| Solid winter pool covers are by far the most | | | | get the cable up under the top rail. For in-ground |
| common type sold today. They do a good job of | | | | pools, fill the water bags or blocks about |
| protecting a pool during cold weather and | | | | two-thirds full of water and make sure they are |
| retarding the growth of algae as the weather | | | | securely in position. |
| warms prior to opening a pool. Unfortunately, | | | | Tips and Tricks: |
| improper installation destroys many covers long | | | | -Always buy a solid cover with as much overlap |
| before they should require replacement. Improper | | | | as possible. The standard 3 ft. above ground |
| installation is often the reason. Here's how to do it | | | | cover overlap in particular is a bare minimum. Four |
| right and save money. | | | | feet is better. Wind is a pool cover's worst |
| Once your pool is drained to the proper level, lines | | | | enemy. The best ways to ensure that wind |
| blown out, anti-freeze and winter chemicals added | | | | doesn't destroy a cover before its time is having |
| it's cover time. The correct way to install a cover | | | | enough overlap to more than cover the top rail. A |
| is very similar whether your pool is above ground | | | | new product called cover seal provides great |
| or in-ground. Lay the cover over the top of the | | | | insurance. Essentially a roll of industrial stretch film, |
| pool and ensure that the overlapping material is | | | | cover seal is wrapped around the top rail over |
| even all the way around. Once this is done place | | | | the cover and down the sides of the pool virtually |
| the securing hardware in position. For above | | | | eliminating any way for wind to get under a |
| ground pools this means threading the cable the | | | | cover. |
| loops or grommets and attaching the winch or | | | | -Air pillows can save you money. Don't use them |
| tightener. For in-ground pools, install the water | | | | and you'll save. |
| bags or Aqua Blocks through the retaining loops | | | | -Hanging milk jugs on a winter cover is the best |
| sewn into the cover. | | | | way to ensure you'll replace it right away. Not |
| The next step is to form the cover to the sides | | | | only does the weight of the jugs put unnecessary |
| of the pool around the entire perimeter. The idea | | | | stress on the cover, they virtually invite wind |
| is to have the cover lie on top of the pool water | | | | damage. |
| for support and stay against the sides to prevent | | | | Installing your winter cover correctly pays |
| wind from getting underneath. After the cover is | | | | dividends. Your cover will last longer and your pool |
| in properly in position, get out the garden hose | | | | will be easier to open in the spring. This is also the |
| and spray water on the cover to the depth of an | | | | method winter pool cover manufacturers |
| inch or so. This holds the cover down. At this | | | | recommend. Not following their directions could |
| point you're almost finished. For above ground | | | | void your warranty! |
| pools, tighten the cable as tightly as possible and | | | | |