How To Keep Above Ground Pool Cover From Sagging

A pool cover can be a great asset to your pool. It’ll prevent leaves, dirt, and other debris from falling into the water. In addition, it keeps the water warmer in the winter and reduces evaporation in the summer.

However, your pool cover must be well-fitted for maximum effectiveness. A sagging or drooping pool cover won’t provide any of these benefits. In fact, it’ll also leave children without supervision at risk of drowning when they climb on top of it.

Here are some tips on how to keep above ground pool cover from sagging so you can enjoy your pool worry-free!

What causes pool cover to sag?

Improper installation

The most common reason a pool cover will sag is from improper installation. If your pool cover isn’t installed correctly, it can cause the elastic to stretch and lose its tension. When this happens, the cover will not be tight enough to keep debris out of your pool.

Weather conditions

Weather conditions can also be a factor in sagging covers. The most common culprits are wind and rain. Usually, the wind will just push your cover off its track or damage it, but rain can cause problems as well. When precipitation falls on a pool cover and pools underneath it, it weighs down the material and causes it to sag.

Weight of debris

The weight of debris and leaves can cause a pool cover to sag, which could hamper the effectiveness of the cover. And while some materials may be able to withstand the load, others won’t stand up to the pressure.

Old/damaged pool cover

A sagging pool cover might also mean a problem with the material. Deterioration and age make materials like metal and vinyl become weak and brittle. If no action is taken, these materials can start to break apart and get caught on other objects in the pool.

Low water level

The water’s buoyancy is what keeps the pool cover up. So, when the water level is too low, it causes the cover to sag.

How to prevent pool cover from sagging

Use springs or weight to create tension

If your pool cover doesn’t stay taut, it may need to be stretched out or tightened with springs. Well, you can buy these at many hardware stores or online. Another way to stretch the pool cover is by attaching weight, like cinder block, to the corners.

Use correct pool cover size

Pool covers are installed to accommodate the specific dimensions of the pool. So, they must be properly fitted, or they can sag in places. To prevent this problem, install a properly-sized cover that fits tightly over the pool and maintains a tight seal.

Choose high-quality pool cover material

The best way to prevent pool cover from sagging is to use a product designed for this purpose. A lot of people use pool covers made of vinyl, which are very heavy and will not sag. These are the most popular type in the market today. You can also try using polyester or polypropylene fabric instead of vinyl, but these are more expensive.

Fill the pool with enough water

A low water level will cause sag because there’s not enough water for it to float properly. If you find that your cover has started to sag, fill up the pool with enough water to bring the water level up to its normal level. Well, it’s super important to make sure the water level is at least 3 inches below the top of the pool cover. You can use a ruler to measure this.

Use a sturdy support structure

For the best results, it’s important to make sure your pool cover is supported by a strong, sturdy structure. The best way to do this is to set up an A-frame over the center of the pool with PVC pipes.

The supports are installed at the corners of the pools, and they’re bolted to the deck. To prevent sagging, you may need to secure the top of the frame to something that won’t move like a tree or column.

The pool cover support structure is not only a practical solution to the problem of sagging pool covers, but it also looks great. They come in various colors, which means you can complement your pool with the same color as the rest of your patio.

Install portable pool cover pump

A portable pool cover pump is an excellent investment for any pool owner. It’s a much better, more convenient option to manually pumping your cover back into place.

A portable pump will keep the water circulating, preventing any possibility of water stagnation. Plus, it’s able to be used on any size of pool and with any type of pool cover.

Use pool pillows

One way to prevent sagging is by buying a pool pillow to put on the cover. Pool pillows are common in pools, but you can also buy them specifically for use with your pool cover. These pillows will help regulate the weight of water on top of the pool cover and will keep it from sagging. They are easy to install and only need to be replaced every one or two years.

Also, you can use DIY solutions, such as floating plastic rain barrels.

Use pool safety covers instead

Pool safety covers are a great way to provide cover for your pool when it’s not in use. Unlike traditional pool covers, they’re made of a stronger heavy-duty vinyl material that will never sag under the weight of a swimmer or pet that jumps on it. In fact, it’s a great tool for preventing children from getting into the pool or pets jumping in.

Do regular inspection

After a rainfall or snowfall, check your cover and make sure it’s adequately stretched out to prevent wrinkles from forming. It’s also a good idea to have a professional come out once a year to inspect your pool cover and make any adjustments that may be necessary.

Conclusion

There are many techniques to keep above ground pool cover from sagging. However, ensure you use a cover that’s specifically designed for above ground pools. Also, ensure it’s heavy enough. For example, if you can see an arch over the top of the pool when the cover’s on, then the cover may not be heavy enough. Also, do regular inspections to avoid bigger problems that might cost you more.