Should I put a cover on my above ground pool?

Author: Lauryn Block MD  |  Last update: Thursday, June 16, 2022

If you don't cover your above-ground pool, it's going to get dirt, leaves, and other debris in it. Even if you don't have any trees nearby, the wind will still blow debris into the water.

Should you cover above ground pool every night?

You should cover your pool every night for several reasons. First off, a pool cover saves energy and conserves water by decreasing the amount of make-up water. Also, it reduces the consumption of chemicals, and finally, it saves a lot of cleaning time since it keeps the debris out of the pool.

Do you really need a pool cover?

A pool cover reduces the amount of UV light coming into contact with the water. This is an important advantage as the pool chemical chlorine is degraded when exposed to UV light. This means you won't be required to add as much chlorine, which can save you time to refill and money purchasing the chemicals.

Do you cover an above ground pool when it rains?

When preparing your pool for a storm, leave it uncovered. Installing any kind of cover across the pool will not do much to protect against dust and contaminants because storms often bring strong winds and heavy rain that can cause the cover to lift off your pool.

Should I cover my above ground pool in the summer?

We recommend it, yes. A pool cover does much more than just cover your pool in the winter. It can keep heat in your pool, keep leaves out of the pool, and save your chemicals and water from evaporating.

How To Cover Your Above Ground Swimming Pool For The Winter

Does leaving a pool cover on cause algae?

So while a solar cover won't actually 'turn your pool green', it will warm your water by up to 8 degrees, so if the other conditions are right, adding a solar cover can easily accelerate algae growth, very rapidly. You need to get the water balance in your pool right before putting the cover back on.

Should you leave a pool cover on during the day?

In short, pool covers do not need to be kept on pools during the day. By covering the pool at night and uncovering it during the day, you can save time heating your pool's water. Because dry, windy weather may increase evaporation, it is recommended to remove the cover only on humid, sunny days.

Should you cover pool at night?

Covering a heated swimming pool at night will reduce heat loss. That means warmer water, which is what anyone who has ever gone swimming in a chilly pool can tell you is very important.

How do I protect my above ground pool from rain?

Just follow the simple steps below to protect your pool against possible damage caused by high winds and heavy rainfall.
  1. Don't Drain the Pool Water.
  2. Turn Off Power and Tie Down or Remove Equipment.
  3. Remove Pool Cover and Balance Your Chemicals.

Does covering a pool make it warmer?

Insulating the Pool Water from Heat Loss

Air bubbles in the pool cover act as an insulator in a similar way that your thermos would keep water warm. A pool cover will, therefore, keep your pool water warmer for longer.

Will a pool heat up faster with the cover on?

Even the more transparent pool covers filter out a good amount of energy going to the pool. If your ambient temperature is decent and there is not much wind, leaving the pool cover off will heat the water faster (and not just heat the cover and the water near it).

Will an above-ground pool freeze?

After you Winterize your above ground pool , there's typically another 2 or 3 months before we all enter the fully dormant time of Winter and early Spring. During this time, leaves fall, the first freeze of the season occurs, and the occasional Winter storm can wreak havoc on the outdoors and, in turn, our pools.

How do you cover an above-ground pool with a deck?

3 Ways How To Cover An Above-Ground Pool With A Deck
  1. Winterize Your Pool With A Solid Cover.
  2. Use A Mesh Pool Cover If You Get Lots Of Rain.
  3. Use A Solar Cover In The Summer.
  4. Why You Should Cover Your Pool.

Do you have to put a winter cover on your pool?

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.

When should I take the cover off my pool?

After 24 hours of circulation test your pool water for PH and Chlorine and adjust accordingly. The chemical levels should be PH 7.2 – 7.6 ppm and chlorine 1.5 – 2.0 ppm. Take your swimming pool cover and water bags out to the driveway remove all debris and wash them, let them dry out fold and store for the fall.

What temperature is too cold for a pool?

No matter where you're swimming, avoiding water below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb for the average swimmer. The truth of the matter, though, is that 70 degrees is still pretty chilly. You'll probably have a better time if you wait for warmer water. In fact, you'll be safer, too.

Should you cover your pool after you shock it?

Never close the cover immediately after shocking the pool. It is recommended to wait several hours before closing the cover. Use a test kit to regularly test the pool water. If the tests results are good, this does not imply the water chemistry was good prior to your current test results.

How many hours a day should you run your pool pump?

The rule of thumb is generally 8 hours, although it could be anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on your pool's size. Each pool is unique, so to keep your pool pump efficient and effective, you need to figure out exactly what your pool's turnover rate is.

Can you leave a pool cover on all the time?

The longer you leave your pool cover on, the more likely it is to tear and rip. The elements put stress on your pool cover which can then lead to damage. Additionally, debris and animals can cause rips and tears too. Be sure to take good care of your pool cover to keep your water clean and clear.

Can above-ground pools survive winter?

It's possible to leave your above-ground pool up all winter with the water in it, since draining it completely may cause it to collapse. However, several steps and precautions are necessary to keep your pool safe through the winter.

What happens if you don't winterize your above-ground 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.

Why do you need a pillow in an above-ground pool?

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.

Do pool covers work?

Pool covers reduce the amount of UV light coming into contact with the water. This is an important advantage as the pool chemical chlorine is degraded when exposed to UV light. This means you won't be required to add as much chlorine, which can save you time to refill and money purchasing the chemicals.

Can you put hot water in a paddling pool?

The easiest way to heat up water in a paddling pool fast, is to simply cover it with a couple of bin bags. The unlikely household essential should be placed over the water in the pool and left for 45 minutes. The material warms up the water quickly and it stays warm for the rest of the day in the sunshine.

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