Ditch the sag and keep your pool cover looking fab! Tired of dealing with a droopy, lackluster pool cover that’s more of an eyesore than a protective shield? Now you might be thinking about How to keep pool cover from sagging?
Tightening the springs on a sagging pool cover can assist in restoring its original form and function. Pool salt can be spread across the cover to aid in snow melting, and a pool cover pump can be used once more if snow or water accumulates.
To know more about keeping the pool cover from sagging, scroll down and Say goodbye to sagging and hello to a pool cover that’s the envy of the neighborhood.
How To Keep Pool Cover From Sagging
To keep your pool cover from sagging, you can follow these effective strategies and maintenance tips:
Proper Installation:
- Ensure that your pool cover is properly tensioned during installation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to achieve the correct tension.
- Use a reliable tensioning mechanism or system that allows you to tighten the cover and eliminate any sagging or slackness.
- Securely anchor the cover around the pool’s perimeter using sturdy anchors or weights designed for pool covers. This prevents wind or water from getting underneath and causing sagging.
Regular Maintenance:
- Clean your pool cover regularly to remove debris, leaves, and branches. The weight of accumulated debris can cause the cover to sag. Use a pool skimmer or a leaf blower to keep the cover clean and free of obstructions.
- Promptly remove accumulated snow from the pool cover if you live in a snowy region. Excessive snow accumulation can lead to sagging or damage. Use a snow rake or a soft-bristle broom to remove snow without causing harm.
- Periodically inspect your pool cover for any signs of wear, tears, or damage. Address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration. Small tears or punctures can worsen over time and contribute to sagging.
Support Systems:
- Consider using cover support poles, which are adjustable poles designed to prevent sagging. Place the support poles across the width of the pool and adjust them to create tension, ensuring a taut cover surface.
- Air pillows are inflatable cushions underneath the cover to disperse weight and prevent sagging. They also help with water drainage by creating a slope. Position the air pillows strategically to distribute the load evenly across the cover.
- A cover reel system can help maintain tension and prevent sagging if your pool cover is retractable. The reel allows easy removal and storage while keeping the cover tightly rolled when not in use.
Understanding The Cause Of Pool Cover Sagging
Understanding the most common reasons for pool cover drooping is essential for properly avoiding the problem. Some major causes of sagging pool covers are as follows:
- The pool cover might sag over time due to the accumulation of material, including leaves, branches, and dirt. Debris accumulation causes the cover to sag and may get damaged.
- When it rains or snows a lot, the pool cover can get heavy and sag if there isn’t anything to support it. The weight of the water or snow might cause the cover to sag or even tear if it is not properly tensioned or maintained.
- Sagging can be caused by improper installation or insufficient tensioning of the pool cover. Over time, the cover may become loose and sag if it wasn’t installed correctly.
- Damage from regular use includes fraying, holes, and a general deterioration of the pool cover fabric over time. These problems often worsen with time, causing the cover to sag or become more damaged.
- Pool covers are more likely to sag if they don’t have suitable support mechanisms like cover support poles or air pillows. The cover may slump under the weight of garbage, water, or snow if it doesn’t have proper support.
- The strength and durability of pool covers might degrade over time due to normal wear and tear. Because of this, they may eventually sag.
Why Need Pool Cover?
If you’re wondering why you need a pool cover, let me dive right into the benefits that will have you convinced in no time:
Protection from Debris
A pool cover is a barrier preventing leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris from entering your pool. This saves you time and effort cleaning and ensures a pristine swimming environment.
Energy Savings
A pool cover helps to retain heat in your pool, reducing heat loss through evaporation. This means you can save on energy costs associated with heating your pool, especially during cooler months or chilly evenings.
Chemical Preservation
Covering your pool can minimize chemical evaporation, which helps maintain the proper chemical balance. This saves you money on costly chemical additives and ensures your pool water remains clean and balanced for a refreshing swim.
Safety Measures
Pool covers provide an added layer of safety, especially if you have children or pets around. They act as a physical barrier, reducing the risk of accidental falls into the pool. Some pool covers are specifically designed for safety, with strong materials and secure fastening systems.
Water Conservation
Pool covers greatly reduce water loss due to evaporation. By keeping your pool covered when not in use, you can conserve water, especially in regions with water scarcity or during dry spells.
Maintenance Simplification
With a pool cover, you’ll spend less time and effort on maintenance. The cover prevents debris from entering the pool, reducing the need for frequent skimming, vacuuming, and filter cleaning.
Extended Pool Season
A pool cover helps to extend your swimming season by retaining heat and keeping the water at a comfortable temperature for longer. This means you can enjoy your pool earlier in the spring and later in the fall without worrying about chilly water.
Cost Savings
A pool cover is a cost-effective investment in the long run when you factor in energy savings, reduce chemical usage, and minimize water loss. It helps you save money on operational expenses associated with maintaining your pool.
Different Types Of Pool Cover
Several distinct varieties of pool covers are available, each with its advantages and benefits. Here are some of the most popular pool cover options to consider:
Vinyl Pool Covers
Covers for swimming pools that are both robust and long-lasting are constructed of materials like vinyl or reinforced PVC. They do a great job of keeping the pool clean and dark. Covers that are solid enough to hold a normal person’s weight also add an extra measure of security. Different thicknesses provide differing degrees of durability; they are often fixed with anchors or weights.
Mesh Pool Covers
Mesh pool covers are constructed from a closely woven fabric that lets water pass through but keeps debris out of the pool. They’re great for places with plenty of greenery because they shield against leaves and bigger debris so well. Mesh covers are often held by straps and springs tethered to anchors around the pool and weigh less than solid vinyl or fiberglass alternatives. They do not completely block out the sun, so natural water filtering can occur with fewer chemical treatments.
Automatic Pool Covers
Motorized and easily controlled with the stroke of a button, automatic pool covers are a convenient addition to any pool. Depending on the design, they may be fully or partially automated and manufactured out of solid or mesh materials. Covers that open and close automatically are more convenient and less time-consuming to maintain, as they may be opened and closed in only seconds. They’re great for households with kids and pets because of all the built-in safeguards.
Solar Pool Covers
Solar pool covers, often called solar blankets or thermal coverings, are made to take advantage of the sun’s heat and light. Solar coverings are floating blankets made of UV-resistant material that trap the sun’s rays and use them to warm the water below. They prevent water from evaporating and limit the amount of trash that can get inside. Solar coverings can be found in several different thicknesses and customized to fit any pool.
Safety Pool Covers
Covers for swimming pools that are made to keep kids and dogs safe from drowning are called safety pool covers. Solid materials or sturdy mesh are used for most safety covers, and they are fastened firmly all the way around the pool. They can hold the weight of many adults and come equipped with advanced locking mechanisms for security.
Choosing a pool cover requires considering your climate, financial situation, and individual needs. Pick the option that best suits your needs depending on your priorities for practicality, security, longevity, and user-friendliness.
How Tight Should Cover Be
When in use, the cover must be kept taut at all times. It must be snug enough that nothing can sneak under it.
A cover that fits snugly will also prevent flapping from the wind. The cover, however, must also feature some degree of mobility. Snow accumulation might strain the cover if it is not loose enough. We advise compressing the springs to roughly 50% for a mesh cover and for a solid cover, 65%-75%. Pull the spring out of the anchor with the mounting tool to change the tension. Reinstall the anchor after adjusting the strap’s length using the D-ring or buckle.
Tips for Choosing The Right Type of Pool Cover
Here are some things to keep in mind to help you choose the best pool cover for your needs:
- Think about why you want a pool cover in the first place. To what extent do you care about security, debris protection, energy efficiency, or all three? Identifying your specific protection needs can help you choose the most appropriate policy.
- Cover preferences might be affected by the pool’s structure and layout. If your pool has an unusual form or was built to your specifications, you may require a cover that can be altered to fit.
- Look for pool covers built from materials that can survive the effects of sun, chemicals, and extreme weather. Vinyl, reinforced PVC, mesh fabric, and specialty thermal materials fall under this category. Consider the cover’s UV resistance, tear strength, and lifespan to ensure it can endure repeated uses and last a long time.
- If you are concerned about safety, using pool covers made for that purpose is best. Try to find covers that conform to safety laws and standards set forth by organizations like ASTM International (such as their F1346-91 standard). Covers designed to prevent accidental drowning are typically durable, load-bearing, and fitted with secure fastening mechanisms.
- Some coverings, like cleaning and debris removal, need regular maintenance, while others may need infrequent maintenance like repairs or changes. Select a cover with upkeep requirements compatible with your available time and energy.
- Covers made to reduce heat loss due to evaporation should be considered if energy efficiency and heat retention are significant. A solar cover or thermal blanket is a great investment to lengthen the swimming season and reduce heating costs.
- Think about how quickly and effortlessly you can remove the pool cover. Examples of automatic covers include those that open and close at the touch of a button. Depending on your preferences and physical ability, you may need to insert or remove other types of coverings manually.
- Last but not least, think about how much money you have and how much various forms of coverage would cost. You may get the most bang for your buck by balancing your demands and wants with the features available in various covers.
Conclusion
It is possible to maintain a taut and functional pool cover all year long if you follow the advice given here. Always check the manual and get help from an expert if necessary. Maintaining your pool cover so it doesn’t sag can increase the cover’s longevity and improve its overall appearance. With little upfront work, you may have peace of mind that your pool will remain clean and safe for years to come.
