How to Clean Your Pool Cover?

A dirty pool could ruin your swimming experience. A soiled pool cover is a breeding ground for mold, debris, and algae, and can lead to costly repairs. Regularly cleaning your pool cover can prevent damage, mold, or mildew, extending its lifespan and ensuring clear water. You will learn in this blog a simple and effective method on how to clean a pool cover and make it like new.

Why Cleaning Your Pool Cover Matters 

Just like you clean your pool, clean your pool covers. This leads to a risk of algae, mold, and pool contamination. It destroys the cover, making it less durable, and wears it out.

• Cleaning your pool cover is essential because it has many benefits.
• Dirt, debris, and chemicals clog up and wear down the pool cover a lot, even though they do not remove any of them.
• Pool covers neglected grow mold, and that actually can be hazardous to health.
• A clean cover prevents contaminants from leaching into your pool. It thus maintains ideal water quality.
• A well-maintained cover lasts longer, saving replacement costs.
• A clean pool cover looks much better than a dirty one. 

When Should You Clean Your Pool Cover 

You have to clean the pool cover twice in summer and winter. One is when you are opening the pool, and the other is at the end of the closing season. Cleaning has to be very rigorous, as the cover becomes spotless when you do it correctly.

Types of Pool Covers and Cleaning Considerations 

Pool covers come in different materials and types. They are categorized as automatic or manual. The most common pool covers are:

• Mesh: It’s anchored to the sides of the pool via springs and anchors. It features tiny holes that filter water, so you don’t need to remove stagnant water now and then. Mesh pool covers are adjustable and fit any shape or design of the pool. It is lightweight, making it easy to store. However, regular clogging happens as debris can clog the holes of the mesh.
• Vinyl: It is the most durable and would serve for a longer period compared to the other types. It is moisture- and humidity-resistant, making it the best pool covering in a temperate climate. Always avoid using acidic cleaners on it because they would damage the cover of the pool.
• Solar: These are large plastic bubble wrap-like covers and are made for trapping heat and reducing the evaporation of water. 
• Winter: Winter covers for pools are installed with high-quality UV-resistant covering material like vinyl that protects the pool from weatherization and dust.
• Manual: These require manual effort to cover and uncover the pool.
• Automatic: An Automatic pool cover is an electric system that automatically opens and closes. They are convenient, efficient, and protect the pool from water loss and debris entry.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• Soft brush
• Hose 
• Mild soap (dish soap is preferable to expensive cleaners)
• Bucket 
• Leaf blower

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Pool Cover

Follow the steps below to clean your pool cover the right way.

Step 1: Remove Excess Debris 

Use a broom and a leaf blower to sweep a pool cover and get rid of dirt and debris. It could avert the entry of dirt into the water if performed prior to covering removal.

Step 2: Lay Out Your Cover

Place the pool cover on a clean, flat surface. Avoid rough surfaces as they may damage the cover.

Step 3: Choose Your Cleaning Solution

Use a mild soap to remove general dirt. For mold, use diluted bleach or vinegar. Be careful when handling bleach. 

Step 4: Scrub Gently 

Using a soft brush, gently scrub the cover. Avoid being rigorous as it may damage the cover. Work on the cover part by part.

Step 5: Rinse, Rinse, Rinse!:

Rinse out both sides of the pool cover thoroughly to get rid of soap or chemical residue. 

Step 6: Dry Completely

Let the pool cover dry. Store only once it is completely dry, because this prevents mold, mildew, and smells. Dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area. 

Step 7: Inspect for Damage 

Inspect the pool cover for damage once it is dry. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Here are the mistakes of most pool owners in their pool cover cleaning: 

• Do not use bleach because it will certainly damage the pool cover. Most likely, it is going to harm the cover if it is vinyl.
• Use a mild solution instead.
• Pressure washers are not recommended as they may damage the pool cover and make holes. A simple hose is sufficient. 
• Do not store a wet cover as it may contribute to mold or mildew formation. Let it dry completely. 
• Always keep a check on your pool cover and inspect it for any necessary repairs. Failing to maintain equipment can lead to high-cost maintenance in the long term.

Specific Tips for Different Pool Cover Types 

Cleaning a Solid Winter Pool Cover:

If you have a winter pool cover, focus on removing heavy debris and standing water. You must dry it thoroughly before folding.

Cleaning a Mesh Pool Cover:

A mesh cover can act as a filter, preventing larger debris from entering the water. But it can get clogged with minute particles such as pollen or dirt. Hence, it will need scrubbing and washing to remove contaminants.

Cleaning a Solar Pool Cover:

Wipe the solar cover gently to prevent damage to the bubble material. Strong chemicals should be avoided, as they could harm the material.

How to Store a Clean Pool Cover Correctly 

Store the pool cover correctly after cleaning it. Store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Use storage bags or breathable containers for storage. Do not use sealed plastic containers; moisture in the cover may lead to mold growth.

The Key Takeaway 

Cleaning pool covers thoroughly will aid in maximizing your swimming experience. Gently clean and store these covers properly to prolong their life and prevent maintenance, so that it becomes easier to care for pool covers. Pool cover cleaning is quite simple. 

However, a neat pool cover maintains the clear water throughout the cleaning cycle, while a neat pool makes it easier to keep clean throughout the season. Consider using a robotic pool cleaner to efficiently manage dirt and debris in your pool, reducing the amount of organic matter that might eventually find its way into your pool.