Automatic Pool Covers: BC Winter Care Checklist

British Columbia winters can be unpredictable with a mix of rain, snow, hail, and chaotic freeze-thaw cycles. What does this mean for your outdoor pool? Do you drain it? Buy a winter cover? Should you keep a rain pump on it? These are all common questions.

If you own an automatic pool safety cover from Pool Patrol, there’s good news! You don't need a separate winter cover. However, you do need the proper preparation. 

We caught up with Pool Patrol’s Okanagan Regional Sales & Service Manager, Eric Miller, for a quick and easy winter pool cover checklist you can follow today.

BC Winter Basics for Automatic Pool Safety Covers

A properly installed automatic motorized cover from Pool Patrol doubles as your winter pool cover in BC. The key lies in education and preparation. Protect the plumbing first, then close the cover and leave it closed for the remainder of the season. Then, the water and any surface ice will help support the safety cover during cold snaps.

Close the pool in this sequence:

1. Drain the water below the jets.

2. Blow out the lines and cap them.

3. Install a skimmer cap over the skimmer opening.

4. Refill the pool to the usual level after everything is sealed.

5. Pull the automatic cover closed, and keep it closed!

Pro tip: If the fabric is worn out with holes, don’t rely on it as a winter pool cover. Get a quote for a pool cover repair or replacement fabric if you have any concerns.

“Make sure the water is pumped off before you try to open it. Always fill up the water level. We need it to support the snow load on top and avoid damage.”
— Eric Miller, Pool Patrol

Prevent Damage with Water Level and Pump Management

Something many people don’t realize is that we actually want our pools to freeze over, because the ice helps support the weight of the snow. One of the most common mistakes people make is draining their pool!

Water level is where most winter problems begin. Keep the water roughly halfway to three-quarters up the skimmer opening with the cover closed. The water can then support rain, debris, wildlife, and snow, relieving stress on the cover and tracks.

Check for leaks periodically throughout the winter. If the cover starts to sag, investigate when it is safe to do so. Sagging often means the water level has dropped due to a leak. If the cover is buried in snow, leave it alone until conditions improve, or call the Pool Patrol team for advice.

What about Cover Pumps?

Use a rain pump during the wet shoulder season, but remove the pump when temperatures drop below freezing. It will not help with ice, and can become a liability. Reinstall the pump in the spring when the temperatures have stabilized.

How to Handle Debris on Your Pool Safety Cover

Leaves, pine needles, snow, ice and critters are not worth stressing about because Pool Patrol’s automatic pool safety covers are designed to double as wildlife-resistant winter pool covers in BC. During winter, just leave the debris alone. The safety cover can hold it. In spring, once you have pumped excess water off the surface, cleaning is simple.

Spring clean routine:

1. Use a leaf blower to remove dry debris.

2. Rinse the pool cover with a garden hose.

3. Add a small amount of dish soap if needed.

4. Gently scrub with a large, soft brush.

5. Rinse it off with a hose, not a pressure washer!

We repeat: avoid pressure washers! If you must use one, choose a very low setting and keep a safe distance. We’ve seen people accidentally blast through their covers on high settings. Hand and hose cleaning is safer for the fabric and stitching of all swimming pool covers.

“Make sure the water is pumped off before you try to open it, and always fill up the water level! We need it to support the snow load on top to avoid damage.”
— Eric Miller, Pool Patrol

Pool Patrol’s checklist for automatic pool cover care in BC winters.

The Step-by-Step Checklist: Caring for Winter Pool Covers in BC

1. Drain below jets, blow out your lines.

2. Cap the lines and put on a skimmer cover.

3. Refill the water, maintaining the water halfway to three-quarters up the skimmer.

4. Leave your rain pump on until the freeze hits, then remove it.

5. Watch for sagging and check for leaks periodically throughout the winter.

6. Skip debris removal during winter. Clean in the spring after pumping off water.

7. Avoid pressure washers. Use a hose, a touch of soap, and a big, soft brush.

8. Pump the cover dry and refill the pool before re-opening in spring.

FAQ

Can my automatic safety cover act as a winter pool cover in BC?
Yes, Pool Patrol automatic pool covers can! If you follow our checklist, your safety cover can withstand rain, snow, and debris without requiring any additional gear or effort.

How often should I check the water level under the cover?
Look a few times each season, but don’t bother if it’s covered in snow. Sagging is a clear signal to investigate, as it’s a sign of potential leaks. 

What about above-ground or manual covers?
They follow a different strategy and should not be treated the same way. Ask your installer for specific winter steps.

Pool Patrol helps BC pool owners protect their investment with automatic covers, service, and expert advice. Contact us to book a maintenance service or ask more questions about your automatic winter pool cover.