shovel to remove the snow, only use a brush on a long pole to lightly brush the snow off the cover without getting on the cover. The same is true for any debris on the cover.

The best thing to do if you notice damage to the pool cover is to document the damage with pictures immediately and reach out to the manufacturer’s warranty department detailing the damage and evidencing the damage with pictures. They are trained in the best ways to address the issue and recommend the best solution to fix the problem.
Keep in mind, that the age of your pool cover may dictate if the cover could be repaired and be considered safe by the manufacturer. We suggest that you reach out to us first to see if the repair will be made before trying to ship it out for repair. If it is deemed “non-repairable” you will have to pay shipping costs and inspection costs that could be expensive. It’s prudent that you know what your options are before you send out your pool cover for repair. We suggest that you get a replacement price in addition to a repair price in the event the cover is considered non-safe by the manufacturer and repairing it is not an option.

Winter pool cover pumps are designed to prevent water accumulation on the cover, which can cause damage and create safety hazards. Even though mesh pool covers do not require the use of a pool cover pump under the ASTM standard F 1346-91, we recommend that a pump be used to maintain proper water levels while the cover is on the pool.

Before storing your pool cover its important to clean the cover and remove any debris from the cover prior to storage. There are a few ways this can be done. Use a soft bristle brush on a long skimmer pole and remove any debris, this can be done while the pool cover is still on the pool, or it can be done when spread flat on lawn. If you chose to clean the cover when off the pool, its important to not walk on the cover, as it may result in damage to the cover. We recommend using a natural “non-toxic” pool cover cleaner that you can spray on the cover that contains an enzyme that counters bacteria and mold growth that can cause the pool cover to smell musty while in storage.

Automatic pool covers are not winter pool covers. It is not recommended to use an automatic pool cover during the winter in the New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut area because the weight loads from snow and ice may result in severe damage to the automatic cover.

There are many factors that can affect the life of a pool cover such as, the chemistry of the pool water, the severity of the winter, the pool water level, length of time the cover is on the pool, even how the cover is stored all play a role in how long a safety cover will last. We suggest that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the care of your pool cover, and do an annual inspection to maximize the life expectancy of your pool cover.

Pool safety cover requirements vary by location. Some jurisdictions may mandate the use of safety covers for residential pools, especially in areas with strict safety regulations. We suggest that you consult with your local municipal code enforcement officer.

Pool safety covers can be customized to fit various pool shapes and sizes, including inground and above-ground pools. However, some pools may not meet the parameters set forth in the ASTM standard to be considered safe. If installed correctly, a pool cover could be installed in all types of patios that include pavers, travertine, porcelain, wood, and wood simulated products.

While pool safety covers provide a significant layer of protection, they are not entirely childproof. It's essential to supervise children around pools at all times and educate them about pool safety, even when the cover is in place. We suggest using a pool fence in times of the year when the pool is open.

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