A pool cover is an essential accessory that helps keep your pool clean, safe, and energy-efficient. Proper storage of your pool cover during the off-season or when not in use is crucial to extend its lifespan and ensure it remains effective. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to store a pool cover correctly.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Storing your pool cover properly prevents damage from elements, pests, and mildew. It also helps maintain the cover’s integrity and functionality, ensuring it’s ready for use when you need it again. Proper storage can save you money by prolonging the cover’s life and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Steps to Store Your Pool Cover
Follow these steps to ensure your pool cover remains in good condition and ready for use when you need it:
- Clean the Pool Cover: Remove debris using a pool cover broom or soft brush, wash it with mild soap and a sponge, and then rinse and dry completely to prevent mold and mildew.
- Inspect for Damage: Check for holes, rips, or weak spots, and use patch kits designed for pool covers to repair any minor damages.
- Fold the Cover Properly: Lay the cover flat on a clean, dry surface, fold it in sections lengthwise and then again until manageable, and avoid tight folds to prevent creases.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Choose a basement, garage, or pool storage shed, avoiding places with extreme temperatures or high humidity to protect the cover material.
- Use a Storage Bag or Container: Place the completely dry cover in a storage bag or clean plastic container to provide extra protection and prevent mildew growth.
- Label the Storage: Clearly mark the storage container with a label to easily identify the pool cover among other pool accessories.
- Check Periodically: Regularly inspect the stored cover to ensure it remains dry and free from pests, addressing any issues early to prevent significant damage.
Additional Tips for Storing Your Pool Cover
In addition to the main steps for storing your pool cover, there are a few extra precautions you can take to ensure its longevity and maintain its condition. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid Sharp Objects: Keep the pool cover away from sharp objects that could puncture or tear it.
- Store Off the Ground: If possible, store the cover off the ground to avoid exposure to pests and moisture.
- Keep Away from Chemicals: Store the cover away from pool chemicals or other substances that could cause deterioration.
Let Pool Sidekick Help You With All Your Pool Needs
Proper storage of your pool cover is essential for maintaining its longevity and effectiveness. Pool Sidekick can guide you through each step—cleaning, inspecting, folding, and storing in a suitable environment—to ensure your pool cover remains in excellent condition and ready for use when you need it. By investing a little time now with the help of Pool Sidekick, you can save money and hassle in the long run, making your pool maintenance routine much easier.
Ready to prepare your pool for the off-season? Contact Pool Sidekick to get professional help both uncovering and covering your pool when the time is right.
