A proper pool closing is an extremely important step of annual above ground pool maintenance. Not only will closing your swimming pool properly make life far easier when you open your pool again in the spring, it will also protect your pool from cold temperatures and harsh weather during the winter months. One of the most essential aspects of closing your above ground pool the right way involves using a quality winter cover. Above ground winter pool covers feature several special characteristics which allow them to protect your pool while standing up against winter weather. So if you want to keep your above ground pool well-maintained so you can continue to enjoy it for years to come, choosing and using the right winter cover is an important first step.
Winter pool covers for above ground swimming pools are specifically designed to provide a high level of protection against winter weather and conditions while also providing excellent durability. Manufactured from heavy-duty material, the best winter pool covers feature incredibly strong individual strands and a triple laminated inner scrim. This inner scrim is then topped by a special weather resistant coating with UV protection. Covers with this type of coating can stand up to direct sunlight and resist the damage of UV rays for years, allowing you to enjoy quality winter pool protection for far longer than you would experience with a cover without such a coating.
Another common feature of quality above ground swimming pool winter covers is a black underside. This characteristic serves to inhibit and arrest the growth of algae in the swimming pool by preventing the light required for algae growth from passing through the cover. The fabric’s extremely tight weave also helps in this regard, making it easier to keep the pool cleaner and also allowing for faster and easier spring pool openings. Significant overlaps are also beneficial when it comes to covering your pool for the winter. The extra fabric allows for a better fit over your above ground swimming pool and provides some extra slack during windy and blustery weather, thereby further increasing durability. Another great characteristic of quality above ground winter pool covers is the fact that they are very lightweight and easy to handle, despite being made from heavy-duty, exceptionally long-lasting material.
In addition to the material used and the special coatings, winter pool covers for above ground swimming pools also include other design features that increase the quality of protection and durability that they provide. For example, winter pool covers made with extra-wide fabric require fewer seams. This means that the covers will be stronger and less susceptible to wear and tear because there will be fewer stress areas. Moreover, the very best above ground swimming pool winter covers will have heat-sealed seams rather than sewn seams, so that less water can seep into your pool during the winter months.
When using winter pool covers to close pools at the end of the swimming season, cover clips can come in very handy. By providing a secure way to attach above ground winter pool covers to the top rails of swimming pools, cover clips will prevent covers from unfastening during bad weather and will keep wind and water from getting beneath the protective material. Furthermore, handy clips for above ground swimming pool covers make it even easier to close and open pools with the changing seasons. While not all winter pool covers will come with cover clips, they can often be purchased along with swimming pool covers.
Winter pool covers for above ground swimming pools are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Whether you have a round above ground pool or an oval swimming pool, there are winter covers available that will fit your pool properly and provide a high level of winter protection. In fact, it’s extremely important to make sure that you purchase the right cover for your particular pool. If your winter cover is not the right shape and size for your swimming pool, it will not provide adequate protection. However, when your cover fits your pool without needing to stretch it and with an overlap still available, you will be able to provide your pool with good protection without stressing or damaging your cover.
Since they can protect your pool from inclement weather and algae growth, above ground swimming pool winter covers are an extremely important tool when it comes to closing your pool at the end of the swimming season. With their special construction, UV protection and high durability, winter pool covers can greatly extend the life of your swimming pool by protecting it from damage and wear and tear. So if you want to keep your above ground swimming pool well-maintained all year round and to experience faster and easier spring openings, make sure that you use a good quality cover when closing your pool for the winter.
James Claypool is experienced specialist in pool equipment including above ground winter pool covers. He explains how winter pool covers for above ground swimming pools are important for winter closing.