Home Safety
A pool safety cover is a cover you install on the top of your swimming pool to protect the pool, but more importantly, to protect yourself, your loved ones, and animals from accidentally falling into the pool. If you are keeping your pool safety cover on for a long time, it eventually becomes dirty, which is not appealing but can also damage the cover. In this article, I will show you how to clean pool safety cover. There are several types of pool safety covers, and I will guide you on how to care and maintain them.
The Types of Pool Safety Covers and How to Clean Them
There are different types of pool safety covers. Each one requires a different way of cleaning. You need to check which pool safety cover you own before cleaning to avoid damage and hassle.
Solid Swimming Pool Safety Covers
Solid pool safety covers are one of the most common safety covers. They are made with solid vinyl, and one advantage to them is no sunlight can pass through. This is important if you live in warmer climates or during spring because the lack of sunlight will prevent algae growth in the pool. Solid pool safety covers do not allow any water out of the pool, so the pool will be cleaner and less likely to be a cause of accidents.
Follow these steps to know how to clean pool safety cover if it is a solid type of cover:
- Regularly check the waterline. Heavy debris, rainwater, and snow can put a strain on the cover and may force the safety cover below the waterline.
- Use a garden hose, pool brush, cover pump, and mild detergent to clean the pool. Apply detergent on top of the safety pool cover, wet with the hose, and use a pool brush to scrub the top. Rinse with the hose and remove any accumulated water with the cover pump.
- If you find any mold developing on your pool safety cover, use a water and bleach solution to treat the mold and rinse off with your garden hose.
- Regularly check for rips and tears.
Mesh Pool Safety Covers
Mesh pool safety covers are another popular type of safety cover, and they typically cost less than solid pool safety covers. This type of cover is made of mesh, but a disadvantage is they let water and light pass through. However, they are lighter and require less maintenance compared to solid pool safety covers.
Follow these steps on how to clean pool safety cover if it is a mesh type:
- Regularly check the pool cover for any rips and tears.
- Check the spring tension regularly and make sure it is set to at least half compression.
- Use a telescopic pole to remove heavy debris.
- If you spot any mold development, use a solution of bleach and water and scrub it over the moldy area. Rinse it out with a garden hose.
Solar Pool Safety Covers
Solar pool safety covers are growing popularity thanks to their benefits, such as easy water loss and heating. They are similar to solid pool safety covers, but they are constructed with thousands of tiny bubbles that act as isolated greenhouses and trap heat. The trapped heat prevents heat loss in the evening and allows for instant evaporation during the day.
To know how to clean pool safety cover of this type, follow these steps:
- Before installing the solar cover, make sure to clean and hose it off to take off any leftover chemical residue.
- Use water from a garden hose only to clean your solar cover. Gently scrub with a soft brush.
- When you are not using your solar pool safety cover, make sure to keep it away from sunlight.
Automatic Pool Safety Covers
An automatic pool safety cover is a fantastic thing to have if you can afford it. This requires less effort on your part, as all you have to do is switch it on, and the cover will slide it itself over your pool. They are made of the same heavy vinyl as solid pool safety covers.
- Before switching your automatic pool safety cover on, make sure the water levels are correct. The water should be mid-skimmer level. If there is excess water, it can flood the system of your automatic safety cover.
- Remove any heavy debris using a telescoping pole and brush.
- Apply detergent, brush lightly, and spray with a garden hose to remove any dirt from the safety cover.
- Place a cover pump on top to pump off any water.
What Not to Do When Cleaning A Pool Safety Cover
Now that you know how to clean a safety pool cover, it is also important to know what you should not do when caring for your pool safety cover.
- Do not walk on top of the pool safety cover unless you need to. Only walk on top when you need to clean the drain panel or clear the surrounding area. Walking on top of the cover puts unnecessary strain on the cover and can damage the pool or cause accidents.
- Do not add chemicals to the pool through the cover. Pull back a corner of the cover and add the chemicals through that spot. In case you get any chemicals on the cover, rinse it with water immediately.
- When installing or removing the cover, do not drag the cover on the ground, or else you will get tears and scratches.
- Make sure the safety cover is completely dry before storage to avoid mold and mildew. Here’s how to learn more about Pool Safety.
Conclusion
A swimming pool is a great thing to have in your backyard, but you also need to know how to care for it properly. This includes the installation of a pool safety cover. Your job does not end with putting on a safety cover, though. You also need to know how to clean pool safety cover, which I hope you have come to understand with this article. Always prioritize safety when it comes to your swimming pool.