A sagging pool cover can be unsightly in your backyard. Read this article for tips on preventing a saggy cover.
I do not know about you, but I think a saggy pool cover makes my backyard unattractive. I also find that a sagging cover quickly collects water, leading to mold and mildew growth.
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent a swimming pool cover from sagging.
Continue reading as I discuss these methods below!
Why Does a Swimming Pool Cover Sag?
Before I jump right into my tips, let us get to the bottom of the issue first. Below are several reasons your pool cover sags.
Low Water Level
Your pool cover might be sagging because of low water levels. Remember that covers are designed to touch the water surface, so always ensure your pool is full.
However, this is easier said than done. For instance, you will have to minimize evaporation as it usually causes inadequate water levels. You must also look out for leakage. And if you own an inground pool, you may want to prevent groundwater from seeping into the pool, which can decrease the water level.
Debris and Leaves
Debris is another popular reason for a droop in the pool cover. It usually collects on the surface and causes pool cover sagging.
Large amounts of dirt, leaves, branches and other materials can also weigh down the cover. Sagging pool covers are prevalent if you live in a windy area or have a pool near trees. When left alone to accumulate, they can even lead to a tear in your tarp.
Snow or Ice
Pool owners who live in cold areas can usually encounter snow or ice build-up on the cover. However, these materials are usually heavy, causing pool cover sagging.
Other types of snow, such as ice crystals, can also put unnecessary strain on pool covers. They can also be more difficult to remove than snowflakes.
Small or Large Pool Cover
An incorrect pool cover size can also cause sagging. For instance, a small cover for your pool tends to droop in the middle. On the other hand, oversized pool covers are likely to be loose around the edges. Thus, water can easily weigh it down, leading to a saggy cover. There is also the risk of strong winds blowing it away.
Improper Installation
Another common reason for sagging in the pool cover is improper installation, especially in an above-ground pool. If it is not appropriately placed on the pool, the cover can have too much tension on one side and not enough pressure on the opposite end.
It can also loosen around the pool’s edges, collecting water and debris. These can eventually weigh down the cover and cause sagginess.
Holes or Tears
Pool covers protect your swimming pool from rain, snow, and other harsh outdoor elements. While they offer durable construction, they are not susceptible to damage. They can get holes or tears, which allow water to seep through. These ultimately lead to a sagging pool cover.
Old Pool Cover
The age of the cover is another possible reason for a sagging surface in either above-ground and inground pool.
Old or worn-out pool covers usually lose their capacity to hold weight properly. Thus, they do not provide proper pool cover support structure.
How to Keep a Pool Cover From Sagging
Besides being unsightly, a sagging pool cover is potentially dangerous to children and pets. It can also fail in keeping your pool clean. Furthermore, it might be unable to maintain the water temperature, leading to increased energy or water bills.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep a pool cover from sagging. While not all pool covers are the same, try any of the tips below that seem applicable to your type of pool cover.
Ensure Proper Water Level
As previously mentioned, a low water level is among the many reasons a pool cover sags. So check the water volume in your pool at least once a week. You can inspect it more often, especially if you live in a hot area where water evaporation is common.
If you notice a drop in the water level, add more water to the pool. Those who have trouble with evaporation can invest in a solar pool cover. This type of cover not only prevents evaporation but also retains pool temperature. Thus, it can also help reduce water heater costs.
Weigh Down the Edges
Adding weight to the outer edges of the cover can eliminate loose ends and sag.
You can choose any heavy object, such as water bags and sandbags, to secure the cover in place. Position these weights around the pool cover to prevent sagging in one area.
Note: this should never be done with an automatic pool cover that is hanging from a track as it will damage the system.
Remove Debris and Excess Water
Debris and excess water can strain the pool cover unnecessarily, causing it to sag. Thus, it is essential to keep the cover clean all the time.
You can use a skimmer net with a telescoping pole to remove leaves and other trash on the pool cover surface. You can also consider a shop vac to get rid of dirt and dust in an inground pool cover.
As for removing water, manually siphoning it with a garden hose might be effective. Getting a bucket to scoop out water is another way to do it in above-ground pools.
The best option for removing excess water is to automate it with a pool cover pump. These are hose-attached submersible pumps that you leave on the cover and plugged into a nearby outlet. Check out our top picks for the best pool cover pump.
Build a Pool Cover Roof
Another effective method to prevent a sagging pool cover is to keep its center higher than the sides.
You can build a ground structure pool cover out of the pipe, steel or aluminum then cover it with vinyl. This is extremely involved and unsightly, so consider it carefully.
Once you achieve this shape, you can effectively keep water and debris off the pool cover. With the pool cover higher up, you could even use it as a shade structure for very hot and sunny days.
Adjust Sagging Immediately
Sagging pool covers should be addressed immediately. It is best to inspect your pool cover at least once a week. If any part of the cover starts to sag, adjust it as soon as possible. The last thing you want is for the sagging to get worse. You might find it difficult to reverse the damage done if it does.
Install the Pool Cover Properly
Another way to prevent a saggy pool cover is to ensure proper installation. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Pool owners who have already installed their covers can try adjusting the tension instead of completely taking them down. You can loosen or tighten the straps holding the tarp in place. Ensure it has even tension on all sides to ensure proper pool cover support structure.
Repair a Damaged Pool Cover
Pool covers with holes or tears can leak and weigh down the tarp. It also results in a low water level, which is a common cause of a sagging pool cover.
So make it a habit to check for any damage on the pool cover. Repair holes or tears as soon as you notice them to keep the pool cover from sagging. Depending on the type of damage, you can use a DIY patch repair kit or a thread and needle. The former can cover openings, while the latter can bring torn pieces together.
Consider a Pool Safety Cover
If you cannot repair a damaged cover or own an old one, it is best to get a new cover. Consider investing in a pool safety cover.
This type of cover is more durable than a traditional pool tarp. It can also keep debris out of the surface and your pool. It ultimately prevents a sagging pool cover.
Other benefits of pool safety covers are their ease of installation, extra protection, and minimal maintenance requirements.
Use a Pool Pillow
Pool owners who use a cover to close their pool deck during the off-season might be unable to prevent rain and snow build-up. Fortunately, a pool air pillow can counterweight the accumulation of these elements.
Air pillows cannot get rid of the excess water on the surface. However, these pool pillows can help disperse the weight throughout the water. Thus, they can reduce strain on one area of your winter pool cover and keep it from sagging.
Take note that pool pillows tend to lose their shape over time, especially when exposed to sunlight. You will eventually need to replace them to protect your cover and pool.
Conclusion
A saggy cover is unsightly and poses a danger to both inground and above-ground pool users. A little bit of sag is normal, but a very saggy cover can cause mold and mildew to grow on the surface and mosquito larvae to show up.
Hopefully one of these tricks will help you fix a sagging pool cover. To avoid pool water accumulating, a pool cover pump is your best option.
