How to Keep Your Pool Cover From Sagging

When it comes to pool maintenance, keeping your pool cover in top shape is essential to ensure long-term protection and efficiency. A sagging pool cover can lead to water accumulation, debris buildup, and potential damage during the winter months. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential tips and strategies to prevent your pool cover from sagging, protecting your pool and cover for the off-season.

How to Quickly Drain Water Off Your Pool Cover

One of the biggest contributors to a sagging pool cover is the accumulation of water. Here are the best methods to quickly remove excess water:

1. Use an Electric Pool Cover Pump

The most efficient way to remove water is by using an electric submersible pump. For inground pools with safety covers, an automatic submersible pump is a perfect choice. Our Top Pick for an inground pool cover pump is the AQUASTRONG Submersible Utility Water Pump. It boasts a powerful 1/3HP motor that discharges up to 2,450 gallons per hour (approximately 41 gallons per minute) and is designed for quick drainage.

How to Use:

• Attach a garden hose to the pump and place the pump at the center of the pool cover, where most of the water tends to collect.
• Plug in the pump, and let it do the work—draining water efficiently without the need for constant supervision.

2. Use a Manual Pool Cover Pump

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, a manual pump can do the trick. While it requires more hands-on effort, it’s effective for removing standing water.

3. Siphon Method

For smaller pools, or in cases where you need a quick DIY solution, a siphon pump works well, especially for above-ground pools. The siphon operates by using gravity to drain water from the cover, making it an energy-efficient option. Our AQUASTRONG Pool Cover Water Siphon offers a cost-effective solution for clearing away water without the need for electricity.

How to Clear Debris from Your Pool Cover

Leaves and debris can quickly accumulate on your pool cover, especially in autumn. Here's how to remove them without causing damage:

1. Use a Leaf Blower

Once the cover is dry, a leaf blower is the most effective way to clear debris quickly. For best results, use a Cordless Leaf Blower designed for outdoor use. A cordless model makes it easy to maneuver around the pool and clear debris without damaging the cover.

Tip: Always ensure the cover is dry before using a leaf blower to avoid damaging the material.

2. Soft Broom or Skimmer Net

If the cover is still damp, use a soft broom or skimmer net to remove debris. Be sure to handle the cover gently to prevent punctures or tears.

3. Use a Leaf Net

Investing in a Leaf Net Pool Cover can make a big difference during the fall months. A leaf net is a protective mesh that sits on top of your pool cover, preventing leaves from falling directly onto the cover. After a storm, you can easily remove the leaf net, shake off the debris, and place it back.

How to Fix a Sagging Inground Pool Cover

If your inground pool cover is sagging, the cause is usually water accumulation or improper installation. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Tighten Straps on Safety Covers

For safety covers, ensure that all straps are tight and secure. If you notice any slack, adjust the straps to ensure the cover stays taut.

2. Adjust Water Bags for Tarp Covers

For winter tarp covers, sagging is often due to insufficient water in the bags or tubes that help hold the cover in place. Make sure each water bag is properly filled to provide enough weight to keep the cover taut.

If your pool’s water level is low, adding water back under the cover can help raise the cover and prevent sagging.

3. Add a Pool Air Pillow

Another trick is to place a pool air pillow under the cover. This air pillow helps to distribute the weight of rain, snow, and debris, preventing too much buildup in the center of the cover. The pillow also helps to prevent damage from ice expansion, which is especially helpful for above-ground pools.

How to Fix a Sagging Above-Ground Pool Cover

Above-ground pool covers are more prone to sagging due to wind and lack of proper securing. Here's how to prevent it:

1. Secure the Cover with Cable and Winch

Use a winter cover with grommets designed for above-ground pools. Ensure that the cover is tightly secured using a cable and winch system, which will keep the cover in place and prevent sagging caused by wind.

2. Add Water to the Cover

Adding a small amount of water (1-3 inches) to the cover helps weigh it down, preventing the wind from lifting the cover and causing sagging.

3. Use an Air Pillow for Ice Protection

Above-ground pools should use an air pillow under the cover to absorb the pressure from ice expansion during the winter. This will prevent ice damage and help the cover maintain its shape.

Protect Your Pool Cover for Longevity

Preventative measures can significantly extend the life of your pool cover. Here’s how to protect it:

1. Remove Ice and Snow Promptly

If ice or snow accumulates on your pool cover, remove it promptly using a pool cover pump or soft broom. Excess weight from snow or ice can cause sagging or even tear the cover.

2. Regularly Check for Damage

Inspect your cover regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you spot any small holes or damage, patch them immediately to prevent the issue from worsening.

3. Keep Overhanging Tree Limbs in Check

Overhanging tree limbs can cause significant damage to your pool cover. Make sure to trim any branches that could fall onto your cover during a storm.

4. Use Aqua Blocks for Additional Weight

For inground pools, Aqua Blocks are a great addition to pool cover security. These high-density polyethylene blocks provide extra weight to keep your cover securely in place.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Sagging Pool Cover

Why does my pool cover keep sinking?

This could be caused by excess water weight, insufficient water in the pool, or improper securing of the cover. Ensure that your cover is properly tightened and that you’re using a pool cover pump to remove excess water.

How do I tighten my pool cover?

For inground pools with safety covers, tighten the straps around the pool. For tarp covers, ensure that water bags are filled, and the cover rests gently on the pool surface. For above-ground pools, ensure the cable and winch system is secure.

What’s the lifespan of a pool cover?

With proper care, a quality pool cover can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.

How do I prevent my pool cover from flapping?

For inground pools, use water bags or Aqua Blocks to weigh the cover down. For above-ground pools, ensure the winch and cable system is secure and add a small amount of water to the cover to prevent wind damage.

Final Thoughts

Properly maintaining your pool cover during the off-season is essential for protecting your pool and extending the life of your cover. By following these tips for draining water, removing debris, and securing your cover, you’ll prevent sagging and ensure that your pool is ready for the next swimming season. For all your pool cover needs, AQUASTRONG is here to provide top-quality products to help keep your pool in excellent condition year-round.