How To Keep Pool Cover From Sagging

Can we all agree that sagging pool covers are downright frustrating?

For years, I’ve tried so hard to keep my pool cover just as taut as it was in the beginning. But all in vain! My relentless internet browsing sessions, too, didn’t do much to help. And that’s when my then neighbor, now good friend, Jane moved into my block.

Being a swimming pool enthusiast, she had all the knowledge to help solve my problem. So, on one autumn afternoon, I invited her for lunch and sought her help in fixing my sagged pool cover. As she walked me through the many reasons for a sagged pool cover and DIY ways of keeping it firm, I decided to document it all.

Hey there! I’m Stacy Smith, and today, I have curated this short yet detailed guide on how to keep pool cover from sagging. By the end of it, I am sure all your queries will get resolved.

Now, let’s get the ball rolling!

How To Keep Pool Cover From Sagging

Before I get into the thick of things, it may be useful to know that you will find various pool covers on the market according to your needs. I opted for a leaf cover to keep my pool clean before the onset of winter. Likewise, different covers serve different purposes. To check out some top picks, check out this top pool cover guide.

However, the various factors that result in sagging of a pool cover remain the same, irrespective of the type. Here’s a list of things that you should be wary about and what you can do to prevent it:

1. Dropping Water Levels

One of the very first things that help in avoiding a cover from sagging is the correct water level. Ideally, the level of water should not be lower than 18 inches below the pool deck. This ensures that the cover has adequate support to tolerate any buildup, such as snow or rain puddles.

Naturally, a lowered water level puts excessive strain on the cover, resulting in sagging or even tears. Hence, it’s highly recommended to regularly use winter plugs for the jets and drains, which, in turn, maintains the water level throughout.

2. Snow And Leaf Buildup

In my case, leaf buildup is a major problem (since Texas receives very little snowfall), which has affected the tightness of my pool cover for quite some time. The important thing to note here is that you should never try to scrape the leaves with a sharp tool, like a leaf rake, since that can cause even more damage.

Depending on the size of the pool, invest in a leaf blower to get the job done without inviting any extra trouble. Alternatively, you can also opt for a leaf net to put above the existing cover. In that case, you can remove it to clean the leaves, and put it back on.

Similarly, wait for the ice or snow to melt, and never lay hands on a shovel or ice pick. Additionally, you can assist the melting process by sprinkling pool salt across the cover. When there are no more ice lumps visible, pump out the resultant water using a pool cover water pump.

Long periods of unattended debris can form a breeding ground for worms, that in turn, invites birds that can peck through the cover.

3. Losing Tightness

Mesh covers (made from mesh sewed on supporting metal grids) are true-all rounders, as they can prevent snow, water and leaves from building up on the water surface. Not only that, but they also reduce the risk of children and pets from accidentally falling into the pool.

The standard practice is to keep mesh covers tightly stretched across the pool, with the tightness closely resembling a trampoline. Although they retain optimum tautness after the first few days of installation, it’s not unusual for them to become loose over time.

So that you don’t speed up the declining tightness, be extra careful not to put any undue pressure on the mesh. For instance, keep your toddlers or pets from intentionally walking over these covers.

Furthermore, for mesh covers that employ springs to remain stretched, tighten the springs if you notice even a slight sag. Most packages come with written instructions to do that, so don’t throw them away!

4. No Heavy Objects

Despite putting your best efforts to clean any buildup or tighten the springs, the cover may already begin sagging. In such cases, don’t try to secure them with heavy objects like bricks, as they can slip into the pool, causing damages and injuries.

Instead, patiently clean the existing accumulation, if any, and pull the cover as tight as possible before securing it again. Apart from that, you can also use water tubes that are primarily built for securing pool covers.

While doing so, ensure that there are little to no wrinkles, which may cause the cover to tear in extreme cases.

5. Proper Installation

Installing a pool cover requires considering various settings and factors. As such, the job is best done by experts. If you’re a first-time user of pool covers, I’d recommend taking professional help, as incorrect installation can lead to sagging. Plus, mistakes during the installation are generally more difficult to rectify.

Summing It Up

So, what is the key takeaway from all this? If you ask me, I’d say maintaining a pool cover isn’t the most challenging job, but requires attention, patience and time. Don’t expect or try to get through it in a jiffy!

Having said that, some situations may require professional help. For example, if your area experiences heavy snowfall and you aren’t good at handling machines, hiring a professional to clean the accumulated snow is always advisable.

And on that note, here are two handy pro tips: first, start removing any buildup from the moment you notice it. This will save you from cleaning a large amount of accumulation in one go.

Second, use pool pillows or floating plastic rain barrels to provide additional support for the pool cover.

With this, it’s time for me to take your leave. I hope that keeping your pool cover from sagging has now become a little easier.

See you next time!