Yes, You Can Use Your Automatic Pool Cover as a Winter Cover if You Follow These Simple Rules

Follow a few simple rules to use your automatic pool cover as a winter cover and avoid damaging your investment this winter. 

When Jack Frost comes to town, you know it’s time to close up the pool. We often get people wondering if they can use their auto pool cover as a winter cover. The answer is yes! Your automatic pool cover doubles as a winter pool cover, but there are four important rules to keep in mind that will help protect your investment, avoid costly repairs, and make summer pool opening easier. 

Protecting your pool with an automatic pool cover this winter

Once your pool has been winterized, use these tips to keep your pool happy all winter long. 

1. The number one rule of winter automatic pool cover is to maintain proper water levels to support the cover.

Some serious damage can occur if the cover is not being supported and a load is accumulating on top of it simultaneously. Be sure to check the water level periodically through the winter to ensure the level has not dropped. By properly winterizing the skimmer, you should be able to keep the pool at its normal water level. 

An automatic pool cover is like the roof of your house—if properly supported, it can withstand snow and be used for other regular uses. If compromised, it won’t be able to hold a regular load.

2. Perform regular visual inspections 

Inspect the cover for any rips, holes, tears, or signs of wear. If the pool cover has been compromised, you can actually end up pumping water out of the pool and inadvertently lowering the water level. If you have any concerns about the integrity of your cover, call an expert for help.  

3. Do not concern yourself with a reasonable amount of snow and ice on the cover, as it will eventually melt, and the rain pump will remove it.

There’s no need to remove snow, ice, and vegetation from your pool cover unless there’s an unusually high amount. Nature will take care of snow and ice for the most part and melt come spring. In the case of an extraordinary amount of snowfall, it’s fine to scoop some off. If in doubt, give Pool Patrol a call, and we’ll be happy to advise you. 

4. Do not operate the auto pool cover in the winter

Your pool is hibernating for the season; don’t bother it. There is no reason for you to open your automatic pool cover once it’s closed for the winter. Opening it risks damage as fabric may have frozen to the pool deck, ice can damage the cover, or other unintended consequences. Do yourself a favour and don’t open the cover until pool season begins. It’s not worth the risk. 

These simple rules pay off big time in the long run when it comes to protecting your backyard investment. By putting a small amount of care into your pool all winter long, you’ll be the first to dive in come summertime and avoid costly surprises. Catch you in the spring!

Pool Patrol has been installing automatic pool covers in British Columbia since 1995. If you’re curious about installing a pool cover for your backyard, contact Pool Patrol today.