Thinking about covering your pool with a regular tarp? You’re not alone. It’s known that CCS polypropylene mesh tarps work well for this task. This article will guide you through the dos and don’ts of using a tarp as a pool cover, ensuring your pool stays clean and safe.
Dive in for all the details—you might be surprised at what you’ll learn!
Key Takeaways
- A regular tarp is a budget-friendly option for covering your pool, but it only lasts 1-3 seasons.
- Tarps offer quick emergency coverage but fail to provide long – term protection against debris and harsh weather.
- Properly securing a tarp involves using water bags or tent stakes to keep it in place, preventing damage from wind or rain.
- Covering your pool before rain helps maintain clean water and prevents chemical imbalance by keeping out debris.
- Alternatives like mesh covers, solid vinyl covers, and automatic pool covers offer benefits that standard tarps cannot match.
The Pros and Cons of using a Tarp as a Pool Cover
Exploring the use of a tarp as a pool cover offers a glimpse into a solution teetering between affordability and functionality. Below, we’ve laid out the advantages and disadvantages to help you weigh your options carefully.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordability stands out as a significant advantage. Tarps, known for their low cost, present an economical option for pool owners. | Durability issues come to the forefront. Standard tarp covers, with a lifespan of only 1-3 seasons, necessitate frequent replacements. |
| Installation simplicity makes tarps an attractive choice. Their lightweight nature allows for easy handling and coverage. | Limited protection is a drawback. Tarps may not offer the best shield against debris or harsh weather conditions. |
| Flexibility in usage spans various pool types. Both above ground and inground pools can be covered with a tarp. | Safety concerns arise with tarp covers. They’re not specifically designed for pool coverage and may pose hazards if not secured properly. |
| Emergency readiness is a benefit. In a pinch, a tarp can quickly cover and protect the pool from immediate environmental impacts. | Subpar aesthetics might be off-putting. Tarps, typically not designed for pools, can detract from the overall look of your outdoor space. |
Choosing a tarp as a pool cover involves a balance between its cost-effective appeal and the potential limitations in protection, safety, and durability.
Factors to Consider when Using a Tarp for a Pool Cover
Consider the tarp’s sizing and fitting to ensure it adequately covers the pool. Focus on safety and durability to guarantee long-lasting protection for your pool.
Sizing and Fitting
Getting the right size for your pool cover is crucial. You must measure your swimming pool accurately to find a tarpaulin that fits perfectly. A common mistake many customers make is ordering the wrong-sized cover, which can lead to issues with water quality and safety.
The exact dimensions of your pool determine the size of the tarpaulin needed. It isn’t just about covering; it’s about securing properly too.
To ensure a snug fit, consider what needs covering and how you’ll fasten the tarpaulin down. Using tent pegs or water bags helps keep the cover in place, even during windy weather or rainstorms.
This way, your filtration system stays protected while maintaining alkalinity and chlorine levels balanced. Making sure your tarpaulin matches these dimensions prevents unwanted debris from entering and keeps backwash processes efficient.
Safety and Durability
A regular tarp may not hit the mark for safety and durability, unlike tailor-made pool covers. These special designs can weather the elements, lasting anywhere from six to ten years.
They keep out unwanted debris and are built to withstand harsh conditions, including pounding rain or blistering sun.
Choosing a standard tarp could mean compromising on these aspects. They’re simply not as robust, often surviving a mere one to three years before showing signs of wear. This short lifespan can leave your swimming pool vulnerable to dirt, waste, and damage from UV light—an essential factor considering tarps block up to 97% of harmful rays but might not cover every inch effectively.
How to Properly Secure a Tarp as a Pool Cover
Securing a tarp over your swimming pool correctly ensures it stays in place, protecting the water from debris and dirt. It’s not just about draping it over; you need a methodical approach to keep it secure. Here’s how:
- Measure your pool accurately before buying a tarp. It should cover the entire surface with extra room around the edges.
- Lay the tarp over the pool carefully, ensuring no part of the water is exposed.
- Use water bags or sand bags, as mentioned, to hold down the perimeter of the tarp. Place these bags evenly around the edge to maintain balance.
- Fix each corner of the tarp firmly to avoid any loose ends that could catch wind.
- Go around the pool and attach stakes into the ground one by one. Make sure each stake is secured properly to prevent the tarp from falling in.
- Check for any sagging parts of the tarp and adjust accordingly. A sagging cover can collect water and debris, making it harder to remove.
- Inspect regularly for any signs of wear or damage. Promptly repairing small issues can prevent larger problems later.
Should I Cover My Pool if It’s Going to Rain?
Covering your pool before it rains can save you a lot of hassle. Rain often brings debris and dirt, which can make your pool water murky and uninviting. A cover keeps these unwanted materials out, making cleaning up after the storm much simpler.
Plus, it prevents rainwater from overfilling your pool and altering its chemical balance.
For storms, experts suggest preparing by covering your pool equipment with a sturdy tarp or waterproof material. It’s crucial to ensure this cover is tightly secured to protect against water damage.
Taking these steps not only maintains the condition of your pool but also safeguards the equipment that keeps it running smoothly.
Alternatives to Using a Tarp as a Pool Cover
Finding the right pool cover doesn’t have to be a challenge. While tarps offer an affordable option, several alternatives might better suit your needs and provide added benefits.
- Mesh Pool Covers – These allow rainwater to filter through while keeping out leaves and debris. They’re lightweight, making them easier to handle than heavy tarps. Mesh covers are ideal for areas that get a lot of rainfall, as they prevent water accumulation on top.
- Solid Vinyl Covers – Designed for durability, solid vinyl covers block all sunlight, reducing algae growth in your pool. They are also excellent at retaining heat, which might save you money on heating costs during cooler months.
- Automatic Pool Covers – For those who value convenience, automatic pool covers roll on and off with the push of a button. Though pricier, they provide robust safety features and can serve as a year-round solution.
- Solar Pool Covers – Solar covers not only keep out debris but also use the sun’s rays to heat the water. This can extend your swimming season without extra heating costs.
- Safety Covers – Made of stronger materials like reinforced vinyl or mesh over a framework of straps, safety covers support significant weight, offering peace of mind for families with children or pets.
- Leaf Nets – If you primarily need to keep leaves out of your pool and already have a winter cover or tarp, leaf nets can be placed on top for easy leaf removal before opening your pool in the spring.
Conclusion
Using a regular tarp as a pool cover might seem like an easy fix. However, it’s clear that it falls short in many areas, especially during winter months. Tarps are not designed to withstand the challenges pools face from weather and debris.
For those on a budget, there are ways to make it work with some DIY effort. But for long-term solutions, investing in a proper pool cover is the smarter move. Remember, the right cover keeps your pool safe and clean, saving you time and money down the line.
FAQs
1. What makes a regular tarp different from a pool cover?
Ah, good question! A regular tarp, while versatile, isn’t made specifically for pools. Pool covers are designed to fit snugly over the water’s surface, often with features like UV protection and resistance to pool chemicals such as bromine. When it comes to protecting your pool and keeping it clean, investing in a proper pool cover can save you time and money in the long run. While a regular tarp may be cheaper initially, the cost of replacing it frequently due to wear and tear can add up. On the other hand, a high-quality pool cover designed for the specific needs of a pool can provide better protection and durability. Some pool covers even come with automated features, although these can significantly increase the manual pool cover cost.
2. Can I use my tarp as a temporary pool cover?
Indeed, you can! If it’s all you have at hand – perhaps for an unexpected leaf fall or before buying a bespoke cover – a regular tarp will do in a pinch. Just remember, it won’t offer the same level of protection or efficiency.
3. How do I secure my tarp to use as a pool cover?
Securing your makeshift pool cover is key. Grab some weights or water bags—whatever’s handy— and place them around the edges of your tarp; this keeps it from blowing away or sinking into your pool.
4. Will using a regular tarp affect my pool’s cleanliness?
Well now… Using just any old tarp might let more debris slip into your pool compared to using one specifically meant for covering pools; moreover, without proper venting (like that found in actual pool covers), you could end up nurturing algae rather than preventing it – especially if you’re using bromine to keep things clean.
