There are basically 3 reasons to get a pool cover, all of which are completely necessary if you are going to take on the responsibility of owning a swimming pool: 1) you need to protect your swimming pool water from dirt and particles that can clog your drain, 2) chemicals can evaporate if your pool is not properly covered, and 3) covers serve as a protection devise so that children and pets do not fall in. With that in mind, you now need to figure out which type of pool cover you need. If you live in a climate where there are seasonal changes in the weather, you’ll need a winter cover. When shopping for these types of pool covers, keep in mind weave number – the higher the number, the stronger the material; thus, if you live in an area that is prone to harsh winters, you’ll need a high weave count. If you want to save money on electrical heating costs, you might want to consider a solar cover for your pool. It kind of looks like bubble wrap and it’s a great way to keep your pool at a comfortable temperature, even when it’s not in use. Finally, if you don’t have kids or pets running around your property, but still want to keep debris out of your pool water, look into a leaf net. It’s not as sturdy as a safety pool cover (which can hold up to 485 pounds on top of it), but it will keep leaves from getting into your pool. Whichever pool cover you decide on, make sure it fits into your lifestyle and budget, as it is a vital piece of pool equipment.