Winter Pool Cover Problems: Catch Them Before They Cost You
Once your pool is closed for the season, the cover is the main line of defence against snow, ice, wind, and debris. If it fails, you can end up with dirty water, liner damage, stressed equipment, and even safety risks around the backyard. The trick is to catch small issues during the winter instead of discovering a big problem at spring opening.
Tears, Holes, and Worn Spots
Rips usually start small – a branch falls, a sharp edge rubs, or the cover ages and thins out. Check for small punctures, frayed seams, or larger tears near straps and anchors. Minor damage can often be fixed with a repair kit designed for your specific cover type (solid or mesh). Clean and dry the area, then apply the patch as directed. Suppose you are seeing multiple tears, very thin material, or seams that are starting to separate. In that case, the cover is likely at the end of its life, and replacement is the safer, more economical option.
Loose Straps, Hardware, and Anchors
Covers are designed to sit snug and level. When straps stretch or hardware starts to fail, the cover can sag, flap in the wind, or pull into the pool. Through the winter, walk around the pool and look for slack straps, bent or missing anchors, and areas where the cover is no longer tight. Gently re-tighten straps so the cover is firm without overstressing the material, and replace worn buckles, springs, or clips. A few low-cost parts can prevent a major failure later in the season.
Standing Water, Snow, and Ice
Rain and melting snow often collect on solid winter covers. That standing water is heavy and can stretch the cover, strain seams, and overload anchors. It is also hazardous to children and pets. The safest way to manage it is to use a cover pump placed on top of the cover and run it regularly, especially after storms or thaws. Keep the pump intake clear so it does not clog with leaves.
Snow and ice need a similar “little and often” approach. Light, fresh snow can be gently brushed off with a soft broom or a plastic shovel. Avoid metal shovels or chipping at ice, which can easily cut the cover. As temperatures rise, let ice melt naturally and pump off the water as it forms to reduce weight.
Repair or Replace?
Not every problem means you need a new cover. If the fabric still feels strong, there are only a few small tears, and hardware issues are limited to a couple of pieces, repair usually makes sense. However, when the cover is brittle, faded, or thin, seams are opening up, patches do not hold, or the cover simply will not stay tight even after adjustments, replacement is usually the smarter move. A failing cover can cost you far more in liner repairs, cleaning, and equipment issues than a new, properly fitted cover.
A Simple Winter Routine
Through the winter, make it a habit to walk around the pool after significant weather events, check for new damage, re-tighten loose straps, pump off standing water, and gently remove excess snow when it is safe to do so. A few minutes here and there can save you hours of work and hundreds of dollars when it is finally time to open the pool again.
