Safety Cover (18x36 rectangle)

[head gamez]

I am looking for opinions / recomendations on Safety Covers. My pool is 18x36 with steps on the shallow end.

What size do I buy? When I see an 18x36 cover, is it for an 18x36 pool, or is that the actual dimensions of the cover.
What brand?
Solid vs Mesh? I am thinking solid, but if I were an expert then i wouldnt be asking....
Any links to them would be appreciated....

Thanks

 

[JohnT]

Safety covers are custom made to your pool measurements.

 

[head gamez]

I guess safety cover is not the correct term. I am looking for a cover for winter. One that stretches tight over the pool and anchors into the concrete.

Ideas?

 

[JohnT]

I guess safety cover is not the correct term. I am looking for a cover for winter. One that stretches tight over the pool and anchors into the concrete.

Ideas?

That is a safety cover. Loop-Loc is the most well-known brand. They are custom made to a drawing of your pool. Check out http://www.poolcenter.com/looploc.htm for details on what the choices are.

A solid cover requires a pump, but you can get solid covers with a mesh panel to drain the cover or very fine mesh that reduces dirt getting into the pool. Solid covers reduce algae growth when the cover is on. I have a standard mesh, and I don't see any real advantage to the solid other than the algae issue, but even that isn't a big deal unless you need to open your pool later in the year.

 

[Qwaxalot]

If your pool is truly a rectangle, the deck and coping flat, and nothing intruding below coping, you can buy a ready made safety cover. The cover needs to be two feet longer and two feet wider than the pool.

You can go to various manufacturer's web sites for detailed information.

 

[head gamez]

What is everyone's opinion on Solid vs Mesh?

 

[X-PertPool]

I like loop-loc's ultra loc. It's solid with mesh drain panels so it stays algae free and doesn't require a pump.

 

[swimcmp]

I have tried the ultra mesh and won't ever have anything but a true solid cover with a pump to remove water from the cover.

 

[head gamez]

From what I can gather, I will need to custome order a cover because I have 4' radius "corners". I was only able to find that information on poolsupplyworlds website (for a Merlin). Is that true for all brands?

For whatever reason I seem to be struggling to find a cover with a pump. Does anyone have a link to a recommended one?

 

[swimcmp]

Most companies would rather sell you a mesh cover so they can sell extra chemicals. Not sure that you will be able to buy direct from the manufacturers.