Pool covers are a great way to protect your pool when not in use. However, the cover must be the proper size for your pool to be effective. Unfortunately, if you purchase a pool cover that’s too big, it may end up causing a few problems.
If a pool cover is too big, it will sag below the water level, causing problems like algae or mold growth, debris buildup, and possibly pool damage. It’s best to choose the correct size pool cover to avoid any issues, save time and money, and extend the life of the pool.
While there are many types of pool covers i.e. solar, winter, automatic, safety, mesh, etc., I’ll be talking about the most popular pool covers. I’ll also explain how to select a properly-sized pool cover, install it, and provide tips for keeping it in good condition.
The Consequences of an Oversized Pool Cover
A pool cover that’s too large for your pool will sag once installed. A sagging pool cover will negatively impact the swimming pool’s water chemistry and takes away from the beauty of even a perfectly kept backyard. The pool cover will eventually experience problems that will need to be addressed at some point.
This is terrible from a health and maintenance perspective. It may seem innocent enough to let it be, but sagging invites several consequences:
- Water can accumulate on it
- Algae, mold, and mildew can grow on it
- Dirt and debris can get stuck on it
- Water will evaporate from the pool
- The pool will not have adequate safety
- The pool could experience structural problems
All of these problems are easily preventable and could take hours in maintenance and repairs. As well as you’ve left it alone for too long, could be rather expensive in chemicals to regain correct water chemistry, or empty and refill your pool water. Pools can be physically damaged by certain improperly sized pool covers as well
How To Fix a Sagging Pool Cover
A pool cover that sinks into your pool must be corrected, removed, or replaced. The best solution depends on the cause of the sag:
If The Pool Cover Is Too Big for the Pool
A solar pool cover should fit snugly over the pool and reach upward along the pool edges. A large pool cover will sag in the middle if installed. Correct this issue by choosing an appropriately sized pool cover or trimming the current one down.
A safety pool cover goes across the top of the pool deck and uses tension to keep it from sagging. If you have a safety pool cover that is as tight as it can be adjusted, I recommend removing it, adjusting it, and installing again. If that doesn’t work, you may need to re-drill your anchor holes or order a new, better-fitting safety cover.
Automatic pool covers, like many safety covers, are custom sized and fitted to your pool, but do not use any tension to keep it from sagging If it is sagging, with nothing on top weighing it down, you should get a professional to check the fabric to see if it needs to be replaced or adjusted.
If Water Is on Top of the Pool Cover
Since a pool is usually outdoors, it’s only natural for water to find its way onto the pool cover. Extraordinary amounts of water can weigh the pool cover down, causing it to sag. Remove the standing water preferably with a pool cover pump.
My favorite pump is this AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump (available on Amazon), which drains about 850 gallons (3,218 liters) of water per hour and is super easy to use. However, in a pinch, a bucket will do just fine, it’ll just take more time and elbow grease.
If Dirt and Debris Are on the Pool Cover
A sagging pool cover makes it easy for the cover to collect debris from the surrounding area. For instance, large amounts of dirt, leaves, fallen tree branches, pinecones, or other debris will drag the pool cover down. Use a rake, or broom to clean the pool cover. A pressure washer can even been used, with proper care. Read a step-by-step pressure wash guide here.
Also, it’s a good idea to check your pool a minimum of once a week, or more in the fall, If you have lots of trees surrounding your pool and in the winter, if you live in a snowy area.
If the Pool Cover Is Damaged
Some pool covers can experience rips from animals, falling debris, or eventual wear and tear. If the tear is massive and repair seems unlikely, purchase a new one as soon as possible. However, a small incision in the pool cover won’t require replacement; repairing it can be as simple as purchasing a pool cover repair kit to fix the issue.
Mother nature makes pool covers easy targets for unexpected situations and potential issues. The above solutions can help you determine whether you should resolve the issue or head to the store to find a replacement pool cover.
How Do I Prevent My Pool Cover From Sagging?
In most cases, you will be able to take a few steps to prevent your pool cover from sagging. The number one way to do so is to keep an eye on it and correct any issues before they grow into significant problems. Besides that, you should ensure that the pool area is clear of any obstructions that may fall in.
Just because some pool covers can handle even larger items like large dogs, and multiple adults, doesn’t mean you should be subjecting your cover to that weight consistently. This can cause your cover to have a shorter life span.
What Should I Do With My Oversized Pool Cover?
If you recently purchased your solar pool cover, you can likely exchange it at the store for a more suitable size if the return policy allows. If not, the good news is that you can use it anyway by trimming it down.
Before installing, you need to cut the pool cover to size with sharp scissors. Along with a long broom, you can install your oversize pool cover like this:
- Clear everything out of the pool and surrounding area so that nothing can fall in by accident.
- Place the pool cover over the entire pool area, holding it in place with heavy bags of water or sand.
- Use the pool as a guide to cut the pool cover about 7-10 cm (2.8-3.9 inches) beyond the perimeter.
- Remove the heavy bags and slowly lower the pool cover onto the water. Make sure the bubble side of the cover is facing downward.
- Use the broom to push out any air bubbles that may be trapped beneath the pool cover.
Each pool cover has its own instructions, so read through the accompanying manual to ensure you install it properly.
What about custom ordered covers?
Automatic pool covers are custom sized to your pool. If it is oversized, get with the installing company about your situation as soon as you can. This should have been one of the company’s top priorities, for safety reasons.
If it sags due to normal wear and tear, you may need to replace your cover fabric which can cost a few hundred dollars to about one thousand, including installation.
Many safety pool covers are also custom fitted, with cutouts for slides and rails. If it is incorrectly sized most companies will resize your cover free of charge with a “perfect-fit” guarantee.
Now, for pool cover kits based on the dimensions of your pool, check the orientation of the cover first, as well as tension levels and anchor holes. If all that is on order, see if filling and re-drilling your holes alleviate the size issue. You can also see if the store has a return policy.
What Is the Right Pool Cover Size for My Pool?
Since each swimming pool has its own unique dimensions, you will have to determine which pool cover will be best for your pool. The standard sizes for swimming pool covers are 16 x 32 feet (4.9 x 9.8 meters) and 18 x 36 feet (5.5 x 11 meters), but manufacturers may offer any sizes that fit the needs of their customers. In general, choose a solar pool cover at least 15 cm (5.9 inches) longer in length than your pool.
Safety covers and winter covers are installed along the top of the pool deck. These dimensions should be measured multiple times by yourself or the company. In general, you want the cover to pass over the top of your pool deck at least 6 inches or more from the lip of the pool.
Any reputable company that fits and installs pool covers should have policies in place to make sure the pool cover is the correct size and does not sag. Be sure to research any company you decide to use, and inspect their work upon completion of the project.
Final Thoughts
A pool cover that’s too big for the pool will sag in the middle. Although sagging doesn’t seem like a big problem, it eventually leads to issues you need to address later. Choosing the correct size for your pool cover from the start is best to avoid any unnecessary headaches.
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