Diving into the Australian summer is truly special, reflecting the unique relationship Australians have with water. Whether lounging on the beach or relaxing by the poolside, water is an integral part of our identity. But why limit this enjoyment to just a few months? With a pool cover, you can extend your swimming season year-round, minimising evaporation, keeping debris out and saving money. To explore these benefits, Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design’s Josephine Day sits down with Steve Lothian, owner of Aussie UnderCover. Together, they discuss how pool covers can elevate your swimming experience, making every day a pool day, regardless of the season.
Aussie UnderCover is a family-owned and -operated business with more than 16 years of experience in pool maintenance and design. Lothian understands the intricacies of pools and is dedicated to meeting his clients’ needs by offering both manual and motorised hidden pool covers. With so many options available, choosing the right cover for your space can be quite overwhelming. Fortunately, there are various designs tailored to meet your environmental and personal needs. Responsible pool owners understand the significance of investing in a quality cover, as it not only enhances their connection to water but also supports its preservation. This thoughtful choice ultimately enriches the swimming experience, allowing you to enjoy your oasis with peace of mind.
AN IDEAL MATCH
AN IDEAL MATCH
Choosing the perfect pool cover involves careful consideration of your needs and design preferences. This process deserves your time and attention, as you want a cover that not only resonates with your style but also endures over the years. Hence, ensuring that the cover complements the aesthetic of your outdoor space is vital for achieving a harmonious and visually appealing environment. Lothian designs his pool covers to be virtually invisible, seamlessly integrated into the paving, tiles or deck of your outdoor area. However, he notes that many homeowners often neglect to plan for their pool covers, treating them as an afterthought instead of an integral part of the design. “To get the best result, the pool cover must be considered during the planning stage. We have seen many wonderful pools that are virtually impossible to cover as no consideration was given to the practical operation of a pool cover during the design stage,” Lothian says.
The style of your pool cover can greatly influence its ease of use and how well it integrates with your existing setup. It’s no lie that us Aussies are quite lazy, which is why it’s crucial that you find a pool cover that’s simple and easy to operate. To encourage their use, Lothian describes that pool covers should be installed within 400-500mm from the water’s edge to ensure the cover is easily accessible.
Aussie UnderCover’s user-friendly manual winding system is ideal for small to medium pools, and the semi remote-control system is particularly convenient for larger pools with heavier covers. The manual system can also easily be upgraded to the remote-control system, as long as power is available within 20m of the pool.
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS
You’ve finally achieved your dream of owning a pool, and it’s even more beautiful than you envisioned. However, maintaining that picture-perfect oasis takes effort. So, what do you do when you’re tired of scooping debris every time you want to enjoy a swim? Enter the pool cover – your ultimate ally. It dramatically reduces your workload by keeping leaves, sticks and dirt out of your pool, allowing you to spend more time doing what you love. As Lothian mentions, “we all know that maintaining swimming pools can be time consuming and a real pain, but there are ways to reduce the amount of effort you need to put in.” Pool covers are a cost-effective solution to protect your water quality when the pool isn’t in use. Reducing the number of debris entering your pool will enhance the overall water quality by minimising “the load on your skimmer, filter and pump,” he continues.
Pool covers are invaluable for any pool owner, reducing water evaporation by up to 97%, saving you money in the process. They help regulate water temperature by minimising heat loss when the sun goes down, which in turn can significantly lower your power bill. Additionally, pool covers help retain heat, keeping your pool at the perfect swim-ready temperature while cutting heating costs by as much as two-thirds. Lothian understands the financial stresses that come with owning a pool, explaining that “maintaining the perfect water temperature will encourage you to use your pool more frequently. Heating a pool can be very expensive and if the pool is not covered during the evening, you might as well throw your money into the atmosphere.” He continues to reiterate that investing in good quality pool covers is crucial, as they not only save you time and money, but ensure that your pool remains inviting year-round.
ECO-FRIENDLY DESIGNS
As we look ahead to the future of pool design, sustainability is increasingly at the forefront of Australians’ minds. More households are embracing eco-friendly practices, from installing solar panels and driving electric cars to reducing food waste. Surprisingly, pool covers are also evolving to be more sustainable, making them a strong asset to your home. Lothian recognises this growing concern and is committed to creating eco-friendly products that align with consumer values. “We partner with companies who are good environmental citizens,” he explains. “As Daisy Pool Cover dealers, we support a program that recycles used pool covers, minimising waste going to landfill.”
The Aussie UnderCover system is thoughtfully designed to enhance the lifespan of your pool cover. By providing effective shielding from UV sunlight when the cover isn’t in use, it ensures durability without the need for extra protective layers. This means that you get maximum value and longevity from your investment. Lothian highlights his dedication to sustainability, stating, “we use recycled materials in our manufacturing processes and incorporate recycled packaging whenever possible.” By embracing these eco-friendly solutions, Lothian is not only meeting the desires of Australian consumers, but is also encouraging, and paving the way for a more sustainable future in pool ownership.
Images courtesy of Aussie Undercover.
