Choosing An Above Ground Pool Cover

As the weather warms up, many homeowners are getting ready to enjoy their above ground pools. However, it’s important to remember that maintaining your pool also means choosing the right cover. Using an above ground pool cover is an effective technique to reduce chemical usage, keep trash out of the pool, and reduce water and heating costs. In addition to that, up until the time to expose the pool the following spring, a winter pool cover can keep dirt and debris out of the pool. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of above ground pool covers available, their benefits, and how to use them. So, let’s dive in!

Types of cover for an above-ground pool

There are different cover types of the above-ground pool described below.

Leaf nets

A leaf net pool cover is a specific type of pool cover designed primarily to prevent leaves and larger debris from entering the swimming pool. It is typically used during the fall season when trees shed their leaves, but it can also be beneficial in areas with high pollen or other types of debris.

Material: Leaf net covers are usually made from lightweight and durable materials such as woven polyethylene or nylon. These materials are strong enough to withstand the weight of leaves and debris while allowing water to pass through.
Design: Leaf net covers are designed to be placed on top of an existing pool cover or directly on the water surface. They are typically rectangular or square in shape, tailored to fit the specific dimensions of the pool.
Mesh Size: The mesh size of a leaf net cover refers to the size of the openings in the material. It is designed to be small enough to prevent leaves and larger debris from passing through while still allowing rainwater and smaller particles to filter into the pool.
Installation: Installing a leaf net cover is relatively simple. The cover is unfolded and spread over the pool, ensuring that it extends beyond the pool edges. It is then secured in place using pool cover anchors, water bags, or straps, depending on the specific design of the cover.
Functionality: Once in place, the leaf net cover acts as a protective barrier, capturing leaves, branches, and other debris that would otherwise fall into the pool. This greatly reduces the amount of time and effort required to manually clean the pool.
Removal and Cleaning: When the leaf net cover becomes heavily laden with debris, it can be easily removed by lifting it off the pool surface. The collected debris can be shaken off or removed using a leaf blower or a pool net. The cover itself can be hosed down or cleaned with mild detergent if necessary.
Compatibility: Leaf net covers are compatible with various types of pools, including above-ground and in-ground pools. They can be used in conjunction with other types of pool covers, such as solid covers or safety covers, for added protection and convenience.

Leaf net pool covers provide a practical solution to minimize the accumulation of leaves and larger debris in swimming pools, making pool maintenance easier and reducing the risk of clogged filters and equipment damage.

These thin nets are perfect for covering the above-ground pool due to their light weighting feature; therefore, you easily cover your pool by yourselves.

Safety covers

A safety cover is a type of pool cover specifically designed to enhance safety around swimming pools. It provides a solid and secure barrier over the pool when it is not in use, preventing accidental entry and reducing the risk of drowning. Here are the key features and characteristics of a safety cover:

Material: Safety covers are typically made from strong and durable materials such as reinforced vinyl or mesh fabric. These materials are resistant to UV rays, chemicals, and harsh weather conditions.
Anchoring System: Safety covers utilize an anchoring system that secures the cover in place over the pool. The anchoring system consists of anchors installed around the perimeter of the pool deck and straps or springs that connect the cover to the anchors. This ensures a taut and secure fit.
Weight Capacity: Safety covers are designed to support the weight of people and pets, providing a reliable barrier. They are constructed to withstand significant weight, typically ranging from 400 to 900 pounds per square foot, depending on the specific cover model and intended usage.
Shape and Customization: Safety covers are custom-made to fit the specific shape and size of the pool. They can be designed to accommodate various pool configurations, such as rectangular, oval, kidney-shaped, or freeform. Customization options are available to fit unique pool features like steps, ladders, or raised spa areas.
Functionality: Safety covers are primarily intended to prevent accidental drowning and enhance pool safety. They create a sturdy barrier that is difficult to penetrate, preventing children, pets, or wildlife from falling into the pool. Safety covers are secured tightly to the pool deck, eliminating gaps or openings that could allow unauthorized access.
Drainage: Safety covers incorporate a drainage system to allow rainwater and snowmelt to pass through the cover while keeping debris out. This helps to maintain the water level in the pool and prevents the accumulation of stagnant water on the cover’s surface.
Durability and Maintenance: Safety covers are built to withstand prolonged use and exposure to the elements. They are resistant to fading, tearing, and degradation from UV rays and pool chemicals. Regular maintenance involves cleaning the cover with a mild detergent and water, removing debris, and inspecting the cover and anchoring system for any signs of wear or damage.
Compliance: Safety covers are often designed and tested to meet safety standards and regulations established by organizations such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Compliance with these standards ensures that the cover meets specific safety requirements and provides an effective barrier.

Pool Safety covers are an essential safety feature for swimming pools, especially when they are not in use for an extended period, such as during the winter months. They offer peace of mind to pool owners, significantly reduce the risk of accidents, and may even provide energy-saving benefits by reducing heat and water evaporation.

Standard covers (or, “Winter cover”)

A standard cover, also known as a traditional pool cover or winter cover, is a common type of pool cover used to protect above ground swimming pools during periods of non-use, particularly during the off-season or winter months. Here are the key features and characteristics of a standard pool cover:

Material: Standard covers are typically made from durable materials such as reinforced vinyl or polyethylene. These materials are resistant to UV rays, pool chemicals, and harsh weather conditions.
Design: Standard covers are designed to be large enough to completely cover the pool’s surface. They are usually rectangular or square in shape, tailored to fit the dimensions of the pool. The cover may have a slight overlap to ensure full coverage and a secure fit.
Anchoring System: Standard covers utilize an anchoring system to keep the cover in place over the pool. The anchoring system may include water bags, water tubes, or grommets that allow the cover to be secured with ropes or bungee cords. The weight of the water bags or tubes provides tension and prevents the cover from being blown away by wind.
Functionality: The primary function of a standard cover is to protect the pool during periods of non-use. It acts as a barrier, preventing leaves, debris, and other contaminants from entering the pool. By keeping out debris, it helps to maintain water cleanliness and reduces the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.
UV Protection: Standard covers are typically designed to provide some level of UV protection to the pool water. This helps to prevent sunlight from breaking down pool chemicals and reduces the growth of algae.
Water Drainage: Standard covers may have built-in drainage systems or mesh panels that allow rainwater to pass through while keeping debris out. This prevents the accumulation of stagnant water on the cover’s surface, which could lead to damage or the growth of bacteria.
Durability and Maintenance: Standard covers are designed to withstand exposure to the elements and are often treated to resist fading, tearing, and degradation caused by UV rays and pool chemicals. Regular maintenance involves removing debris from the cover’s surface and periodically inspecting it for any signs of wear or damage.
Easy Installation and Removal: Standard covers are relatively easy to install and remove. The cover is typically unfolded and spread over the pool’s surface, and the anchoring system is used to secure it in place. When it’s time to remove the cover, the anchoring system is released, and the cover can be folded or rolled up for storage.

Standard pool covers offer a cost-effective solution for protecting the pool during periods of non-use. They help to keep the pool clean, reduce maintenance requirements, and prolong the lifespan of the pool. However, it’s important to note that they do not provide the same level of safety as dedicated safety covers, and additional precautions should be taken to prevent accidental drowning.

This type of pool cover is thicker than the leaf nets but is also light in weight, so you can easily handle this as a cover for the pool by yourself.

How to cover an above-ground pool

1) The Pole method

In order to hold the brush for cleaning, the pool needs to have a long pole. You can apply this pole for putting on the cover of the above-ground pool if the pole is strong enough to support the weight of the cover without breaking.

If you utilize the pole method, you should lay out a cover flat on the ground adjacent to the pool. You can attach the pole to the cover’s edge. By attaching the pole to the grommets of the cover, you can apply rope or zip ties. By just lifting the pole, you have to be able to lift the entire cover onto the pool. You have to pull the cover forward to get the cover on the above-ground pool securely.

2) The Hanger Method

It is comparatively tougher to apply the hanger method to cover the above-ground pool than the pole method. You can use compact clamp-style coat hangers and you have to use these hangers to protect your pool from any kind of hazardous substances. For securing the pool cover’s edge to the pool’s edge, you have to use these hangers.

You place the hanger behind a pole supported by clamping one side and then clamping the other side. You should keep this small portion in place when you unfold the following section of the cover. Once the cover should be in its place, you can secure the covers of the above-ground pool with its ties and remove the hangers.

How to protect your above-ground winter pool cover

Protect the Cover

Make sure to purchase a solid heavy-duty cover with grommets if you’re purchasing an above-ground winter pool cover for the first time. Metal rings have been inserted into the holes along the cover’s edge. If you simply utilize a plastic tarp, it might not have grommets and be more challenging to fasten. If you purchase an above-ground pool winter cover, it should include a cable and a winch to ratchet down the cover. Winter covers are wrapped across rails, and cables are looped through grommets. When you ratchet it down, make sure it is snug.

Employ cover clips

In addition to the cable-and-grommet cover, we advise utilizing these. The clips only provide an additional layer of security. These are straightforward gadgets that attach to the cover immediately beneath the rail of an above-ground pool. Although they are cheap, the more you use them, the better.

Hydrate the Cover with more

A cover is subject to the wind even when secured down. It can be removed with just one strong wind under the cover, and more winds can tear it.

Only one to three inches of water on the top of the cover will be enough to prevent wind damage. But don’t forget to monitor the water level. The cover may sink into the pool water if it rains too much and accumulates too much water on top. To drain extra water, keep a pool cover pump close at hand. The same is true of snow. If too much builds up, the weight will cause the lid to drop into the pool. Make sure to clear the pool cover of any snow before it reaches that point. Also Read>>