How to Protect Your Pool Cover From Fall Leaves, Rain and Snow
Your winter pool cover has a big job during the off-season. It has to deal with leaves, rain, wind, snow and changing temperatures for months while your pool sits unused.
Once the cover is installed, it can be tempting to forget about the pool until spring. That is a mistake.
A quick inspection after major storms and throughout the fall can help you catch problems before they become bigger ones.
Keep Leaves From Building Up
October and November can bring a huge amount of leaves into the backyard.
Leaves sitting on top of a pool cover can become wet and heavy. As they break down, they can also create a messy layer of organic material that is unpleasant to deal with when the pool opens.
If your cover is designed to allow you to safely remove leaves, do so regularly using the appropriate equipment.
Never walk on a standard winter cover.
If you have a safety cover, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
Watch for Standing Water
Rain can collect on a solid winter cover.
A properly installed cover pump can help remove accumulated water where appropriate.
Do not assume that every pool cover should be handled the same way. Cover construction, pool type and installation method all matter.
If you have a safety cover, follow its specific maintenance instructions.
Check the Cover After Strong Winds
Wind can put stress on winter covers and their attachment points.
After a major windstorm, take a look around the pool and check for:
- Loose or displaced water bags
- Damaged straps
- Pulled or shifted cover sections
- Torn material
- Exposed pool edges
- Debris collecting underneath or around the cover
For an above-ground pool, make sure the cover remains properly secured according to the cover manufacturer's instructions.
Don't Let Branches Sit on the Cover
Small leaves are one thing. A large branch is another.
If a branch falls onto the cover, remove it as soon as it is safe to do so. A heavy branch can damage cover material and put unnecessary stress on the cover system.
Inspect trees around the pool before winter as well. Removing dead or dangerous branches before a major winter storm can help protect your pool area.
Check Your Water Bags
If your winter cover uses water bags, inspect them during the fall.
Look for:
- Leaks
- Cracks
- Split seams
- Displaced bags
- Bags that have lost too much water
Replace damaged bags rather than trying to rely on a leaking one throughout the winter.
Your Winter Cover Is Not Maintenance-Free
A winter cover protects your pool, but it still needs to be inspected.
The best time to discover that your cover has a problem is October—not March.
A damaged cover can become much more difficult to replace once winter is underway.
If you notice tears, brittle material, damaged straps or other signs of wear, start looking at replacement options early.
Winter Cover or Safety Cover?
It is also important to understand that a standard winter cover and an inground safety cover are not the same product.
A safety cover is specifically designed as a safety barrier and uses an anchoring system appropriate for the pool. A standard winter cover should not be treated as a safety barrier.
Choose the cover designed for your pool type, shape and intended use.
Need help deciding? Check out our Blog:
Safety Cover vs. Winter Cover: What’s the Difference?
Order Replacement Covers Before You Need One
If your existing cover has seen better days, October is not the time to hope it makes it through another winter.
Check the cover now.
If you need a replacement, especially a custom inground cover, give yourself time to get measurements, confirm the pool shape and arrange production.
At PTL Direct, we offer winter pool covers and custom cover options to help protect your pool through the Canadian winter.
Your pool may be closed, but your cover is working all winter long.
