With the return of spring comes the arrival of pool season. These methods will assist you in ensuring that you remove your above ground pool cover properly without a large amount of debris getting into the pool during winter.
How to Remove an Above Ground Pool Cover in Winter
First, you’ll need to gather all these supplies;
- Pool cover pump
- Soft broom or pool skimmer net
- Start-up chemical kit,
- Cleaning soap (car wash soap would do!)
- And of course, someone else to help you
Step 1: Clear Out Any Debris That’s Accumulated on Your Winter Pool Cover
Regardless of whether you have a normal pool cover or a winter pool cover, the first step is to remove the water, leaves, and debris accumulated on top of the cover. A submersible pool cover pump makes quick work of any surplus water that may have accumulated. If you don’t have a pool cover pump, you can use a conventional sump pump instead.
Use a soft brush or a skimmer net to collect leaves and other debris. Make sure you’re gently cleaning the pool cover. Sharp equipment or overzealous sweeping can cause harm to your protective pool cover.
Make every effort to clear away as much debris as you can. The more dirt you remove now, the less likely you’ll worry about debris falling into the water when you finally start removing the cover.
Step 2: Remove the Cover With the Help of Your Friend
After you’ve cleaned up all the mess, carefully remove the lid with the assistance of your friend. Don’t drag it, and take care to prevent any leftover debris from falling into the pool.
It is not the end of the world if a small amount of dirt and debris fall into the water. However, planning ahead might save you a lot of trouble later on when you’re ready to break out the chemicals to return your sparkling and healthy pool to its summer condition.
If you put a pool air pillow in conjunction with your cover, make sure to remove that as well. Once you safely keep it out of the pool, deflate the air pillow
Step 3: Place the Cover in a Location That Allows for an Air Dry
Locate a big, easily accessible area, such as your lawn, deck, or driveway, and lay the cover out completely flat on the ground. Ensure the site is free of sharp objects and other items that might damage or tear the pool cover.
Clean your pool cover with water, a cover soap (car wash soap also does the trick), and a pool cover brush or rubber broom.
Scrubbing the above ground pool cover must be done with painstaking care to prevent damage. You’ll extend the life of your pool cover, which may save you a significant amount of money over time because you won’t have to replace it. Make sure that your cover has completely dried out before storing it to minimize damage from moisture and mildew.
Store your winter cover in a sturdy, well-sealed plastic tub or other large storage containers to keep it safe from the environmental elements. This will prevent rats and other animals from building a nest in your costly cover or, even worse, from chewing it into pieces as they would otherwise do.
Step 4: Start Removing Winter Pool Plugs and Ice Compensators
After you’ve properly dried and stored the pool cover, you may begin removing the winterizing pool plugs. Check the areas around your pool and remove the plugs from the corners, including the return jets (also known as eyeball fittings) and the skimmer basket.
In addition, if you are using an ice compensator in your skimmer basket, make sure to remove it.
Put back the jets to the return line and reinstall your skimmer baskets. Remember to remove your skimmer plate (also known as a skimmer cover) if you have been using one throughout the winter months.
A skimmer plate prevents water out of your skimmer while allowing you to maintain your pool full throughout the winter. As soon as it is gone, the water will flow freely when you reactivate your pool’s filter system.
Step 5: Put Back Your Deck Equipment
Put back all deck gear before using your pool. This includes ladders, steps, and lifts, among other things.
Check each component for rust or other signs of wear and tear. If you have anything that appears fragile, broken, or worn out, now is the time for a new replacement.
Step 6: Prep Your Pool for Summer
Fill your pool with water, run your filter, adjust your water chemistry as necessary, and make sure that all hoses are clear of debris or kinks. Once you complete all these tasks, enjoy a refreshing dip in your water!
Tips to Folding a Pool Cover
Accordion fold or fan-folding is a convenient way to fold your pool cover. This makes it super easy to reinstall in the next winter season, so to fold your pool cover properly, this technique is something worth learning. It’s done in the same manner as folding a piece of paper to form a fan out of it.
How to Get Rid of Snow?
“I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “a stitch in time saves nine.” This concept applies when it comes to removing snow from your pool cover.“
Zagers, Pool Professionals
The deeper and heavier the snow becomes, the more difficult it is to clear away. If you deal with less snow sooner, you can prevent a situation where the snow becomes too tough to remove later. You may remove the snow from your pool cover in a variety of methods, including:
- Use a vacuum pole with a brush attachment to reach the center of the pool, or use your leaf blower to blast away any light snow that has fallen on the surface cover.
- Use a long-handled broom if there is a lot of snow buildup.
- A cover pump will remove the water from melting snow. (We recommend that you use an electric pool cover pump with an automated shut-off feature)
- Never use a metal shovel or anything with sharp edges. (A plastic shovel with smooth edges, as well as a long-handled broom, could be helpful as long as you scoop out the snow gently.)
Bottom Line
Pool covers are a cost-effective way to keep your pool clean and help protect it from winter conditions. In addition, a pool cover can extend the life of your swimming pool and save you significant money in the long run. Make sure to take a few extra precautions and follow a few basic guidelines we’ve listed above to ensure that you properly remove the pool cover before opening up for the swimming season.
Hopefully, these tips will help you extend the life of your pool cover and save you from maintenance costs in the long run. Below are more pool articles that you will definitely find useful too. Check them out!
To view more pool guides, click here. Happy Swimming!
