Pool Cover

Basically, a pool cover works by creating a physical barrier to prevent evaporation, which, as you probably already know, is a cooling mechanism. Some pool covers can actually raise the temperature of your pool, but even a basic pool cover works so efficiently that you should use one even if you have other pool heating mechanisms. To go without is like running the air conditioner in your house with all the doors and windows open.

Your basic residential pool cover costs anywhere between $85 and $150. Sometimes, you can order a pool cover to fit the shape and size of your pool, but usually you have to cut it to fit yourself. When you get the pool cover to the pool. Spread it over the pool surface, bubble side down, for a few days to smooth out the folds and wrinkles. Then, using ordinary scissors, cut the pool cover along the inside edge of your pool. The cover should fit snug against the walls, not be too small or fold up against the pool walls. To avoid trimming the pool cover too small, make the first cut larger than it should be. A few days later, trim down where needed. A properly-trimmed cover will remain securely on the pool during rain and wind due to surface adhesion. A blanket that is cut too large will allow wind and debris under it. A pool cover that is cut too small does not do a good job keeping heat in or debris out.

To remove the pool cover when you want to swim, use the “fanfold technique.” With the help of another person, pull a few feet of cover over one end of the pool, folding each length accordion-style over the previous length until the entire cover is stacked on the deck. Be sure not to place your pool cover on the lawn as the bubbles may magnify the rays of the sun and scorch the grass. There are mechanical options for removing pool covers as well. Such devices have many benefits besides making it easier to remove the pool cover from the pool, including allowing you to properly store and protect the cover when not in use and preventing the cover from being dragged across the rough pool deck thereby extending its life.

Though it is able to stand up to the elements, a pool cover is somewhat delicate. As already mentioned, it should be stored inside any protective cover it comes with and it should never be dragged across rough surfaces that might tear it or pop the bubbles. Further, a pool cover should not be stored in temperatures in excess of 100 degrees F. Such extreme temperatures expand the blanket’s bubbles, which causes the blanket to blister and become de-laminated. Blistering and de-lamination weaken the pool cover and reduce its efficiency, and the damage is generally not covered by warranty. As well, the pool cover should not be exposed to excessive concentrations of pool chemicals. Chlorine levels of over three parts per million can damage a pool cover, and such damage is also not covered under the warranty. Remove the pool cover whenever the pool is being chemically treated and do not replace it until the chemicals drop to safe levels. If you live in a climate that has extreme winters, store the pool cover during the winter months and replace it with a heavy-duty winter cover.

A pool cover needs to be cleaned from time to time, since the cleaner the cover is, the more readily it transmits warm sun rays into your pool water. To keep both your cover and your pool cleaner, hose off the pool cover while still on the pool, using the water to force the dirt and debris directly into the pool skimmer. To clean the pool cover itself, use a chemically safe pool cover cleaner and a soft-bristled brush. Before storing, make sure the pool cover is completely dry in order to prevent mildew.