Introduction
Automatic pool covers are a significant investment for any pool owner. They provide numerous benefits, such as reducing water evaporation, keeping debris out, and maintaining pool temperature. Did you know that you can get a rebate up to $100 for installing a cover? Read the article over at Zone 7 Water Agency. However, these covers face unique challenges during winter, such as debris, water accumulation, and extreme temperature fluctuations. This guide offers a simplified approach to how you should clean and maintain your pool cover, even in the colder months, ensuring it functions effectively and lasts longer, saving you money. In short, (details, tools, and other facts explained in detail with a downloadable guide later) our top 6 tips for keeping your pool cover clean are:
Regular Debris Removal
Gentle Scrubbing
Mild Detergent Wash
Rinsing
Clean the Housing
Use of a Cover Pump
What type of cover do you have?
Several types of pool covers are available, each serving different purposes and having its own maintenance requirements. The type of cover you have, will determine the way you maintain it. It's important to note that this article specifically addresses the maintenance of automatic pool covers. Below is a list of various pool cover types:
Automatic Pool Covers: These motor-driven covers can be opened and closed with a button. They are convenient, efficient for maintaining pool temperature, and provide safety by preventing accidental falls into the pool.
Manual Pool Covers: These require manual effort to place and remove. They can be simple tarp covers or more complex manual reel systems.
Solar Pool Covers: Also known as solar blankets, they are designed to retain heat in the pool, minimizing heat loss and water evaporation. They are neither safety covers nor prevent debris from entering the pool and should be removed during winter.
Safety Pool Covers: Specifically designed for safety, these covers are strong enough to support a person's weight. They come in both manual and automatic varieties.
Winter Pool Covers: Used primarily to cover the pool during the off-season, these covers protect against debris and can help prevent algae growth.
Leaf Nets: Typically used with other covers, leaf nets are designed to catch leaves and larger debris.
Spa and Hot Tub Covers: These are designed specifically for spas and hot tubs, providing heat retention and safety.
Mesh Pool Covers: These allow water to pass through while keeping debris out. They are lighter than solid covers and are often used for winterizing pools.
While each type of cover serves a specific purpose, automatic pool covers are noted for their ease of use and efficiency in maintaining pool cleanliness and safety. They require particular maintenance routines to ensure they operate effectively and have a prolonged lifespan.
What type of pool cover do you have?
Automatic Pool Cover
Manual Pool Cover
Solar Pool Cover
Safety Pool Cover
You can vote for more than one answer.
Before opening or closing your pool cover, you should always follow these rules:
Clear obstructions (towels, ladders, sports equipment, toys, pool furniture, etc.).
Ensure swimmers are not in the pool/spa during the opening and closing of the cover.
Check the cover for water or debris (leaves, etc.) and remove it with a cover pump or pool brush.
Ensure that you are familiar with all the safety instructions.
Remove the cover pump after pumping off the water.
REMEMBER: Never leave the pool uncovered without adult supervision.
By following these rules, you can prevent injury to bathers and avoid costly repairs to your pool cover.
For proper maintenance of your cover, you may need the following tools and materials:
Owners manual
Leaf blower
Soft broom
Rake
Shop vac for easy debris and water removal
Garden hose & nozzle
Soft-bristled brush or pool brush00000
Mild dishwashing soap
Soft brush for applying detergent
Cover pump
Inspection tools (like a flashlight for better visibility)
Pool cover patch kits for minor repairs (optional)
Lubricants for mechanical parts (optional)
UV protectant for the cover surface (optional)
Detailed Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Step 1: Debris Removal
Tools and Materials: Leaf blower, soft broom, or rake.
Safety Precautions: Wear non-slip shoes and avoid stepping directly on the cover.
Action Steps: Regularly remove dry leaves and debris using appropriate tools. Avoid damaging the cover with sharp tools.
Frequency: Weekly during fall and winter.
Step 2: Rinsing
Tools and Materials: Garden hose.
Safety Precautions: Ensure electrical components are off and secured.
Action Steps: Rinse the cover from one end to the other, sweeping towards the other to prevent water accumulation.
Frequency: Monthly or post-heavy storms.
Step 3: Gentle Scrubbing
Tools and Materials: Soft-bristled brush or pool brush.
Safety Precautions: Use gentle, non-abrasive brushes to prevent scratching the cover.
Action Steps: Scrub gently to loosen dirt or grime. Focus on areas with visible stains or buildup.
Frequency: As needed.
Step 4: Mild Detergent Wash
Tools and Materials: Mild dishwashing soap, soft brush.
Safety Precautions: Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the cover material.
Action Steps: Apply mild detergent for tough stains, then rinse thoroughly.
Frequency: Quarterly or when necessary.
Step 5: Thorough Rinsing
Tools and Materials: Clean water source.
Safety Precautions: Ensure complete removal of detergent to prevent slip hazards.
Action Steps: Rinse the cover thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Frequency: Immediately after detergent use.
Step 6: Clean The Housing
Tools and Materials: Shop vac
Safety Precautions: Make sure sharp objects do not fall onto the cover. Watch out for spiders.
Action Steps: Open the housing (the area where the cover rolls up into), vacuum out all the debris.
Frequency: Once a year.
Step 7: Use a Cover Pump
Tools and Materials: Cover pump.
Safety Precautions: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid electrical hazards. Only plug the pump into a safe, functioning, and G.F.C.I.-protected outlet.
Action Steps: Use a cover pump to remove accumulated water, especially after rainfall.
Frequency: As needed.
Inspection and Repairs
Detailed Inspection Guide: Regularly inspect your cover for signs of wear like tears, fading, or brittleness. Pay special attention to seams, edges, and areas around the pool cover’s mechanism.
Repair Instructions: Small tears or rips can be repaired with patch kits, but significant damage might require professional intervention.
Download a free Tools & Service Checklist here:
Pool Water Chemistry and Cover Health
Unbalanced pool water chemistry can significantly impact the lifespan of your cover. High chlorine levels, for instance, can cause the cover material to become brittle and degrade faster. Maintaining balanced pH levels and appropriate chlorine concentrations is crucial to prevent chemical damage to your cover. We recommend balancing your water according to the LSI.
Long-term Benefits of Properly Maintained Covers
Properly maintaining your pool cover, especially during winter, leads to several long-term benefits:
Extended Lifespan: Regular cleaning and maintenance can significantly extend the cover’s lifespan.
Cost Savings: Extending the cover's life saves money on potential replacements.
Improved Efficiency: A well-maintained cover better regulates temperature and keeps debris out, improving overall pool efficiency.
Enhanced Safety: Keeping the cover in good condition ensures it remains a reliable safety barrier.
Inspection and Service Schedule for Automatic Pool Covers
A structured maintenance routine is vital to keep your automatic pool cover in top condition. We recommend you preform the following services in regular intervals:
Weekly Maintenance
Debris Removal: Clear any leaves, twigs, or other debris on the cover. This is crucial to prevent extra weight and strain on the cover and mechanical parts.
Water Chemistry Check: Weekly testing and balancing pool water chemistry are essential. Ensure that chlorine levels and pH balance are maintained to prevent cover damage due to harsh chemicals.
Seasonal Maintenance (Every 3-4 Months)
Deep Cleaning: Use a mild detergent and a soft brush for a more comprehensive cleaning.
Mechanical Check: Inspect the cover system's reel, tracks, and other mechanical components to ensure smooth operation.
Annual Comprehensive Service
Professional Inspection: Have a professional inspect the entire cover system, including the motor and electrical components.
Thorough Cleaning: Perform an in-depth cleaning of the cover, including the housing. Use a shop vac to clean the area where the cover rolls up, as this area can accumulate debris and cause operational issues.
Lubrication and Tightening: Lubricate moving parts and tighten any loose hardware to ensure optimal functionality.
UV Protection Application: Apply a UV protectant to the cover surface to extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance.
Winterization (if applicable): Prepare the cover for winter conditions, focusing on potential issues from snow and ice.
This maintenance schedule ensures that your automatic pool cover remains clean, functional, and efficient throughout its use, extending its lifespan and maintaining pool safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Automatic Pool Covers
Note the questions and answers provided here are just for general reference. You must refer to your pool cover manual before making any decisions.
Q. Can I walk on the cover?
A. While walking on the cover is technically possible, we recommend doing so only in emergencies. Regular walking on the cover can cause unnecessary wear and strain.
Q. There seems to be a lot of slack in the cover; is it too big?
A. The cover fabric is intentionally manufactured with extra material. This may cause it to appear wrinkled or oversized, but this is normal, and the fabric may smooth out over time.
Q. Can the cover be opened/closed manually?
A. Yes, the cover can be operated manually. For detailed instructions, refer to your manual or contact your pool cover service company for assistance.
Q. Should I close the cover if I drain my pool/spa or if the water leaks out?
A. No! You should not close the cover if the water level is more than 6 inches below the skimmer, as this can damage the system. The cover is designed to be supported by the water level.
Q. The cover is opening/closing crookedly; what should I do?
A. An adjustment is needed if the cover opens or closes more than 2 inches off its normal position. A trained technician should do this. Please get in touch with your pool cover service company for support.
Q. Should I leave the cover pump on the cover at all times?
A. The cover pump should remain on the cover when it is closed, except during severe winter conditions. If it's too cold for ice and snow on the cover to melt, remove the pump and place it in a warm area. Return the pump to the cover when ice begins to melt.
Q. Sometimes, I hear a “popping noise” when I open/close the cover. Is that normal?
A. Yes, this noise is normal. It's caused by the ropes passing through the different pulleys and onto the rope reel. It's not an indication of any problem with your cover system.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your automatic pool cover in winter are essential for ensuring its longevity and effectiveness. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can maintain your pool cover in top condition, ultimately saving time and money on future repairs or replacements while contributing to your pool's overall safety and efficiency.
What type of pool cover do you have? What maintenance plan do you use? Do you use a service? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comment section below!