Which Pergola Cover Is Right for You?
Compare the Hercules and Apollo systems side by side to see which one is the best fit for your patio.
Here’s a quick look to help you to choose the right system. Scroll down for a more detailed side-by-side
Choose Hercules
- Want a leakproof cover
- Live where it snows regularly
- Live in a windy or coastal area
Choose Apollo
- Have rafters you can’t modify
- Don’t mind the occasional drip to save on cost
Compare the Systems Side-by-Side
The full picture—numbers, specs, and what sets them apart.
Apollo
- UV Resistant
- Hail Resistant
- Leak Proof
- Wind Load
- Snow Load
- Slope
- Structure
- Lowers temperatures up to 20°
- 10 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- 10 Year Leak Proof Warranty
Apollo
System
- Wind Damage Excluded from Warranty
System tested for wind resistance up to 116 mph
- Snow Damage Excluded from Warranty
Tested for loads up to 36psf (with cross bracing)
- Minimum 4%
- Rafters, Shade Slats or Purlins
Hercules
System
- 125 mph Wind Warranty
System tested for wind resistance up to 139 mph
- 40 PSF Snow Load Warranty
Tested for loads up to 50psf (with cross bracing)
- Minimum 2%
- Purlins or Shade Slats
- UV Resistant
- Apollo:
- Hercules:
- Hail Resistant
- Apollo:
- Hercules:
- Leak Proof
- Apollo:
- Hercules:
- Wind Load
- Apollo:
- Wind Damage Excluded from Warranty System tested for wind resistance up to 116 mph
- Hercules:
- 125 mph Wind Warranty System tested for wind resistance up to 139 mph
- Structure
- Apollo:
- Rafters, Shade Slats or Purlins
- Hercules:
- Purlins or Shade Slats
- Lowers temperatures up to 20°
- Apollo:
- Hercules:
- 10 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Apollo:
- Hercules:
- 10 Year Leak Proof Warranty
- Apollo:
- Hercules:
What makes the Hercules System the leak proof option?
1
No screws through the sheet. The panels are held in place with a clip system attached to your structure.
2
The sheets use a standing seam design that keeps rain out—even during those crazy storms where it’s blowing sideways.
Why is the Hercules System the preferred system for wind, snow, and hail?
Hercules is built with a 4-wall internal design, giving it extra strength and rigidity. With proper bracing and installation, the system is covered by warranty for wind speeds up to 125 mph and has been tested to withstand winds up to 139 mph. That’s Category 3 hurricane strength, and it’s backed by NOA certification, a top standard for wind and debris resistance.
Apollo, on the other hand, uses a 2-wall structure. It’s strong and effective for typical conditions, but it’s not built for heavy snow loads or high-wind areas like the Hercules.
Hercules Internal Structure
Apollo Internal Structure
Why does it matter if my structure has rafters or purlins?
The unique standing seam design of the Hercules system means the sheets can’t be cut down. In most cases, structures can be easily modified to accommodate it. However, for homeowners who prefer not to modify their structure—or have a non-traditional or organic shape—Apollo may be the better fit.
Download Hercules Structure Modification Guides
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about comparing the Hercules vs Apollo SkyPoly Covers.
