Here are my three pool cover repair tips to restore your safety cover to its original state.
As a pool owner, I know firsthand that pool safety covers are continuously exposed to the sun and chemicals. These can pose a problem because they can lead to a damaged surface. Whether it is a hole, tear, discoloration, or a combination of the three, they can render my safety pool cover ineffective.
Fortunately, there are different methods to fix a damaged safety cover. These eliminate the need to replace it with a new product.
Below, I will share some pool cover repair tips to retain its purpose. They are relatively easy to follow, so you can conveniently do them on your own.
I will also discuss the factors that define the repair success rate.
Without further ado, let us get on with the article!
What Factors Affect the Pool Cover Repair Success Rate?
A pool safety cover can protect your pool during the off-season. It also keeps the pool water clean by preventing debris from entering the pool. However, heavy rain, snow, and other harsh outdoor elements can cause damage to the surface.
The good news is that you can repair most of these damages at home. Usually, the success rate of performing DIY pool cover repair depends on several factors.
Read on as I cover each of these elements below!
Age of the Cover
Think about how old your pool cover is. In general, you can expect it to last for ten years or more when you maintain it regularly.
If it is only a few months or years old, you can consider repairing any damage on your own. You will likely encounter small holes or minor tears that are easy to fix.
You can also check if the swimming pool cover is still under warranty. However, note that most product warranties do not cover damage due to normal wear and tear or natural calamities. These include prolonged sun exposure, heavy snowfall, and falling tree branches that may puncture the safety cover.
With that said, you can contact the manufacturer if you notice defects in material or workmanship later. You can opt to send the product to them for repair. Or you can ask for a replacement and get a new pool cover in return.
Overall, you will have a higher chance of success in repairing relatively new safety covers.
Pool Cover Repair Materials
There are different types of materials used in restoring swimming pool covers. Each one can affect the success rate of the cover repair.
It is best to use thick and water-resistant tape for patching up a solid pool cover. You can consider polyethylene tapes as they tend to match the actual pool cover material. You can also choose a reinforced aluminum PE tape for its waterproof and sticky quality. Avoid using cloth tapes because they absorb moisture and lose their gluey substance over time.
You can invest in a pool cover repair kit to fix safety pool covers that anchor into the deck. Simply remove the self-adhesive layer on the back. Then, stick the patch sheet over the damaged surface. You can also use rubber cement to glue pieces of the safety cover patch if it does not include self-adhesive. Make sure to press them together firmly until dry. Doing so can ensure the repair material can last you for a long time.
Finally, use nylon straps to repair the tears in net pool covers. If you find the tear too big to stitch together, you can buy a mesh material that matches the pool cover. Then, sew the material onto the cover with nylon thread.
Extent of Pool Cover Damage
The size of the damage can also affect the longevity of your pool cover after you fix it.
You can easily repair any holes or tears if they do not exceed six inches in size. You can also prevent the problem from reoccurring once successfully fixed.
However, you might find it difficult to restore a pool cover if it has a large rip along one side or if it has a curved tear.
When it is too much for you to handle, consider contacting a professional before buying a new one. But if they tell you that they cannot repair it, cut your losses and replace the pool cover.
Cover Repair Method
The method used is the last factor that contributes to the success of a pool cover repair.
Below are some DIY pool cover repair tips to follow for a long-lasting result.
Before anything else, make sure to clean and dry the area you intend to fix. Doing so will allow the patch to stick more successfully.
Once the area is clean, measure the size of the hole. Cut the patches accordingly to match the length of the opening. Then, leave the corners round or oval to prevent wear and tear.
After that, patch both sides of the damaged surface to ensure durability.
You might want to place something heavy on the patch. Allow it to lay flat for at least six to 12 hours.
Finally, fold the swimming pool cover and store it away in a cool and ventilated area. Never fold the cover near the patch to prevent damage from reoccurring.
DIY Pool Cover Repair Tips
By now, you are aware of the factors contributing to pool cover repair success. It is time to know how to actually repair a damaged one.
How To Patch a Hole in a Pool Cover?
Pool owners who notice a hole in their safety cover can purchase repair kits. These are available in different types. However, the most common ones you will encounter include a vinyl patch with an adhesive in the form of a sticker or glue.
Follow the instructions below to mend the hole in the cover.
- If possible, remove the pool cover from the spa or swimming pool. Handle it carefully to prevent further damage to it.
- Lay it down on the ground. Choose a relatively flat area to work on.
- Dry the area where you intend to apply the patch. You can use a clean cloth for this step.
- Apply the vinyl adhesive around the hole on your safety cover. If the kit comes with a self-adhesive, simply tear it off from the paper backing.
- Press the patch over the damaged surface. Make sure to cover the hole completely.
- Finally, wait for the next day to allow the glue to dry.
Check out some great options for patch kits in Best Pool Cover Repair Kits.
How To Repair a Tear in a Pool Cover?
If you own a mesh pool cover or net-like cover, you are more likely to encounter a tear in the surface. Fortunately, you will find it easy to repair if you know how to sew.
All you need to do is attach the two torn pieces together. Simply take a needle and an industrial-strength nylon thread. Then, sew the torn pieces to bring them together.
If you cannot use a thread and needle to repair the tear, try using a net patch. Put the patch over the torn area, ensuring that there are no more gaps. After that, proceed to stitch it up altogether.
However, it is best to replace the entire pool cover if the tears are too big for a patch cover.
How to Fix Discoloration in a Pool Cover?
You might find it difficult or impossible to fix discoloration problems for safety pool covers. But before restoring them, it is essential to understand the reason they happen.
Discoloration mainly occurs due to prolonged exposure to the sun. It also develops when the pool cover is exposed to chemical residues or mildew.
If the tarnished pool cover is due to sun exposure, then you almost have no chance to remedy the problem. Consider a replacement instead.
But if it occurs because of chemicals or dew, consider following the repair method below.
- Fill a plastic container with at least one gallon of water.
- Put a cup of bleach into the water.
- Unfold the pool cover and lay it on a flat surface.
- Soak a clean cloth or rag in the bleach solution. Then, rub off any chemical residue or mildew on the pool cover.
- Leave the safety cover to dry before storing it away or placing it back in the hot tub or swimming pool.
Conclusion
Pool covers protect your swimming pool from the sun, rain, snow, and other harsh outdoor elements. So it comes as no surprise that they tend to suffer from damages—holes, tears, discoloration—due to these factors.
Fortunately, there are different methods and ways to restore your safety pool cover to its original state. However, it is also important to understand the factors that determine the pool cover repair success. Doing so can decrease the chances of damages and repairs reoccurring in the future.
I hope this article gave you new insights and helped repair your swimming pool cover equipment. Share it with your family, friends, and other pool owners if you find it informative!
