The length of time for ordering a safety cover will vary based on the size and shape of your pool, amount of obstacles, and the time of year. Average lead time from the point that a cover is ordered to the point that a cover is installed on a pool can range from 2-5 weeks based on the time of year and the complexity of the individual installation.

There are a few things that will let you know it is time to replace your safety cover. One thing to consider is the exact age of the cover. The life expectancy will vary depending on the type of cover. Solid covers have a shorter life span than mesh covers. The integrity of the cover is important to consider too. The cover should always maintain strength in its webbing.

For example, if something was to go on top of the cover, the cover should be able to support an item’s weight. As a cover begins to lose its integrity, such as rip or fray, it should be extensively repaired or replaced. The most important thing to keep in mind is the safety of the cover. Over time, it is important to make sure that the cover is maintaining its integrity and if not it should be replaced in a timely fashion to ensure safety for your family and your pets, as well as protect your investment.

The installation of the safety cover will vary depending on which type of cover it is – new or remake. During the installation of a remake cover, the cover is unfolded out of the box, placed over the pool, and preliminarily fit. New hardware is typically installed onto each strap and each strap is aligned to the designated anchor that it was remade from. Most pools that have minimal obstacles and are moderate in size will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours to reinstall, refit, and adjust the cover as needed.

New installations are defined as installations in which anchors have to be installed into the decking around the pool, such as cement or wood for example. This will vary depending on a few things: complexity of the cover, size of the cover, obstacles, and the material the deck is made of. On average, pools with minimal obstacles as well as medium to large pools will generally take 1-3 hours for installation. That is from the point the cover is unfolded, laid out over the pool, preliminarily fit, all anchors are drilled, and any treatments are installed and properly fitted. The more complicated the cover the more time it can take; specifically if you have intricate or specialty decking around the pool which require advanced drilling techniques and/or additional tools that can also increase the amount of time the installation will take.

Here are four things you may want to keep in mind when inquiring about the estimated cost of a safety cover: size and shape of the pool, obstacles within 36 inches of water, steps and/or sundecks, and type of decking.

1. The overall length and width of the pool is very important in estimating the cost of a new safety cover. Measure the longest length and widest width of the pool to estimate its size. The shape of the pool is another important factor. Is the pool geometric (rectangle, oval, square) or freeform (round corners with many curves)? 2. Next determine if there are any obstacles within 36 inches of the water line such as a diving board, waterfall and/or slide that are unable to be removed at the time of the installation. These features may effect the overall price of the installation. 3. Furthermore, identify if there are entry steps to the pool or sun deck that protrude out from the pool shape. For example, most pools typically have a 4’x8’ entry step. The entry step and other similar features need to be accounted for when determining the estimated cost of the overall cover. 4. The type of decking around the pool must also be considered when estimating the cost. There needs to be a minimum of 36-40 inches around the entire perimeter of the pool. Most pool owners have a solid pour concrete that can be drilled into. However, paver style decking may be a more costly installation because of additional materials and time involved in installing the cover. For pools with less than 36-40 inches on some parts of the pool, ground tubes can be used for planter areas. For vertical walls, negative edges, or areas where there are no decking, cabling can be used.

When most people think of mesh safety covers, they typically think of the older style mesh covers from fifteen plus years ago. In the past, the older mesh covers provided all of the benefits of safety but allowed sunlight, debris, and water penetration into the pool thus resulting in a dirty pool when opened. The industry as a whole has improved and designed high-density more advanced grade mesh covers! Mesh covers have changed for the better.

The new and improved tighter weave design of the mesh cover provides many benefits. The industry continued to maintain safety and integrity of the mesh cover while also providing improved sunlight and debris prevention resulting in a cleaner pool upon opening. Since water can penetrate the mesh cover, a pump is not needed. In addition, mesh covers have a longer life span and warranty, are lighter, and generally require less repairs. Solid safety covers, on the other hand, are designed to prevent sunlight, debris, and water from penetrating the cover and getting into the pool as a result. There are two options to remove standing water from the cover after it rains or snows. One option is an automatic pump that will sense and remove surface water on the cover. Another option is a drain panel to remove standing water. Solid covers have the advantage of opening an incredibly clean pool that is usually swim-ready in 24-48 hours after removing the cover, however, they do have a shorter life span and warranties, are heavier to move, and generally need more repairs.

The difference between mesh cover types is primarily how much UV rays the cover blocks. The more UV blocked, the less bacteria and algae will grow. This means you'll be adding fewer chemicals to your pool. Most pool covers come in the options of standard mesh, high shade or defender mesh, and solid options.

Mesh Safety Pool Covers are made of durable polypropylene fabric and are a popular option for cost-conscious homeowners. The mesh covers are also popular on commercial pools because of how much lighter it is in weight than high shade/defender mesh and solid covers.

Solid Safety Pool Covers are made of durable coated vinyl, different thicknesses available, and usually cost more than a mesh cover. Solid covers are heavier and require a pump to keep the water from pooling on top of the cover.

One great feature about mesh covers is the fact that they are self-draining. There is no need for a drain panel or a pump in the middle of your pool.