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  2. Winter Pool Covers: Buyer's Guide & FAQ
Winter Pool Covers FAQs

WINTER COVERS: BUYER’S GUIDE & FAQ

Pool FAQs YOU ASKED
WE ANSWERED

Beach Ball What would happen if I didn’t use a cover to close my pool and left it open? [open]
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While there are no absolute rules stating that you need to cover your pool for the winter, it’s highly recommended. If you opted out of covering your pool for the season, you’d have a lot of debris and algae to contend with in the spring. You would also need to commit more money to chemicals as any chemicals you add for winterizing would deplete quicker as they are more exposed to the elements. [Shop All Winter Covers]
Beach Ball Is a mesh or solid winter cover better? [open]
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This depends on when you close your pool and how early in the season you open it. A mesh cover is great for areas that receive heavy snow and rain, as it allows water to drain right through. It also allows sunlight and small debris like dirt to get in. This can require more care when it’s time to open the pool back up.

While a solid cover usually means less work in the spring, it means more maintenance and monitoring in the winter. Since it’s solid, it won’t drain automatically. You’ll need to periodically pump water off the cover.

Mesh covers also absolutely require the use of a floatation device such as an air pillow or tire tubes to separate your cover from the water. While it’s highly recommended to use an air pillow with solid covers as it will channel water to the edge for removal, it isn’t required. [Shop All Winter Covers]
Beach Ball What if I can’t find the exact size of my pool or have unique curves to work around? [open]
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When in doubt, size up! Since your cover is already supposed to have an overlap, extra material won’t be a problem. You’ll just wrap or tie back more. The size-up mentality also applies to any unique curves and shapes on your pool to ensure that every part of your pool’s surface is covered. [Shop All Winter Covers]
Beach Ball Do I need anything else to install my winter cover? [open]
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Installing your winter cover varies on if you have an above ground or inground pool, and that effects what you need.

For above ground pools, we include a cord and winch, which is used to secure the cover. If you live in a windier area, you might want to consider getting cover clips, wall bags or a cover seal, as well, to secure your cover even more. You also want to make sure you have an air pillow to secure below your cover. This will help absorb energy as the freezing water expands, make removing water from your solid cover easier and ensure your mesh cover remains at your pool’s surface.

For an inground pool, you’ll want enough water bags or blocks to go around the perimeter of your pool. Once ½ or ¾ filled with water, they will anchor your winter cover in place.

For more information about installing your winter cover, check out our blog post, How to Install a Winter Cover on your Inground Pool.
Beach Ball How else can I simplify my pool closing process? [open]
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Make getting the chemicals you need easy with one of our Winterizing Chemical Kits. You’ll be ready for winter in one purchase! [Shop All Winterizing Chemical Kits]
Beach Ball Why are most covers black on the underside? [open]
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While the outward facing side of winter covers vary in color, almost all of them are black on the bottom facing the inside of the pool. This helps block sunlight and inhibit algae growth. [Shop All Winter Covers]
Beach Ball Is it possible to patch a rip or tear in the cover? [open]
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To avoid any big disasters mid-winter, always inspect your pool cover before you put it on for the season. It’s best to inspect it for holes or damage in the spring, when it’s fresh in your mind.

Holes can form from a variety of things including animals, falling tree branches or a build-up of debris. If the tear isn’t too big, you’ll be able to patch it up with an easy-to-use patch kit. Note, the patch job may just be a temporary solution to get you through the season or it may last longer. [Buy a Winter Cover Patch Kit]

Swimming Pool Buyers Guide WINTER COVERS

Taking care of your pool is a year-round responsibility — even when it’s closed for the season. A winter cover is a simple way to help making year-round care easier. As you close your pool for the season, help keep your water clean, clear and free of debris for when you open it in the spring with a winter cover.
There’s a lot to consider when picking a cover. Inground or above ground? What size and shape? Does color matter? Solid or mesh? What kind of weather will the cover face?
Beach Ball The Right Size [open]
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Size is one of the most important things you’ll want to consider. Make sure you’re using an accurate measurement of your pool. Your properly sized pool cover will have at least a 3’ overlap to help keep the cover secure. [Shop All Winter Covers]
Beach Ball The Right Material [open]
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Deciding between a mesh cover and a solid cover comes to personal preference. Mesh covers are lighter and allow for rain and snow to drain through, but they also allow small silt while catching leaves and twigs. Since they’re more exposed to the elements, the chemicals you use when you close your pool will lose effect sooner. More sunlight exposure may also create more algae.

Conversely, solid covers block sunlight, limiting algae growth and keeping your end of season chemicals working longer. They also block the flow of water and snow. As the season drags on, you’ll periodically have to drain water off your cover or get an automatic cover pump.

If you choose a solid cover, you’ll want to look at scrim count. The scrim count is how tight the weave of the material is. The higher the scrim, the better the quality and the heavier duty the cover. If you live in an area with mild winters, you are more likely to be able to get away with a lower scrim, but if you live somewhere with a brutal winter full of wind, you’ll want a higher scrim count. [Shop All Winter Covers]
Beach Ball The Right Look and Quality [open]
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A winter cover will be a prominent part of your backyard for months, so you want to pick something you won’t dread seeing every time you look outside.

You also want to make sure you pick a cover that’s able to handle the climate you live in. The harsher your winter, the stronger a cover you’ll need. High winds, heavy snows and deep freezes can be harsh on your pool and your winter cover, so you want to get a cover durable enough to stand up to the worst of the weather. [Shop All Winter Covers]
More Questions?
If you have any more questions or are still unsure of what winter cover is the best for you, call our in-house pool experts at 1-800-356-3025.

WE RECOMMEND WINTER COVERS
FROM BUFFALO BLIZZARD®

Winters can be hard on your pool, but Buffalo Blizzard® knows that and creates products to stand up to even the harshest winters. Buffalo Blizzard® Winter Covers offer:
  • A variety of qualities ranging from good to better all the way to best to meet every price point
  • Durable, dependable covers built to last for winters to come
  • Solid and mesh covers to fit your pool’s winter needs
  • Full and limited warranties showing that we back these covers quality

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