With autumn just around the corner, many commercial pool managers are thinking ahead to the long winter months ahead. Taking steps now to properly prepare your pool for winter’s “hibernation” is crucial if you want to ensure a smooth opening next spring.
At the top of your list is checking the quality of your pool cover. Since it will be used to seal in your pool over many months, your pool cover needs to withstand potentially severe weather like ice, wind, and snow. Consequently, you’ll want to make sure it’s in tip-top shape before you roll it out.
How do you know when it’s time to replace your existing cover and invest in a new one? Look for these three telltale signs:
1. Peeling and weak spots
Give your cover a close visual inspection. Do you notice any peeling or flaking? Are there patches where the material seems to have thinned? Over time, the sun’s ultraviolet rays and the daily use of chemicals can cause the material of your cover to degrade. A cover that is peeling now could weaken further over the winter and ultimately allow water and other unwanted materials, such as contaminates and debris, to seep through from the surface.
2. A brittle consistency
Effective pool covers should feel malleable and supple to touch. If the cover feels stiff and brittle, you may need to replace it. Pool fabric that has become stiff from sun, chemicals, and overuse is more susceptible to tearing and cracking over the winter.
3. Loose threads and bunched webbing
Many pool coversare constructed using stitching and webbing. Look closely at your cover and run your hands over any sewn or webbed portions. Do you see or feel any loose or cut threads? Frayed threads could disintegrate, ultimately leading to holes and cover failure. Is your sewn webbing bunched up around the strap? If so, this may cause the fabric to catch and tear. A cover with sewn webbing is only as strong as the stitching used to keep it together. If you pull gently on the webbing and it separates from the cover, your cover is probably rotting and beyond repair.
If you determine that it’s time to replace your pool cover but aren’t sure which option to choose, consider seeking professional advice. At American Pool, we offer a full range of pool services. Get in touch to find out how we can help you make the right decision.