This article will discuss instances when you should keep the pool cover on and off during the day.
When I think about using a pool cover, I always wonder if I should leave it on or off during the day. For the longest time, I have believed that keeping it throughout the day is best. After all, pool covers can effectively keep debris off the water.
But upon further research, I discovered that I should not keep my pool cover on all the time. In fact, there are several benefits to taking off the cover.
Below, I will talk about the proper use of swimming pool covers. I will also answer your questions about keeping the pool cover on or off during the day.
Furthermore, I will discuss the benefits of both pool cover uses to help you decide which one suits your situation.
Continue reading to learn more about these topics and more.
Should You Leave a Pool Cover On During the Day?
You can leave a pool cover year-round to keep your swimming pool clean. However, there are instances when it is a must to keep the cover on during the day.
First, you must keep the pool covered in milder climates. Having the cover on can retain the heat and keep the pool warm and comfortable for swimming. It is best to use if you have a heat pump or pool heater: the less heat loss, the lower your energy costs.
You can also continue using your pool cover if you live in a warm climate and want to save on water bills. Consider a solar cover to prevent water evaporation and help you save money.
Furthermore, having a pool cover on during the day is ideal if your area has dry and windy weather. It can keep dirt, leaves, and other kinds of debris from getting into the pool or hot tub. Thus, it ensures your pool water remains clean when it is time to remove the cover.
Finally, leaving the cover on during the day can ensure the safety of your children or small pets when you are not around. The cover acts as a safety net that prevents them from accidentally falling into the pool water.
Why Do I Keep the Pool Cover On During the Day?
There are several advantages to keeping the pool cover on during the day.
First, it protects your swimming pool against outdoor elements. It prevents dirt, leaves, pebbles, and other kinds of debris from getting into the water surface.
Additionally, a swimming pool cover can also withstand harsh winter conditions. It stops the pool water from freezing and leaving structural damage to the pool.
Moreover, pool covers can help retain water temperature. They minimize the strain on your pool heater or heat pump, ultimately extending its lifespan. At the same time, they can keep energy costs low.
Finally, the pool cover blocks the sun’s rays to prevent large amounts of water loss through evaporation. This reduced water evaporation also minimizes the loss of chemicals circulating the pool. It ultimately saves you both in water bills and pool chemical usage on a hot day.
Should You Leave a Pool Cover Off During the Day?
Using a pool cover allows you to enjoy several benefits. However, you can also choose to leave the pool cover off during the day. Below are some instances when it is best to refuse to use one.
The most common reason to keep the pool cover off during the day is if you plan on swimming. Obviously, you will need to remove it if you want to enjoy taking a dip in the pool water.
You can also skip the pool cover if you want to increase the pool temperature and live in a hot climate. The cover will just slow things down. So do not bother leaving it on during the day and let the sun do the work for you.
Furthermore, you can leave the cover off during the day if you reside in a relatively clean neighborhood. You can expect fewer particles in the air that will get into your swimming pool. Thus, you do not have to worry about your pool becoming dirty.
Finally, you can limit using the pool cover during the day if you are too lazy to put it on and off. With that said, you can opt for an automatic cover reel to do this hassle task.
What Are the Benefits of Leaving a Pool Cover Off During the Day?
You can enjoy a few benefits if you take the pool cover off during the day.
The first one is the prolonged lifespan of your pool cover. If you are not yet aware, using the cover daily can shorten its life. It suffers a lot of wear and tear from harsh weather and rainwater. It also slowly deteriorates when exposed to pool chemicals. So if you want it to last you for years, you can leave the pool cover off during the day.
Another advantage of keeping the cover off is even water temperature. While the cover helps retain water heat, it does not guarantee consistent warm temperatures throughout the pool. In fact, some types of pool cover block sunlight from heating the water from the pool surface to the bottom. Taking the pool cover off allows the sun to heat the water naturally and evenly. You can also enjoy lower energy costs because you do not have to use the pool heater as often.
The last benefit of having the swimming pool cover off is a more balanced pH water level. If you always have it on, your pool will have too much carbon dioxide, which reduces the pH levels. These result in acidic water that can eventually damage metal fixtures in your pool equipment.
When To Use a Pool Cover?
You must use a pool cover when the pool is not in use. Doing so can help protect the pool from harsh outdoor elements and keep the water clean.
It is also best to keep the cover on during the winter. It prevents the pool water from freezing and damaging your pool equipment.
Using a pool cover during bad weather is also wise. It can keep rainwater and unwanted debris from entering the pool.
Finally, you can leave the pool cover on at night as part of your pool maintenance routine. It can retain the pool’s water temperature and minimize water evaporation.
What Are the Types of Swimming Pool Covers to Use?
There are different types of pool covers you can use for your pool maintenance. Below, I will discuss each one in detail to help you with your purchasing decision.
Solid Safety Cover
Solid safety covers are impermeable. They protect your pool from dust, debris, and rainwater. At the same time, safety covers keep your children and small pets from accidentally falling into the water. These types of pool covers can last you for 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance.
The only downside is that solid pool covers tend to be heavy. Thus, they are challenging to take on and off.
Mesh Pool Cover
Mesh pool covers can prevent large debris and leaves from falling into the water. But unlike solid safety covers, they allow light to pass through to help increase the pool’s temperature.
However, a mesh pool cover does not prevent debris and rainwater from entering the pool. It does not keep the entire pool water completely clean.
Solar Pool Cover
Solar covers work by trapping heat and keeping the pool water warm. They can help reduce the strain on your pool heater. Furthermore, solar pool covers also prevent evaporation and keep your water bills low.
Solar covers come in different types, namely solar blankets, solar rings, and liquid covers. The most common one is a solar blanket, which looks like bubble wrap.
With that said, these solar covers have a high upfront cost. A solar cover blanket also tends to deteriorate quickly compared to safety and mesh covers.
Winter Pool Cover
Winter pool covers look similar to a giant tarp. They can prevent water, snow, and other kinds of debris from entering the swimming pool. They also keep your pool from freezing.
However, a winter cover cannot handle heavy weights. It is not used as a safety cover, despite using an impermeable solid material. Plus, it can only last for three to four seasons before it needs a replacement.
What Color is Best for Pool Covers?
When shopping for pool covers, you will also come across different colors available on the market. Each one has its pros and cons. It is up to you to choose one that best suits your needs.
Black solar pool covers can effectively trap heat. They are suitable if you want to maintain the pool temperature, especially if you live in milder climates. However, they are not the most aesthetically pleasing pool covers.
Blue pool covers look more inviting and better in your backyard. They offer a good view that is ideal for relaxing. With that said, these blue solar covers do not trap heat really well compared to black pool covers.
Finally, white pool covers allow more UV rays to pass through the fabric. These clear covers warm the water the most, especially in a hot and sunny area. However, these solar blankets do not effectively retain temperature and even result in water loss due to evaporation.
When Do You Replace a Pool Cover?
A pool cover is durable and designed to last you for several years. However, there comes a time when you need to replace your cover.
The first sign that your cover needs a replacement is if it has tears or holes on the surface. Do not leave it in this condition for long because your pool will suffer.
It is also best to replace the pool cover if you notice any loose ends or fraying webbing.
Finally, consider purchasing a new one if the cover fabric feels stiff and brittle due to direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Many pool owners are confused about whether to leave the swimming pool cover on or off during the day. However, there is no right or wrong way of using this pool maintenance equipment. It depends on the type of cover, your swimming pool needs, and your climate, among other factors.
You can leave the pool cover on during the day if you want to trap heat and retain the pool’s temperature. However, you can also keep the cover off if you are going to swim or minimize swimming pool heating costs.
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