There are certain things you can do that will extend the life of your cover and increase its effectiveness:
Solar Blanket DO’s:
- Always use the overcover when the blanket is rolled up on the roller
- Hose/sweep the debris into the skimmer box (with the pump running) before removing the blanket
- Turn your chlorinator down so the levels don’t go too high
- Get your water checked at your pool shop to make sure chlorine is not too high
- If shock-chlorinating or adding acid, remove the cover until levels return to normal
Solar Blanket DON’Ts:
- Never swim under the blanket
- Do not sit on the roller
- Do not store a blanket in direct sunlight
Leaf & Debris DO’s:
- Keep water levels normal (1/2 way up the skimmer box door) – this means less tension is required to get the cover off the water
- Put some kind of inflatable toy (rings are better than balls) under the cover to help keep it off the water (even if the water level rises due to heavy rain) so that the leaves stay dry and blow off
- Tension the cover evenly all the way around
- Turn your chlorinator down so the levels don’t go too high
- Get your water checked at your pool shop to make sure chlorine is not too high
- If shock-chlorinating or adding acid, remove the cover until levels return to normal
- One person can usually take the cover off, but two is always easier
- If you’re by yourself, just expose enough of the pool to do laps etc
- Give it a quick rinse with tap water if it is going to be stored for more than a week
Leaf & Debris DON’Ts:
- Never swim under the cover
- Do not rely on the cover to keep children or pets safe
- Do not over-tension the cover