Pool-dek as an Alternative to Motorised Pool Covers & Hydraulic Pools

When it comes to unique swimming pools and their inventive covers, there are plenty of options out there built to give you the versatility you require and the added safety of a completely covered pool. But how can you choose the best one?  Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of […]

When it comes to unique swimming pools and their inventive covers, there are plenty of options out there built to give you the versatility you require and the added safety of a completely covered pool. But how can you choose the best one? 

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of the most secure and easy-to-control pool covers out there.

Motorised Pool Covers: Pros & Cons

Also known as automatic pool covers, motorised pool covers are perhaps the most common pool covers used by those who prioritise peace of mind and a control system that requires little to no effort. Here are some of their benefits:

Motorised Pool Covers Advantages

Automatic pool covers are notoriously easy to use given that the pools are opened and closed with a key switch or code. They are also convenient: no animals or leaves can enter the pool when the cover is l in operation, the system is also safe and secure whilst not in use. 

If you are in an area that suffers from significant temperature changes, motorised pool covers keep the heat in and the water evaporation low. But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Take a look at a few motorised pool cover disadvantages.

Motorised Pool Covers Disadvantages

  A motorised pool cover can cost close to an average of  £15,000, depending on the size and build of your pool. Not the most expensive option on our list, however, it is recommended that this pool cover be serviced once a year which can get pretty expensive in the long run. They are difficult to remove and not so aesthetic once in operation.

Another drawback of a motorised pool cover is that when the pool is  covered, a pump needs to be kept on top to remove any excess rainwater (outdoor pools) that may build up on the surface to reduce the weight strain on the cover, 

 Finally, when the motorised pool cover is closed, chemicals such as salt and chlorine cannot dissipate naturally, meaning you must keep a close eye on the chemical levels.

Pool-dek: Pros & Cons

Pool-dek is a hard floor swimming pool cover that can temporarily or permanently convert your pool and pool area into a functional wooden floor that can be used for events, additional floor space or room conversions such as a gym or workspace. Visit our website to find out how Pool-dek works. So, what are the advantages and drawbacks of Pool-dek as a swimming pool covering system? Let’s review:

Pool-dek Advantages

For starters, Pool-dek is designed with safety in mind, constructed and tested to loading of 7.5kN/m2, it is perfectly safe to walk, dance and dine on!  The system is aesthetically appealing, with a huge range of floor finishes available to match your interior design. . Oak parquet and luxury vinyl tiles in a range of modern wood and stone finishes are available, more information can be found on the  Pool-dek flooring finish options on our website. 

The main benefit of Pool-dek is both its versatility and multi-purpose use. Not only can the system be easily removed and stored onto wheeled storage trolleys that fit through a single doorway, but it is also quick to install and remove. Within one day, your pool (whether fresh or saltwater) can be event ready. The average install time is 2-4 hours, given that the pool doesn’t need to be drained of water and no tools or fixings are required. Once assembled, there are no moving parts and no maintenance is required. 

Pool-dek Disadvantages

Pool-dek as an alternative to motorised pool covers and hydraulic pools will require some manual labour, to install and dismantle the system and store it on wheeled trolleys. Unlike the other pool cover options, there is no simple switch to install or dismantle Pool-dek, however, full training is provided and the Team are here to assist with excellent Customer Care after service.

Pool-dek requires professional assistance at the initial installation and requires a suitable storage space with level access to the pool.  It is a unique solution for spaces that require flooring to be fully functional and integrate into their interior design. 

Hydraulic Pool: Pros & Cons

Also known as a movable pool floor, hydraulic pools are perhaps the most expensive and technical choice when it comes to covering swimming pools. This, of course, brings its unique challenges to the table. Let’s take a look:

Hydraulic Pool Advantages

For starters, hydraulic pools allow you to set pool depth as required, which increases safety, especially for children. A simple control panel provides up and down control, making it simple to adjust the depth.

Hydraulic pools are versatile: the swimming pool floor can be raised to full height to create a usable pathway, dance floor or dining space, similar to Pool-Dek. Movable pool floors can also be made to order with unique designs to your specification. Additionally, they are known for their energy efficiency given that they are highly insulated.

Hydraulic Pool Disadvantages

Hydraulic pool costs are expensive, starting at around £200-£250K. They consist of mechanisms and operational structures, which are not easy to access or repair. Should they fail, reparations will set you back hundreds if not thousands of pounds and can even take weeks to find suitable replacements.

Why Choose Pool-dek? 

When everything is taken into consideration, choosing Pool-dek as an alternative to motorised pool cover and the hydraulic pool is ideal. Pool-dek offers unique benefits that the other options can’t compete with:

  • As long as the Pool-dek is installed, safety is guaranteed. 
  • Strong and secure, it is the only pool cover that can transform your pool area into a party-ready space on short notice and is strong enough to drive a car on.
  • Pool-dek offers a range of finishes to match your existing interior design and can become part of your furnishings.
  • A motorised pool will cost you over £15k, whereas the average cost of a Pool-dek Hire can be between £4-7K per event (depending on pool constructions and finishes), meaning you can save money and not have to commit to a pool cover purchase outright.
  • Pool-dek offers a range of solutions to suit standard shaped and custom shaped pools which offers flexibility for both indoor and outdoor pools.
  • We work within a range of budgets to offer the best solution, for instance, the average cost of a Pool-dek full purchase (including installation) will vary between £40-100k+, a far cry from hydraulic pools whose costs begin at nearly double the price.
  • Pool-dek services are provided worldwide.
  • Unlike the other swimming pool cover options, you can buy or hire Pool-dek. As such, if you require a sturdy pool cover that allows you to transform a room into an event venue for one occasion only, you can do so with minimal investment.
  • We are specialists in decommissioning pools, leave the pool insitu and decommission with Pool-dek or Pool-span.

Find out more about Pool-dek’s hard floor pool cover solutions here or take inspiration from the various case studies we’ve put together. Call us on 01509 611021 to take the first step in discovering your unique space

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We first approached Pool-dek (supplied by Stage Systems) for a unique opportunity at the summit of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, one of the world’s most exclusive residential developments.

The ambition was to achieve a flexible landscape, to entertain large groups of family and friends, as well as enjoying the more intimate environment of the swimming pool. We developed a design which incorporated a hard floor pool cover to match the adjacent natural paving, and to celebrate the unique waterfront views towards Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour.

The Pool-dek team remained in communication throughout the project and provided great design, technical support, delivery and installation.

Mark Blackwell CMLI FRSA Creative Director | Chartered Landscape Architect at Morphis Design

Take your first step to discover your unique space. Call us today on 01509 611021 (all calls are recorded)

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