What Are the Benefits of Automatic Pool Covers?

Posted on November 13, 2024July 30, 2026 by kristin

Owning a swimming pool has definite perks, offering an escape from the summer heat. But let’s be honest: pool maintenance requires time and effort. An automatic pool cover provides many advantages that can boost your overall pool experience, making summer days even more enjoyable by reducing some of your pool maintenance duties. If you are on the fence about buying one, several benefits of automatic pool covers may influence your decision.

Another Layer of Pool Safety

Automatic pool covers help protect families. When adult supervision is not possible, an automatic pool cover can be closed in a matter of seconds. Many automatic covers support significant weight, protecting against accidental falls into the pool. While they are not the cheapest pool accessory, the added layer of protection is invaluable for pool owners with children and pets. Furthermore, some homeowner insurance companies offer discounts if you install one.

Reduced Maintenance Efforts

Keeping your pool clean can be a constant chore, especially if your pool is surrounded by trees and plants that deposit debris. Automatic pool covers make this much more manageable, providing a welcome relief from the daily cleaning routine. By keeping your pool covered when not in use, debris, including leaves, twigs, and dirt, is kept out of the water, drastically reducing the need for frequent cleaning. Using a pool cover saves you time and energy that would otherwise be spent manually cleaning the pool or running vacuum systems.

Additionally, automatic pool covers help minimize chemical degradation. Chlorine and other pool chemicals break down faster when exposed to sunlight. Covering the pool reduces UV exposure, allowing the chemicals to last longer and reducing the amount you need to add, leading to lower chemical costs over time.

Energy Savings

Heating a pool can be a significant expense. Automatic pool covers help retain heat in the pool, which reduces the amount of energy needed to maintain the water temperature. Energy.Gov found that a cover can lower heating costs between 50% and 70%. Automatic pool covers also decrease water evaporation, conserving water and resources used to refill and reheat the pool water. A pool cover can help you reduce your overall carbon footprint while still having the luxury of a heated swim.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Manual pool covers can be inconvenient to use, sometimes requiring multiple people and considerable effort to operate. On the other hand, automatic pool covers eliminate that hassle. You can cover or uncover your pool by pushing a button or turning a key. When it’s easy to use, you will be more likely to cover the pool when it’s not in use.

Extended Pool Season

Another significant advantage of automatic pool covers is extending your swimming season. By keeping the water warmer, you can comfortably swim earlier in the spring and later into the fall. The added warmth turns your fiberglass pool into an inviting oasis despite cooler outdoor air temperatures and allows you and your family to enjoy it almost year-round. Whether hosting late summer barbecues or enjoying a quiet swim while the kids are in school, the longer swim season gives you more opportunities to use your pool.

Aesthetic Appeal and Increased Property Value

Automatic pool covers come in various styles, shapes, and colors to accommodate multiple pool designs, allowing you to choose an option that complements your outdoor space. When closed, these covers can blend seamlessly with your deck, creating a polished and tidy look that enhances the overall aesthetic of your backyard. The added visual appeal can make your pool area more inviting for gatherings and relaxation.

Additionally, investing in an automatic pool cover can significantly increase the overall value of your property. Homebuyers often seek features that promote safety, convenience, and energy efficiency. A pool equipped with an automatic cover can set your home apart in a competitive market, making it a wise investment for the future.

Is an Automatic Pool Cover Right For You?

An automatic pool cover is not just a luxury; it’s a practical investment that brings numerous benefits. Check with your installer or pool dealer for details about the cover manufacturer, warranties, and maintenance required to enjoy your pool to the fullest, knowing you’ve made a smart choice for safety, savings, and style.

Winter Pool Safety Covers and Other Fiberglass Pool Winter Maintenance Tips

Posted on November 13, 2024July 30, 2026 by kristin

Your pool is probably not at the top of your mind during winter. However, it still requires some attention during the colder months. From covering the pool to managing water levels and safeguarding your equipment, winterizing your fiberglass pool will prevent accidents, protect your investment, and ensure a smooth reopening when the weather warms up. Beginning with winter pool safety covers, consider the following top tips as part of your cold-weather pool maintenance routine.

Buy a Winter Pool Safety Cover

Fiberglass pools are durable, but they still require protection during winter to remain in optimal condition for Spring reopening. Investing in a safety-rated cover designed for your fiberglass pool can not only help protect your pool but also people and pets. Winter pool safety covers also help maintain cleaner water, making reopening the pool in Spring much more manageable by requiring less time and fewer chemicals to bring the water back to swimmable conditions.

Your safety cover should fit tightly over the pool and have no gaps along the edges. Non-automatic winter pool safety covers are typically anchored to the surrounding deck. Make sure the anchors are in good condition and securely fastened. If you notice any signs of wear or loosening, address these immediately to ensure the cover remains in place all winter. Automatic safety covers provide strong, reliable protection and are often rated to hold substantial weight. One of the benefits of an automatic pool safety cover over a standard winter safety cover is the ease of taking a peek periodically at your water level.

Winterize the Pool Water & Equipment

Winterizing your fiberglass pool goes beyond just covering it. You also need to prepare the water, plumbing, pumps, and filters for freezing temperatures. First, be sure to have the pool water tested prior to closing to ensure all levels are within the desired ranges. Allow enough time to make any necessary adjustments. Keep in mind, you do not need to add additional chlorine to get through winter months. The desired levels will meet desired demand as long as you open early in the spring before temperatures begin to rise. Never add Calcium Hypochlorite which is found in some shock treatments, use liquid chlorine or non chlorine shock options. Stay on top of your stain and scale maintenance doses as well. Some winterizing kits include a winterizing stain and scale control product. Clean the filter thoroughly. Backwash sand or DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filters. Rinse and store cartridge filters. Turn off the power and drain all water from the pump, filter, and plumbing by removing the drain plugs and blowing out the lines with an air compressor.

Add pool-specific antifreeze to the skimmer and return lines to protect against freezing. Cover the pump and filter with a weatherproof tarp to shield them from snow and ice. Store smaller parts like pump baskets and pressure gauges indoors, and check your equipment periodically throughout the winter to ensure it remains protected and functional for Spring.

Maintain Pool Water Levels Throughout the Winter

Fiberglass pools can be affected by fluctuating water levels during the winter. If water levels become too high under the cover, overflow can strain the pool’s shell and cause fiberglass cracks. Use a submersible pump to drain the excess. On the other hand, draining the pool too low can lead to a “floating” pool, where the pool shell lifts out of the ground, especially in areas with high water tables. You can equalize the water pressure around the pool by adding water to your pool before pumping water off your cover.

Your water line should never dip below the skimmer level in a fiberglass pool, including during winter when it’s not in use. We recommend maintaining the water level to just below the midway point of your skimmer. This level helps balance the water inside your pool with the groundwater throughout the freezing weather.

Keep the Safety Cover Clear

Regardless of your safety cover type, too much snow and ice accumulation can place dangerously excessive weight on your winter pool safety cover. And while they may seem harmless, leaves, dirt, and twigs can degrade the material of the cover over time. To prevent potential damage and make your cover last longer, clear all debris and snow from your pool cover as soon as possible.

Always use soft tools like a broom or a pool cover rake to clear your cover. Avoid sharp tools, which can tear or puncture the cover. Ice, in particular, should be left to melt naturally to avoid damaging the cover or the fiberglass shell beneath.

Supervise the Pool Area

Even in the winter, when no one is swimming, it’s important to ensure the pool area remains secure. Never allow family members or guests to walk on the pool cover, even though it may appear sturdy. Also, consider installing a fence with a self-locking gate to prevent unauthorized access to the pool area. Of all the safety measures you can take, supervision is the best way to prevent accidents around your pool.

Consider Professional Help for Winter Fiberglass Pool Maintenance

While the previous tips can help you protect your pool, you may feel more confident enlisting the help of a pool professional. An experienced pool pro can properly fit and secure a winter pool safety cover and prepare your pumps and filters for freezing temperatures. Contact a pool professional near you for advice, and continue to explore more pool maintenance advice.

Water Safety Month 2022 – 13 Pool Safety Tips to Remember

Posted on May 26, 2022June 11, 2026 by krista

May is Water Safety Month, and with so many pools opening up this time of year, it’s an ideal time to go over some pool safety tips. Whether or not you are a new fiberglass pool owner, keeping people safe in and around bodies of water is a critical part of enjoying the summer. Here are some tips to remember any time you are around pools.

Tips To Stay Safe Inside the Pool

Get to know the abilities of the swimmers in your group. If anyone in your group doesn’t know how to swim, make sure they are closely supervised. Encourage inexperienced swimmers to learn how to swim. And don’t rely too much on floats or toys to support inexperienced swimmers. They are not lifesaving devices.
Don’t try something you are uncomfortable with just because others are doing it. Sometimes, it can be fun to show off, especially if there’s a diving board. Ensure no one is entering or swimming in water that’s too deep for their ability. Let them know that there’s plenty of room for fun towards the shallow end.
Don’t play games that involve jumping in or holding your breath. Your pool has specific entry points for a reason. The safest way to use a pool is to enter through those designated entry spots (even if this interferes with your grand game plans). Games that require you to hold your breath can be dangerous, and it’s best to avoid them. There are plenty of other spectacular pool games you can play that keep you safer.
Avoid suction drains. Getting too close to a suction drain could potentially lead to entrapment and make it difficult to resurface from underwater. It’s best to keep hair, clothing, and body parts away from these and let them do their job cleaning your pool.
Only allow toys made for pools. There are plenty of pool toys out there that are cute, fun, and functional. Heavy toys that aren’t designed for floating in pools can be dangerous, so keep them out! It’s also essential to remove all toys from the pool when kids have finished swimming. Often, children who fall into the pool reach down into it to grab a toy that has caught their attention.
Make sure your pool meets all the necessary code requirements. Your pool dealer is an excellent resource for making sure your pool project meets all of the code requirements in your local area.
Don’t swim alone if possible. If an accident occurs, it’s always helpful to have someone else around who can assist you.

Safety Tips While Outside the Pool

Walk. Don’t run. While some pools provide non-slip textured surfaces within the pool, the decking area surrounding it may still be very slippery (especially with wet feet). Take your time and proceed with caution when outside of the pool area.
Enter the pool feet first. It’s all too easy to hit your head or sustain other injuries when entering the pool any other way, so feet first is always best.
Install a fence around your pool. Having a fence around the pool can stop people and animals from making their way into the pool unsupervised. While some areas don’t require fences, if you have an automatic safety cover, it’s always best to incorporate multiple layers of protection.
Use a safety cover when the pool is not in use. Safety covers prevent unsupervised swimmers from entering the pool and help keep out objects that could damage the pool itself. Plus, it can help keep your pool clean when not in use.
Consider getting equipment to monitor the pool (i.e., safety cameras). Just like those doorbell systems that monitor your porch, there are cameras you can install to monitor the pool. You might think of the backyard pool safety camera as a “baby monitor” for the pool. You can use these devices to monitor your pool area when away from home or at night.
Put away anything that could be a tripping hazard. Pool toys not in use, pool equipment, hoses-any objects lying around on your decking area can cause someone to trip, so be mindful of this possibility and keep walking paths clear.

Water safety is always important for pool owners, no matter what month it is. Unfortunately, we’ve heard the stories of parents looking away at the exact wrong time and having accidents happen. Because of that, we find it crucial to answer, “why is pool safety important?” There are plenty of tools to help pool owners, but we can never substitute them for adult supervision when children are around. Your eyes are the first line of safety when kids are involved.

If you would like a resource to help teach family members about swimming pool safety rules, Thursday Pools has a pool safety eBook you can download for free.

Happy swimming!

7 Steps to Keep Your Kids Safe at the Pool

Posted on April 23, 2020August 18, 2026 by cargo

Keeping your kids safe at the pool, or anytime they’re near water, is a year-round concern. But since May is National Water Safety Month, it’s a great time for a refresher on the rules of pool safety for kids.

Don’t swim alone. This rule applies to all swimmers, regardless of age. In private pools, or situations where no lifeguard is present, younger children or swimmers who are not completely confident in their skills should always have a strong swimmer closely supervising them. Even strong swimmers should never use the pool alone, in case of an unexpected medical emergency.
Teach basic swimming techniques. Even at a young age, a child can learn basic swimming skills. The American Red Cross suggests swim lessons for children as young as six months. If your children are comfortable enough in the water to keep themselves afloat, it can make a huge difference in terms of how much time you have to get to them should they accidentally enter the water.
Create barriers-to-entry. If you do own a pool, your pool area must comply with state and local regulations for barriers-to-entry, which likely include fencing with self-latching gates, as well as locks and alarms on the windows and doors of your home that face the pool area. However, in addition to complying with those regulations, consider an automatic pool safety cover. Automatic pool covers give you the added peace of mind of knowing no one (from inside or outside your home) can enter the pool without your knowledge when your cover is closed.
Be aware of the dangers of the drain. Install anti-entrapment drain covers and safety release systems to keep swimmers safe from drain-related injuries. Teach your children that they should avoid the drain area in any pool they swim in, and instruct them to ask for help if a toy gets stuck near the drain.
Monitor kids constantly. Parents (or other responsible adults) should tag-team each other on kid-watching duty at the pool to ensure constant supervision. If a child is missing, check the water first, as seconds matter if a child is under water.
Insist on safe pool area behavior. Don’t allow children to dive or push each other into the pool or run around the pool area. Teach your children that it’s never okay to push a friend under water, splash friends excessively, or pretend to need help in the water as a game. Don’t allow toys in your pool that aren’t specifically designed for swimming pools, and do insist on regular time-outs for all swimmers.
Learn CPR. Parents should consider taking a CPR class from the American Red Cross or local healthcare facilities. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you’re equipped with potentially life-saving skills should a water-related accident occur.

Safety first

Swimming pools are great places for families to spend quality time, get exercise and have fun. However, pool safety for kids must be top-of-mind for all pool owners and parents. As swim season approaches, take time to review the rules of water safety with your family. To make it fun for your kids to learn the rules of pool safety, download 10 Cool Pool Rules for Kids and read through it with them today!

The beach entry (zero entry) fiberglass pools

Thursday Pools is the creator of the beach entry (or zero entry) fiberglass pool designs. Grace Beach Entry and Sandal Beach Entry (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) are currently available to order, so you can turn your home into instant waterfront property with your new fiberglass pool!

Ask the General: Can Dogs Swim in Pools?

Posted on September 4, 2019August 13, 2026 by krista

Ask the General: Can Dogs Swim in Pools?

Dear General;

We are getting a new pool! Our kids are pretty excited about it. So is Harvey, our yellow lab. He loves to swim. However, several friends have told us we shouldn’t allow dogs in the pool. What’s your advice? Can dogs swim in pools? Do we have to ground poor Harvey when our new pool comes, or can we let him enjoy the dog days of summer?

— Dog lovers in Dayton, Ohio

Dear Dayton Dog Lovers;

I have been asked “can dogs swim in pools” many times, as well as if we should let our pets in general use the pool. (This typically means our dogs, because I don’t know too many cats who like to swim.) Well, that’s kind of like asking if you should allow your dogs to sit with you on your furniture or sleep with you in your bed. Will it be easier to keep your furniture and bedding clean if you don’t? YES. Will you reduce the risk of damage to your expensive couch if you don’t have a dog launching itself off of it every time someone rings the doorbell? YES. But, if your answer to the question: “Is your dog one of your children?” is also YES, you might be willing to take on a little extra wear, tear and cleaning in order to have the joy of sharing your pool with your pet. But if you do, you’ll definitely want to choose the right kind of pool.

I once had customers mention during the sales presentation that one of the reasons for purchasing an inground pool was to have their dogs swim with them. This couple’s children had grown and they were “empty nesters.” They had previously owned a gunite pool, and had two golden retrievers that loved to swim with them. They didn’t want another gunite pool, but were worried about the dogs damaging a vinyl or fiberglass pool.

If you plan to let your dog swim, consider these facts

I’ll share with you the same advice I gave this couple. Basically, I’m not a fan of letting dogs swim, because of the extra pool maintenance it causes. But, if having your dogs swim with you is part of your joy in having a pool, of course you should do it. If that’s the case, here are some things you need to consider:

Water quality. Dogs can bring contaminants into the water. If they’ve rolled in something in the backyard, it’s going to wash off in the pool. Even if you’ve recently given them a bath, the residue from the dog shampoo is going to end up in your water. You should be especially cautious if you live near a river, stream or lake and your dog also swims there as they can transplant algae into your pool that can be difficult and expensive to get rid of. So give them a good rinse before you let them jump in, and stay on top of your water chemistry.
Pool equipment. Dogs shed. I have pulled big hairballs out of a pool pump’s impeller and piping that were causing poor circulation and could have caused a lot of damage to the pump. So, a good brushing before Harvey gets into the pool is a must. Install a fine filter screen in your skimmers. There are mesh filters available that will also help. (And here’s a hint from Heloise: knee-high panty hose can be put inside the skimmer basket to catch the hair before it heads to the equipment.) Always clean your skimmer basket and pump basket after your pet swims.
Pet health. Dogs may drink the water while they’re swimming, ingesting chlorine and other chemicals. Needless to say, this is not good for the dog, especially if your chlorine level is running high. If you see your dog lapping up water, you’ll either need to keep them out of the pool or train them NOT to drink the water. On the flip side, swimming is as good for your pet’s joints as it is for yours and it’s great exercise for you and them!
Pool structure. The couple with the golden retrievers were correct to wonder about damage to a vinyl liner pool. Your dog could rip a vinyl liner within the first few minutes of getting in, and it WILL NOT be covered by your warranty. By contrast, gunite pools have a rough enough surface that they can do damage to the pads of a dog’s feet. So, if having your pet swim with you is important, a fiberglass pool is the only way to go, for a number of reasons:

1. An impervious surface. The gel coat surface of a good quality fiberglass pool will be impervious to scratches from your pet’s paws.
2. Lower chemical use. Fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals to keep your water balanced, and algae can’t roost in the nooks and crannies that both vinyl liner and gunite pools have. So, even if sharing your pool with Harvey means you’ll need more pool maintenance chemicals, you’ll still use less in the long run.
3. Easy in and out. Most fiberglass pool designs feature wide-open, non-skid steps that will help your pet navigate entering and exiting the pool. Many have tanning ledges and there are now also beach entry (zero entry) fiberglass pool designs (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) on the market that will allow your furry kids (along with your two-legged kids) to ease into the water on a gentle slope.

Keep everyone safely in the swim

In our house, my dog thinks he’s a rescue dog. He jumps in to try to “save” us. He paddles around for a while, and then he tires, and we end up having to rescue him. Remember that some dogs are better swimmers than others. As with children, dogs need constant supervision in the pool and they need to enjoy the water safely. If you see your pet tiring, make them get out of the water and sideline them for a while. To keep both kids and pets safe, get a pool that’s auto-cover ready and keep it closed whenever your pool is not in use.

Till next time, safely enjoy your pool – The General

The world’s first truly zero entry fiberglass pools

Thursday Pools is the creator of the beach entry (or zero entry) fiberglass pool. Grace Beach Entry and Sandal Beach Entry (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) are currently available to order, so you can bring the shore to your door with your new fiberglass pool.

Another Thursday Pools Expansion Reflects Their Relentless Commitment to Quality, Innovation and Safety

Posted on May 15, 2019August 13, 2026 by krista

The 40,000-square foot expansion means shorter turn-around times, improved employee safety, even better quality control and room to keep creating amazing innovations and durable fiberglass pools!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWAEQtscxXE
Indiana’s Thursday Pools manufactures the world’s best and most durable fiberglass pools, and they just keep finding ways to get better. They’re relentlessly committed to quality, safety and innovation. They are in the process of completing a 40,000-square foot expansion of their fiberglass pool manufacturing facility which will increase their total facility space to 100,000-square feet. The expansion increases production, storage and employment capacities and will help Thursday Pools create an even safer working environment.

“We started out with 20,000 square feet. We just added 40,000 square feet onto our facility two years ago, but we’re still growing,” said Bill Khamis, Thursday Pools CFO. “We’ve made a commitment to continual improvement through our ISO 9001 certification, and this expansion is the next step to advance and improve our business, on many levels.”

Faster turn-around times

Thursday Pools’ business is rapidly expanding. With more than double the total facility space, their team will be able to manufacture more fiberglass pool shells, resulting in shorter lead times during high season. So, when you’re ready to buy YOUR inground fiberglass pool, you’ll be in the swim sooner!

Local job creation

Thursday Pools cares about their community, and they’re excited to bring more jobs to Hancock County. They truly believe that their employees are family, and they’re delighted that their family now has room to grow.

Safety is paramount

Loading a fiberglass pool shell onto a truck is no small feat. A fiberglass pool shell weighs between 1200 and 4200 pounds, depending on the size of the pool. Having a dedicated area for fiberglass pool shell loading means that employees will be safer during the loading process because there will not be any other equipment or production happening in the same space.

More room to keep inventing

The team at Thursday Pools never stops thinking about ways to improve the fiberglass pool experience. The expanded facility will allow them to have dedicated manufacturing areas for two amazing Thursday Pools fiberglass inground pool innovations: The Geo-Anchoring Pool System and the Backfill Eliminator®. Both of these innovations have resulted in exclusive, cutting-edge installation processes that make their pools easier to install, with the industry’s best warranties. They’ve also added two new Beach Entry designs, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839), to their line this year, and they will begin production of their new Sunken Living Room designs in 2020.

An outdoor pool showroom

The facility expansion is not limited to just the interior. It will also include a ½-mile of road leading to a twelve-acre fiberglass pool storage area. This new storage area will facilitate lead times on orders and allow both customers and dealers to view the pool shells in person, as the Thursday Pools team can chauffeur them through the storage area via golf carts. So, if you want to actually have a seat in one of their pool designs, you can pop over to Fortville and check them out!

Still looking good!

The expansion will also look good. Thursday Pools is housed in a beautiful, historic, brick building. The additions to the building will match the original facade to maintain the integrity of the appearance of the building.

“We’re really never going to be satisfied,” concluded Thursday Pools CEO Ed Vondell. “There’s always something we can do better. We’re constantly striving to make fiberglass pools better for pool buyers and to make the Thursday Pools’ experience the very best it can be for our customers, our dealer family and our employee family.”

Water Safety

Some Cool Pool Rules for Kids!

May is designated Water Safety Month, but we think it’s important to be aware of every month.

Water safety for kids is a serious matter. Kids love to be in the water, and making sure they know how to do so safely is paramount. At Thursday Pools, we’re committed to water safety, so we’ve created a fun, interactive video, along with a coloring book called Some Cool Pool Rules for Kids.

In addition to our coloring book, we have the following resources available:

PHTA – Children Aren’t Waterproof

PHTA – Layers of Protection Start with You

PHTA – Entrap Avoidance Guidelines

PHTA – The Sensible Way To Enjoy Your Inground Swimming Pool

PHTA – Pool and Spa Emergency Procedures

Download Our Printable Version

No printer? No problem. Fill out the form below, and we can mail you coloring books.

Please note: This free coloring book is available for shipment within the U.S. only. We do not currently offer international shipping.

Kid-Friendly Features for Your Swimming Pool

Posted on June 30, 2017July 29, 2026 by cargo

When purchasing an inground pool, how a pool is going to look and fit in your backyard isn’t the only thing you need to consider. You also need to think about features that are kid-friendly. Don’t worry; there are plenty of features that your kids will love, but will also complete the aesthetic of your backyard.

If you invest in the right places, you can create the perfect and relaxing outdoor living space of your dreams. And you can also have the fun place-to-be for all your kids and their friends. Here are some features that can help you achieve both.

Spas

After a long game of Marco Polo, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the spa, regardless of how old your kid is. Kids, big and small, love spas and they are very easy to add to your backyard. You do need to choose one that flows with the aesthetics of your pool and backyard. Also, make sure there’s always an adult around to supervise.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are a great water feature to add to your pool that will complete a perfect touch to your yard. They look beautiful and add a relaxing sound to your backyard paradise. Kids will love to play with the falling water, no matter the size of the waterfall. Everyone in the family will enjoy hanging out in a swimming pool with waterfalls.

Tanning Ledges

Tanning ledges are not just for you to bask in the sun all day. They are also ideal for families with young children. Tanning ledges are essentially shelves on the edge of the pool where children can splash and play all day. They also make for an easy entrance into the pool for children of all ages.

Any of all of these features make great additions to anyone’s swimming pool. Are you ready to add any of these kid-friendly features to your swimming pool? Contact an Independent Dealer today.

Should I Buy A Cover For My Pool?

Posted on May 26, 2017July 29, 2026 by cargo

Pool covers are common in areas where pools have an “off-season” or when they close during the winter months. If you expect to winterize your pool for some time, we recommended that you buy a pool cover. Keeping your pool covered during winter months will protect your pool and make getting your pool ready for use easier. If a pool is left uncovered, the leaves and debris will not only be a hassle to remove in the springtime but will break down over the winter months and cause havoc on water chemistry and possible staining.

There are three basic types of pool covers: tarp covers, safety covers (both solid and mesh) and automatic safety covers. Tarp covers are tarps that are made to fit over your pool and rest on top of the water. They are secured by being weighted down. Often, they are weighted down with water tubes (vinyl bags filled with water).

Safety covers are available in mesh and solid. Safety covers are anchored to the perimeter of the pool deck using grommets and steel springs. These are made to suspend freely and fit snugly over the pool. Mesh safety covers allow water to filter through the cover into the pool. The solid safety covers do not. Any pool cover that holds water must be accompanied with a cover pump. Cover pumps continually keep the water pumped off the top of the pool cover.

Automatic safety covers are built into a set of tracks that run the length of the pool and when closed rests on top of the pool water. An automatic safety cover provides all the benefits of a safety cover in 60 seconds or less. Not only are they perfect for the wintertime, but they will protect your pool on a regular basis.

Pool covers that meet ASTM safety cover standards are considered safety covers as well. When installed and used correctly, safety covers prevent children from accessing the pool water. Pool safety covers can be seen as one layer of protection. Thursday Pools supports the idea of providing multiple layers of protection to prevent drownings in pools or hot tubs. You should never rely on only one means of protection, and there is no replacement for constant adult supervision.

Our Thursday Pools fiberglass pools will fit with any type of pool cover. Find all our fiberglass pool designs here!