A winter safety cover is a valuable investment for your residential pool. It covers the pool during seasonal closings and protects it from freezing temperatures. The cover also reduces water evaporation, saves time on pool maintenance, and lowers the energy cost of heating pool water. Below are four tips for correctly using a pool cover to protect your residential pool during the winter.

Winterize Your Pool First

Winterize your pool before installing the cover to prevent costly and taxing maintenance once the winter is over. Clean the pool to get rid of leaves, dirt, and solid particles in the water. This will make it easier to balance the water chemistry and lower the risk of algae and mold growth. Drain and store all the pool equipment to prevent damage if the temperatures fall below freezing. Finally, protect your pool water from freezing by adding anti-freeze chemicals.

Fit and Install the Cover Correctly

After winterizing your pool, prepare to install the safety cover. Ensure that the cover is properly sized to fit the pool. A cover that leaves gaps of water exposed at the edges can cause safety hazards. Therefore, choose a cover that covers all the edges.

If you have an irregular pool, invest in a custom winter safety cover that is customized to the size and shape of the structure. When installing the cover, use clips to secure the edges. You can also anchor the cover to the deck to prevent leaves and debris from slipping into the pool. 

Mark the Pool's Perimeter

Does your area experience heavy snowfall? If the pool area gets covered in snow, you won't be able to tell exactly where the edges of your pool are. If someone accidentally steps over the edge, they can fall into the pool and get injured. Mitigate these safety hazards by marking the pool cover to map out the pool's perimeter. You can use garden stakes, snow poles, or anything else that won't get buried in the snow or carried away by strong winds.

Get Rid of Any Debris on the Cover

Debris such as small branches and leaves can poke holes in the cover and render it ineffective. If the cover gets damaged, you have to patch it up or invest in a new one for the next season. Therefore, protect your winter safety cover by regularly clearing debris off the surface using a leaf blower or soft pool brush. However, don't shovel or melt snow off the surface, as these actions can damage the cover.

Consider these tips when buying a winter safety cover for your pool. For professional pool cover installation services, consult a contractor such as Budget Pool & Spa Tech Inc.