Normally, pool owners are mainly concerned with cleaning and maintaining their pool, but what about the automatic pool cover? Just as your pool requires care, so does your pool cover. I am going to list the most important tips to successfully care for and clean your automatic pool cover.
With a minimum amount of effort, you can extend the life of your pool cover, the motor, and other components. The housing should be cleaned out at least once per year. Make sure leaves and other debris don’t prevent water from draining out of the housing.
Periodically inspect the track to be sure all screws are secure if they become loose simply tighten with a screwdriver. Spray water in the track channel a couple of times a year to remove the potential buildup of leaves or other debris.
Throughout the year inspect the vinyl fabric for signs of wear brought on by pool chemicals, age, extreme temperature, and the sun.
Should the vinyl become brittle its ability to provide protection may be compromised and should be replaced.
it’s important to inspect the vinyl for holes or tears which can allow water to seep up from the pool and present a safety hazard. Patch kits are available from your dealer. If the stitching begins to fray the strength of the cover may be compromised and this should be repaired or replaced by your dealer.
To prevent premature aging of the vinyl the cover should remain open for at least two hours after you add chemicals to your pool. This will allow the chemicals and chemical gases to disperse.
For owners who wish to clean their cover, the operation is quite simple. First, make sure the pool water level is at the center of the skimmer opening. Start by placing the bilge pump on the cover. Next, spray water into the tail end of the vinyl and add a mild diluted cleaner.
Then gently clean a five-foot section of the vinyl with your pool brush. Open the cover five feet and repeat the process allowing the bilge pump to remove the standing dirty water. it’s important to follow these simple steps at the beginning of the pool season or whenever you need to clean the cover.
Automatic pool covers must be cleaned every 3-6 months. Spray all the reel components with a Teflon based lubricant once every season to make sure components are running smoothly. This will prevent wear on the moving parts.
At this point, you should be ready for the rest of your pool opening procedures. At the end of the pool season, a few precautions are important to protect your cover and your pool.
First, close the cover completely and put the bilge pump on the cover. Next, make sure that at least 70% of the vinyl is resting on the water. Anything less than 70% may damage the vinyl. if during the offseason support of the vinyl becomes less than 70% add additional water to the pool.
On top track systems, water bags can be added for additional protection.
Your backyard pool is a great place to play, exercise, entertain, and relax but it’s also a place where safety must come first. Responsible pool owners know that real dangers exist.
