Rectangle Pool Cover vs. Round: A Comparative Study

The Main Things to Know About Pool Covers

Pool covers offer a lot of important benefits to pool owners. Pool covers help protect children and pets, help to keep the water clean, and help to save energy. When buying a pool cover, one of the important things to consider is whether or not the shape matches the design of your pool. Also, regardless of the shape, the main purpose of a pool cover is to keep the pool water protected from the elements. Pool covers keep debris out, cut down on evaporation, and help keep the water chemically balanced. Pool covers are made of different types of durable plastics designed to withstand the weather, like polyethylene or PVC. These materials are treated for extra damage and weather protection. They are made with several layers to provide the best protection. The decision is not just whether to cover the pool with a rectangle or circle for visual preference. The shape of the cover is necessary for the cover to fulfill its main functions. The more you know the more you are able to understand and make these decisions for your pool.

Why Use Rectangular Pool Covers?

There are many reasons why shaped covers are great for traditional shaped piles. Their straight edges and angle corners fit perfectly with most of the industry pool designs for a seamless look. This shape covers a large surface area with no wasted material. Because of this, pool owners will often find these covers to be the most cost effective option. Because of the straight edges and the fact that these covers are rectangular, installation is quick and easy as they will fit with the perimeter of the pool. The shape also allows for easy folding and storage. Rectangular covers also use anchoring systems that are great for with the hardscape surfaces usually found with rectangular pools. These covers are fantastic for keeping debris out of the pool, especially if solid vinyl is used to protect the surface of the cover. The edges of the cover allows for no sagging and keeps tension across the surface of the cover. This cover surface tension prevents water from pooling and becoming a problem. For owners of geometric designs, these covers offer a practical value that is even greater than basic protection.

Benefits of Circular Pool Covers

Circular pool covers are beneficial because of their design. They match the pools perfectly. Their rounded shape looks great on pools. They don’t have corners, which are the weaker spots around the edges of covers. These rounded covers have equal pressure all over, so they last longer. They're also better at handling the wind. They rounded shape lets wind flow around it, so it doesn't get blown away. They're also easier to install because they can be rotated in any direction. They also create less waste when being produced. They also use systems to keep the covers from getting blown away. For free form pools, they're the best design.

Cover Shape Considerations

Every installation is different, including the shape of the pool covers. The challenges of installation for rectangular and circular covers differ, as well as the cover's requirements. With covers that are rectangular, installation is much easier than their circular counterparts, owing to the defined edges and corners of the shape. To install, take measurements for length and width, and secure anchor points along the edges. With the linear shape, it's much easier to pull cover tension. However, it's crucial to line up corners fittingly to achieve optimal cover performance. Circle covers necessitate a different cover mounting approach, as it's more of a radial measurement, needing even tension round the perimeter. The installation edge is more straightforward, as there are no corners to stress, but uniform tension for the edge is still needed. The installation for both shapes is going to need some kind of cover securing system to withstand wind and other environmental pressure. Cover spring loaded anchors work really well for rectangular covers. Circular covers are mounted to the pool using evenly spaced point anchors along the cover to maintain radial tension. The landscape of the pool has to be taken into account for the installation of both shapes. Circular covers adapt better to a landscape, while rectangular covers are easier to install along hardscaped decks.

Knowing the differences in the various installations helps pool owners choose a cover type that best suits their technical ability and the environment of the pool.

Safety Aspects Compared

When choosing pool covers, safety is a hugely important factor. Both rectangular covers and circular covers offer their own protective features and safety benefits. A pool cover must fulfill basic safety requirements, including being able to adequately act as a barrier and prevent someone from accidentally falling into the pool. Rectangular pool covers have safety features that are often more robust and align to their straight line shape. These covers have a structure that allows for advanced anchoring systems, which can be put in place and locked securely to the deck. This locked security makes a walking surface along the edge of the pool. Circle covers, however, are better in safety features in their ability to continously distribute tension and not have weak safety points. With no corners, no single spot will take the brunt of the tension, making the surface much more durable. Both shapes can be designed with a high strength vinyl cover to support weight, resist punctures and is strong against other abrasion. The method used to cover the pool must be able to fasten to the deck, securely holding the cover in place. Safety can be enhanced with visibility for the covers and non slip surfaces added to both styles. For families with children or pets, the reliability of the covers these are huge safety factors must be considered to select a cover style along with their safety features.

Cover Maintenance and Durability

Maintenance and durability factors vary by shape, having an impact on long-term performance and ownership costs. Rectangular covers usually experience the most stress on the corners since that is where tension concentrates and wear is most likely. Straight edges may sag over time if they aren't properly maintained. Geometric shape aids in the ease of repair since patching can be done in rectangular formations. Cleaning is easier as well because patterns won't stray from the shape. Circular covers wear evenly distributed across the surface. This usually leads to a longer service life because no area bears more stress than another. The edges naturally sag less than corners by having better tension over time. Maintenance will vary in that covers will require more attention to cleaning the continuous perimeter. Storage is different, too. Covers of one shape can be more easily folded, while the other will require more care to not damage the shape during rolling. Cleaning both types of covers is a requirement, as is ongoing damage inspection, which leads to the need for proper, mild cleaning soap and water. Rectangular covers need more focus on the corners, while circular covers need more focus on the edges.

Understanding these maintenance differences informs pool owners about the different options available in the pool cover selection process, such as the amount of maintenance work and types of covers.

Cost and Value Analysis

There are two primary financial metrics involved in the decision between getting circular and rectangular pool covers: the upfront expense and the long term expense. From the financial standpoint, rectangular covers are cheaper as pool shapes are generally rectangular, which allows pool covers to be manufactured cheaper. The manufacturing process for rectangular covers involves straight lines and right angles which reduces material costs. However, for oversized or small pools, custom pool covers can be more expensive. Although circular covers are more expensive, their construction is more durable and lasts longer, which saves buyback costs. Installation costs will depend on the type, however, rectangular covers generally require less effort for their standard pools. Replacing parts can also be costly: rectangular covers have more readily available anchors, whereas circular covers have parts that are more expensive because their anchors are specialized. All polar covers save on costs because they prevent the pool from evaporating, saving on chemicals and for heating. The total value calculation should also include the costs associated with the cover’s life, such as installation, upkeep, and replacing it.

This detailed financial breakdown allows pool owners to make financially informed decisions that take their pool attributes and budget into account.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Pool

Choosing a rectangular vs. circular pool cover requires weighing several factors that are particular to your pool and preferences. First and foremost is the shape of your pool. With rectangular covers likely being more suited to geometric pools, and circular ones complementing more curved designs. In addition to the shape compatibility, think about how much time you have and how much maintenance you wish to take care of. Generally, covers of rectangular shape are easier maintenance-wise. Also consider the surrounding landscape and the design of the deck, as they will influence which cover type is more suitable. Consider safety first. This is more important for homes with children or pets. The covers primary purpose is to determine how many features you should consider. Covers are meant for safety, to keep debris out, or to retain heat. Also, to determine the covers shape, consider the local wind. Covers can behave differently when the wind storm comes. Covers of both shapes require accurate measurements, with circular ones likely requiring more to obtain an accurate radius. Discussing your situation with a professional will likely lead you to the right type of cover more quickly. It's worth noting that many pool cover manufacturers allow customization to fit your pools features, and will do so for any shape.

Your decision should look at practicalities and personal preferences, your ideal cover will have optimal protection and match your style and function needs.