6 Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Pool Cover

Having a pool in your backyard is an addition to your house. It allows you, your family, and your friends to take a refreshing dip any time you want. However, having a pool in your backyard means dedicating a certain amount of maintenance not only on the pool itself but also with its pool cover.

The question is, how exactly do you clean and maintain your pool cover? Find out here:

Steps for Cleaning Your Pool Cover

There are several types of pool covers out there. However, if you want one that is easy to maintain, cost-effective, and has a long list of benefits, then going for a solar pool cover is your best option.

However, what exactly are solar pool covers?

This type of pool cover absorbs the sun's energy to heat the pool water. At the same time, it helps maintain the pool water quality by maintaining the heat and regulating the chemical balance.

Here are the general steps on how to maintain your solar pool covers:

Step #1: Remove Debris from the Cover

The first step when cleaning your solar pool cover is to remove debris from it. These might be leaves or anything that got blown into its surface.

Step #2: Hose it Down

Once the debris is gone, hose it down with water to remove dirt that’s stuck on it.

Step #3: Scrub Gently

There might be stubborn dirt on the cover that will not be removed by simply hosing it down. You need to get a gentle brush and scrub those areas thoroughly in these cases.

Step #4: Wash With Mild Detergent

For more in-depth cleaning, wash it using mild detergent. But don't do this while its in the pool. Keeping it clean will also help prevent dirt from sticking on the surface, keeping the cover clean for a longer period.

Step #5: Rinse

The last step is to rinse off the detergent that you use. This is an important step because if you don't, there will be white films on the cover surface and will eventually develop into nasty grim.

How to Maintain Your Pool Cover

Knowing how to clean your solar pool cover is great. However, ensuring its benefits and longevity does not end there because you should also know about the different ways of maintaining it. With this in mind, here are some maintenance tips for solar pool covers:

Keep it Away from the Sunlight

Yes, solar pool covers are designed to withstand the outdoor environment. However, UV rays can cause it to deteriorate faster than it should. This is why when you are not using the solar pool cover, make sure to protect it against the sunlight by keeping it away or by shielding it with a protective cover.

Store it Properly

Once the solar pool cover is cleaned, make sure to let it dry first before storing it. The best way to do this is to air dry.

You should only start folding it when it is already fully dried. It is best to fold it into four-foot widths, then roll it from one end so that it is not that big and to prevent creases whenever possible. After that, cover it with a large plastic bag or use its original shipping carton if you still have it with you.

Make sure to store it in a protected and shaded area with temperatures below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, if you have a solar roller, you will not have difficulties storing your solar pool cover. You just need to roll up the cover and put it on the protective sheet. Just make sure that your solar roller is installed in a shaded area.

Avoid Getting it Dirty

You can keep your solar pool cover in pristine condition by not getting it dirty in the first place. This means that it should not come into contact with grass and dirt. You should also trim trees that might cause leaves to fall directly on the cover and accumulate over time.

Maintain the Right Chemical Levels

One of the main reasons solar pool covers quickly degrade is the unbalanced chemical levels in the pool water. This is why you must ensure to maintain the right chemical levels in your pool.

In case the pool is "super chlorinated," it is best to remove the solar pool cover immediately to prevent it from getting damaged. You should only return it back when the chlorine levels are back to normal.

Also, take note that the solar cover will magnify the sunlight to warm the water underneath. When this happens, the warm water rises and brings a higher concentration of chlorine along with it. This is why it is recommended to time your filtration system to circulate the warm and cooler water in the pool efficiently.

Repair Damages Immediately

If you notice a tiny tear on the solar pool cover, you should not wait for it to get bigger before you start the repairs. Instead, you should fix it immediately. It is highly recommended that you have a repair kit handy in your home.

Do Not Leave it Out During the Winter Season

Another important tip that you should remember is that you should never leave the solar pool cover when the winter season starts. This type of cover is not ideal for the winter season, so leaving it out there during that time can significantly shorten its lifespan. It would be better for you to use a winter-specific pool cover that can withstand the harsh winter conditions.

Conclusion

The nice thing about solar pool covers is that they are very easy to maintain. Just refer to the steps and tips mentioned above, and you will be able to enjoy its benefits for an extended period.