As a pool cover owner or someone interested in owning a pool cover, you can enjoy plenty of great benefits such as superb safety, a generally cleaner pool, and heat retention to save you plenty of money on your gas bill if you have a heated pool. Pool covers, especially if neglected, can have very stubborn dirt and grime buildup, leading you to wonder if you can use a pressure washer to clean them. Here’s was I earned when researching how to clean my own automatic pool cover.
Generally speaking, pressure washing a pool cover with the lowest pressure nozzle is safe. The pool cover must be thick enough to withstand the pressure being exerted by the pressure washer and any cleaners used must be non-corrosive.
Types of Pool Covers That Are Safe To Pressure Wash
Pool covers come in many shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. Some covers are seasonal, some are permanent roll-away covers, and some are even attached to hydraulic or electric motors to expand and retract at a push of the button.
Any way you slice it all types of pool covers are not cheap, and it is important that they are cleaned and maintained the proper way in order to extend the life of the cover. Pressure washing is a great way to remove dirt and grime from your cover, granted your cover can handle it.
The types of pool covers safe to pressure wash are:
Mesh Pool Covers – These covers are very popular for their small footprint, safety features, and relative cost. The holes in the mesh cover allow water to flow through and the cover usually does not touch the water, reducing the likelihood of algae buildup. Mesh Pool cover thickness is measured in threads per inch. A heavy duty mesh cover with at least 12 threads per inch. Anything matching or exceeding this specification is safe to pressure wash.
Mesh covers are generally used for safety reasons. The holes are small enough to catch an adult or child that trips or is curious about the pool. The holes are also engineered to be big enough to where it discourages children and pets from trying to walk on the cover, although the covers are usually rated for hundreds of pounds of weight if properly taut and secured.
Automatic Pool Covers – Push a button and your pool cover retracts, push another button and the pool cover expands. This is the main benefit of having an automatic pool cover. Automatic covers are a great addition to your pool if your pool and yard can accommodate the system.
These pool covers are permanently out in the weather causing plenty of dirt and debris buildup. That being said, all automatic pool covers are meant to withstand extremely harsh environments for years, so long as the cover has been properly maintained by a pool cover contractor it is safe to pressure wash.
Solid Pool Covers – These pool covers are usually thicker than your standard tarp and are used to winterize your pool. Solid pool covers should be taken off the pool and be thoroughly cleaned before opening your pool in the spring. Solid pool cover thickness is measured in mils or 1/1000 of an inch.
The typical blue general purpose tarps found at retail box stores like Walmart or Home Depot usually have a thickness of 6 mils. Heavy-duty pool covers and solar blankets have a thickness of 11-12 mils or more, and can safely be pressure washed. (Source: Creative Shelters)
How to Clean A Pool Cover
Just like their design, the way you clean your pool cover varies based on the type of pool cover you own.
Mesh Covers – Mesh covers may very well be the easiest to clean as the porous design and the fact that they do not touch the water. Generally the only thing that is required to clean off of them is pollen or a dusting of dirt.
- Remove the mesh cover from the pool and lay it cover flat (Ideally over a sloped driveway to combat pooling water.
- Connect the white 40-degree nozzle if you have one, or remove the turbo nozzle.
- At a 45 degree angle begin pressure washing from about 6 feet away in a sweeping motion.
- Allow the mesh pool cover to completely dry before reinstalling on your pool or stowing it away.
Automatic Pool Covers – These covers are definitely the hardest pool covers to clean as you cannot easily remove them and they stay in the elements the longest. It can be done though.
- Using a leaf blower and or pool rake to remove any excess debris from the cover.
- If the pool cover has any water on top of it from the rain or melted snow then use a pool pump to remove as much water from the cover as you can.
- Connect the white 40-degree nozzle if you have one, or remove the turbo nozzle.
- At a 45 degree angle begin pressure washing from about 6 feet away in a sweeping motion.
- In order to wash the center of the cover, you can retract the cover a few feet and stand in the centerline of the pool in order to reach the spots with the best pressure. Repeat the process a few more times to wash the whole cover.
- Consider using a pool cover pump in order to remove the excess water sitting on top of the cover
Solid Pool Covers – These convenient covers prevent debris from getting into your pool, and some even float right on top of your pool water to retain heat. These usually have a bit more to wash off.
- Using a leaf blower and or pool rake to remove any excess debris from the cover.
- If the pool cover has any water on top of it from the rain or melted snow then use a pool pump to remove as much water from the cover as you can.
- Lay the cover flat (Ideally over a sloped driveway to combat pooling water.
- Connect the white 40-degree nozzle if you have one, or remove the turbo nozzle.
- At a 45 degree angle begin pressure washing from about 6 feet away in a sweeping motion.
- If stains persist, use mild dish detergent and water mix to pre-treat the cover with a push broom and rewash the cover, ensuring all soap residue is removed.
- Allow the solid pool cover to completely dry before reinstalling on your pool or stowing it away.
Which Cleaners Are Safe For Pool Covers
This is simple if you have a mesh cover, or a solid cover that doesn’t touch the water, a mild dish detergent should do the trick and can be easily rinsed off. If you have an automatic pool cover then this is NOT recommended because the detergent residue could cause sudzing in your pool which is not ideal for your pool filter. My automatic pool cover manual actually specifically recommends Ivory® bar soap in order to clean any type of oil or stubborn stains.
Keeping Your Pool Cover Clean
- Check your waterline – Having the waterline touch some covers can allow water to trap dirt and debris in the center wet spot. This is where a pool cover pump can come in handy.
- When storing a pool cover for the summer, be sure to use the steps outlined above to clean the cover thoroughly and let it completely dry before folding and putting the cover away.
- Fold your cover do not roll it – Folding your pool cover using a”Z-fold” is the best way to remove it and store it as it doesn’t allow air pockets and dirt to be trapped in the rolls of the cover.
Final Thoughts
A pool cover may very well be the best pool accessory you can own. From cleanliness of the pool and keeping the water warm to unparalleled safety. Now washing it doesn’t have to be such a burden if you own or rent a power washer. Just be sure to use the lowest possible setting to get the job done.
Related Questions
Can I rent a pressure washer?
Pressure washers are available at most home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot. Prices vary depending on model selected and duration of your rental.
Home Depot Pressure Washer Rental
What is a pool cover pump?
A pool cover pump is a submersible device that removes excess water and debris from the top of a pool cover. These are common in in-ground pools and above-ground pools. There are costly but tend to be more cost-effective than hiring a pool service to remove the excess water.
How often should a pool cover be replaced?
This is dependent on the type of cover. Simple tarps could be good for just a year, while automatic pool covers can last 3-7 years. It is important to consistently check webbing for fraying and the cover itself for excessive wear. A pool cover professional should inspect your pool cover annually.
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