A Quick and Comprehensive Guide to How to Clean a Pool Cover

Keeping a pool maintained and serviced is a no-brainer. But, many homeowners and pool dealers forget that cleaning a pool cover is equally important to maintaining the longevity of a pool.

Fail to clean a pool cover, and your pool can become dirty fast. How do you keep a pool and its safety cover clean and working well? By cleaning it at least one time a year.

By cleaning a pool cover at least one time a year, you can ensure that the fabric doesn’t become stiff, brittle, or cracked.

In this article, we’ll cover the four simple steps needed to clean your pool cover to help prolong its appearance and ensure chemicals from pool water, sunlight exposure, and other environmental elements don’t damage your pool.

Let’s dive in.

4 simple steps to cleaning your pool safety cover

How to clean a pool cover

To clean a pool cover, you’ll want to make sure you first remove large debris from the cover, then rinse the cover with water, scrub the cover with a brush, and wash the cover using gentle detergent.

We’ll discuss each of these in the sections below.

Remove large debris

Pool covers work wonders for a pool because they act as a barrier to entry for large debris. Alas, added pool protection comes with a cost.

You need to remove large debris from the top of a pool cover to preserve the integrity of the pool cover. For example, dry leaves can be removed with a leaf blower or leaf rake.

As well, wet leaves should dry first and then be raked or scooped off the cover into a garbage can. Finally, if you need to walk to the center of the cover to reach debris, make sure to wear sensible, lightweight shoes to prevent damage and avoid nicking or scuffing any parts of the cover.

Scrub the cover with a soft brush

To clean your cover thoroughly, consider using a pool cover cleaner. One of the best ways to clean the buildup of materials in and around the cover is by using a soft-bristled pool brush to scoop any leaves and other debris off the pool cover.

Removing debris with a pool brush is common practice as the pole of the pool brush can be extended long enough to reach dirt and debris. A regular broom doesn’t always have as much reach as a pool brush.

Next, you’ll want to use a leaf rake to scoop out debris while you remove excess water via the cover pump.

Wash the cover using a soft detergent

While using a soft brush to clean your cover will help keep your pool cover clean, you might want to clean your cover with dishwashing soap and a pool brush. For those stubborn stains, you can clean the cover with mild detergent.

Popular brands of cover-cleaning products are sold at pool stores and online retailers.

But, you’ll want to clean your cover at the opening time of swimming season and not while the cover is on the pool during winter. Avoid having the cover cleaned on grass or dirt, as earthy elements can pose problems when cleaning your cover with detergents.

Once the cover is clean, you’ll want to place the cover pump on the center of the cover, spray soapy water towards the pump, and allow 90% of the water to drain before starting the cover.

Next, you’re ready to store your cover away.

Allow the cover to dry in the sun before folding it. The best way to store a safety cover is by placing it in its corresponding storage bag.

You can store the cover in a heavy-duty bin if you’re concerned that rodents and other creepy crawlers could access the cover.

Wash the cover using a soft detergent

While using a soft brush to clean your cover will help keep your pool cover clean, you might want to clean your cover with dishwashing soap and a pool brush. For those stubborn stains, you can clean the cover with mild detergent.

Once the cover is clean, you’ll want to place the over pump on the center of the cover, spray soapy water towards the pump, and allow 90% of the water to drain before starting the cover.

Kayden pro tip on pool cover maintenance

Whether using a solid or mesh safety cover, regardless of the type of pool cover used, you’ll want to have your pool cover and system inspected by a professional at least once a year.

A pool professional can share tips and tricks with you on all things pool-related. For example, a pool professional can show you how to make the most of your pool safety cover and vinyl pool liner — as well as advise you if you need a new pool liner. Pool professionals can also take a look at other pool cover parts and advise you on the proper storage of your pool cover.

For added peace of mind on your swimming pool, consider reaching out to a pool professional to inspect and repair your pool and its accessories.

Kayden Manufacturing: quality safety covers for every season and need

As the demand for swimming pools is projected to increase over the next five years due to increased tourism and urbanization (Technavio, 2024), there’s no doubt that owning the right safety equipment will be key to maintaining the life and longevity of a swimming pool.

Fortunately, we’re one step ahead of the curve. Kayden Manufacturing offers a suite of pool products for businesses, pool dealers, and homeowners alike.

For more than 20 years, we’ve been meeting the demands of the nation’s homeowners and businesses for all their pool-related needs. Whether you need a new safety cover or vinyl liner, the professionals at Kayden Manufacturing have your back.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and product offerings.

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