feature
The ultimate in convenience – an automated security cover. Image: Sunbather
The increasing convenience of
pool covers
P
ool covers have become an essential part of swimming pool ownership – attesting not only to the role they play in reducing water and chemical loss through evaporation, but also heat retention and keeping leaves, insect and dirt out of the water. However, none of these benefits can be realised if the cover is not used. So how can consumers become more inclined to use them? There are a number of ideas to make them even more convenient and maximise their utility. Anthony Lestani, Sunbather’s national sales and marketing manager, says that one thing to consider is the shape of the pool. “While some freeform pools can look fantastic, consideration at pool design stage should be given to the pool use requirements. If the pool owner is seeking to swim regularly and deep into the season or all year, then they will want a pool heater. If they are using a pool heater and are seeking to minimise running costs and heat loss, then a pool cover is essential. Straight edged/geometrically shaped pools will provide far less bottlenecks/issues for the pool owner than a freeform pool,” says Lestani. He says that after the pool design has been agreed, the most convenient and easy-to-use cover is a fully automatic hard cover such as Sunbather’s CVX cover. “For a pool cover to be fully automatic it will need to be made from a hard material so the cover can be automatically pushed onto the pool and pulled off the pool with a motorised roller,” he says. “Apart from being the easiest to use, these covers also provide superior heat retention, are hidden away when off the pool and can be used as a security cover to prevent anyone or animals from accessing the pool while the cover is on.”
Sunbather’s Downunder roller system with a thermal cover
He says the next easiest to use is a motorised roller with a soft cover, such as a bubble or thermal cover. “These are what we would call semi-automatic systems,” he says. This is because while they will automatically retract the cover off the pool, they will only assist the cover going on the pool – that is, they require manual handling to pull the cover back on the pool. The least convenient are fully manual bubble or thermal covers, but choosing the right roller can help. “Small tube rollers with inadequate frames and with no way of preventing them from moving when in use all contribute to a poor experience,” says Lestani. He recommends strong stainless frame and large diameter tubes to prevent them from sagging, which is
“The most convenient and easy-to-use cover is a fully automatic hard cover.”
June/July 2021 SPLASH! 47