caring for an automatic pool coverThe majority of pool owners concern themselves with cleaning and maintaining a well-balanced pool but few worry about caring for their automatic pool cover. It may surprise you to know that just as a swimming pool needs care so too does a pool cover. Whether you’re thinking of investing in an automatic pool cover or have one but didn’t realise that care needs to be taken with it, then we’ve put together some handy tips for you to follow that will keep it in pristine condition. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and take a closer look.

Automatic pool cover – What you need to know about its care

Make a mental note to check the water level of your pool. Ideally, it needs to be at mid-skimmer level. Too much water can flood the system whereas low water will cause a sag which puts excess strain on the cover, particularly if it rains heavily for several days and causes the water to puddle.

In this event, it’s vital to remove the water load right away to avoid damage occurring to the reel components and the liner due to excessive strain. For water accumulation, you can place a cover pump on the cover to enable the water to be pumped off.

Over time, a pool cover is exposed to water from the pool. As the sun dries it out, a chemical residue can be left behind which ultimately can affect the lifespan of your pool cover. To prevent this from happening it’s recommended to clean automatic pool covers every 3 to 6 months.

The best way to do this is to reel out the cover in sections. Clean each section one at a time using by brushing it lightly with detergent. Then spray it off with a garden hose and remove excess water by pumping it off.

Every season, the reel components should be sprayed with a Teflon-based lubricant to ensure smooth running. This also helps prevent wear on the components.

The motor housing should also be cleaned once a year and an inspection of the track carried out, making sure it’s secure.

It’s also a good idea to carry out periodical checks on your automatic pool cover for rips or tears. A hole can compromise the safety of the cover so be sure to repair any rips with a patch kit as soon as possible.

When you add chemicals to your pool, leave the cover off for a couple of hours. This helps prevent premature aging of the cover.

If this all sounds a bit of a faff, why not consider our leaf and debris cover. Constructed from a mesh material it does not pool rainwater, remains taught above the pool, is naturally buoyant and doesn’t become waterlogged should it fall into the pool. Since it blocks out 80% of the sunlight maintenance of your pool is significantly reduced during the winter months. As it’s lightweight, there’s no need for a deck roller.

To find out more about our pool covers don’t hesitate to contact the pool experts at Just Covers. Our covers are custom designed and installed by our professional team.