Pool FAQs

Shield Icon What are water bags used for? [open]
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Water bags are vinyl tubes that you fill ½ to ¾ full and placed along the edge of your winter cover. They become a weight to hold your cover in place against the snow, wind, and rain.

Shield Icon Are there any alternatives to water bags? [open]
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Instead of water bags, you can use Buffalo Blizzard® Blizzard Blocks. They work in the same way as water bags, serving as water-filled weights for your winter cover; however, they’re less susceptible to leaks, stack easily for storage, and are more visually appealing in your backyard.

Shield Icon Should I use corner water bags? [open]
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Corner water bags are specially designed for the corners of your cover and help hold down corners around small features, such as steps, that can be difficult to secure. If you’re having difficulty keeping the corners secure with straight water bags, consider trying corner bags instead.

Shield Icon How do I install water bags? [open]
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Start by laying out your water bags on your cover. If your cover has loops, place the waterbags within those loops. If the loops aren’t built in, put them on top of the cover. If you live in a particularly windy area, place them end to end. If not, you can place them 12” to 18” apart. Use your garden hose to fill each water bag ½ to ¾ full, leaving room for expansion when the water freezes.

Shield Icon What's the difference between single-chamber and double-chamber water bags? [open]
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Double-chamber water bags lie flatter than single-chamber bags and can’t roll. In addition, if one chamber is damaged or pops during harsh winter weather, the second chamber will still be intact and holding your winter cover in place.

Shield Icon How many water bags do I need for my pool size? [open]
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We sell water bag kits that include the correct number and sizes of water bags needed for your pool.

Shield Icon Can water bags be used on both above ground and inground pools? [open]
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Water bags can be used for both inground and above ground pools, where your above ground pool has a deck that the cover needs to be secured to.

Shield Icon How do I fill and secure water bags correctly? [open]
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Use your garden hose to fill the water bags ½ to ¾ full, allowing room for expansion when the water freezes. If you have trouble closing the valve on your water bag, try soaking the valve in warm water.

Shield Icon How do I store water bags while not in use? [open]
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First, thoroughly clean the water bags with a multi-purpose cleaner and dry them to prevent mold and mildew. Store them in a cool, dry, and pest-free location, such as a garage or basement.

Shield Icon How long do water bags typically last before needing a replacement? [open]
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Pool water bags typically last for 2 to 3 seasons before needing replacement, depending on factors such as the level of care, sun exposure, harsh weather conditions, and proper storage.

Shield Icon Do water bags freeze in the winter, and does that damage them? [open]
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Yes, pool water bags may freeze in winter, and if you overfill them, this may cause damage. However, they are designed only to be partially filled to accommodate the expansion of freezing water. You should only ever fill your water bags ½ to ¾ full.

Shield Icon Can water bags help prevent debris from blowing under my pool cover? [open]
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Yes, water bags can help prevent debris from blowing under your pool cover by keeping the cover securely in place against strong winds. By sealing the edges of the cover and keeping it flat, water bags prevent wind from lifting the cover and creating gaps for leaves and other debris to enter.