Can I use a tarp to cover my pool for winter?

Author: Stone O'Kon  |  Last update: Monday, June 20, 2022

Polypropylene Tarps Make the Best Pool Covers
Polypropylene tarps are strong, too, so they can withstand the weight of ice and snow that builds up over the winter.

Can you use a tarp instead of a pool cover?

An obvious solution is to cover the pool when it's not in use to keep out foreign material, but custom-made swimming pool covers can be quite expensive. An alternative option, much less expensive, is to use a large plastic or vinyl tarp, secured at the corners with tent stakes and bungee cords.

Can I just cover my pool in the winter?

Pool covers block both debris and sunlight, to conserve your winter chemicals and protect soft and shiny surfaces. And a pool safety cover as shown here, keeps your pool safe and looking great. It is recommended to use a winter cover, and 99% of pool owners who have their pool winterized do cover the pool for winter.

How do I cover my pool for the winter?

Winter cover air pillows are used to keep a solid ice sheet from forming on the surface of your pool water. Air Pillows are placed in the center of the pool, with the pool cover pulled tight over the pillow to press it into the water. Pool Pillow Pal is a $10 accessory to hold the air pillow in the center of the pool.

How do you make a tarp pool cover?

We've all been there: you go to the pool supplies shop, they try to upsell you on some crazy tarp or cover, and then the price tag kicks you right in the gut.
...
  1. Measure It Out. ...
  2. Purchase a Slightly Oversized Tarp. ...
  3. Cut Tarp to Size. ...
  4. Sew the Seams. ...
  5. Secure Your Grommets. ...
  6. Lay The Cover. ...
  7. Securing the First Half. ...
  8. Around We Go.

Do I Need To Cover My Pool For The Winter?

Will a tarp heat up a pool?

A swimming pool tarp, for example, that's black on both sides is like a giant solar panel. Because a black tarp on a swimming pool's water surface traps solar heat energy, it will eventually turn cool, refreshing pool water into a tepid, warm bath.

What size tarp do I need for my pool?

If you wish to completely cover the supporting constructions, too, then a larger tarp will be needed. If I have a pool that is 15 square feet in size, with walls three feet tall, and the pool sets 5 feet high from the ground, then I would seek a tarp that is 28 or 30 square feet in size.

Do you need to remove snow from pool cover?

Heavy snow can stretch and damage the cover, but you generally don't have to be concerned until there's two feet of snow or more on your cover. That said, more inexpensive plastic covers damage more quickly and more easily than expensive mesh or solid safety covers.

Should a winter pool cover touch water?

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. Check the water level of the pool and fill it up if it goes below 18 inches.

Can you leave Intex pool up over winter?

In warmer climates, Intex advises to keep your pool up, if you prefer. However, you must winterize the pool when keeping it full throughout the winter. If your area maintains tropical climates all year long, you may not need to winterize your pool at all, especially if you use your pool on a regular basis.

What happens if you don't winterize your 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.

What can I cover my pool with?

Swimming pool covers made of sturdy fiberglass mesh will prevent anyone from falling into the water, provided they are attached and installed properly. Some fiberglass mesh covers can hold up to 400 pounds per square foot.

How long does a winter pool cover last?

Winter Covers

A winter cover is essentially a large, oversized tarp to prevent debris from getting into the pool, and minimizes algae growth over winter. Winter covers can last on average 3-5 years and will then need to be replaced with new.

When should I take the winter cover off my pool?

There are no set rules for pool opening, and the exact time highly depends on your region of the country. Mid-March is fine after a milder winter, while April is better after a colder season.

Can snow sit on a pool cover?

High-quality pool covers can safely hold about one to two feet of snow before they start straining. If you expect a large amount of snowfall, make sure you're constantly cleaning snow off your pool cover.

Can I leave my pool cover pump outside all winter?

While covered throughout winter, water is sure to build up on the pool cover. This is when a cover pump is essential to keeping water off the cover. Automatic pumps can be left on the cover. But Aqua Pools recommends removing the pump, including the hose, and bringing it inside during freezing weather.

How do I keep my pool cover from sagging?

  1. 5.1 Keep The Middle Section Of Your Pool Cover Higher Than The Sides.
  2. 5.2 Use Heavy Objects To Keep The Edges In Place.
  3. 5.3 Fix It As Soon As You See It.
  4. 5.4 Opt For A Portable Pool Cover.
  5. 5.5 Build A Support Structure.
  6. 5.6 Use Pool Pillows.
  7. 5.7 Use H2O Bags.
  8. 5.8 Use A Pool Safety Cover.

Can I make my own pool cover?

If buying a manual or automatic pool cover reel just isn't in your budget, the good news is that you can easily and inexpensively build your own to make caring for your swimming pool so much easier.

How can I heat my pool for free?

How to heat a swimming pool for free?
  1. Using a black hose to keep your pool warm. ...
  2. Solar Cover. ...
  3. Heating your pool with solar panels. ...
  4. The benefits of solar panels as pool water heaters. ...
  5. Using dome – shaped connectors to heat your pool. ...
  6. Solar ring heaters for pools. ...
  7. Heat pool water with a floating blanket.

What is the cheapest way to heat my pool?

Here are the seven cheapest ways to heat your pool this off-season.
  1. Use a Solar Cover. ...
  2. Invest in Solar Sun Rings. ...
  3. Try Out a Liquid Solar Pool Cover. ...
  4. Build a Windproof Pool Enclosure. ...
  5. Use the Black Hose Trick. ...
  6. Snag a Pool Heat Pump. ...
  7. Combine a Solar Cover and Pool Heat Pump.

Will putting black plastic heat my pool?

Will Black Plastic Heat My Pool? Yes, as black color is a great absorber of heat. You can use black PVC pipes, black plastic garbage bags, and even duct tape to heat your pool.

What can I use instead of a pool pillow?

You may have heard pool owners recommend alternatives to pool air pillows, such as tire tubes, yoga balls, or regular innertubes.

What happens if you don't use pool pillow?

When rain, snow, and ice accumulate, and pressure builds on the cover, the ice will expand inward toward the pillow. Without the pool air pillow, ice would expand outward, putting pressure on your pool walls and causing potential damage to your cover, liner, and pool walls.

What is the purpose of a winter pool pillow?

Air Pillows are a winter closing essential for aboveground pools in colder climates. This rugged vinyl air pillow absorbs the pressure of freezing and thawing to protect the cover and walls of your pool. When your pool water freezes, the Air Pillow compresses to relieve pressure on your pool walls.

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