Materials: Mesh or Solid?
When deciding on a mesh or solid safety cover, keep in mind that each material works differently, but they both provide superior protection. Our covers come in a mesh material, that allows the water to seep through the cover, leaving a dry cover and not a swampy mess. The solid material doesn't allow the water to pass through and comes with a pump to remove the water from the cover surface. The solid material with a drainage panel is the best of both materials. It allows the water to seep through and keep the cover dry, but gives you the protection of a regular solid material. For more information on these materials, see below:
Mesh Covers
Mesh covers are light weight, and easier to maneuver than their solid counterparts.
Water will drain through a mesh cover, preventing puddles from forming and creating a safety hazard.
Mesh covers prevent leaves and other debris from entering the pool
Since water can drain through the cover, chances are you will have to add little to no water to your pool in the spring to bring the water level back up. Mesh covers dissipate rain and melting snow much quicker than solid covers, allowing them to dry quicker so leaves and other debris can blow off the cover. Mesh covers will let sunlight through the mesh, so algae can still grow in your pool when it gets into the warmer months
Mesh will allow fine soot to pass through the cover and settle on the bottom and easy to vacuum away.
Easy to open pool early or to add additional chemicals.
The sunlight allowed through the mesh reduces the amount of chlorine content in the pool over time.
Solid Covers
Solid covers can withstand heavy snow loads like those that fall on the Northern states.
Solid covers keep ALL sunlight out of the pool. Without sunlight it is difficult for algae to grow in your pool.
When using a solid cover, you MUST use an automatic cover pump to drain water off the top or purchase with a built in mesh drain panel that is engineered into the cover by the manufacturer. Failure to do so will cause puddling on the top of your cover, negating the ASTM Safety Approval. You must periodically check on the Cover Pump to insure that it is still in operable condition.
Nothing can get through your Solid Safety Cover. This makes clean up in the spring incredibly easy and neat. Your pool should be as clean the day you open it as the day you closed it.
Solid w/ Drain Covers
Solid covers with drain panels allow water into the pool to prevent puddling on the cover.
Fine mesh drain panels filter out everything except for the tiniest sediment suspended in the water.
Reduced mesh area limits the amount of sunlight able to get into the pool. This lessens the amount of algae that can grow in your pool when the weather starts to get warmer.
Less sun helps reduce the amount of chlorine loss, thereby reducing your chemical costs.
These covers feature the best of both the Mesh and the Solid covers.
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Manufacturers: Loop-Loc, Yard Guard or The Exclusive Buffalo Cover?
All the safety covers that we sell, come from manufacturers that take their product seriously. Each company makes sure that their safety covers meet, if not exeed all ASTM standards. We mainly offer Loop-Loc, Yard Guard, and our own Exclusive Buffalo Safety Cover! Below is just an overview of these manufacturers, for a more indepth look into them and the covers that they make, click on the links below.
Loop-Loc Safety Covers
Loop-Loc manufactures COMMERCIAL grade safety covers, meaning these covers meet the standards required for any commercial pool area. These are by far the safest, and strongest safety cover available on the market. You may recognize Loop-Loc as the company that had Bubbles, the elephant, walk across one of their mesh covers. Being a commercial grade cover makes them a little pricier than the other brand of covers we sell, however, some feel the extra security is well-worth the cost.
High quality polyester bonded thread.
Double perimeter webbing strap has a 4200 lbs. break strength.
Extremely high-strength, non-corrosive stainless steel springs for superior weight-bearing capacity.
Webbing sewn with contrasting white thread to ensure that not a single stitch is missed.
Chafe strips are manufactured with exclusive virgin material - not "regrind," which tends to stain decking.
And many other unique safety features.
For more information, visit our Loop-Loc's main page here!
Yard Guard Safety Covers
Yard Guard Safety Covers are a RESIDENTIAL grade safety cover, making it less expensive than the Loop-Loc cover. It still meets ASTM Safety Standards and will provide exceptional protection for your pool. Yard Guard covers feature:
Triple Nylon Stitching
Strap webbing strength of 2800 lbs.
3 ft. or 5 ft grid depending on pool shape and needs.
For more information, visit our Yard Guard's main page here!
The Buffalo Safety Covers
The Buffalo Safety Cover is a Leisure Living exclusive. It was conceptualized and invented here in Buffalo. This cover withstands the snow load and cold climate of Buffalo, therefore it can and will certainly perform well in your backyard where ever you live. The Buffalo Safety Cover features:
A 15 year warranty, with the industries only 5 year guarantee.
FREE do-it-yourself tool kit with every order.
Triple nylon stitching.
Strap webbing strength of 2800 lbs.
Unique 3 ft x 3 ft. grid spacing.
Commercial grade double stainless steel springs.
For more information, visit our Buffalo Safety Covers main page here!
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Care & Use: Assorted questions about the care & use of a safety cover
Here are some commonly asked questions about the care & use of a safety cover. If you should have any other questions about the covers, please give our friendly, knowledgeable staff a call! We are always here to answer your questions!
Where should the water level be for closing a pool with a winter safety cover?
The water level should be kept with in 12" of the top of the pool wall.
What is the proper spring tension?
Initially, adjust the straps so that the springs are set to at least half compression. This will keep the cover tight and aid in draining. The springs should be checked periodically and the straps adjusted to maintain this tension.
Should I treat the pool with chemicals before closing?
Be sure your pool has the proper level of sanitizer and algaecide before closing it for the winter. This will insure that the water is clear upon opening in the spring. If the cover is left on when the temperature has gone beyond 60 degrees F., it may be necessary to add algaecide to maintain clarity.
Should I remove snow and water from the cover over winter?
Large accumulations of snow should be carefully removed, taking precautions not to damage the cover. Likewise if a large puddle of water accumulates it should be removed immediately by draining it to the drain or by using a weighted cover pump. The straps should be adjusted to prevent a reoccurrence. Failure to perform this maintenance could result in stretching or damage to the cover components. Drainage can be facilitated by slightly loosening the strap that runs through the drain areas while tightening the straps away from the drain. A small amount of puddling is normal and will evaporate in dry weather. If you have questions about these or any procedures, please contact your cover installer.
How does debris (leaves, pine needles, etc..) affect my cover?
Covered pools in heavily wooded areas are susceptible to accumulation of leaves, needles and other debris that will inhibit water flow to and through the drain. It is very important to keep the drain clear of debris at all times.
Are there any special instructions for removal and storage of the safety cover?
The cover should be hosed off removing any debris that accumulated over the winter. If you have a cover with the drain you should clear the drain also. Before folding the cover make sure it is completely dry. Cover cleaner and treatments, available at most pool supply stores, are also recommended.
Do the anchors require any special care?
After removing or prior to installing the cover, clean out all the anchor sockets with a stream of compressed air or water. This biannual cleaning will assure proper anchor function. Applying spray silicone to these components will also be beneficial to their proper operation. When the cover is not in use, screw anchors down completely to keep out debris and to prevent tripping, foot injuries, and cover damage.
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