Pool covers are a great way to save money and energy while keeping the swimming pool safe. However, these benefits are only possible if the pool cover doesn’t sag. While ‘how to keep pool cover from sagging’ concerns many pool owners, most people forget to address the main problem behind the sagging.
This post will look at the biggest problem with keeping pool covers from sagging and provide a simple solution. We will also look at various strategies to ensure your pool cover stays in good condition for years.
What Causes Pool Cover to Sag?
A pool cover is essential for keeping your pool clean, secure, and safe when unused. This cost-effective solution ensures security and peace of mind when jumping into the cool water. However, a pool cover can sometimes start to sag, which can be an unsightly nuisance for any backyard.
Knowing what causes a sagging pool cover is the first step to addressing the problem and keeping your pool looking its best. Here are several factors that can contribute to a sagging pool cover:
1. Weather
Extremes in weather, such as heat or humidity, can cause the material of the cover to expand or warp due to heat and moisture variations over time. Even small temperature changes can lead to warping or stretching of the material if it’s exposed to extreme temperatures too frequently.
2. Waterlogging
If too much water is on top of the cover due to rain or other sources (such as an unbalanced pool pH), it will become heavy and start sag over time. Also, waterlogging caused by improper drainage of snow melts will add weight and create more drag on the fabric, causing it to droop significantly faster with time.
3. Poor installation
Incorrect size selection, incorrect tensioning technique, and unsuitable anchoring points may contribute to an uneven tension distribution around your pool cover. This result causes it to sag over time and creates unexpected gaps under its edges, allowing debris to enter your swimming area easily.
4. Age
Even if you bought very high-quality cover at some point in time, it would naturally wear out over time due to exposure from the sun, wind, and other elements leading eventually to sagging of your swimming area’s security blanket over time if taken good care of for long enough period without any replacement needs.
5. Poor Quality Materials
Another cause of sagging is poor quality materials used for the cover. If the material is too slender or weak, it can’t hold its ground against powerful winds and rain, which will cause it to stretch and sag in time. Furthermore, if your pool is above- ground and has a sloped edge, it can place unnecessary pressure on the cover, making it sag faster than expected.
6. Low Water Level
When the pool’s water level drops below its usual mark, this can cause considerable strain on your coverage due to gravity, potentially leading to permanent damage if you neglect it. Don’t let a seemingly minor issue become an expensive repair; immediately notice that your pool’s water is lower than normal.
How to Keep Pool Cover from Sagging
Keeping your pool cover from sagging is essential to ensure the longevity of your pool cover and to maintain a safe swimming environment. Here are several ways to keep your pool cover from sagging:
1. Keeping the Center Higher Than The Sides
One of the most effective ways to prevent sagging in an above-ground pool is by ensuring that the center of the cover is higher than the sides. This will help prevent water from pooling at one side, which can cause sagging.
To do this, you can use a rope or bungee cord to tie off each corner of the cover and then adjust it until evenly distributed across all four corners. You can also add some padding so that screws don’t tear into your liner.
2. Using A Pool Pillow Underneath The Cover
Using a pool pillow underneath your cover can also help keep it from sagging. Pool pillows provide extra buoyancy and support for your cover, preventing it from sinking into the water and creating an uneven surface. When placing a pool pillow underneath your cover, ensure you fill it with enough air so it won’t sink down too much when filled with water.
3. Use Pool Cover Support Structure
A pool cover support structure is essential for keeping your pool cover from sagging. The most common type of support structure is a PVC pipe frame that sits on top of the pool cover and is secured with straps or clips. This frame will help evenly distribute the cover’s weight and prevent it from sagging in the middle.
4. Fill the Water to the Right Level
Keeping the pool water at the right level is essential for preventing your pool cover from sagging. This will take away the strain that the pool cover experiences when too much water is present. When possible, keep your pool filled to the maximum water level recommended.
5. Tighten the Pool Cover
To ensure that your pool cover stays tight, you should use a winch or ratchet system to secure it. Start by attaching one end of the winch cable to the edge of the pool cover and then wrap it around each upright post before securing it back on itself. Make sure not to pull too tight, as this can cause damage to the cover material. You can also use clips or straps to secure the edges of the pool cover if needed.
You can also use the following methods to tighten the cover:
- Use DIY Pool Cover Weights: If you don’t have access to a winch or ratchet system, you can make your own DIY weights for your pool cover using items like buckets filled with sand or water, bricks, cinder blocks, and even large rocks. Place these items around the perimeter of your pool and then attach them securely with rope or bungee cords so they won’t move when windy conditions arise.
- Try PVC Pool Cover Support: PVC pipes are inexpensive to create a sturdy support structure for your pool cover. Simply cut pieces of PVC pipe into sections slightly longer than your pool’s width and then connect them together using PVC connectors and clamps. Once assembled, place this frame on top of your pool cover and secure it with straps or clips.
• Pool Cover Clips: Pool cover clips are an easy way to keep your winter cover in place without a winch system. These clips attach directly onto each upright post around your swimming pool and then clip onto the edge of your winter cover so it won’t shift during windy conditions. • Use H20 Bags/Blocks: Securing the outer edge of your pool cover with H20 bags or blocks is another way to keep it from sagging. These bags or blocks are designed to support your cover and help keep it in place even when heavy wind or rain occurs. Make sure you fill them up about 3/4 full so they don’t sink too low in the water when filled with water.
6. Winterizing Your Pool Correctly
Winterizing your pool correctly is key to preventing sagging in an above-ground pool. Make sure that you lower your water level no lower than 4 inches below the skimmer level before covering it for winter months so that there isn’t too much pressure on one side of the cover due to excess weight from snow or ice accumulation on top of it.
7. Replace the Aged and Worn Out Pool
Cover
If you begin to recognize signs of deterioration on your pool cover, you must consider replacing it before the winter season arrives. Don’t let a worn-out pool cover spoil your swimming experience; get a new one today.
You need a cover specifically designed to withstand the cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions of winter. Remember to consider the quality of the material, the number of straps and clips, and the waterproofing technology. This will ensure that your pool cover can provide maximum protection and keep your pool clean during winter months.
Homemade Pool Cover Ideas
Pool covers are huge investments that can be quite expensive, and if you consider the problems discussed above, you might wonder whether it’s all worth it. While it is, you can go for some homemade pool cover ideas that can come in handy. Some DIY options can be just as effective. Here are some homemade pool cover ideas you can try out.
Bubble Wrap
The Bubble wrap is an easy and cost-effective way to create a makeshift pool cover. Simply wrap the bubble around the water’s surface and secure it with bricks or other heavy objects around the edges. air bubbles in the wrap will help insulate your pool and keep debris out. Just make sure to remove it before swimming!
Tarp
A tarp is another great option for creating a homemade pool cover. To properly shield your pool, you’ll need a large tarp to cover it. Atop this, use either ropes or bungee cords to keep the tarp in place and secure. Tarps come with varying densities, so be certain yours is durable enough to repel debris yet thin sufficient for rainwater seepage.
Plastic Sheeting
Plastic sheeting is another great material for your creating a homemade pool cover. Working with plastic sheeting is easy and light on your wallet. To ensure you have the right amount, measure pool first before purchasing it; then cut the sheets into sections and attach them together using staples or duct tape for extra security. Once again, ensure no gaps where debris can get in.
Wood Planks
If you’re feeling ambitious, you could also build a wooden frame around your pool and use wood planks as a makeshift cover. Although this may involve a more substantial investment of time and energy compared to other methods, if done properly, it can create an effective barrier against leaves and debris while still facilitating the passage of rainwater.
Conclusion
The biggest problem with keeping pool cover from sagging is the weather, waterlogging, poor installation, age, and poor quality materials. To ensure your pool cover stays in good condition for years, keep the center higher than the sides, use a pool pillow underneath the cover, use a pool cover support structure, tighten the pool cover, and winterize your pool correctly. You can also replace aged and worn-out pool covers and opt for homemade pool cover ideas such as bubble wrap, tarps, plastic sheeting, and wood planks.