The Ultimate Guide to Inground Pool Safety Cover Installation in Ottawa
Introduction
Owning a swimming pool is a beautiful luxury, especially during the warmer months in Ottawa. However, with this luxury comes the responsibility of keeping your pool safe during the off-season. One of the most effective ways to do this is by installing a high-quality pool safety cover. This guide will explain why you need a safety cover, how it's installed, and some tips on selecting the best one for your pool.
Why You Need a Pool Safety Cover
A pool safety cover is essential to your overall pool safety strategy. Not only does it protect your pool from debris and weather, but it also prevents accidents by securing your pool when it's not in use during the winter months. Here's why installing a swimming pool safety cover is so crucial:
- Accident Prevention: Safety covers are strong enough to support the weight of children, pets, or wildlife, preventing them from accidentally falling into the pool.
- Debris Control: A tightly installed safety cover will keep leaves, dirt, and other debris out of the water, significantly reducing maintenance time.
- Water Quality Maintenance: Safety covers help maintain water quality by keeping contaminants and sun rays out of the pool, minimizing the need for excessive cleaning and chemical treatments at pool opening.
- Weather Protection: Ottawa winters can be severe, but a durable safety cover will shield your pool from sun rays, snow, ice, and harsh winds, helping to prevent damage.
The Pool Safety Cover Installation Process
Installing a safety pool cover requires skill and precision. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect during the process:
- Selecting the Right Pool Safety Cover: The first step is choosing the right cover for your pool. You'll find various options, including different mesh quality. Mesh covers are lightweight and allow water to drain; they are the most popular cover for the cost, but you should always verify the quality; if the price is too good to be true, it probably is!
- Measuring Your Pool: Accurate measurements are crucial for a proper fit. The pool contractors will precisely measure your pool's length, width, and shape, including any unique features like ladders, diving boards, or steps. This ensures that the cover fits perfectly and provides complete protection.
- Installing the Anchoring System: The next step is installing the anchoring system. The safety cover anchors are drilled into your pool deck, providing a secure and durable attachment for the cover. The anchors must be weather-resistant and robust enough to survive harsh conditions.
- Attaching the Safety Cover: Once the anchors are in place, the swimming pool safety cover is attached using straps and springs. The cover is adjusted to ensure it's taut and free from sagging, which prevents debris from entering the pool. A correctly installed cover will also prevent snow or water pooling on the surface.
- Final Inspection: After the cover is installed, the pool contractor will inspect everything to ensure the cover is securely fastened and can withstand weight and weather conditions typical of Ottawa winters. This final step is essential to ensure safety and long-term durability.
4 Tips for Selecting Your Pool Safety Cover
Choosing the right cover is vital to ensuring your pool's safety and longevity. Here are five tips to help you make the best decision:
- Material: Choose between mesh (lighter and allows water drainage) and solid vinyl automatic cover (blocks sunlight and debris completely). Each has its pros and cons, depending on your needs.
- Weight and Strength: Ensure the cover meets ASTM standards, meaning it can support substantial weight to prevent accidents.
- Durability and Warranty: Invest in a durable cover with a solid warranty, typically 10 to 15 years, to protect your investment.
- Customization Options: A custom-fit cover tailored to your pool's dimensions ensures optimal safety and ease of use.
Price Range for Pool Safety Covers
Here's an updated breakdown of the price ranges for different types of safety covers:
Mesh Safety Covers
- Price Range: $3,500 – $8,500
- Factors Affecting Price: Pool size, deck size, and extra features like waterfalls, steps, and diving boards all influence the final cost of a mesh pool safety cover. Mesh covers are trendy for their balance between affordability and ease of use. The larger or more complex the pool, the more expensive the cover will be.
Automatic Solid Vinyl Tarp Covers
- Price Range: Starting at $18,000 and up to $40,000
- Factors Affecting Price: Automatic solid vinyl tarp covers provide maximum protection and ease of use but come with a higher price tag. This type of cover is automated, meaning it can be easily deployed with the touch of a button. The cost depends on the pool size and complexity, such as shape and deck size, and can rise to $40,000 for larger or custom-shaped pools.
Why Work with Professional Pool Contractors in Ottawa
Installing a pool safety cover is not a DIY job. It requires the expertise of professionals who can ensure that your cover is installed correctly. Working with experienced pool contractors in Ottawa guarantees that your safety cover will function as intended, providing optimal protection throughout the off-season.
Make sure you choose a pool company that installs the cover and offers advice on selecting the best option for your pool's unique needs.
Need to repair a damaged pool cover this winter? Learn how to quickly and effectively fix tears, dislodged covers, and other common issues caused by snow and ice. Check out our detailed guide on Winter Pool Cover Repairs to keep your pool protected through the harsh Ottawa winter months. https://hbpools.com/blogs/expert-pool-tips-tricks/winter-pool-cover-repairs
