But hold on just a moment! Before you tuck your inground pool in for its winter nap, consider adding a layer of protection that not only ensures safety but also simplifies your spring awakening. 

We’re diving deep into the realm of safety covers, the unsung heroes of the off-season pool world, and why they’re an absolute must-have in your pool arsenal.

Sentinels of Safety and Sanity

At Goodall Pools & Spas, we’ve partnered with the renowned Merlin^® Industries to bring you top-tier safety covers that go beyond just shielding your pool.

Imagine a safety net, not only for your pool but for your peace of mind. These covers, available in a spectrum of colors and crafted from durable mesh and vinyl, offer a shield against the off-season elements while harmonizing with your outdoor aesthetics.

Safety Cover Essentials

Picture this: the last gleeful cannonball of summer has landed, the floats have floated away, and it’s time to lock up the pool. 

This is where the safety cover takes center stage. It’s not just about keeping leaves and debris at bay – it’s about creating an impervious barrier between the outside world and your pool’s depths. We’re talking about a sturdy fortress that prevents any unintended plunges.

The Winterization Wizard

But the safety cover is not a one-hit wonder; it’s a versatile virtuoso. It plays a crucial role in the grand winterization symphony. 

Think of it as a conductor that orchestrates the pool’s protection. By blocking debris and sunlight from infiltrating your pool’s serene waters, the cover ensures your pool’s components remain unscathed during the frigid months. 

And come spring when the sun emerges and the pool beckons, you’ll find a clean canvas awaiting your artistic touch, thanks to the cover’s diligent work.

The Perfect Time to Wrap Up

Timing is everything, they say, and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to installing your safety cover. 

Central Pennsylvania’s swim season usually bows out around late September to early October, signaling the perfect moment to drape your pool in its winter coat. 

This ensures your pool is protected before the winter winds start their chilling overture. With your pool’s water and plumbing systems properly winterized, the safety cover is the final flourish that completes the ensemble.

A Simple Encore

Fittingly, the installation and removal of a safety cover play out like an encore after a captivating performance. While it may sound like a laborious task, it’s surprisingly straightforward. 

As the audience, you lay the cover gracefully over the pool, secure it to the deck with purposeful straps and anchors, and then tension it to ensure a snug fit. 

It’s a process that ensures the stage – your pool – remains pristine during its off-season interlude.

A winter safety cover for your inground pool is more than a cover – it’s a guardian, a conductor, and an artist that preserves your pool’s charm and allure throughout the off-season. 

When you wrap your pool in the warm embrace of a safety cover, you’re ensuring a harmonious transition from one season to the next. 

So, as the temperatures drop and the days shorten, let your inground pool take its bow with grace, knowing it’s cocooned in the care of a winter safety cover from Goodall Pools & Spas — we are more than just a pool company, we’re your pool’s best friend. 

With over half a century of experience, we’ve mastered the art of pool care and safety. Learn more about inground pools and winter safety covers by stopping by one of our showrooms or reaching out online.

Winter Covers

Keep Wear and Tear at Bay with a Winter Pool Cover

As the name suggests, winter pool covers are designed for use during the winter months when your pool is not in use. These covers are made from heavy-duty material, such as polyethylene or PVC, and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. They are also designed to prevent leaves, dirt, and debris from entering the pool, keeping it clean and well-maintained.

Safety Is Always First with Safety Pool Covers

Safety pool covers are designed to prevent accidents from occurring. These winter covers are made from heavy-duty materials and are designed to be strong enough to support the weight of a person or pet and come in a variety of options like solid vinyl or mesh.

Mesh safety covers are designed to keep debris and most sunlight out of your pool while allowing water to pass through. These options are made from a woven material that allows rainwater and snow to pass through while keeping leaves, dirt, and debris out of your swimming area. 

In-Season Covers

Solar Covers: An Energy-Efficient Way to Warm Your Pool

A solar pool cover is designed to heat your pool using the power of the sun. These covers are made from a thin layer of plastic or vinyl and are designed to float on top of the water. They work by trapping the sun’s heat and transferring it to the water, which helps to increase the water temperature. Solar covers are an excellent choice for those who want to extend their swimming season and save money on heating costs.

Automatic Pool Covers: Easy and Effective

Automatic covers are designed to make covering and uncovering your pool easy. These covers are made from a durable material, such as vinyl, and are designed to be motorized. They are operated using a remote control and can be opened or closed with the touch of a button. You can open or close your pool with the touch of a button. There are many different kinds of pool covers available. And, each works to make your pool ownership experience easier than ever.

If you’re ready to start planning your pool build, Goodall Pools & Spas is ready to make your backyard dream come true. Contact us today to get started!

One of the most common questions we hear at Goodall Pools & Spas is this: “Is a pool safety cover worth the extra money?” Our answer is yes. Between protecting your loved ones and protecting your pool, safety covers make themselves well worth the investment.

What are pool safety covers?

A pool safety cover is a heavy-duty covering placed over an inground pool when it’s not in use. Typically made of mesh or solid vinyl, they fasten to anchor points around the pool’s perimeter. Their durability makes them ideal for long-term use. 

Our offerings at Goodall Pools and Spas include both mesh and vinyl safety covers from Merlin Industries. With various shapes and colors to choose from, these definitely belong on your pool-closing shopping list.

How will a pool safety cover protect my loved ones?

There is no price tag you can put on safety. This is especially true when it comes to those you love. And the best quality of a pool safety cover is that it keeps inexperienced swimmers from falling into the water when no one’s monitoring the pool. 

Think of all the times you said to your infant or toddler, “How did you do that?” they climbed into the kitchen sink. Or they snuck treats out of the highest cabinet. And let’s not forget the time they rearranged the apps on your phone. Somehow, they accomplish these feats. 

What would happen if they managed to unlock the back door and ventured alone toward your inground pool? If the pool doesn’t have a safety cover firmly in place, this scenario could quickly become a disaster. While it’s only a remote possibility, you don’t want to take the risk. 

The same goes for furry “children” as well. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits. These creatures have a talent for getting in and out of strange places when we humans aren’t looking. You definitely don’t want the pool to be one of those places. So put that safety cover in place, and protect your entire household.

How will a pool safety cover protect my pool?

As we’ve said time and time again, your pool is an investment. Proper maintenance ensures the best return on that investment by preserving its look and structural integrity. A high-quality safety cover is a key player in your pool’s overall health.

For starters, a safety cover prevents dirt and debris from landing in the pool when you’re not using it. Less dirt and debris means better water chemistry. This is especially important between mid-fall and late spring in Pennsylvania when your pool stays closed for several months. During this time, the only active sanitation comes from the winterization chemicals in the pool water. 

Without a safety cover, the inside of your pool becomes a collection hub for all sorts of organic contaminants. Leaves, seeds, pollen, and the list goes on. Over time, these contaminants lead to algae growth on the pool’s interior if left untreated. And algae causes deterioration of the pool structure. In other words, a pool without a safety cover is more vulnerable to costly repairs in the long run. 

Where can I get a pool safety cover?

With pool closing season on the horizon, now is the time to purchase your safety cover from Goodall Pools & Spas. Visit one of our five locations today, and we’ll get you situated with a vinyl or mesh cover from our inventory.

Tip #1 – Stay on Top of Pool Maintenance

Keeping your pool in tip-top shape with thorough pool maintenance will lower the costs of owning a swimming pool significantly. Daily maintenance may sound like a lot of time and money, but compared to the cost of repairs and fixing other major “oopsies,” it’s just a drop in the bucket. So, pool maintenance actually saves you money in the long run.

Maintenance for Vinyl Liner Pools

Staying on top of maintenance for your vinyl liner pool prevents wear and tear, which means you can go longer before needing to replace your vinyl liner. It can even reduce the cost of replacement itself when the time comes.

Maintenance for Fiberglass Pools

Proper maintenance on a fiberglass pool means no scratches, cracks, dents, fading, staining, or a multitude of other costly repairs. You really protect your investment and save yourself some significant money. 

Tip #2 – Consider Signing Up for Regular Pool Maintenance Service

Paying for regular pool maintenance services may sound like an additional expense, but trusting your pool in the hands of professionals can really help reduce your pool ownership costs. How?

Fewer Chances of Making a Mistake That Could Damage Your Pool. 

Pool professionals have much more extensive training when it comes to pool care. They’ll know what your pool needs, when it needs it, month to month. 

Saves You Money from Needing to Pay for Individual Service Calls

If a pool professional is visiting your pool once a month, this reduces the amount of times you need to schedule an emergency visit. Your pool maintenance professional can typically identify a problem and provide a solution before it starts or becomes worse. Or they can at least let you know when you need more than just maintenance, so you won’t waste money on a service call only to find out the problem was more insignificant than you originally thought.

Tip #3 – Always Test Your Pool Water Before Buying or Adding Chemicals

One of the inevitable ongoing costs of owning a swimming pool is pool chemicals. But you can lower these costs by testing your pool water before buying and/or adding chemicals to your pool. Test strips, kits, or even thorough computerized water testing results from Goodall Pools can tell you which chemicals your pool needs.

This keeps you from wasting money on the wrong chemicals or too many chemicals. Using too much or the wrong chemicals can upset your water’s balance a great deal. Not only can this make your pool unswimmable, but it could also lead to those costly repairs we mentioned above and cost even more money to fix.

Tip #4 – Keep Your Pool Covered When Not in Use

Keeping your pool covered when not in use, even in the height of swim season, can also help lower the cost of owning a swimming pool. It prevents evaporation of water and chemicals and also keeps debris and dirt out of the water, keeping your chemicals and filtration system from working overtime to clean your pool.

Tip #5 – Invest in Pool Automation and Energy-Efficient Equipment

Both automation controls and energy-efficient equipment together can lower one of the biggest costs you’ll have as a pool owner, which is your energy bill.

Automation Controls

Here’s a fun fact: your pool equipment, like your pool pump, doesn’t need to run 24/7 to keep your pool clean! Pool automation controls allow you to schedule your pool equipment to run during non-peak hours, which helps save you money every month.

Energy-Efficient Equipment

Upgrading old pool equipment to more efficient models is another way to cut back on your pool’s monthly energy bill. According to Pentair, a variable speed pump could help you save up to 90% on your energy costs.

These 5 tips should help you with lowering the costs of owning a swimming pool a great deal, not just in the long run, but also month to month. If you have any questions or need assistance with pool ownership, contact Goodall Pools. We are more than happy to help!

Goodall Pools has been in the pool care business in Pennsylvania for close to six decades. For close to three decades, we have also offered spa care to Pennsylvania. If you are new to the pool or spa world, you can rely on our experience and expertise to help you prepare and protect your backyard beauties for the bleak days of winter.

Pool Protection

The Pennsylvania climate definitely doesn’t condone swimming year-round. Properly preparing the pool for its hibernation time is important. And then monitoring the pool when winter precipitation makes an appearance is also crucial. 

By late fall, pool owners go through the winterizing process. This is the time that you prepare the water for months of inactivity. Winterizing includes many steps, such as adjusting the water level and adding chemicals to keep the water from having bacteria or scale build-up during its time of non-use.  You also remove some pieces of equipment from the water to store for their protection during the winter. Pool safety covers are the final step of this important annual maintenance job.

During the winter months, you still need to keep an eye on the pool. However, we don’t recommend testing the pool water once it’s closed. Since the water hasn’t been circulating, you won’t get an accurate test result. Instead, contact our service department! We offer winter service stops, where we will add winter shock and algaecide to your pool, plus check your water level. These chemicals can be added without circulation because they are made for cold water and won’t damage your pool surface.

Also keep an eye on heavy snow or ice that is putting pressure on the pool’s cover for extended periods of time. Snow can sometimes be blown or brushed off the cover if it is soft. Sharp pieces of ice can damage the cover, which means you don’t want to try to break or move ice. You can invest in a pool cover pump to help remove excess liquid from the top of the pool when the warmer weather melts the frozen water. 

Spa Sheltering

Soaking year-round in a spa is very doable. However, there are still things you want to do during the coldest days of the year to keep your hot tub warm and welcoming.

A hot tub cover is one of the greatest methods of protecting the spa 24/7. When you are not using the spa, always keep it covered. The cover helps to keep the hot tub water just that – hot. It also keeps snow and precipitation out while keeping the chemicals safely inside. 

We carry hot tub covers from Covana that are some of the best insulated covers available. These are beautiful, automated gazebos designed specifically for spas. With just the touch of a button, the cover lifts and gives you instant protection from any weather above you. It also affords privacy, which is ideal for relaxing soaks in your spa. 

How can I protect my pool or spa during really cold weather? Now you know! Come see us at any one of our five locations. Our friendly staff can help you find anything you need for winter water care.

Owning a pool is an amazing experience. Spending time in a pool always makes you feel refreshed. Imagine if you could enjoy your pool even more because you know you are saving money on its upkeep. Goodall Pools & Spas has been operating in Pennsylvania for almost 60 years. Let our friendly, knowledgeable staff help you with upgrading your pool and its equipment for savings galore. Here are 4 ways to make your pool more energy efficient. 

We carry high-quality energy-efficient equipment to help with this goal. Any and all of these equipment upgrades will help put savings back in your wallet.

Start Saving with a Pump Switch-up

Getting a variable-speed pump is the first way to make your pool more energy efficient. Single and double-speed pumps have been getting pools through swim seasons for a very long time. However, pool equipment manufacturers have worked to create a better option and have succeeded with a variable-speed pump. 

As its name suggests, a VSP has various speeds to utilize for various pool maintenance tasks. These pumps are known for their longevity and for less noise. This Pentair’s pool pump savings calculator can help you determine the approximate amount you would be saving. A VSP also helps a pool’s filtration system with its important work, which makes it a great investment all around.

Lessen the Light Running Bill with LED Lights

You are probably familiar with the term LED lights, but maybe you’ve never considered using them in your pool. LED bulbs use much less energy than regular bulbs, no matter where you put them to use. They also last longer than their counterparts.

Another perk of LED pool lights is the versatility and variety they provide. You can find multi-color lights, underwater lights, and even floating lights to make already enjoyable swimming even more exciting. Night swimming with your spectacular LED lights will be a favorite family activity.

Extend Your Swim Season with an Energy-Efficient Heater

Perhaps you and your family are always eager for summer swim season to arrive and very disappointed to see it go. An energy-efficient pool heater will give you the flexibility to comfortably start swimming in late spring and to keep swimming until the coldest days of fall arrive. Its energy efficiency will not add stress to your budget for these additional days of aquatic entertainment.

Strengthen the Savings with a Solar Cover

One more very affordable method for cutting costs on pool operations is to use a solar cover. A solar cover first helps to keep chemicals from evaporating. Since chemicals are an inevitable expense of pool maintenance, preserving them is saving you money. 

A solar cover also helps to maintain the temperature for comfortable swimming, especially when nighttime temperatures start to dip a little bit. Finally, a cover also helps to keep debris out of the pool. This helps lighten the load on your filter. 

These 4 ways to make your pool more energy efficient are definitely ways to make costs for running your pool considerably lower. Any of our staff at our five retail locations can help you get the money-saving upgrades you need for ultimate pool enjoyment.

A swimming pool is one of the most popular places to spend the warm days of summer. The cool water is extremely refreshing. There are also all kinds of enjoyable things you can do in the pool. Having a pool in your own backyard is a bonus! It also means you need to establish some pool rules for everyone’s benefit. Goodall Pools & Spas has been helping Pennsylvania residents with their pool necessities for nearly 60 years. We understand the importance of pool safety very well. Here are some tips for pool rules for a fun and safe summer.

Walking is Wonderful

If you sit around a pool for any length of time, you are sure to hear, “Walk! Don’t run!” This is the first rule you want to stress and remind swimmers of often. Water makes surfaces slippery. Moving slowly around the pool is always best when enjoying a day of aquatic bliss. 

Company is Crucial

Swimming alone is not wise. Children should always swim with at least one adult. Even adults should not enter the water by themselves. Water is unpredictable, and a buddy system is crucial for safe swimming.

Hydration is Healthful 

When you get excited and busy doing something you love, it is often easy to forget the importance of drinking plenty of water, especially during the summer. Remind yourself and your swimming partners that hydration is key to staying healthy in the heat. 

Sunscreen is Safe

Another item that a day in the pool cannot go without is sunscreen. The rays of the sun are nice to soak up, but they can also quickly burn your skin. Be sure to apply waterproof sunscreen before you start swimming. If you spend several hours at the pool, you will want to reapply more sunscreen when the swimmers take a break.

Diving Incorrectly is Dangerous

When a pool has a diving board, the pool has been designed with plenty of depth for a safe dive to be accomplished. This can be fun to watch and challenging for swimmers who like to try new things. However, diving into the shallow waters is dangerous. Be sure that you and your guests know which area is designated as the safe place for diving. 

Safety Includes Swimming Lessons 

Swimming lessons are a great tool for children to learn safety in the pool. They build their confidence in swimming, and they learn how to remain safe in the water. Find a place near you that offers swimming lessons. Then enjoy watching your children learn new skills.

Dodge Drains and Covers

A pool has many pieces of equipment that help it to run properly. However, these pieces are not toys and can be dangerous if tampered with. Keep in mind that drains and covers are only present to keep the pool pristine. Let children know that they should dodge these areas when they are playing in the pool.

Pool Rules: Repetition is Recommended

Reiterate your pool rules for a fun and safe summer often. Children should be able to repeat them back to you. Then you know they understand and are ready for endless fun! Visit the Goodall Pool location nearest you. We can help you find anything you need for a fun and safe swim season.

The pool ownership world is a lot of fun… and can be some work too. Pool maintenance is not something that can be ignored. Goodall Pools & Spas has been in the pool industry for almost 60 years. We know that many pool owners live busy lives. Finding the time to care for the water and the pool itself can be stressful. This brings up the valid topic of DIY vs. professional pool maintenance. Which is better and why? Here are a few facts to help you decide which method is better for your situation. 

Details About DIY Maintenance

DIY pool maintenance is not for the faint of heart. The biggest commitment is probably the time you will need to invest to make sure that the water is healthy. If you have a lot of spare time and like doing projects around the house, you might enjoy it. 

Water Tests

Weekly water tests are recommended during swim season because of all the factors that frequently alter the chemical content. We carry high-quality BioGuard® chemicals for those who choose to tackle caring for the pool themselves. 

Regular Cleaning

Another weekly task you can’t forget is to vacuum the pool and scrub the hard-to-reach areas with a brush. We have great pool equipment & automatic pool cleaners to help you as you work to keep your pool clear and clean. To preserve the chlorine as long as possible, skimming daily is another recommended task. 

Filter Checks

The pool cannot perform at its best without a clean filter. You will want to keep an eye on it often — at least once a week — to keep it clear of debris. This will help the filter last longer as well.

Pump Management

One more item to add to your maintenance list is to keep the pump running regularly. It needs to run at least 8 hours a day, but the longer you can run it the better. The pump keeps the water moving, which in turn keeps the chemicals spreading throughout the pool as needed.

Cover Considerations

Covering the pool is a great preventative measure to keep debris out and chemicals in. Whenever possible, putting the cover on is a great idea. If you know the pool will be unused for a few days, take a few minutes to pull the cover on.

Perks of Professional Pool Maintenance

Maybe your schedule is a little tighter during the summer. Professional pool maintenance is your lifeline for pool enjoyment. We offer Prestige Pool Maintenance that does all the dirty work for you. Your spare time will be spent simply enjoying your pool with your family. 

There are various services available from our experienced team, depending on the level of service you choose. Monthly cleanings are available in the basic package. The highest package includes 20 cleanings. Monthly water checks are covered, and our computerized water testing is also included. You also get a discount on the chemicals your pool will need.

DIY vs. professional pool maintenance — the choice is yours. You can be carefree when you trust the experts to give your pool the TLC it needs. Contact us if you want to get your name on our service list. 

We still have several weeks of winter left, and we will likely receive more snow before spring arrives. The good news is, we can still help you get a new safety cover this winter. We take professional measurements to ensure your new cover will fit properly. Sometimes we can even have your current cover manufacturer make an exact replica of your existing cover based on the serial number. The process of replacing your safety cover does not have to be painful! We are happy to take care of the measuring, ordering, and install as you stay warm inside.

Perhaps your cover seems ok for the remainder of this winter, but you would like to have a new one made for next winter. It is never too early to start the process of ordering a new cover. Starting the process early is the best way to ensure your new cover is ready for you whenever you decide to close your pool in the fall. Additionally, ordering your cover now helps you to avoid any potential price increases that typically occur in the summer or fall.

If you are interested in receiving a quote for a new safety cover or have questions about the process, please visit one of our store locations or give the Goodall Pools Renovation Department a call at 717-774-6613 ext. 104.

Starting the process to replace your safety cover in the spring or early summer allows you to be ahead of the game and have your cover ready in the fall.  If you know you are going to purchase a cover for the fall, we can pick it up at your pool opening and evaluate it when it is still on the pool to make sure everything is sitting correctly.  We will then send it to the manufacturer to have it measured and remade.

Once the cover is remade and paid for, we will hold it for you until you are ready to close in the fall, so you do not have to worry about storing the cover over the summer.  Having the cover made early can also help you avoid a potential price increase from the cover manufacturer during their prime season.

Additionally, your cover will be ready for pool closing when you are!  This is even more beneficial if the weather suddenly gets cold in the fall.  You will not have to worry about waiting a few extra weeks to have your cover made.  It is already waiting for you!

For more information on replacing your safety cover, visit any Goodall Pools & Spas store locations, our website, or call us at 717-774-6613 ext. 104.