How to Install A Pool Cover

Pool covers come in a variety of dimensions and thicknesses (microns), offering numerous benefits such as keeping dirt, leaves and debris out of the water, reducing evaporation, saving on chemicals and even helping to maintain water temperature. While professional installation services are available at Poolwerx, opting for a DIY approach can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. 

In this guide, in collaboration with Daisy Pool Covers, we'll walk you through the steps on how to DIY and install a swimming pool cover, discussing its advantages and disadvantages, outlining the necessary tools, and advising when it's best to seek professional assistance.

Choosing The Right Swimming Pool Cover:

Whether you’re browsing online or in-store, choosing the right pool cover comes down to your specific goals, budget, and pool size. 

To determine the right type of pool cover for your needs, ask yourself the following questions:

What’s the Main Reason You Want A Pool Blanket? 

First and foremost, it’s important that you determine your main reason behind wanting a pool blanket for your swimming pool. Is it to reduce evaporation from extreme summer weather reduce cleaning time, eradicate the volume of foliage falling from trees or shrubs? Or, is it to help you retain heat in your pool, allowing your heating to be more effective during the cooler months? Whatever the reason, once you determine your main purpose, it will help assess the right type of cover, including the number of microns (thickness) and material (mesh, bubble, thermal etc).

What Thickness Do I Need For My Pool Blanket To Warm My Pool?

Selecting the right thickness, or microns depends on the purpose of the cover. If your goal is to retain heat and warm the pool then a thicker cover such as 400-500 microns is recommended for this purpose as it’s both durable and efficient. If you’re looking for good value for money, then 250 microns pool cover comes with a lower price tag and is lightweight, economical alternative. Read why investing in a quality pool blanket is important and if you are still unsure after completing your homework, reach out to a pool care professional for further advice, especially if you have a heater installed.

What Size Pool Cover Do I Need?

Before purchasing a pool cover, it's crucial to measure your pool accurately to ensure the appropriate size and perfect fit.

Daisy Tip: Simply measure the overall length and width of your pool, Daisy will allow extra material for trimming in and shrinkage, if you have a shaped pool, we recommend measuring it as if its a rectangle

We recommend taking these measurements to your local Poolwerx to verify that you’ve measured correctly or use the Daisy “fit my pool” calculator to determine the correct cover, roller or accessories for your pool’s requirements. 

[insert image on how to measure pool]

How To Install A Pool Cover:

Before you start, you'll need basic tools such as a tape measure, scissors, drill, screws, and possibly anchors or weights, depending on the type of cover you've chosen.

Step 1: Clean the pool area and the pool

Before installing the cover, make sure the pool and surrounding area are clean and free of debris to prevent damage to the cover and ensure a smooth installation.

Step 2: Ensure that the pool is full

We recommend checking your waterline and ensuring that your pool is filled adequately, as it will matter when it comes to trimming the cover accurately. 

Step 3: Position the cover & lay it out for sizing

Find someone willing to give you a hand - it will make this next step 100x easier!

Carefully unroll the cover over the pool surface, ensuring it's centred and evenly distributed. Be sure to go around the edges to ensure that the cover is flat and any air pockets are removed. 

Step 4: Mark out your cutting area

Next, using chalk, mark out your cut lines. The goal is for the cover to be snug and pushing against the sides of the pool, but not long enough to go over the pool coping.

Remember: the cover will still need to curl slightly up the sides of the wall when resting on the top of the water, never trim it too narrow to begin with and always leave room for shrinkage

Step 4: Cut the pool cover to size! 

The final step is where it gets a bit fiddly.

We recommend taking this step slow, and tucking the pool cover back into the pool every few feet, to ensure that you haven’t over-trimmed the cover. 

Daisy Tip: Trim your cover using a sharp pair of scissors in a slicing motion, don't use a knife see https://youtu.be/VPZAFo6o8Rc

Trusting the markings you’ve just made, grab a sharp pair of scissors and trim along your marked lines, leaving an extra 7.5cm on each side to allow for shrinkage, which can be trimmed after about a week or so. 

Remember, you’re better to under trim, than over trim! If you’re unsure how to cut, fit or trim a pool cover, contact your local Poolwerx - we can help!