Can I use a tarp to cover my pool?

CCS polypropylene mesh tarps are the best tarp for pool covers. They do an exceptional job blocking sunlight, which is essential for preventing algae growth when chemicals are not being added regularly. Polypropylene tarps are strong, too, so they can withstand the weight of ice and snow that builds up over the winter.

Can I cover my pool with a regular tarp?

Choose a heavy-duty woven polyethylene or polyvinyl tarp, because this will give the pool cover extra weight and keep it in place. Do not use old-fashioned canvas tarpaulins, as they do not hold up well over time.

What can I use to cover a pool?

It's best to use a cover designed specifically for swimming pools. They're made of special materials, such as UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl. They can be transparent or opaque.

Will a black tarp heat my pool?

A swimming pool tarp, for example, that's black on both sides is like a giant solar panel. Because a black tarp on a swimming pool's water surface traps solar heat energy, it will eventually turn cool, refreshing pool water into a tepid, warm bath.

What can I cover my above ground pool with?

Winter cover air pillows are used to keep a solid ice sheet from forming on the surface of your pool water. Air Pillows are placed in the center of the pool, with the pool cover pulled tight over the pillow to press it into the water. Pool Pillow Pal is a $10 accessory to hold the air pillow in the center of the pool.

How to make your own pool cover

Should pool cover touch water?

The cover is designed to touch the surface of the water. So your pool should always be filled when covered, and the water level should never go below 18 inches from the top of the pool. Check the water level of the pool and fill it up if it goes below 18 inches.

Should I cover my Intex pool when raining?

When preparing your pool for a storm, leave it uncovered. Installing any kind of cover across the pool will not do much to protect against dust and contaminants because storms often bring strong winds and heavy rain that can cause the cover to lift off your pool.

Is a winter pool cover just a tarp?

Winter Pool Cover: A plain cover (sometimes even just a tarp) laid over the pool, and secured on the deck with water-filled bags. On above ground pools, a winter cover sits on top of the pool and is secured to the walls with cable tied through grommets and tightened with a winch.

What's the difference between a pool cover and a tarp?

A tarp is an oversized waterproof cover used to protect swimming pools during harsh weather conditions. It's fixed with water bags placed in each corner, allowing it to stretch over the entire surface of the pool. While cost-friendly and easy to set up, tarps are typically less durable than pool safety covers.

What size tarp do I need for a 12 foot pool?

For example, if you have a 12' round pool, the cover size will be 16' round.

Are vinyl tarps waterproof?

Vinyl tarps are recommended for all applications that require a durable waterproof cover. Vinyl tarps offer the following key benefits: Vinyl tarps are 100% waterproof and remain so for many years. Vinyl tarps contain an internal scrim fabric that makes them extremely tear resistant.

Can you run pump with pool cover on?

Absolutely! A cover does nothing to interfere with the water circulating through your system. It doesn't touch your pump or any other piece of equipment you have. When your pool is covered during these winter months, you can run it less, thus protecting the pump from premature aging.

Does a pool cover need a pillow?

We strongly recommend using an air pillow under your winter cover. The first reason to install a winter cover air pillow is to protect your pool from expanding ice. When you don't use an air pillow, the cover sits right on top of the water and the ice will want to expand outwards.

What tarps are waterproof?

The material used in producing the tarp plays a key role in which of these states—resistant, repellent, or waterproof—the tarp will be. Canvas tarps and polypropylene (or “poly” tarps) are often water resistant or repellent.

How do I keep my pool cover from sinking?

If you have a leaf pool cover, there are some tools like pool pillows and DIY solutions like floating plastic rain barrels you can place underneath the cover that can help, but the best practice for pool safety covers to avoid sagging is to use an automatic or mesh cover.

What can I use instead of a pool pillow?

You may have heard pool owners recommend alternatives to pool air pillows, such as tire tubes, yoga balls, or regular innertubes.

How can I make my above ground pool look nice?

What do you do with an above ground pool when it rains?

Do black garbage bags warm up a pool?

One way of putting this concept into practice is to float large black trash bags (yes, trash bags) in your pool. The bags will absorb heat and transfer it to the pool water, warming it up, while also serving as a barrier that prevents warm water at the surface of the pool from evaporating.