Thursday, July 5, 2012

Choosing Your Above Ground Pool Cover

  They are also the safer option for homes that have young children living in them.  With the pool sitting up above the ground, you do not have to worry about young children (or other pets that do not know how to swim) falling into the water while your attention is elsewhere.  Whatever your reason for choosing an above ground swimming pool, there is one other purchase you must make:  your above ground pool cover.

Having a cover on your pool is imperative.  Just because your above ground pool might be safer in terms of keeping young children and pets out does not mean that it is completely maintenance and upkeep free.  Your pool will still see its share of leaves, trash and other types of debris. It is still susceptible to temperature fluctuations and bacterial infestation.  The best way to make sure that your pool stays as clean and safe as possible?  To obtain an above ground pool cover and make sure that you secure it in place whenever you are not using the pool itself.

One of the most important types of above ground cover that you can own is a winter time pool cover.  These pool covers are thicker than the covers that you will use during the warmer months (when the pool itself is being used regularly).  The winter above ground pool cover is made from thick vinyl or even, in some cases, solid plastic and it is fitted tightly to the top of the pool.  This keeps mud, dirt, leaves and other environmental debris from falling into your pool's water.

It also keeps pests and rodents from climbing into the water and accidentally drowning (or from simply using your pool as a toilet).  The solid cover keeps the water from evaporating and holds in the water's heat which will help keep it from freezing in the winter and damaging your above ground pool's structural integrity.  If you choose a solar above ground pool cover, you will be able to use the energy provided by the sun's light to warm the pool water year round!

During the warmer months, your above ground pool cover should be lighter, perhaps a mesh or net cover or even a simple solar blanket to help maintain the water's temperature.  This will help you save money on heating costs and maintenance and cleaning costs!

Remember, it is not good enough to simply own an above ground pool cover [http://www.poolcoverguide.com/above-ground-pool-cover.html].  You need to make a practice of using it.  Your pool should be covered whenever you are not in the water.  It might seem like a pain to have to take the time to cover the pool every day (or a few times a day), but your wallet will thank you when you realize how much you will be saving on maintenance fees-not to mention the extra time you will have for actual swimming since you will not have to clean the pool as often!

Pieter West travels the world on a regular basis and have written about numerous subjects. He has an extensive knowledge about, finances, DIY, parenting advice and many more subjects.

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Skirted Winter Covers For Above Ground Pools - Maximum Winter Protection For Your Pool

When you spend plenty of time, money and effort maintaining your above ground pool throughout the swimming season, you want to make sure that your pool is also well-protected throughout the winter so you can open it easily the following spring and can enjoy it for years to come. Having a high quality winter cover is one of the most important aspects of good winter protection. It's therefore not surprising that selecting a high quality winter cover is something that should not be done without some careful thought and consideration. If you don't choose the right cover for your pool, the lifespan of your pool could be significantly shortened and you could be making life more difficult for yourself when spring arrives. For maximized winter protection, skirted above ground pool covers are an excellent choice, as they will provide a better fit and better resistance against harsh weather.

Above ground winter pool covers are designed and manufactured specifically to withstand harsh weather and cold temperatures and to prevent your pool from becoming damaged during the winter months. These off-season above ground swimming pool covers are made from strong and extremely durable material such as woven polyethylene, with each and every individual strand providing maximized strength. High quality winter pool covers also feature a triple laminated inner scrim topped by a weather resistant coating. This coating is specially designed to provide resistance against harsh weather and UV damage from sunlight so that the cover will provide protection for your pool year after year.

The great thing about skirted above ground pool covers is that they will fit your pool like a glove for ultimate protection. Skirted covers are first cut to match the exact size and shape of your swimming pool. Then a skirt is sewn on to the main part of the cover to provide an even better fit. Skirted above ground winter pool covers come with a cable and small loops that attach to the pool uprights. The cable can then be run through the loops and the cover, allowing the cover to be safely and tightly secured. Just as pool covers with large overlaps are beneficial when it comes to extra protection, skirted above ground pool covers provide that extra material which makes it easier for the cover to withstand windy and other harsh weather.

When your winter pool cover fits properly, spring or summer openings will obviously go more smoothly. Tightly fitting covers prevent dirt, leaves and other debris from accumulating in and dirtying the water. This means that you will need to do less vacuuming and water straining once the winter is over. Best of all, a cleaner pool as a result of a good winter cover will mean that you can get back to swimming faster when the warmer weather arrives.

Like other high quality above ground pool covers designed to provide winter protection, the best skirted covers feature a black underside. This is an important characteristic to look for because a black underside will prevent light from passing through the cover, thereby inhibiting the growth of algae. The tight weave of the polyethylene fabric also helps to prevent algae growth and will greatly reduce the possibility of dirt and debris getting past the cover and entering the pool water. Not surprisingly, when algae growth is inhibited, it's far easier and faster to open your pool again in the spring, as far less cleaning and effort will be required.

As already mentioned, skirted above ground swimming pool covers can be cut to fit the exact dimensions of your particular pool. So no matter what the size or shape of your pool may be, you can have a winter pool cover that will fit precisely, thereby providing you with the highest level of winter protection for your swimming pool. Perhaps best of all, above ground pool covers from respected and trusted manufacturers are designed to provide quality protection for many years, sometimes for as much as 15 or even 20 years. For the very best protection possible, it's important to follow the installation tips that will come with your cover. Typically uncomplicated and easy to understand, the installation instructions will provide you with simple tips which can greatly increase the effectiveness of your winter cover.

While skirted swimming pool covers can provide your pool with excellent protection and weather resistance, they can still be found for good value. With direct online retailers such as Intheswim.com providing great selections of swimming pool supplies including skirted pool covers, it's possible to find everything you need for winterizing your pool at affordable prices. So if you want maximized winter protection for your above ground swimming pool so you can extend the life of your pool and get back to swimming faster, consider using a skirted above ground pool cover this coming winter.

James Cardigan is experienced specialist in pool equipment including skirted winter covers for above ground pools. He explains all advantages of using skirted winter covers for better weather protection.

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Your Above Ground Pool Cover Will Save You Money, Here is How!

Tired of heating your pool to a desired temperature and finding it cold again the next day? Not happy about the amount of chlorine you need to put into your pool on hot summer spells? Let's talk a bit about above ground pool covers and how they can save you money.

I'm a pool owner, have been for 8 years now. It was in my third year of ownership that I purchased an (expensive) above ground pool winter cover. Guess what I use it for?

I cover my pool each and every night in the summer.

That's right. When I'm done swimming for the day, I pull over the above ground pool winter cover and let that heat stay right where I want it.

Not sure where you live, I'm in Southern British Columbia, Canada. Nice place, we hit 70-90 degrees on occasion. Thing is, come evening, most nights you throw on a sweatshirt to keep warm. Temperatures do drop a bit come sunset. This is when I put the cover on my above ground swimming pool. I like to trap in the heat that my solar panels, attached to the south facing roof, have provided all day long.

In the morning, if I want an early swim, I can roll back the cover and jump right in. I know that pool is the 85+ degrees I left it at the night before. Now I have a backup heater system as well. It is a 25,000 BTU gas heater. When it comes on, I can actually see the gauge inside my gas meter at the side of my house moving.

Before I covered my pool, that good old gas heater would fire up around 3-4 am each morning to keep the pool to temperature. Did not think much of it until I received a couple of gas bills. Did not help that the gas company bills me every two months.

After a summer of $400 plus gas bills, I finally decided the investment into a good, quality, above ground pool cover was in order. My cover has a blue vinyl surface with a black plastic / vinyl underside. It is about 1/8th think with a heat resistant material in the middle.

It does not work like a solar cover, it will reflect light and heat when it is on. What is does do is keep the heat inside the pool. As a side bonus, it prevents water evaporation, which has proved to be less chemicals needed as well. Yes, I paid $1000 for the cover, once I had it custom made for my lazy L shaped pool. First year I believe I have saved that money in gas bills alone as my heater never runs.

I also get to open my pool almost a month ahead of my neighbours each spring. I put on my above ground pool cover and fire up the heater. This is my start up expense and I budget for it. My pool is hot within 48 hours and I take the cover off and on as I use the pool.

My neighbours are still waiting for a bit of sunshine to warm their above ground pool solar covers and unfortunately loose most their heat every day in the beginning. They loose their heat the same way it comes in, through their solar blankets.

My above ground pool winter cover is the only cover I have.

Come winter, we get cold but rarely freeze, so I keep the cover off my pool as I have no heat to protect and we like the pleasant look of an open pool versus a pool all bundled with leaves rainwater and debris all on top.

Sure I need to clean it on occasion, but we all need a few extra chores now don't we?

Do You Want Your Pool Cover To Save You Money?

A worry free pool cover can save you money in chemicals and heating, and it will protect your pool.

Read the easy to follow along above ground pool cover guide by clicking here Above Ground Pool Cover.

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Tips on How to Install Pool Winter Covers

The following are tips on how to install winter covers for in-ground and above-ground pool:

In-ground winter pool cover:

1. Run your filtration systems for two days to accumulate the dirt in your water. Remove the debris on the water using pool net skimmer. Clean the walls and decks. Detach the ladder and diving board (if any) upon cleaning the pool.

2. Have your water winterized with the essential chemicals for the season. Follow the manufacturer's guide on winterizing your swimming pool. Use algaecide to prevent algae growth on your walls. To prevent your skimmer from freezing, drain your water below the skimmer's mouth.

3. In-ground pool winter cover is made of solid material to give your pool an optimum protection. However, this cover can easy tear if they land on sharp edges. Use old towels or foams for padding your cover.

4. Spread the cover on the pool. Once laid, the cover rests on the pool surface. Make sure the black side is facing your swimming pool.

5. After installing the cover, lay the water tubes on side to prevent the wind from entering inside the pool. Fill the tubes with 80% of water and add your anti-freezing chemical.

Above-ground winter pool cover:

1. Remove the debris on your pool using a net skimmer. Also, clean the walls and decks of your pool. Dismantle the above-ground ladder and hand skimmers upon cleaning.

2. Winterize your above-ground pool water with closing chemical kit. Carefully follow the instructions included in the kit. Pour a scale control chemical to prevent metal stains. Lower your water just below the skimmer or use skimmer guard to cover the mouth.

3. Above-ground pool winter cover is made of solid material to give your pool an optimum protection. However, winter covers can easy tear if they land on your above-ground pool edges. Use old towels or foams for padding your pool cover.

4. Spread the cover on the pool. Once laid, the cover rests on the surface. Run a cable through grommets around the cover. Insert one end of the cable through the winch's hole. Do the same with the opposite cable. Pull both ends and start turning the winch to tighten the cover.

5. Melted ice and rainwater may accumulate on the surface during the season. Before opening the cover, use cover pump on remove the liquid.

6. If you have a deck, spread the cover facing the black side on the water. Weave the cable wire through the grommets and between the pool posts. Always check the cover if it's tied down to ensure that the cover won't be damaged.

These tips on installing pool winter covers will surely make your pool safe and sound. When you're planning to buy acover, purchase a cover with and adequate overlap. Remember to keep your area clean as possible.

Ronnie Comia is working for Cheap Pool Products an online swimming pool products shop that offer discount prices on pool products like pool winter covers and many more.

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Winterizing Your Above Ground Pool



With the winter season upon us, most of us have already, or are getting ready, to close up our pools for the winter. But before doing so, it is very important to make sure your pool maintains its proper chemical balance, reason being that an improperly balanced pool, left sitting over the long winter months, can cause corrosion and buildup within the pool.

For best results, your pool's pH level should be between 7.2-7.6. Your calcium levels should be around 175-250 ppm, while alkalinity should be at 80-120 ppm. And lastly and most importantly, your chlorine level should be 1-3 parts per million.

Ladders, rails, thermometers, and chlorine tablet holders, as well as any other essential pool accessories, should be removed and stored away from the pool. Also, don't forget to give your pool a scrub down and a final vacuum to prevent any stains from forming after it's closed up.

After that, it's a good idea to add in your weatherization chemicals, as they will need some time to sit and take effect. In the meantime, it's time to finish the rest of the work before closing up your pool.

Cleaning your skimmer, filter, and pump basket are among the more menial tasks. Chlorine products should be thoroughly washed out of your chlorination vessel, as this increases the possibility of more chlorine seeping into the pool, which might throw off the balance in your pool. Back-washing, which should be done regularly, should be done one final time. However, this is more of a preference than a necessity, especially if you have already done so recently.

As we all know, ice expands, so another good idea would be to empty your pool below the return line. How far below the return line is up to you, however just make sure you do NOT empty your pool completely, or you may cause some serious damage to your above ground pool.

To avoid any damage, and the bills that follow, to any hoses that are detachable, remove them and store them in a designated area such as a shed or a closed off patio, or even a pool box. Do not forget to double-check that these hoses are actually detachable, and consult your owner's manual to make sure you are detaching them correctly.

Personally, I use an air pillow for my pool. That is my personal preference though, and many people's tastes differ. Blowing up an air pillow can be tedious and hard labor however, so you are better off using a shop vacuum or an electric air inflation machine to do the deed. Using an air pillow is no easy task, as it must be properly aligned in the center, and often doing so, especially with the wind picking up, can be hard work. Just make sure that it is actually centered before tying the final strap.

After your air pillow is set up, it's time to put your cover on. I do not have a deck, so I tie my cover off on the grommets and use clips. But for those who have a deck, you might need to use bags to weigh it down and prevent it from flying off or coming loose.

Finally, an important tool, but one overlooked by many, is the cover pump. Until recently, I had never used one, but would have to buy a new cover ever several years. Cover pumps suck up any excess water, making it a vital tool on warmer winter days and during the late winter/early spring as the snow begins to melt.

David W. Mispilkin has been in the above ground pool installation business for the past 15 years. His experience includes, but not limited to above ground pool and liner sales, repairs, and installations. Over the years, David has installed thousands of above ground pools and liners from various manufacturers and has expertly installed moved and changed pools and liners

David shares his expertise and guides you through many above ground pool projects. please visit Dave's web site at http://www.davesabovegroundpools.com and find interesting content about above ground pool repair.

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Above Ground Pool Winterizing - A How-to Guide For Your Swimming Pool

Above ground pool winterizing may be a little trickier than winterizing an inground pool, but it's even more important. Not closing the pool or closing it incorrectly can lead to collapsed walls, cracked plumbing and a broken filtration system. There's nothing complicated about it; it's just a matter of getting it done. Here are the steps you need to take.

Balance the water chemistry

It may not seem important when no one's going to be swimming, but the right water chemistry will keep your pool free of stains and deterioration. You may first want to shock treat the pool to make sure there's nothing unpleasant in the water waiting to grow. When the chemistry is back to normal, add winter algaecide. Don't close the pool right after a shock treatment, though, because the evaporating chlorine gas can eat away at your pool cover.

Remove the equipment

Take in all your removable pool equipment like the chemical feeder, skimmer basket, and ladder. If you use a chemical feeder, before you remove it, let all the chemicals drain out so that the feeder is completely empty. Chemicals left sitting all winter are likely to cause damage.

Lower the water level

If water gets into your skimmer and freezes, damage is almost inevitable. All you need to do to prevent this is to lower the water below the mouth of the skimmer or close it off with an Aquador skimmer cover.

Clean the pool

Yes, it's a hassle, but wouldn't you rather do it now than have to waste time on it in spring when you can't wait for the season's first swim? You don't need to do anything special at this point. Just skim out any leaves and other debris and use a pool brush to clean the walls and floor.

Drain and clean the equipment

Water trapped in your equipment is likely to freeze and expand, which could destroy the equipment. That means your filtration system, pump, hoses, and heating systems need to be thoroughly drained of all water and the openings securely plugged. For good closure, use threaded winterizing plugs.

Cover the pool

Finally, the last step in above ground pool winterizing and it's a easy one. All you need to do now fit a winter pool cover on your swimming pool to keep out debris and algae-encouraging sunlight. A solid cover works especially well. If you're expecting heavy snow or rain, use an air pillow under the cover so excess water will run off instead of pooling and weighing on the cover.

It may be too cold to swim right now, but that doesn't mean you can't still have fun with your pool. Come over to perfectpoollandscaping.com for easy, creative ideas on how to landscape around your pool come spring. Don't miss my low maintenance pool landscaping secrets that can save you hours on yardwork.

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Above Ground Pool Winter Cover Features

As the temperatures drop and, in some cases, the snow begins to fall, owners of above-ground pools can relax knowing they are well-covered! By simply following a few pointers, the purchase and installation of the right one will add years to the life of the pool while making the opening easier at the same time.

These come in two main types: standard and skirted. Regardless which variety is chosen, the quality of fabric is extremely important. Typically the material used is a heavy-duty woven polyethylene. The material may also feature a triple laminated inner scrim which is then layered with a weather resistant coating. This extra layer is designed specifically to provide protection from inclement weather and sun damage. It is also best if it is cut from extra-wide fabric which then requires fewer seams making it stronger and less susceptible to tearing. Finally, the very best manufacturers will heat-seal the seams, rather than sewing the seams, resulting in less water leaking through during the winter.

Another common characteristic of quality fabric for above ground pool winter covers is a black underside. This feature works by preventing sunlight from passing through and thus slowing the growth of algae which is dependent on light to live. An additional benefit of this tight fabric is its ability to keep debris and leaves from building up during the off-season. When spring arrives, the cover can be removed and the basin will be much cleaner.

After the quality of the fabric has been determined, a decision has to be made on style. Above ground winter pool covers need to be bigger than the pool itself. Overlaps are important as the extra fabric offers extra slack during windy weather, improving the durability yet again. Ordering the right size is extremely important .A skirted variety will take the basin measurement and then sew the "skirt" to the main part. The skirt provides the necessary overlap needed for protection from the elements.

Equipment is readily available for installation including clips and cables. Clips attach to the top rails and prevent covers from unfastening during bad weather. The skirted type comes with a cable and small loops that attach to the uprights. The cable can then be run through the loops and the cover, enabling it to be completely secured. In both cases, much debris, dirt and leaves are kept from getting underneath.

Lastly, many owners will enlist an additional method of protection: the water bag, or water pillow. These items are made of heavy duty plastic and are designed to lie on top of the fabric around the inside edge to secure it in place. Each bag has a leak-proof valve and a reinforced hole to tie the bags and allow them to hang inside on the wall. For those who want true peace of mind, this is an inexpensive step to add.

From an owner's perspective, a huge asset of this product can be that despite being made from heavy-duty, exceptionally long-lasting material, they are very lightweight and easy to handle. So, pool owners are really "covered" - protection from weather, easy spring clean-up and ease of installation - it's time to start shopping!

Harper Erion writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, swimming pools, entertaining, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, consulting, and travel. For more of her useful articles on pools, please visit Pool covers, supplier of pool parts, pool pumps, and more.

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Above Ground Pool Covers - What You Must Know Before Buying Them

If you own a pool then you know how important it is to keep it clean. Your pool was an investment and it brings you and your family and friends a great deal of joy. You want to keep your pool in as good of shape as you possibly can. You already know that cleaning your pool can be a hassle and it always turns out to be very time consuming. If you have young children then you also understand the dangers that a pool can bring.

Above ground pools are great for a family and the first step to keeping it clean is getting a pool cover. An above ground pool cover is going to be effective in protecting your pool so you want to make sure that you choose a good one. Pool covers for above ground pools are usually durable but be sure to shop around so that you find one that is going to last you for years.

Above ground mesh pool covers are great for your above ground pool and are very popular. They are considered to be Eco friendly and are usually fairly affordable. They are durable pool covers that should last you years and protect your pool from leaves and bugs as well as keep it safe for your children.

During the winter a lot of people look in to specific covers for their pools, your above ground pool was an investment and so looking for a durable cover to protect your pool during the winter season is essential. The harsh weather of winter can really damage your pool so taking the time to invest in an above ground pool winter cover is a must. These are often made of micro mesh and are made to withstand the harsh winters.

As always when you look for your above ground pool covers the best place to look is going to be online. The internet is going to offer you a large variety of choices and will help you find the cover that is just right for you and your family.

Another great thing about the internet is that you can compare prices in order to ensure that you are getting the best for your money. Remember though, do not sacrifice quality for a deal, always choose the best for your pool if you want it to last for years to come.

Looking for the cheapest Above Ground Pool Covers? We help direct you to the cover of your dreams! Click Here

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