What You Need To Know About Automatic Pool Covers

If you're in a location that sees a lot of sun then a swimming pool could be the perfect addition to your backyard! And, why not make your life easier by also installing an Automatic Pool Cover? They have been designed and manufactured to provide protection, convenience, and enjoyment for pool owners. Existing pools can be retrofitted with automatic swimming pool covers providing that the tracks can be laid out properly. The two biggest benefits are that they work better than solar covers and they offer safety against someone accidentally falling in. They also help keep leaves and debris out of the pool, saving you time on maintenance. Pool Companies out to there today sometimes just sell customers any automatic pool cover they carry because the customer wanted to include one. Or the pool company salesman may try to sell it by adding it to your pool "package". Regardless, you should always take the time to educate yourself on any pool products you are buying. Especially when it comes to safety or protection type equipment like Automatic Pool Covers. So here is some information to keep in mind if you are looking to purchase Automatic Pool Covers.

Cost:

As with anything, cost will vary on the type and brand of Automatic Pool Cover. You get what you pay for and sometimes you don't even get that. However, on average you will most likely be in the range of $5,000 to $15,000. Many pool owners think that the cost for their pool will be in the $5,000 or less range for an Automatic Pool Cover, but in reality most people spend around $10,000 and $12,000. This range reflects a more realistic number that you should expect to be spending. Especially if you want a cover that matches your decking. If it doesn't match, you can always research "Concrete Pool Deck Resurfacing" and find a design that will work with your new covers. If your pool is not a true rectangle then you will have tracks that mount on top of the decking of your pool. These tracks can be toe-stubbers, and can be visually annoying. The cheaper Automatic Pool Covers mount on top of your deck can be in the range of $7,000 to $10,000, not including electrical hook up. The Drill or Manual Pool Covers are top mount and usually run between $5,000 to $7,000. You might not have a decking in which case, perhaps it's a good idea to invest in some. You can browse through the custom decks in Colorado Springs or in whichever location, to see what would suit your garden and your pool best.

Now here is a little point/counter-point to consider before you make your purchase:

The Good:

• Some Cities/Counties Allow Automatic Pool Covers In Place Of A Safety Fence - Check with your state, city and county offices first before ripping out your fence.
• Keeps Dirt Out - With an Automatic Pool Cover your pool will be easier to keep clean resulting in less time on maintenance
• Helps heat your pool - Automatic Pool Covers are made of a heavy vinyl and work much better than a solar cover. It is not uncommon for them to add 10 to 15 degrees to the temperature of the pool. If you have a Heat Pump the cover will help keep cost down by not letting heat dissipate into the air also reducing evaporation.
• Keeps People Out - Automatic Pool Covers work good for keeping children and even adults out of the pool. You can even walk on the cover, it feels like walking on a water bed.

The Bad:

• They Can Heat Your Pool Too Much - Since it traps the heat so well, it can actually turn your pool into a bath. You may need to leave the cover open to cool the water off.
• Keeps Chlorine In - Whether you are on a Salt Generator or Chlorine, your Automatic Pool Cover will hold the Chlorine in and not let it naturally dissipate. You should keep your Chlorine levels at minimums when using an Automatic Pool Cover. As Chlorine and Salt can both corrode your Cover.
• Generally Cost Much More Than A Safety Fence - Pool fence is the cheap alternative to Automatic Pool Covers. Of course this depends on how much area you are fencing off, the type and style, and the company you use to buy/install. But this would have to be one large and elaborate fence.
• Keeps People Out - You go to open your pool right before a BBQ and the cover won't open, looks like no swimming today. Open your cover a day or two before any pool party and leave it open until the good times end. That way, if the cover does not open you will have time to repair.
• Cover Replacement - The covers are made of a vinyl material that typically wears out after five years or so. The cost of replacing this material is quite expensive, not to mention the labor.

While Automatic Pool Covers provide protection and save you time on maintenance, plan on budgeting around $1,000 a year for when the time comes to replace it. Usually about every 5 to 6 years you will need to put a new cover on and this will cost you close to $5,000. This usually does not include replacing the motor, pulleys and ropes in the webbing. During the winter months, if snow is in the forecast you should open your Automatic Pool Cover. Even though Automatic Pool Covers can handle the weight of several people, it will not be able to hold a snow load and can pull the rope out of the tracks or even collapse the tracks. If you live in a snow prone area, consider buying a regular security cover to use for winter months during heavy snow like these Remco Australia pool covers.

If you are thinking of going with an automatic pool cover or you are not sure what will work best for your pool. A Pool Supply Warehouse professional is available at our retail store or at 623-939-1346 for any questions you have.

Variable Speed Pool Pumps 101

If you are considering a new pool or even replacing your existing pool pump, you're probably wondering which type pool pump will best meet your needs. There is the single speed and two-speed pumps, which are the old standbys. Then there is the modern marvel Variable Speed Pool Pumps. Which was first introduced by Pentair. They were the first manufacturer to introduce variable speed technology to the pool industry. Variable speed pool pumps are one of the more gratifying pool equipment innovations out there today.

They can be programmed to run at precise speeds for numerous pool operations such as filtering, heating, cleaning, jets, water features and more. Plus provide the added bonus of reduced energy costs. Variable speed pumps might be the only option for some of us as many states are mandating variable speed pumps with new or replacement pumps. So it might not be your decision, the state you are living in will decide for you. Just as it is for pool owners in Arizona.

The Modern Difference

Variable speed pool pumps work entirely different even though they look just like your normal pool pump. However unlike the induction motor used in single and two-speed pumps, variable speed pool pumps utilize a permanent magnet motor. This allows the operator to enter in the exact flow rate they need for their pool. The notion is that reducing the flow rate of water creates less friction, which makes the entire system run more efficiently. Due to this they run quieter and cooler, vibrate less, have digital controls, and have innovative diagnostics.

Energy Efficiency & Savings for Your Entire Pool System

Pool pumps are the heart of any pool’s circulation system. Your primary pump keeps water moving through your filters, heaters, skimmers, and water features. Then there is the accessory pump which is used to run cleaners, draining, and to operate other additional water features. The best investment you can make for your pool is a high-efficiency Variable Speed Pool Pump. You can save significantly on utility costs and be more environmentally friendly. Most studies show that they are 90% more efficient than standard one-speed pumps. On average, this can equate to an operating cost of approximately $20-$30 per month.

If you have any questions about Variable Speed Pool Pumps give us a call at 623-939-1346 or come visit us at our retail store and one of our pool care professionals will be happy to help!

Extend Your Swimming Season With A Pool Heater

Are you looking to lengthen your swimming season? Then you will want to consider a Pool Heater. You can purchase different pumps depending on which heat pump manufacturer you want to buy from. Most pumps are similar but they may offer slightly different features, like capacity for instance. They are a great way to quickly heat your water, and allow you to enjoy your pool after the end of normal swim season. Ideal for in-ground pools, heaters are designed to extend the season into the early spring and late fall by keeping your water at a comfortable swimming temperature. There are so many water heaters out there on the market, knowing which one to pick will be difficult. However, some people make use of reviews from WaterHeaterReviewsSite, for example, to make sure they have the correct pool heater for them. Keep your swimming pool in use over winter with the help of one of these heaters!

A Heat Pump is an efficient and useful way to heat your pool. Purchasing a Heat Pump will give you warm water even during cold weather at low operating costs. Heat Pumps work by gathering warm air around the pool, compressing and heating it, and using that hot air to heat the pool water that runs through. Heat Pumps are designed to raise the temperature of a pool up to the perfect swimming range, between 78 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit. But because they work by taking in air that is already warm, they work best in humid areas where the temperature stays above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Most Heat Pumps will still operate if the temperature goes below 60, but will automatically shut off if the temperature reaches 50 degrees or below to prevent damage. The last thing anyone would want to do is figure out how to fix a water heater leak in their heat pump in such cold conditions, after all. Heat Pumps usually offer ranges from 50K BTUs for smaller pools, up to 135K BTUs for larger pools. Heat Pumps are cheap to run, easy to use, and need minimal maintenance. They are cost-effective and environmentally friendly because they do not use fossil fuels to heat the water.

Gas Heaters run on either propane or natural gas, depending on the model, and run at up to 80-95% energy efficiency. Whereas melting drums and drum heaters are used for the purpose of keeping materials at a constant temperature. Gas Heaters are some of the most effective heaters on the market. They are designed to raise the temperature of a pool up to the perfect range, between 78 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Most Gas Heaters are capable of increasing the water temperature 30 degrees or more. Gas Heaters usually range from 125K BTUs for small pools, up to 400K BTUs for large pools. Most Gas Heaters meet or exceed Low NOx Emissions Requirements, meaning you are getting the most advanced, eco-friendly heaters available that will keep your pool and your family safe and healthy.

For those who want to go the extra mile, without retaining the heat in your pool much of the energy that is used warming the pool will dissipate into the air. Using a solar cover along with a heater can save you as much as 50% of the cost of energy it takes to heat your pool. Combining a solar cover with a Heat Pump will heat your pool more quickly, and will keep the pool warm long into the night.

Pools come in all shapes and sizes, so the heat needed for each pool can vary to reach comfortable temperatures. If you are not sure what size pool heater you should be looking for, a Pool Supply Warehouse professional is available at our retail store or at 623-939-1346 for any questions you have.