Infinity Pool - Cover

[shanagarry]

I wonder if anybody can help point me in the direction of a Pool Cover manufacturer/distributor capable of providing a cover for an infinity pool?

Our pool came with the property - not specified by us - and is impossible to heat economically. For those who are not familiar with the infinity concept - the water cascades over two sides into a trough that recirculates it back through the pump system. The water can be heated (in our case) by gas - but with it going over the side - the hot water is lost and has to be reheated when it comes back into the pump. As yet I have not used the Gas to heat the pool water - I suspect I would empty the storage tank in no time.

I have a part solution that involves switching the overflow off and allowing the water level to drop - hence the appeal for a suitable cover. I have, I believe, exhausted every avenue of enquiry to find a cover as every conversation ends with a shake of the head.

Does anybody have a suggestion (redesigning the pool is not an option)

[Graham]

Bad news - the only way I have seen this done (by our neighbours) involved digging out a sort of sump at one end of the pool and having the cover operate from under that - I think it was big bucks!

[steve]

I can't visualise what shape you are trying to cover. If you drop the water level do you finish up with the equivalent of a normal pool surrounded by the infinity edges rather than coping stones? If this is the case you could fit an electric roller cover where the mechanism sits in the deep end and the slats rise up channels before spreading over the pool. You are probably looking at a minimum of €10000 unless there are any good offers around. Have you talked to SACL?

[shanagarry]

Thank you for your replies.

The shape is rectangular - with two sides lower than the other two to allow the water to overflow (If I knew how to attach a picture it would be easier to explain) meaning that the remaining sides are 'normal height'. The overall size of the pool is 10m x 5m (with a circular jacuzzi area at one end)

The cover would have to rest on the reduced height as allowing it to rest on the infinity level leaves it open to being picked up by the wind. That would also apply to an electric slatted cover. Paying €10,000 is a non-starter - heating it with the gas would be less expensive.

[Polli62]

Shanagarry, can you tell me if your infinity pool still has skimmers as well for water circulating back to the pump or do they not apply to infinity pools and just use the water going over the side to recirculate back to the pump. I am just being curious.

[shanagarry]

can you tell me if your infinity pool still has skimmers

I have no idea what skimmers are - what I do know is that there is a lot of machinery under the pool that pushes a lot of water around. I avoid touching anything other than the top up valve. We recently had a split in the filter cover that flooded our garden - but is now fixed.

[Polli62]

Skimmers are the rectangular shaped outlets you will see situated about 6" from the top edge of the pool which take water to the pump for circulation, inside they have a basket to seive any foreign material before reaching the pump. Depending on size of pool you could have 3 or 4 of these outlets. What made me ask was, if you don't have any of these skimmers and you lower your water level so it doesn't go over the edge, how will your water circulate to the pump.If you have skimmers the water level needs to be halfway up them in order for the pump to work properly & not be damaged. , if the water is too low it will suck air into the system and cause problems.

[sam]

Good advice Polli62. We bought our pool heater (heat pump) and a pool cover from Solambiante in Lagoa. It was years ago, but they were very helpful. May be worth having a word with them. Also see http://www.dripool.co.uk/infinity-pool-covers.html so it is possible.

[shanagarry]

Hi Sam

That's an excellent solution - but beyond my budget at present.

Time for a rethink - thanks

[maccasa]

there is a co. in UK who will ship to portugal - they do normal covers in various grades and also specials. I believe I have read they do Infinity covers as well - try their web site - Castle hot tubs.

[shanagarry]

Macassa

Been to the web site - no infinity pool covers - but have e-mailed them to ask. They may be able to refer me to somebody with a solution.

Thank you for your help

[Polli62]

Have a look at www.avonsci.co.uk & www.1st-direct.com I know they do pool covers but not sure on infinity ones. Maybe they too could give you info on where you could purchase one from if you contact them.

[shanagarry]

Thanks to you all for your comments and guidance - they are very much appreciated.

The cost of between €10K and €15K is the price I am being quoted and is way beyond my means for now - so we will have to make the most of the pool during the summer months and until I save my cents - will have to do without a cover.

Thanks again

[Nelson_Lagoa]

Someone is trying to reach deep in your pockets! I work on pools, in Carvoeiro, do mostly maintenance and replace / sell parts for pools and pool covers and those quotes that you mention are very inflated. And yes, it's possible to put the cover on your pool without any problems.
I'm not trying to sell anything or advertise with this reply , i'm just warning because of the quotes that you mention. Everyday I see companies putting enormous sums of money in their pockets for something that everyone else sell's for half the price.

[shanagarry]

Nelson

Can you pm me with the name and contact details of somebody who will provide an infinity pool cover at a sensible price please?