How to Extend the Life of Your Pool Cover
Your vinyl pool cover is a significant investment in both the safety and cleanliness of your pool. However, even the most durable covers are constantly under siege from the elements, debris, and pool chemicals. By adopting a routine of cleaning and applying a pool cover protectant, you can keep your pool cover safe and significantly combat these threats, extending the functional lifespan of your pool cover by two to five years or more, as supported by professional recommendations.
The Science of Vinyl Degradation
To understand why maintenance is so critical, it’s important to know what causes a vinyl pool cover to fail. Professional pool care and manufacturing sources highlight three main culprits:
• UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is the primary enemy of any outdoor vinyl product. As noted by sources like Poolie.com, UV light breaks down the polymer chains in the vinyl fabric, making it brittle, faded, and prone to cracking. This process, known as photolysis, is a slow but irreversible form of degradation that compromises the material's strength and elasticity.
• Chemical Exposure: While essential for pool sanitation, chemicals like chlorine can off-gas and condense on the underside of a pool cover. If not allowed to dissipate, these concentrated chemicals can accelerate the decay of the vinyl. Leslie's Pool Supplies recommends leaving the pool uncovered for at least two hours after adding chemicals to prevent this "chemical burn."
• Debris and Stains: Leaves, dirt, pollen, and other environmental debris can accumulate on the cover's surface. When left to sit, this debris can lead to stains and promote the growth of mold and mildew, which can further damage the vinyl material. Kayden Manufacturing emphasizes that removing large debris is crucial to preserving the integrity of the cover.
• Abrasion and Wear: A dirty cover is a cover in decline. Dirt, debris and grime on the cover's surface can act as an abrasive, causing scratches that weaken the material over time. As an automatic cover retracts and extends, abrasive grit causes microscopic scratches, slowly wearing down the material and creating points of weakness.
The Two-Step Solution: Cleaning and Protection
Professional sources consistently advocate for a two-part maintenance plan to counteract these damaging effects.
1. Regular and Thorough Cleaning:
This is the first and most critical step. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about removing the agents of decay.
• Debris Removal: Start by clearing large debris like leaves and twigs from the cover's surface. This prevents stains from setting and eliminates abrasive materials. A leaf blower or soft-bristled broom is an ideal tool for this.
• Gentle Washing: Gently wipe away dirt, grime, pollen, pool chemical residue, and any mildew that has started to form with a mop or use a soft brush with a sump pump to gently scrub pool cover. Use a vinyl cleaner specifically designed for pool covers for stubborn stains and grime. Harsh, abrasive cleaning products and tools like pressure washers and stiff bristle brushes should be avoided as they can damage the vinyl.
• Complete Drying: Before applying protectant, it is absolutely essential to let it dry completely. Moisture trapped in the folds prohibits protectant from bonding to vinyl.
2. Application of a Vinyl Protectant:
This step provides the long-term defense that extends the cover's life. A quality protectant acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing the brunt of environmental stress.
• UV Shielding: Pool cover protectants are formulated with powerful UV blockers that create a protective barrier. According to manufacturers, these treatments prevent the sun from directly damaging the vinyl's molecular structure, thereby preserving its strength and color.
• Maintaining Suppleness: A good pool cover protectant also conditions the vinyl, keeping it flexible and preventing it from becoming stiff and brittle. This is particularly important for automatic covers that are regularly rolled and unrolled. It helps prevent cracking and premature aging.
• Stain and Dirt Repellency: Pool cover protectants have a finish that repels dirt, dust, and stains. This makes subsequent cleanings far easier and prevents debris from bonding to the vinyl surface, reducing the risk of abrasion.
The Financial and Practical Payoff
While the initial cost of cleaning supplies and a protectant is minimal, the savings over time are substantial. A high-quality automatic pool cover can cost thousands of dollars. The average lifespan for a well-maintained cover that is cleaned and protected on a regular basis is typically 5 to 10 years, with proper care being a significant factor. Professional sources consistently assert that a diligent maintenance routine can add 2 to 5 years or more to a cover's life. By investing a small amount of time and money in cleaning and protecting your pool cover, you are not only maintaining its appearance but are also directly preventing the need for an expensive replacement. This proactive approach ensures your cover remains a reliable, effective, and safe barrier for many seasons to come.
Professional references for the above article:
Anchor Industries
Integra Pool Covers
Kayden Manufacturing
Leslie’s Pool Supplies
Morehead Pools
Pool Covers Inc.
Pool Operation Management
Pool Works
Poolie.com
Solar Safe Pool Covers