It’s easy to forget about pool maintenance during the off-season, but there are some things you can do to protect your inground pool covers over the winter. Your winter pool cover can be damaged from an accumulation of too much water and ice on the top, from wind, or from falling tree branches and leaves. No matter what type of swimming pool you have, you will need to inspect your inground pool covers for winter damage to mitigate risk against pool cover failures and damage to your pool.
Tips to Protect Your Inground Pool Covers for Winter
The harsh New England winter can be brutal on outdoor pools and inground swimming pool covers. Here are some tips that all pool owners should know to protect their pool and prevent winter pool cover failures for both above-ground and inground pool covers. 
- Remove Excess Water and Ice from Inground Pool Covers – the best way to remove excess water and ice from inground pool safety covers is to use a cover pump. Never try to remove ice from the pool cover, as dropping just one piece could put a huge gash right through the cover. Prevent ice buildup by keeping the water level on the top of your pool cover to a minimum. You can use a pump near the steps or in the skimmer to prevent the water level from touching the cover, which can trap debris and rip the cover.
- Protect Your Cover against Leaves and Branches – scoop or rake away any leaves and debris sitting on your inground pool winter cover. Consider hiring a professional tree trimming or removal company for overhanging limbs that could possibly land in your pool, this is a leading cause of damage to
swimming pool covers in the off-season. A leaf net made of mesh can be installed right over your pool cover, which allows the water to drain through but collects all of the leaves on top for easy cleanup. - Inspect Water Bags on Inground Pools – water bags holding an inground pool cover in place should be inspected regularly to make sure they are not leaking or deflated and to make sure the cover is still fitting firmly in place around the perimeter of your pool.
- Tighten Cable and Winch on Above Ground Pools – pull any slack to avoid a sinking cover and make sure it is securely fastened down.
Upgrade to only high-quality inground pool covers for winter protection to prevent winter pool cover failures. Quality pool covers are made from quality materials and help to prevent winter pool cover failures when installed properly. Pool safety covers must meet specific industry standards, and your best bet to ensure your pool is properly winterized is to use a professional pool closing service.
Learn more: How to Close Pools for Winter: Complete Guide, Tips, and Step-by-Step Instructions
Quality Inground Pool Covers and Pool Closing Services
The Swimming Pool Store can help you find the best pool cover for your pool and provide professional pool closing services so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Closing your pool properly with a quality winter safety cover will help to ensure a smooth opening in the spring. Learn more about the difference between mesh vs. solid pool covers and contact us for a custom inground pool winter cover installation.
The Swimming Pool Store has been providing quality pool products and knowledgeable and friendly pool services in Connecticut for more than 50 years. We offer pool closing services along with the installation of your winter safety pool cover for a safe, secure pool closing. Schedule your closing online and contact us with any questions about protecting inground pool covers for winter.