Do You Really Need a New Winter Pool Cover?

If you've used the same winter pool cover for several seasons, September is a good time to inspect it before deciding whether it is ready for another Ontario winter. A cover doesn't necessarily need to be replaced every year, but a cover that is torn, deteriorated, stretched or no longer fits correctly should not be ignored.

Your winter cover has an important job: keeping debris and sunlight out of the pool while helping protect the pool throughout the winter.

Start With a Careful Inspection

Before putting your cover on, spread it out and inspect the entire surface.

Don't just look at it from a distance.

Check for:

• Tears
• Holes
• Cracked or brittle material
• Damaged seams
• Broken straps
• Damaged hardware
• Excessive stretching
• Areas where the cover has become thin
• Damage around attachment points

Small damage can become much larger once the cover is exposed to snow, ice, wind and freezing temperatures.

Does the Cover Still Fit Properly?

A winter cover should fit the pool it was designed for.

If your cover has stretched significantly or has become difficult to secure, it may be time for a replacement.

A poor fit can create unnecessary problems during the winter and can make the cover more vulnerable to wind and snow.

For an above-ground pool, make sure the cover is the correct size for the pool and that it can be properly secured.

For an inground pool, the cover needs to match the pool's configuration and anchoring system.

What About Small Tears?

Whether a small tear means you need a new cover depends on the location and extent of the damage.

A minor repairable issue isn't necessarily a reason to replace an otherwise good cover.

However, damage around stress points, seams or attachment areas deserves particular attention.

If the material is becoming brittle or multiple areas are failing, replacing the cover is usually a better long-term decision than continuing to repair it.

Don't Confuse a Winter Cover With a Safety Cover

A standard winter cover and a safety cover are not automatically interchangeable.

A safety cover is specifically designed as a safety barrier over an inground pool and uses an anchoring system designed for that purpose.

A standard winter cover is primarily intended to protect the pool from debris and winter conditions.

If you're replacing an inground cover, make sure you're purchasing the correct type for your pool and intended use.

Why September Is a Good Time to Buy

Waiting until the pool is already being closed can leave you with very few options.

By September, many homeowners are thinking about pool closing at the same time. If you discover that your cover needs to be replaced, ordering early gives you more time to get the correct size and type.

This is particularly important for custom inground covers and unusual pool shapes.

A custom cover should not be treated like a standard rectangular cover that can simply be ordered at the last minute.

What About Custom Inground Covers?

Inground pools come in many shapes and configurations.

Common shapes include:

• Grecian
• Kidney
• Roman End
• Keyhole
• Lazy L
• Cayman

If your pool doesn't match a standard cover size, measurements may be required to determine the correct cover and price.

At PTL Direct, customers who require a custom inground winter cover can contact us with their pool measurements for a quote.

Email: poolstubsliners@gmail.com

Don't Wait Until the First Snow

The worst time to discover that your winter cover is damaged is when you're trying to close the pool and winter weather is already arriving.

Inspect your cover now.

If it is in good condition, clean it, inspect the hardware and store it properly after the season.

If it is damaged or no longer fits correctly, replace it before you need to close the pool.

Shop Winter Pool Covers at PTL Direct

PTL Direct supplies winter pool covers and pool winterizing products for above-ground and inground pools.

Whether you need a replacement above-ground cover or a custom solution for an inground pool, getting organized early can make pool closing much easier.

September is the time to inspect your cover—not the week after the first major snowfall.