The incoming fall brings in a few things -- like cooler air, earlier sunsets, and the unfortunate reality of having to close your pool for the season. Believe it or not, this stage is one of the most impactful when it comes to the longevity of your pool. Properly covering your pool leads to less damage in the winter and keeps your family and pets safer.

 

So how can you be sure your pool is set for the season? Aside from following best practices for pool chemistry, the most important thing is to make sure your pool is properly covered. Here are four tips that will ensure your pool is ready to dive into another season this spring.

 

  1. Clear the pool area of debris.

 

Before covering the pool, be sure it is cleared of debris like leaves and sticks, or backyard objects in or near the pool and deck. These items not only make it harder to clean the pool when it’s time to open again, but they can cause a protrusion that prevents the cover from laying correctly across the pool. If the cover does not sit properly, there is a higher risk for shifting, leaking, and wind damage to the cover and the pool.

 

  1. Check the water level.

 

Water level is crucial to your cover functioning optimally. If the water level is too low, the cover might not be fully supported in the case of snow accumulation. If the water level is too high, it might cause a wet spot that can facilitate hefty debris build-up.

Be sure to check the water level periodically throughout the time the pool is closed, as it can change over time with the changing conditions.

 

Additionally, it is always important to refer to your LOOP-LOC care and maintenance instructions and to check with your swimming pool professional.

  1. Make sure the cover is properly anchored.

 

If you have a solid safety cover, it is held in place by springs and straps attached to your deck and around your pool area. Make sure your deck is the appropriate width to properly support anchoring. Between the cover overlap, springs, and straps, you’ll need about three feet of deck material to properly secure your pool.

 

When covering your pool, be sure to keep all straps at the same level of tension -- they should be about half expanded. Periodically check on the strap tension when you are checking other things, like the water level, to make sure they do not get too loose. Luckily, that’s a simple adjustment that does not take too much time or effort.

 

If your cover is of the highest quality, you should not encounter any issues with your deck bolts. However, it is still a smart idea to check on them periodically to make sure they are secure and there is no rust or damage.

 

  1. Mark your cover, if snow is a possibility.

 

If you live in an area that is prone to significant snow, this tip is for you. If your backyard gets covered in snow, it may be difficult to tell where exactly the pool cover starts and ends if your pool is inground. That puts people and animals at risk of wandering onto the cover. Use lawn stakes, twine, poles, or anything else that’s easily visible to mark the cover line. Whatever you use, make sure it is tall enough to stand out above significant snowfall. This, paired with a high quality safety cover, will ensure that all those who are in your yard all offseason will be safe.

 

Closing Thoughts

 

Although there are a lot of things to keep in mind when closing your pool, taking these steps while preparing to close your pool is worth it. Not only will it make opening the pool next season a breeze, it will prolong the life of your pool and save you money on repairs long-term.

 

Following these tips to ensure your pool is properly covered for offseason will help you make more enjoyable pool seasons this upcoming year, and for years to come.