I have a 21 year old pool/spa that we have left uncovered for the winters and contributed to the short life of our finish with annual acid wash as a result. This year I plan to purchase a custom safety cover. Our pool shape is irregular and we have plants growing next to our coping, but otherwise the pool is not oversized. I got a quote for a custom cover, including measuring and installation of hooks into the stone coping - $10,000. That seems high. Any suggestions of where to turn for a custom cover? I can do measurements myself. Going to refinish pool in the spring but this seems like best time to get cover. Photo attached.
Custom cover
- Thread starter pgershon
- Start date
I can't figure out how leaving it open would require routine acid bath treatments? Bad chemistry could.
Each acid bath treatment takes years off your plaster lifespan. You need to get this figured out so you aren't paying for plaster jobs prematurely.
As to a cover I can see that costing 5-10k.... you have no decking on the far side to install the hardware, its a very custom shape and you're working around all those rocks. A more ordinary pool cover (solid) can run 3-5k. Those are the heavy duty "I can take it!" type covers. Perhaps there are less expensive ones.
I'm going to ask a couple of guys for their two cents to chime in:
paging @jimmythegreek @ajw22
Maddie
Each acid bath treatment takes years off your plaster lifespan. You need to get this figured out so you aren't paying for plaster jobs prematurely.
As to a cover I can see that costing 5-10k.... you have no decking on the far side to install the hardware, its a very custom shape and you're working around all those rocks. A more ordinary pool cover (solid) can run 3-5k. Those are the heavy duty "I can take it!" type covers. Perhaps there are less expensive ones.
I'm going to ask a couple of guys for their two cents to chime in:
paging @jimmythegreek @ajw22 Maddie
Last edited:
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,504
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Your rock overhangs create a challenge for a cover.
You are in a high end market.
What would be the rectangle dimensions to cover the pool/spa and overlap onto the deck and grass?
You are in a high end market.
What would be the rectangle dimensions to cover the pool/spa and overlap onto the deck and grass?
I wish pool cover conversations took place while doing the design with the pool builder. A little "heads up" might alter many a design challenge and help the new owners plan ahead.
Maddie
Maddie
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,504
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
I wish pool cover conversations took place while doing the design with the pool builder. A little "heads up" might alter many a design challenge and help the new owners plan ahead.
Maddie
The rock overhangs and planting by the spa and rock greatly increase the complexity and cost of a custom cover. The shape of the pool/spa and the rocks and overhangs also create complexity in how the cover gets anchored.
If the plantings can be removed I think a stock rectangle cover can be placed over the pool/spa and anchored to the deck and grass.
See what these folks offer...
Custom Pool Covers - Pool Safety Covers Loop Loc, Meyco, Merlin, Latham, Rayner, Anchor, and more
Pool Covers Direct makes custom pool covers no matter the complexity, and we'll get you a much better price on the best covers available.
poolcoversdirect.com
Loop Loc Safety Swimming Pool Covers - Custom Shaped Covers
Loop Loc can make a Custom Shaped Pool Cover to fit most any size or shaped swimming pool, inground swim spa or hot tub...
www.poolandspa.com
Is there a way to keep a pool uncovered for the winter without creating a clean up headache. I assumed it was the decaying leaves that created the stains that in turn needed acid
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,504
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Did you try a high chlorine bath for about 2 weeks to get rid of the organic stains?
Acid takes off a layer of plaster every time along with the stains. The plaster is only 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick and you don't have that much plaster that can be lost.
Chlorine will remove organic stains in time. It does not affect the plaster.
I used to have done by pool service company. Just started DIY this year. If I can remove stains without acid, prefer to cover. Given our pool, no cover looks better
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,504
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Well acid washing is a quick on day job by the pool company and guaranteed to satisfy the customer.
A high FC chlorine bath takes more work and time monitoring the pool and FC level and may have varied results. You would need to give it a try and see how it work for you. It may also take some experimentation to find out what FC level you need for how long. But it will not damage the plaster.
A high FC chlorine bath takes more work and time monitoring the pool and FC level and may have varied results. You would need to give it a try and see how it work for you. It may also take some experimentation to find out what FC level you need for how long. But it will not damage the plaster.
I get a lot of leaves ands it’s a pain because they fall over a few months. Wish they would all fall and be done!
Is it too many to get out or do they stain quickly?
they few stains I have left are usually gone by spring, if not I just bring it to slam level for a couple days even though my water is usually clearer then it is all year
Is it too many to get out or do they stain quickly?
they few stains I have left are usually gone by spring, if not I just bring it to slam level for a couple days even though my water is usually clearer then it is all year