Pool Cover Repair Tips

Lead Image for Pool Cover Repair Tips
  • 2-3 hours
  • Beginner
  • 10-20

Pool cover damage is a normal part of the life cycle of a solar pool cover or an in-ground pool cover. It is caused by exposure to the sun, the physical force covering and uncovering the pool and by exposure to pool chemicals. Fortunately, most damage can be repaired at home using inexpensive tools and products.

Tips for Repairing Vinyl Pool Covers

Vinyl pool covers are durable and help prevent heat, chemical, and water evaporation. However, vinyl pool covers, which are also referred to as solar pool covers, have a tendency to develop tears and become discolored. Repairing a tear or hole in a vinyl pool cover is simple.

The first option is to utilize a vinyl pool cover repair kit. This kit will include a vinyl patch and vinyl adhesive. To repair the hole, you will need to remove the cover from the pool and lay it flat on the ground. Dry the area that needs to be patched. Apply the vinyl adhesive around the hole or tear and press the vinyl patch over the tear. Some kits offer a simple peel and stick application, which makes the repair process much simpler. In addition to buying repair supplies in a kit, you have the option of buying the repair items separately. Repair kits and individual repair items can be purchased at pool supply stores.

The discoloration is a problem that may or may not be fixable. If the discoloration of the pool cover is caused by the sun, then there really isn’t anything that you can do to fix the problem. However, if the discoloration is caused by chemical residues, mold, or mildew, you can fix the problem. In this case, you will want to fill a plastic tub with 1 gallon of water and 1 cup of bleach. Lay the pool cover flat on the ground and use a rag dipped in the bleach solution to wash off the residue, mold, or mildew. Allow the cover to dry before putting it back over your pool.

Repairing Mesh or Net Pool Covers

Another popular type of pool cover is the mesh or net pool cover. These covers are prone to tears. Repairing tears is simple. If you are working with a mesh pool cover, simply sew on a mesh patch over the damaged area. If the tear is not large, you may be able to simply sew up the tear using a needle and industrial strength nylon thread.

If you are working with a net pool cover, repair methods are slightly different. First, you may try to repair the netting by hand. This is done by retying the netting that has come apart. The second option is to tie in a new section of netting to replace the damaged netting. If the netting is a liner for your pool cover and if it is severely damaged, you may want to remove the old net liner and replace it with a new one.

Pool covers are an important part of keeping your backyard oasis in pristine condition. These tips will keep you covered!