NACE: Manufacturer of equipment for private and public swimming pools

APE pool covers stand out due to the exceptional quality of their materials, starting with the use of reinforced polyester fabric, coated with a high-performance PVC coating that ensures optimal resistance to external aggressions. This technical fabric is often combined with a specific protective varnish, designed to extend the cover's lifespan by limiting wear caused by UV rays, chlorine, or hot water. Each assembly is carried out with millimeter precision thanks to a high-frequency welding process, guaranteeing perfect watertightness and overall strength, even in sensitive areas like corners or tension zones. The support bars, often made of aluminum, reinforce the structure and ensure perfect hold, regardless of weather conditions. Available in various shades such as blue, green, beige, or even darker colors, APE covers blend harmoniously with all outdoor environments. The unique block manufacturing, without unnecessary overlapping, allows for better thermal insulation and long-term cost reduction for maintenance. The use of high-end materials allows APE to offer a manufacturer's warranty on its products, a guarantee of trust and commitment to lasting quality.

What are the different pool covers from the APE brand?

The Aqua Product Europe (APE) brand, founded in 2000 in the Toulouse region, is now a leading reference in the manufacturing and distribution of pool covers in France and throughout Europe. As a human-sized French company, APE makes it a point of honor to offer reliable, durable products adapted to the varied needs of individuals and professionals alike.

APE stands out for the richness and diversity of its range of pool covers. Each type of cover meets a specific need, whether it's to protect the water from impurities, maintain water temperature, secure access to the pool, or preserve water quality during the winter period.

Among the brand's flagship products, APE offers the bubble cover, also known as a summer cover. It plays a crucial role in retaining the heat accumulated in the water during the day thanks to its thermal cells. This type of cover is particularly appreciated for its energy efficiency: in addition to limiting water evaporation, it significantly reduces the consumption of maintenance products. On our site, we offer two different types of bubbles for bubble covers. You will find the classic bubble (round bubble) and the OXO bubble cover (cross-shaped bubble).

Another essential model in the APE range is the safety bar cover. Compliant with current standards, this multi-functional cover offers both protection against dirt, thermal retention, and above all, an essential safety device to prevent any risk of drowning, especially for young children. It is available on our site in 3 different ranges: Premium, Perfect, and Ultra; each made to measure.

Each APE cover is available custom-cut on our site, to perfectly adapt to all pool shapes; inground or above-ground pools: rectangular, oval, kidney-shaped, or freeform pools.

What are the advantages of a bubble cover?

The APE bubble cover is an indispensable piece of equipment for any pool owner concerned with optimizing the comfort of using their pool while making significant savings on maintenance costs.

One of the major advantages of the bubble cover is its ability to retain heat. Thanks to its structure composed of thousands of small air bubbles on its outer surface, it acts as a natural thermal insulator. During the day, it captures the sun's heat and transfers it to the water. At night, it significantly limits heat loss. This helps to extend the swimming season, and even avoid the use of additional heating.

In addition to its thermal regulation role, the APE bubble cover reduces water evaporation by up to 90%, which is a significant ecological and economic advantage. Less evaporated water also means a decrease in the consumption of maintenance products, as the water volume remains more stable.

Another often overlooked benefit is the reduction of external pollution. By covering the pool, the cover prevents leaves, insects, dust, and other debris from disturbing the clarity of the water. This results in cleaner water, less strain on filtration, and significant time savings for daily maintenance. The bubble cover also acts as an anti-UV and antifungal agent for pool water, which prevents the treatment from being altered by the sun's UV rays.

APE designs its bubble covers with high-quality materials, resistant to UV and the chemicals present in the water. This design ensures superior longevity, even with prolonged sun exposure.

The brand stands out with its OXO bubble covers and their X-shaped bubbles. This shape offers 3 real advantages:

• Durability: this bubble shape is optimized to ensure a prolonged lifespan, and its uniform thickness allows it to withstand time despite attacks from chemicals and bad weather. Moreover, it is fully recyclable and manufactured in France.

• Insulation: The insulating capacity of the OXO bubble cover is increased by the volume of air contained in the bubbles (+78% compared to a traditional bubble cover), forming a contact barrier.

• Performance: The diffusion of UV on each lobe of the quad-bubble allows for more efficient dispersion of solar energy than with a traditional bubble. The OXO bubble offers superior physical, thermal, and mechanical performance to its competitors.

Finally, the bubble cover is easy to handle. Thanks to its lightness, it can be installed and removed in seconds. Combined with a roller, its use becomes even more practical, ideal for frequently used pools.

How to install a bar cover?

Installing an APE bar cover is a simple operation that does not require special technical skills. However, to guarantee optimal protection for your pool and comply with safety standards, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended steps.

The first step is to unroll the cover over the pool surface, ensuring it is well-centered. The rigid stainless steel bars integrated into the cover allow it to be properly tensioned so that it does not sag into the water.

Next, attach the tension straps located at each end. These straps are usually equipped with ratchets or retractable nail or pin fastening systems. They ensure proper tensioning of the cover, preventing it from lifting in case of wind or accidental impact.

APE bar cover models are often equipped with rollers or gliders, which facilitate their movement along the pool. This feature is particularly useful when handling the cover, reducing the physical effort required for its installation.

Once the cover is taut and secured, it is important to check its stability and watertightness. Proper installation not only ensures user safety but also extends the cover's lifespan.

APE provides a detailed installation guide with each bar cover, as well as personalized advice depending on the type of pool. In addition, APE customer service remains available to assist at every stage of installation. For greater ease of use, you can opt for a motorized crank system or an automatic roller.

What are the safety standards for covers?

In France, safety around private swimming pools is strictly regulated by law. Since January 1, 2004, any non-enclosed inground pool for private or collective use must be equipped with a safety device compliant with AFNOR standards.

Safety covers, like those offered by APE, must comply with NF P90-308 standard. This standard defines the criteria for resistance, anchoring, and ergonomics that a safety cover must meet. In particular, it guarantees that the cover can support the weight of an adult without tearing or detaching from its fastenings.

APE bar covers are tested and certified compliant with this standard, ensuring reliable protection against the risk of drowning, especially for young children. To be considered compliant, the cover must fully cover the pool, be taut, and withstand high mechanical stresses.

In addition to the NF P90-308 standard, some covers may include additional safety elements, such as locking systems or reinforced tensioning. APE strives to offer solutions that combine efficiency, durability, and compliance with current standards, thus contributing to the peace of mind of pool owners and effortless safety.

How to choose a custom pool cover?

Choosing a custom APE pool cover guarantees a perfect fit to the pool's dimensions and shape, while meeting the specific needs of each user. APE uses its expertise to offer personalized solutions, adapted to both inground and above-ground pools.

The first step in choosing is to identify the main use of the cover: winter cover, safety, heat retention, or multi-purpose. Based on this objective, APE offers adapted models with distinct technical characteristics.

Next, it is crucial to take precise measurements of the pool. APE provides detailed guides to help customers record exact dimensions, including complex shapes or pools with stairs, submerged beaches, or overflows.

The quality of materials is also a decisive criterion, especially concerning the price. APE uses highly resistant technical fabrics, with anti-UV, anti-chlorine, and anti-algae treatments. This quality requirement guarantees not only the durability of the cover but also its performance throughout its life cycle.

Finally, aesthetic customization should not be overlooked. APE custom covers are available in a wide range of colors, allowing for harmonious integration into the garden or terrace environment.

Each APE cover is specially designed to adapt to the exact dimensions of your pool down to the millimeter, taking into account the length, width, and specific features such as the coping or stairs. Depending on the side chosen for rolling, it is essential to provide precise measurements to obtain a personalized quote within the day. Easy to use, these covers are designed for quick installation and smooth daily handling.

Thanks to its expertise and tailor-made support, APE facilitates the choice of the ideal cover, while ensuring a high level of safety and comfort.

What is the lifespan of a pool cover?

The lifespan of an APE pool cover depends on several factors: the type of cover, usage conditions, exposure to external elements, and above all, regular maintenance.

On average, a quality bubble cover can last between 4 and 6 years, while a bar cover, even when used in winter, if well-maintained, can last 8 to 10 years.

To maximize the longevity of a cover, it is essential to follow usage and storage instructions. For example, it is recommended not to leave a bubble cover exposed to the sun when it is not in contact with water, as UV rays can weaken it.

Regular cleaning with clear water, without abrasive products, helps preserve the integrity of the materials. When stored outside of periods of use, the cover must be properly dried and stored away from humidity and rodents.

By choosing Aqua Product Europe, you choose French expertise, environmental commitment, and unfailing reliability. Find the entire range on Poolplanet, the official distributor of APE products.