How to Clean your Automatic Pool Cover
Maintaining clean fabric surface of your pool cover is just as important as regular maintenance and service. Rinsing and washing the cover fabric at least once a year helps keep the cover looking its best, and can even help extend its overall life span. Automatic pool cover fabric will begin to show some signs of wear as a result of being exposed to environmental elements over time. On average, an automatic pool covers fabric will last 7 years depending on pool water and chemical buildup, sunlight exposure, and other environmental elements. If you have started to notice that your covers fabric is getting stiff, brittle, or cracked in some areas, it is probably time to replace the fabric!
One of the best ways to help your investment last longer is by cleaning the fabric. Following this simple cleaning routine at least once a year will help prolong the appearance and life span of your pool and automatic pool cover.
Cleaning your Pool Cover
Remove Large Debris from the Cover Regularly
The great thing about automatic pool covers is that they help prevent leaves, debris, and more from getting into your pool. However, because of this you will need to regularly remove large debris from the top of the cover. Dry leaves can removed using a leaf blower or a leaf rake. Wet leaves should either be left to dry first or raked and scooped off of the cover and into a receptacle. If you need to walk on the cover to reach all debris, we recommend wearing lightweight shoes to avoid potentially scuffing the fabric.
Rinse the Cover with Water
Now that all the large debris is removed from the cover you’re ready to rinse it off. With a garden hose, start from the cover box end and begin spraying the debris toward the opposite end of the cover. Place the cover pump in the center of the cover to help remove excess water. You never want to leave large puddles of water on top of the cover for long, as it can put a strain on the motor, reels, and ropes.
Scrub Gently with a Soft Brush
Use a soft bristled broom or pool brush to scoop any leftover leaves out or scrub any leftover dirt. Then use a Leaf Rake to scoop out debris, while the cover pump removes the pool of collected water. After removing all of the debris and all of the water, roll the cover up all the way.
Wash with a Mild Detergent
Scrubbing with a pool brush will generally get most marks out of the pool covers fabric, but for more stubborn messes you may consider cleaning with a mild dishwashing soap and your pool brush. Once clean, place the cover pump back in the center of the cover and spray the soapy water towards the pump. Allow at least 90% of the water to drain before operating your cover.
Other Annual Maintenance
You should also have the cover and system inspected and serviced by a professional once per year. They will provide a detailed inspection and look for any parts that may need tightened or replaced. Pool cover parts such as pulleys and sliders will wear over time and, if not replaced, can cause your cover to run poorly or stop working. CoverSafe’s exclusive annual Extended Service Plan includes a full system inspection, cover box cleaning, cover wash with UV treatment application, and a discount on any additional parts!
We offer a variety of automatic pool cover services – installation, seasonal maintenance, repairs, and system or fabric replacements. Browse all of our services online here. For even more information, please visit Coversafe.com or call us at 866-746-8444.
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Twitter
