Preparing Your Pool for Winter Closure
As the summer days fade and the temperatures drop, it’s time to think about closing your swimming pool for the winter. Properly covering your pool is essential to prevent leaves, dirt, and debris from contaminating the water. Enlisting the help of a friend is crucial during this process; otherwise, a sudden gust of wind could cause the cover to fall into the pool, making it heavy and difficult to retrieve.
To successfully cover your above-ground pool for the winter, start by placing an air pillow in the center of the water. Then, with assistance from friends positioned around the pool, carefully spread the cover over the surface and ensure the edges are securely wrapped over the pool’s sides. Finally, tighten the provided cable to ensure the cover fits snugly against the walls of the pool.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Place an air pillow in the center of the pool to help with water drainage.
- Thread the cable through the holes around the perimeter of the swimming pool cover.
- With the help of one or two others, carefully position the cover over the water.
- Ensure the cover is evenly wrapped over the edges of the pool.
- Use the winch, typically included with the cover, to tighten the pool cable until it is secure.
- Optionally, wrap a winter cover seal around the pool to reduce debris entry and enhance cover security.
Essential Preparations Before Closing Your Pool
Before placing the cover on your pool, make sure to complete all necessary preparations. This includes thoroughly vacuuming the pool, sanitizing the water, and ensuring it’s the right time to cover the pool. Covering your pool too early, without proper preparation, can lead to issues when the swimming season resumes. For more detailed guidance on end-of-season pool care, refer to my article on closing your swimming pool.
Advantages of Using an Air Pillow
While it’s not mandatory, using an air pillow on the water’s surface before placing the pool cover is highly advisable. The air pillow raises the center of the cover, reducing stress on the pool walls from accumulated precipitation, such as snow, ice, and rain. This added elevation helps prevent excessive weight from pushing down on the sides of the pool, which can cause structural stress over time.
If you don’t have an air pillow on hand, you can choose to skip this step, but investing in one is relatively inexpensive and can enhance your pool’s winterization process. You can tie strings to both sides of the air pillow to anchor it to the pool walls, ensuring it remains centered.
Understanding Pool Cover Cables
Your new pool cover will most likely come equipped with a cable. Attach this cable to the cover before you place it over the pool. This can easily be accomplished by weaving the cable through the eye holes along the cover’s edge. It’s crucial to ensure that every hole is utilized to provide maximum security. Once the cover is in place, this cable will help tighten the cover, ensuring it remains securely fastened against the elements.
Installing a Winter Seal Cover
As a final touch, consider adding a winter cover seal around the pool’s perimeter. This seal helps block wind from bringing debris like dirt, leaves, and grass into your pool water. To apply it, have a friend hold the roll while you walk around the pool, wrapping it around the edge until the entire roll is used up. Depending on the pool size and the seal roll, this may take three to six laps. The main advantage of this step is the enhanced protection it provides against unwanted contaminants and the added security it gives to your pool cover.
Selecting the Right Pool Cover
When purchasing a pool cover, remember that quality and durability can vary widely. A good cover can last anywhere from a few seasons to over five years, depending on care and maintenance. Spending a lot of money doesn’t necessarily guarantee a longer lifespan; many budget-friendly options perform just as well. For example, I currently use the Robelle 24-foot cover for my pool, and it works flawlessly. Make sure to choose a cover that fits your pool size, and remember that it’s often a bit larger than the pool itself for a better fit.
My recommendation is to opt for an affordable cover that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Regardless of the price, proper storage during the off-season will ensure it lasts longer.
Conclusion
Covering your pool is an essential step as colder temperatures arrive. By investing in a decent cover, an air pillow, and enlisting a friend’s help, you can easily secure your pool for the winter months. Once your pool is covered, you can rest assured until it’s time to prepare for the next swimming season. Don’t forget to check out my pool closing tips for more guidance, and keep the spirit of swimming alive!
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