How to Use and Maintain Your Above Ground Pool Cover

Your above ground pool is the heart of your backyard — a place where summer memories are made. But when swim season ends (or even between uses), what protects it?

An above ground pool cover does the heavy lifting: blocking debris, slowing water evaporation, reducing chemical use, and shielding your pool from whatever the weather throws at it. But only if it's used and maintained correctly.

This guide walks you through everything — proper installation, ongoing care, seasonal removal, and storage — so your pool cover works hard for years, not just one season.

A well-protected above ground pool is ready to enjoy the moment the season starts — no nasty surprises on opening day.

 

Why Your Pool Cover Needs Regular Care

Most pool owners buy a cover and forget about it until something goes wrong. The problem? By then, it's usually too late.

Your above ground pool cover faces sun, wind, rain, heavy snow, and debris every single day it's in use. Without basic upkeep, even a quality cover can deteriorate within a season or two — and a damaged cover means debris, algae, and UV damage go straight to your pool.

The good news: a simple monthly routine is all it takes to keep your cover performing at its best and extend its lifespan by years.

 

Step 1: Install It Right From the Start

A cover that's put on wrong causes problems fast — uneven wear, constant shifting in the wind, and stress on the grommets that leads to early tearing.

For round pool covers:

Start at one point and work your way evenly around the full circle, alternating sides as you tighten. This keeps tension balanced so no single area takes too much strain.

· Overlap the pool wall edge by at least 12 inches all the way around

· Tighten strap buckles in pairs on opposite sides — never cinch one section fully before the others

· For wire rope systems, thread through all grommets first, then tighten the winch gradually

Browse our full range of round pool covers — available from small backyard pools to extra-large setups.

For rectangular and oval pool covers:

Secure the corners first — they take the most tension. Then work toward the middle on each side.

· Rectangular pool covers: check that long sides are pulled evenly before securing

· Oval pool covers: treat like round covers — work around the perimeter in stages

One tip most people skip: Wipe the pool wall rim before laying the cover down. Grit and sand trapped under the cover edge grinds against the fabric every time the wind moves it — a small thing that adds up to real damage over a season.

 

Step 2: Deal With Water on Top of the Cover

After any significant rain or snowmelt, water collects on your cover. A little is normal. A lot is a problem.

Winter and early spring are when water accumulation is heaviest. Check your cover after every major rainfall or snowmelt.

Heavy standing water:

· Drags the cover into the pool, soaking it and stressing all the anchor points

· Creates pressure on grommets and straps that accelerates wear

· Can stretch the cover out of shape permanently

Fix: Keep a small submersible pool cover pump on hand. They're inexpensive and will clear standing water in minutes. Check the cover after any rain of an inch or more — don't wait until you can see it sagging.

Never poke holes in the cover to drain it. One hole becomes two, and patching is only a short-term fix.

 

Step 3: Keep It Clean Through the Season

Debris that sits on a wet cover — leaves, bird droppings, pine needles, tree sap — slowly breaks down the fabric. It's especially destructive in summer when UV heat bakes everything in.

Regular routine (every 1–2 weeks):

· Blow off loose leaves and debris with a leaf blower, or sweep with a soft broom

· Never use a metal rake or stiff brush — they scratch UV-protective coatings and cause micro-tears

· Check along the cover edges where debris tends to collect and work under the rim

For stubborn spots:

· Bird droppings, sap, or mud: mild dish soap + warm water + soft brush, then rinse thoroughly

· Mildew or algae spots: same method, let the soapy water sit for a few minutes before scrubbing

Avoid bleach, chlorine cleaners, and solvents. They strip the UV coating faster than years of sun exposure would.

 

Step 4: Remove the Cover Properly in Spring

Opening day is exciting — but it's also one of the highest-risk moments for cover damage. A heavy, water-logged cover yanked off carelessly can tear, stretch, or drag a season's worth of debris straight into your clean pool.

Take your time removing the cover in spring. A few extra minutes now protects both the cover and the pool water you spent all winter preserving.

Do it in this order:

1. Pump off all standing water first — never remove the cover with water on top

2. Loosen fasteners gradually, working around the full perimeter rather than releasing one section at a time

3. Fold as you go — don't drag the cover across the ground or pool deck edge

4. Use a second person for large covers — a large round pool cover or extra-large rectangular cover gets very heavy when wet

5. Rinse both sides with a garden hose, then let it dry completely in the shade before storing

Before you put it away, do a quick inspection. Lay it flat and look for:

· Tears or thin spots near the grommets

· Frayed or stretched straps and cables

· Faded or brittle patches (signs of UV breakdown)

· Loose seam stitching at the edges

Catch problems now and you can patch or replace before next fall. Find them in October when you need the cover immediately, and you're in trouble.

 

Step 5: Store It the Right Way

Bad off-season storage is the #1 cause of premature pool cover failure. A wet cover stuffed into a bag and left in a corner of the garage will come out the following fall cracked, moldy, and ready to fall apart.

The proper storage routine:

1. Dry it completely — even slight dampness causes mildew and odor that permanently weakens the fabric

2. Fold loosely using an accordion fold — never jam it into a tight ball, which creates permanent stress creases

3. Store off the ground — concrete draws moisture, and fabric on the floor attracts rodents

4. Use a breathable container — mesh bag, cloth sack, or loosely sealed bin. Airtight containers trap humidity

5. Keep it away from direct sunlight — UV degrades pool cover material even in storage

A cool, dry shelf in the garage or shed is ideal. If you don't have shelf space, hanging the folded cover on a wall hook works well too.

 

How Long Should an Above Ground Pool Cover Last?

With consistent care, a quality above ground pool cover should last 3 to 7 years. Climate plays a role — intense UV in the Southwest or harsh winters in the Midwest and Northeast will shorten lifespan compared to milder areas — but regular maintenance is the single biggest factor regardless of where you live.

Time to replace it when you see:

· Holes or tears that can no longer be effectively patched

· Grommets pulling free or straps that won't hold tension

· Fabric that's become brittle, stiff, or paper-thin

· The cover no longer fits properly or keeps debris out

 

Choosing Your Next Pool Cover

When it's time to replace, here's what to look for:

Material matters. Look for 420D Oxford fabric or similar heavy-duty construction. Higher denier ratings = thicker, more durable fabric that holds up to UV and weather far better than lighter alternatives.

Fastening system. Strap buckle systems are simple and easy to adjust. Wire rope winch systems create a tighter, more wind-resistant seal — worth it if you live somewhere that gets strong storms.

Get the size right. Measure your pool's actual dimensions (not just the listed pool size — the two often differ). A well-fitted cover protects better and lasts longer than one that's too large or too small.

Shop by size and shape:

· Small Round Pool Covers

· Medium Round Pool Covers

· Large Round Pool Covers

· Extra-Large Round Pool Covers

· Small Rectangular Pool Covers

· Medium Rectangular Pool Covers

· Small Oval Pool Covers

· Medium Oval Pool Covers

Not sure which size fits your pool? Check our pool cover guide or contact us and we'll help you find the right fit.

 

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Every 1–2 weeks during cover season:

· [ ] Remove leaves and debris from the surface

· [ ] Check for standing water after rainfall

· [ ] Spot-clean any bird droppings or sap

Monthly:

· [ ] Inspect straps, buckles, and grommets for wear

· [ ] Check cover edges for debris trapped underneath

Spring opening:

· [ ] Pump off standing water before removal

· [ ] Remove slowly with a second person if the cover is large

· [ ] Rinse both sides, dry completely

· [ ] Inspect for damage before storing

· [ ] Store loosely folded, off the ground, in a dry location

 

Protect Your Whole Backyard

A covered pool is just the start. If you're also protecting your outdoor furniture, grills, or vehicles, Faircovers has you covered across the board:

· Patio furniture covers — including sectional covers and chair covers

· BBQ grill covers — keep your grill ready for the next cookout

· Vehicle covers — for bicycles, motorcycles, and golf carts

Browse all outdoor covers at Faircovers →

 

Questions about sizing, materials, or which cover is right for your pool? Contact our team — we're happy to help.

Faircovers — Durable above ground pool covers, patio furniture covers, grill covers, and more. Protecting your outdoor space, every season.