Solid Pool Covers: Fabric vs. Solid Slat Covers Explained

PoolCoversBC — Wed, 03 May 2023 03:49:32 +0000

Solid pool covers are designed to provide a protective barrier over your pool, keeping debris out and maintaining water cleanliness. There are two main types of solid pool covers: vinyl fabric pool covers and hard plastic slat pool covers. Despite their different materials and construction, both are commonly referred to as solid pool covers due to their ability to effectively shield and secure your pool. Read on to discover details of both vinyl fabric and hard plastic slat pool covers to help you make an informed decision.

Fabric Pool Covers: A Flexible Choice

Fabric pool covers are a widely favoured option among pool owners due to their versatility and affordability. These covers are typically crafted from high-quality vinyl or polyethylene material, ensuring durability and a lightweight feel. To better understand fabric pool covers, let’s delve into their advantages and drawbacks.

Advantages of Fabric Pool Covers:

Cost-effectiveness: Fabric pool covers are generally more affordable than their solid slat counterparts, making them an attractive option for those on a budget. Replacement automatic pool cover fabrics come in many colours and are affordable.
Ease of installation and removal: These covers can be installed and removed with minimal effort and tools, making them a convenient choice.
UV protection: Premium fabric covers offer UV protection, shielding your pool’s interior from damage and minimising algae growth.
Customisability: Fabric covers can be tailored to accommodate the unique shape and size of your pool, ensuring a perfect fit.

Drawbacks of Fabric Pool Covers:

Reduced security: Fabric pool covers may not provide the same level of security as solid slat covers, which could be a concern for some homeowners.
Shorter lifespan: Depending on the quality and maintenance, fabric covers may not last as long as solid slat covers.
Water accumulation issues: Fabric covers can sag and accumulate water, necessitating the use of a pool cover pump to remove excess water and prevent damage.

Review how long automatic pool cover fabrics last before replacing in our article.

Solid Slat Pool Covers: A Robust Solution

Solid slat pool covers, constructed from interlocking PVC or aluminium slats, provide sturdy protection and a streamlined appearance. These covers are a popular choice for those seeking enhanced security and durability. Let’s examine the benefits and limitations of solid slat pool covers.

Advantages of Solid Slat Pool Covers:

Enhanced security: Solid slat covers offer superior security, deterring unauthorised access while still safeguarding against accidents
Longevity: Designed to endure harsh weather conditions, solid slat covers boast a longer lifespan than fabric covers.
Low-maintenance: Requiring minimal upkeep, solid slat covers do not accumulate water or debris, saving you time and effort.
Energy efficiency: Like vinyl covers, solid covers provide excellent insulation, reducing heat loss and maintaining a consistent water temperature, which can lower energy costs.

Drawbacks of Solid Slat Pool Covers:

Increased cost: Solid slat pool covers are typically more expensive than fabric covers, which may deter some pool owners.
Installation complexity: These covers often necessitate a slightly more complicated installation, adding to the overall cost.
Limited customisation options: Solid slat covers may not be as easily customisable as fabric covers, especially for pools with irregular shapes.

Weigh Your Options. When deciding between automatic pool cover replacement fabric and solid slat pool covers, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs and preferences. Fabric pool covers offer a cost-effective, customisable option suitable for any pool shape. In contrast, solid slat pool covers provide enhanced security, durability, and energy efficiency, making them a worthwhile investment for many pool owners. Take into account factors such as budget, pool shape, and desired level of protection when making your final decision.

If you need more information on the cost of a replacement fabric cover or an Ocea slat hard cover for your pool, contact us using the handy form below. You can even send us photos of your pool to help us better evaluate your needs and suggest automatic pool cover options!

GET A POOL COVER QUOTE FROM A LOCAL INSTALLER

Fill out the form. A pool cover installer near you will reply promptly!

Hard Pool Covers, Hot Pool Trend That Is Here To Stay

PoolCoversBC — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 09:19:18 +0000

If you have been recently shopping for new pool covers in Vancouver, you may have encountered these cool looking hard surface covers that are different from traditional fabric pool covers.

If they look anything like the pics below, then you have come across slatted pool covers. We have more and more customers asking for these polycarbonate slat pool covers, especially in Vancouver and Kelowna.

Benefits Of Automatic Hard Surface Pool Covers in Canada

These specially extruded rigid slatted pool covers add a conductive bottom layer to a transparent or coloured surface layer. This acts as solar cover that keeps vital heat inside your pool.

Why Polycarbonate Matters

Polycarbonate is a ultra durable plastic that boasts unparalleled impact resistance and superior UV protection. Unlike other materials that may be affected by direct UV light, Polycarbonate is not affected by UV deterioration.

Polycarbonate plastic is also moldable, lightweight, flame resistant, shatterproof, and energy efficient.

Slat Colours To Match Your Pool Surroundings

Slatted pool covers can be either clear or alternatively they can be extruded with an additive to achieve any colour you can imagine. Polycarbonate is able to withstand extreme weather outside, either hot or cold weather conditions.

Durability Of Our Polycarbonate Slatted Covers

What makes our slatted covers unique?

Resistant to higher temperatures up to 130°C
Increase in UV protection
Superior shock resistance (hail)
More rigidity – no deformation
Extended lifetime and extended warranty

Similar Benefits To Fabric Covers But Better

Like fabric pool covers, slat pool covers offer the same security and protection for your loved ones when playing around the pool.

Safety: A slatted pool cover acts as a barrier, keeping children and pets from accidentally falling into the pool. This makes your pool a safer place for everyone.
Energy Efficiency: A slatted pool cover helps to reduce the amount of water evaporation from the pool, reducing the amount of water and chemicals you need to add to maintain your pool. This means you’ll save money on your water and energy bills. The unique bottom layer acts as a solar cover, keeping heat in.
Easy Maintenance: A slatted pool cover makes it easier to keep your pool clean. Debris, leaves, and other elements are kept out of the pool, making it easier to maintain the cleanliness of the water.
Increased Swimming Time: By keeping the pool clean and reducing evaporation, you’ll be able to swim in your pool for longer periods of time. You won’t have to spend as much time cleaning and maintaining your pool, giving you more time to enjoy it.
Beauty & Aesthetics: A slatted pool cover looks much sleeker and neater than even a new fabric cover which inherently contains folds and displays an uneven appearance, thus improving the look of your pool area. It provides a sleek and modern look that can enhance the appearance of your backyard that will impress your guests.

An electric hard surface swimming pool cover provides many benefits for pool owners. Whether you’re looking for a safer, more energy-efficient, or easier-to-maintain pool, a slatted pool cover is a great option for you. So, if you’re thinking of a new pool cover, contact us via the form below with photos of your pool and we will be glad to go over your options!

GET A QUOTE FROM A LOCAL COVER INSTALLER

Fill out the form and a pool cover specialist near you will reply promptly!

Slatted Pool Covers – Poolcoversbc.ca