It seems surreal that Robert Chapman and Matt Spencer have been providing acrylic pool covers for special events, social events, and corporate events for over 10 years now. However, it’s all too true, and in this post, we’d like to provide some of the questions we ask potential clients, as well as provide some answers to those questions. Hopefully, this will help our private event planners, as well as corporate planners, DMCs, and other event professionals. In this blog, we are going to talk about how understanding the process, options, and details of a pool cover rental really comes into play.
What we consider when planning a pool cover rental:
- Event date and location
- Accessibility of the space
- Purpose of the event
- Shape and structure of the pool
- Surface and lighting preferences
- Customization needs
First Steps – Purpose and Location
The first step in our planning process is to secure the event date and location of the event. The event date can have an effect on a cold weather setup, which means more planning with our logistics teams. Location is a huge factor as well, and we will typically ask about how far the push is. If it’s a private backyard, how accessible is it? Are stairs involved, or possible narrow access gates? If it’s in a hotel pool or a casino, what floor is the pool on? Are there freight elevators close by? Purpose plays a role as well. Is this for a wedding reception? Is this a corporate party? Is it a marketing event? Is the floor being used to provide a first dance for the bride and groom, or is it being used for overflow seating, or band placement? All these questions have an impact on the size, surface type, and ultimately, the rental cost of the pool cover.
Next Questions – Swimming Pool Construction
Once the questions for location and purpose are answered, we can move on to the swimming pool itself. The first question is the shape and size of the pool. Square or rectangular swimming pools are significantly easier to work with when using a temporary swimming pool cover. Pools that are circular or free form can be more challenging. Other questions – does the pool have an infinity edge? Does it have water features or built-ins that change the elevations on the sides of the pool? Are there permanent planters, hot tubs, or fire pits? Can the handrails of the pool be removed?
As far as the contruction of the pool – is the pool concrete, or Gunite, or plaster? Is it a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool? Does it have tile? Are the edges concrete or natural stones? On the floor of the pool, what is the radius of the curve from the edges to the bottom? How deep is the deepest part of the pool? Answering these questions is important to the overall build, AND the budget!
Surface Types and Lighting Options for Rental Pool Covers
Lighting Options
Lighting for our swimming pool covers has evolved as we have experimented with the best way for our covers to glow. We currently use either a white or RGB rope light that is mounted in rows underneath the frame of the cover. These are controllable as far as brightness or color. The rope is invisible while on the floor, which means the floor and the water underneath glows with the light selection you choose.
Surface Types
We have three surface types that we use based on the needs of the event. (We can also mix and match specific requirements). They are:
- Black Surface: Our black pool cover surfaces are used for functionality and subfloor needs. A party looking for extra seating, or someone looking to provide a carpet, astroturf, or wood surface would use our black pool covers.
- Frosted Acrylic: Frosted acrylic surfaces are our most popular option. They provide a pool cover that allows light to come up through the floor in a stunning presentation. These pool covers are used for corporate and bridal events.
- Clear Acrylic: Our most expensive surface option. Sometimes called a Lexan or a plexiglass pool cover, a clear surface allows your guests to look down into the water of the pool. These are typically used for black tie social events or bridal events.
A Special Mention – Flush-Mount Swimming Pool Covers
For some clients, a flush-mount pool cover is required. These are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and involve custom cuts to our pool cover frames so that the cover fits inside the edges of the swimming pool. A flush mount means that the top of the pool cover surface is the same height as the pool deck, so no step up to the pool cover is required. A flush mount pool cover requires additional build time and other considerations, so make sure to ask us well in advance.
Final Thoughts
At In Depth Events, we are experts at providing swimming pool covers for our clients. For more inspiration, check out our online gallery. Please feel free to ask us a question, view our instant rental quote, or just pick up the phone and give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you, and working with you.
