Pool Cover Installation and Repairs
This winter was a doozy! Tons of snow fell, and high winds threw down heavy, sharp branches on pool covers across America.
As winter covers across the nation are removed from pools this spring, thousands of pool owners are facing a pool cover repair, wondering if a repair will hold, or, if they should plan on buying a new pool cover in the fall.
Pool cover repair can be successful, depending on:
- Age of the cover
- Extent of the damage
- Repair materials used
- Method of repair
In this article, we will cover these aspects of your pool cover repair. That way, you the customer, can make an informed decision as to what to do with your existing pool cover! Read more to find out if your pool cover is worth repairing or if it is time to bite the bullet and buy a new one.
Age of the Pool Cover
If your pool cover is only a couple of years old and shows no other signs of deterioration (other than your current problem), then you may want to consider patching it.
Pool covers are expensive so a repair would be the ideal scenario, otherwise you should investigate your pool cover’s warranty terms from the manufacturer. Most manufacturers only provide warranty servicing on seam tears or factory defects. If you have manufacturer-caused defect in your cover, contact the dealer you ordered the cover from with your purchase information ASAP! Safety covers typically come with a 10–12-year warranty but can actually last much longer. But remember, these warranties typically do not cover punctures from tree branches, snow and broken straps (The most common forms of pool cover damage).
Extent of Pool Cover Damage
As an almost universal rule, it is safe to say that a rip/tear that is under 6 inches in length is repairable. Repair complications come when your rip forms along the length of your cover’s side or if the tear is long and curved. In this scenario you may be looking at a brand-new cover. Unless you recently purchased this pool cover (within the last few years), it is typically more cost effective to replace covers in these instances. The same principle goes for damage to the straps on your cover. If the straps are badly damaged on an older cover, it is probably time for a new one (unless the cover is less than a few years old). If your cover is on the newer side, major damages like these could still be a candidate for repair by the factory or a local pool cover repair company.
Pool Cover Repair Materials
For solid pool covers (the type that float on the pool water), you want to use a thick tape that is moisture resistant. Polyethylene tapes are best in this scenario where cloth-based tapes (such as gorilla tape) are not ideal and will not hold your repair in place. You can also use rubber cement and pieces of the mesh or solid safety cover material.
If you are a DIY kind of person then you’re in luck! Unless your pool cover is seriously damaged, you may be able to get away with repairing it yourself! First, make sure the area you are about to repair is clean and dry. Every cover comes with a small amount of excess material when you initially purchase it from the manufacturer. Use this material to make two patches that can adequately cover the damage. Apply a NON WATER-SOLUBLE adhesive to a single side on both of your 2 new patches. Lastly, press a patch on both sides of the cover, completely covering up the rip or tear. Use something flat and heavy to keep your patches pressed down until the adhesive has fully dried. Straps can get slightly more involved when it comes to repairs but for a DIY oriented enough person, is very fixable. Torn straps can be replaced with nylon webbing which can be purchased at a fabric store and stitched together with an awl.
Pool Cover Repair Tips and Tricks
Here are some general tips to help you maximize your pool cover repairs:
- Clean and dry the area to be patched.
- Cut patches to create rounded corners, or oval patches.
- Patch on both sides for extra durability.
- Place something heavy on the patch for 6-12 hours before folding.
- Remember: Do not fold the cover on the patch! In order to preserve your repair, allow this area of your cover to lay flat!
For safety pool covers, if the repair is too much for a simple patch cover repair, you can (in most cases) send it to the manufacturer for repairs. However, you may have to contact the dealer (aka L&J Pools) whom you purchased the cover from and have them get a PO number for your cover. If all else fails, you can always bring your cover to an industrial sewing repair company where they perform repairs on things such as pool covers, sails, awnings, tents, boat covers etc.. check your area and see if one such company is in your area!