There are three main types of pool safety cover: solid, mesh, and automatic.

Solid vinyl safety pool covers are typically heavier than their mesh counterparts and must be folded up and stored when not in use. They can also be made to fit over automatic pool covers, preventing the weight of heavy snow from damaging the cover and its track.

The material prevents debris, water, and sunlight from entering your pool, making it easier to open your pool in the springtime. However, you will need to pump off any excess water that accumulates on the top of the cover.

Mesh pool covers allow water to filter through, eliminating the need for a cover pump to remove standing water. However, you may need to pump out excess water from your pool to prevent overflowing.

The lighter weight allows for easier installation and removal than a solid winter pool cover; however, it also allows light to filter through to the pool, creating perfect conditions for algae to bloom.

Automatic safety covers (sometimes called “autocovers”) are retractable and roll up with just the push of a button. They’re used primarily during the swimming season, helping to prevent accidents around the pool.

Safety covers and winter covers have some similarities: they protect your pool throughout the winter, block sunlight, and keep debris out. However, safety covers also secure your pool more than an ordinary winter cover, keeping children and animals from falling into your pool.

However, not all pools are compatible with a safety cover. For proper installation, a pool must have 3’ of deck space all the way around it to allow for anchors to secure the cover to the deck and still allow for a clear pathway.

Safety covers are typically used on inground pools. However, if your pool has a deck of at least 2’ to 3’ all the way around, it’s possible to put a safety cover on it.

That depends on the brand of safety cover you get. Some covers require a special installation tool, whereas others do not. You should read the product description to see what a particular cover is used for.

Begin by measuring the length and width of your pool. If you have built-in steps, measure them separately and check for any offset in your step measurements.

For more complex shapes, visit our Safety Cover Forms page for detailed instructions specific to your pool type.

Most brands measure by standing at the shallow end, looking towards the deep end. If the stairs are on your right, look for a cover that indicates right-side stairs with the appropriate measurements, and vice versa if they’re on your left.

Always check with the cover manufacturer's recommendations for measuring your pool to ensure accuracy.

If you have a standard-sized pool, you won’t need a custom cover. However, if you can’t find the right size and shape for your pool, you will need a custom cover to achieve the perfect fit. This is also the case if you need special cutouts for obstructions, such as diving boards, ladders, and rock features.

You should always inspect your pool cover before you put it on for the season, and in the spring. If you find a hole or tear and it isn’t too big, you can patch it up with a patch kit. However, this patch may just be a temporary solution to get you through the rest of the season.

Pool safety covers can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the material. Mesh covers typically last 10 to 15 years, while vinyl covers usually last 6 to 10 years. To maintain them, perform regular cleaning and inspection, keep the tension correct, and address any damage promptly. Store the cover clean, completely dry, and in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and pests.

If water has accumulated on top of your solid safety cover, remove water using a submersible or manual cover pump. Ensure that you remove any debris from the surface before draining, as the weight of the water and debris can damage the cover.

As long as your safety cover is installed correctly, most safety covers can support the weight of an adult. Always check to ensure the weight capacity of your specific safety cover is sufficient for your needs.

To clean and store your safety cover, first remove all debris, and then wash it with a multipurpose cleaner using a soft brush. After thoroughly rinsing, allow the cover to dry completely in a shaded area to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Finally, fold it neatly and store it in a clean, dry, and pest-free location, such as a large container or the original bag, preferably off the floor.

Safety pool covers are designed to be strong, so as long as your safety cover is rated for it, you can usually walk on it without issue. However, it should only be done in an emergency to prevent damage to the cover and its anchoring system.

The most important part of your maintenance routine is to keep your safety cover clear of leaves and debris. Covered pools in heavily wooded areas are susceptible to the accumulation of leaves, needles, and other debris that can impede water flow through mesh drain panels.

Safety covers are held in place by springs and straps that attach to the deck around the pool. All of the springs should be under the same amount of tension, and about halfway compressed. Check these periodically throughout the winter and make adjustments if anything starts to look loose, as well as making sure that no gaps have opened up.

A solid cover generally protects the chemicals in your pool, while a mesh cover allows sunlight through to break them down, as well as allowing rainwater through to dilute them.

A safety cover simplifies pool opening by preventing debris and algae growth, although it may require additional steps to remove accumulated water and dirt. Solid covers keep out both water and sunlight, leading to a cleaner, algae-free pool and easier opening. However, they may require pumping off collected water and additional cleaning to remove debris from the cover itself.

Mesh safety covers let water through, preventing heavy snow and rain from accumulating, but they allow sunlight and fine particles to get into the pool, which can lead to algae growth, requiring more chemical balancing and vacuuming during opening.

If your safety cover is sagging or loose, first check and adjust the straps and springs. For larger problems, look for tears or damage to seams and straps.

All three of these can get through mesh covers, depending on the fineness of the mesh. Most mesh covers typically keep larger leaves and debris out, but finer particles, such as pollen, debris, and dirt, can pass through.