Help with purchasing new cover

[CTFocusST]

I am looking to replace my current cover which is too small for my pool and previous owner used a rope system to support which I would rather not deal with anymore. While I like the idea of a safety cover I think the prices of those are probably beyond my budget currently.

I have a 16x32 inground pool with steps centered on one of the short edges (steps are 53" L x 62.5" W beyond pool dimension). Any suggested factors to add or just add depth to water + amount on deck + pool dimension?

Any suggested brands?

Thanks
Eric

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Its a dilemma for sure..... a good cover ain't cheap, but it ought to last enough years to feel you've gotten your monies worth. And the cover provides safety as well as protection from the elements.
People try to use tarps and sand/water bags with varying degrees of success. That's the least expensive way to cover a pool.

Pool Covers - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Spitdog]

My loop lock 16x32 was $1800. 4 yrs ago. That was a replacement. I already had the anchors in the deck.

 

[CTFocusST]

My loop lock 16x32 was $1800. 4 yrs ago. That was a replacement. I already had the anchors in the deck.

Yup that's not happening cost wise for me and I would need the anchors too assuming there was an option to install with pavers that pop out pretty easy.

Thanks for the info

 

[Nectarologist]

I am looking to replace my current cover which is too small for my pool and previous owner used a rope system to support which I would rather not deal with anymore. While I like the idea of a safety cover I think the prices of those are probably beyond my budget currently.

I have a 16x32 inground pool with steps centered on one of the short edges (steps are 53" L x 62.5" W beyond pool dimension). Any suggested factors to add or just add depth to water + amount on deck + pool dimension?

Any suggested brands?

Thanks
Eric

I just get the cheapest tarp style cover and use water blocks to hold it in place. If I get 2 seasons out of the cover I'm happy. But I only expect 1 season. I have purchased more expensive / thicker tarp style covers and they don't last any longer in my yard. Note that sometimes a larger cover than you need is cheaper than what you need so look for that also since you can simply fold the excess over itself.

 

[CTFocusST]

I just get the cheapest tarp style cover and use water blocks to hold it in place. If I get 2 seasons out of the cover I'm happy. But I only expect 1 season. I have purchased more expensive / thicker tarp style covers and they don't last any longer in my yard. Note that sometimes a larger cover than you need is cheaper than what you need so look for that also since you can simply fold the excess over itself.

Do you think a 20 x 40 sized cover would be enough to allow it to be supported by the water and cover the steps which are another 5 feet to the long dimension?

 

[Nectarologist]

Do you think a 20 x 40 sized cover would be enough to allow it to be supported by the water and cover the steps which are another 5 feet to the long dimension?

That leaves 1.5 feet on each end, which is tight. But I use that size myself because on one end I have grass so I only put the cover over the coping (the cover would kill the grass). As long as you have a pump for the cover you'll be fine. Same goes for the sides of my pool (cover only on coping). The only time I've had an issue with the cover is when I neglected it (didn't take leaves out etc). I get a lot of leaves but if i spend 20 minutes per week scooping them out for 3 weeks I'm good the rest of the winter. I just need to run the cover pump when there is ~4 of water on it.

But check the details. Some may be actual size whereas others are described to fit the pool size plus they have an over lap. Also some tarps are the size before sewing the edges so finished size is smaller (not sure if pool cover companies do this). Just make sure you have at least 1.5 feet larger than the pool on the final cover size and you'll be okay.

This is from in the swim's website for their cheapest cover (8 yr warranty, $80): "20' x 40' - Pool Size / 25' x 45' - Cover Size." Seems perfect

 

[CTFocusST]

Thanks for the info that helps a lot