Should you cover an above ground pool in the winter?

Should you cover an above ground pool in the winter?

Must You Use a Winter Pool Cover? No, but winter covers protect your pool from stains, algae growth and poor water balance that could damage pool surfaces. Pool covers block both debris and sunlight, to conserve your winter chemicals and protect soft and shiny surfaces.

Can you use a tarp as a winter pool cover?

CCS polypropylene mesh tarps are the best tarp for pool covers. They do an exceptional job blocking sunlight, which is essential for preventing algae growth when chemicals are not being added regularly. Polypropylene tarps are strong, too, so they can withstand the weight of ice and snow that builds up over the winter.

What size winter cover do I need for my pool?

Measure the size of the pool. If you have a non-standard pool size like a 12’x19′ oval, 15’x28′ oval, or 25′ round, you’ll need a pool cover that is equal to or greater than the length and width (or diameter, for round pools) values of your pool.

How tight should a winter pool cover be?

drum-tight
Safety covers should be drum-tight, with only a slight deflection in the middle. When covers are too loose, leaves can blow under easily, and a high water level in springtime quickly traps leaves and turns your cover into a giant tea bag.

Do they make hard covers for above ground pools?

Hurricane Above These covers can be customized to fit on above ground pools with no decks, partial decks or full decks. They come with the proper amount of water bags and a center drain that allows any rain water to simple go down the drain. No more cover pumps or siphon hoses ever again to worry about.

Can I let my above-ground pool freeze?

There is not much we can do to alleviate the negative effects of ice, including ice damage to pools. However, we can take precautions. Properly winterizing your above-ground pool with an Ice Equalizer pillow plays a huge part in preventing ice damage. It must take place upon pool closing before the water freezes over.

Should a winter pool cover touch the water?

Your pool water level should not be too low, as the water must support the cover in situations where you receive a heavy snowfall. At the same time, ideally you don’t want the water to touch the underside of the cover under general conditions as that contact will create a wet spot where debris will accumulate.

How much are winter pool covers?

How much does a winter pool cover cost? Winter pool covers are among the least expensive inground pool covers and cost around $50 to $175 on average. That price can easily increase to more than $300 for thicker, more durable covers with longer-lasting warranties.

Should a pool cover touch the water for winter?

The cover is designed to touch the surface of the water. So your pool should always be filled when covered, and the water level should never go below 18 inches from the top of the pool.

What happens if you don’t winterize pool?

Without winterizing your pool, the water could turn green with algae. If the chlorine system stops functioning, you’ll say adieu to the beautiful blue pool you know and love. Come spring, your pool will be a homely sight and cause a real dent in your wallet. Bacteria that feed on algae could even cause health risks.

Do I need to run my above-ground pool pump in the winter?

Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend you run your pump run at least 4-6 hours a day during the fall and winter months. The daily cycle can be divided into multiple cycles, but each cycle should be no shorter than 4 hours, for all the water to pass through the filter at least once.

What is a pool blanket?

A traditional solar blanket or solar cover is a large sheet of plastic, used to maintain water temperature by reducing heat evaporation. Covered in air-filled bubbles (much like bubble wrap), the solar blanket or solar cover sits on the surface of your pool creating a barrier and reducing water evaporation.