Step-by-step guide to properly removing, cleaning, and storing your winter cover for maximum longevity.
Spring opening is the payoff for a well-executed fall winterization — a pool that opens clean, clear, and ready for the season within days rather than weeks. Cover removal done correctly protects both the cover for future seasons and the pool water from contamination.
Begin cover removal by pumping off all standing water from the cover surface until it is as dry as possible. Then carefully sweep remaining debris toward the edges, working from the center outward. This prevents you from dumping a season's worth of winter debris directly into your pool water.
Remove cover anchors systematically from one end of the pool and enlist helpers for the actual removal. Fold the cover accordion-style from one end, keeping the dirty upper surface folded inward to contain any residual debris. Never drag the cover across coping or rough deck surfaces.
Once removed, spread the cover on a clean grass or deck area and wash thoroughly with a garden hose and mild soap. Inspect every inch for tears, weakened areas, loose grommets, or worn spots. Small repairs made now prevent those issues from becoming full failures next fall.
Fold or roll loosely and store in the provided bag in a cool, dry location with air circulation — never seal in airtight plastic bags. Keep away from rodents, sharp objects, and chemical storage areas. A properly stored cover will arrive next fall in ready-to-install condition.