If you’re like most pool owners, you know summer always flies by a little too quickly. Just as soon as summer starts, it feels like the leaves have already started changing colors, and winter is quick at its heels. But what if there was a way to continue swimming even when fall temperatures have started to creep in? Spoiler alert: there is. Adding an automatic pool cover is one of the simplest, smartest ways to extend your swimming season well beyond the usual summer timeline.
From keeping your water warm to cutting down on maintenance, automatic pool covers have become the key to pool longevity. Let’s dive into exactly how they work, why they’re worth it, and what to keep in mind before installing one.
The Perks of Extending Your Pool Season
Three months after the summer season has begun, September is quick to roll around and with it, dropping temperatures. Lucky for you, that no longer means pool time has to end. Here’s how an automatic cover keeps things cozy (and cost-effective):
Heat Retention Leads to More Swim Days
Automatic pool covers act like a thermal blanket for your water. They trap heat from the sun and prevent the summer warmth from evaporating overnight. Think of pool covers like a jacket for your pool, keeping your pool cozy and swim-ready on those crisp early-fall mornings.
Less Debris, Less Hassle
With falling temperatures also comes falling leaves, pollen, and bugs, ready to dirty up your pool overnight. With an automatic cover, you can keep your pool clean and cut down your time spent skimming and vacuuming. Less cleaning means more time soaking up the remaining warmth from your pool. Additionally, less debris keeps your pool looking pristine. If bugs in the pool are a huge deterrent for you, an automatic pool cover can easily ease your worries about finding that a family of water bugs has decided to move into your pool.
Cut Down on Energy and Chemical Costs
When your pool stays covered, it loses less water to evaporation, meaning fewer top-offs and less chemical loss. Plus, your heater won’t have to work as hard (or as often), which translates to lower energy bills. It’s a win-win situation; you save money and gain more time in the pool that would otherwise have been lost due to professional pool refills or waiting for additional chemicals to balance out in the water.
Pool Covers are Safe & Convenient
Not only do automatic pool covers happen to be practical, but they’re also one of the smartest safety investments a pool owner can make.
Peace of Mind with One Touch
Wih the push of a button, your pool is covered and secure. This is a game-changer for families with young kids or pets, giving you confidence that your pool is protected when not in use. Without a pool cover, there is always a possibility of a young child or pet falling into the pool. If this were to happen without your supervision, the outcome could be irreversible.
Built-In Convenience
Say goodbye to wrestling with tarps or manual covers. Automatic covers open and close seamlessly. The more often you use them, the more heat your pool retains, and the cleaner the water stays. Without the previous hassle of manual covers, there is no excuse not to use your automatic pool cover daily.
What to Know Before You Buy a Pool Cover
Thinking about adding an automatic pool cover? Here’s a few things to consider before diving in:
Design Compatibility
Automatic covers are easiest to install during new pool construction, but they can also be retrofitted into existing pools depending on the layout. If you’re planning a new build, this is your moment to incorporate a sleek, hidden track system.
Cost vs. Long-Term Savings
Adding an automatic pool cover can be expensive. In fact, the price of one can range anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000+, depending on pool size and cover system. However, between the extended swim season, reduced energy use, and added safety, many pool owners find it more than pays for itself over time. Additionally, an automatic pool cover increases your home’s selling price, which is an added fiscal benefit that makes an automatic pool cover even more worthwhile.
Regular Maintenance
Like any mechanical system, automatic covers need occasional upkeep. Frequently check to make sure the track is clean, ensure the cover is free of debris, and schedule seasonal inspections. A little care goes a long way in ensuring long-term performance.
Extend the Fun Safely and Stylishly
An automatic pool cover isn’t just about extending your swim season; it’s about maximizing your investment, simplifying maintenance, and enjoying your pool in every way possible. Whether you’re enjoying late-night dips in September or surprising the kids with a sunny swim in early spring, a cover helps you keep the party going.
At Shoreline Pools, we’re experts in extending your summer the smart way. From custom installations to ongoing support, we’ll help you find a cover system that fits your pool, lifestyle, and aesthetic. Call us today at (203) 967-1203 to schedule a consultation, and take the plunge into a longer, better pool season.
