To cover your above-ground pool, you should first clean and lower the water level. After doing this, place an air pillow in the center, lay the cover over the pool, and secure it tightly.
| Project Difficulty: Beginner Estimated Time: 1 to 3 hours Project Cost: $50 to $200+ (depending on cover type and accessories) |
Supplies Needed
Here is what you will need for the project:
- Winter cover
- Air pillow
- Cable and winch
- Cover pump (for solid covers)
- Cover clips or cover seal (optional, for windy areas)
Step 1: Prepare the Pool and Equipment
After you winterize the pool, if you haven’t, we have a great guide on How to Winterize Your Above-Ground Pool, which has all the steps.
Once the water is ready, you need to prepare the equipment:
Lower the water level: According to Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO at Cabana, “Generally, a good rule to follow is to drop the water level at least 4-5 inches below the skimmer. Also, you should always look at your pool’s manual, because it should provide a breakdown of what you should do here. You can also contact a pool pro for advice.”
Remove all accessories from the pool: This includes ladders, steps, skimmer baskets, and return jet fittings. Store them somewhere dry to protect them from winter weather.
Step 2. Inspect Your Cover
Before you put the cover on, take a few minutes to inspect it for any damage. A small hole can become a large tear under the weight of water or snow.
Lay the cover on a clean, flat surface and look for rips, punctures, or frayed stitching. If you find small holes, you can often fix them with a pool cover patch kit.
Step 3. Install the Air Pillow
Inflate the air pillow to about 50% to 70% of its capacity. Do not inflate it all the way, because it could pop under the pressure of the ice. Place the pillow in the center of the pool. You can use ropes or an accessory to keep it from moving to the side.
Yamaguchi explains why this is an important step: “One of the most common mistakes homeowners will make with above-ground pools is not utilizing air pillows to keep the pool cover off the surface of the water. This is such an important step for not only the pool cover but the entire pool itself, because it helps prevent structural breaks or pressure issues.”
Step 4. Place the Cover on the Pool
This step is much easier with two people, especially if it’s windy. Unfold the cover on the ground next to the pool. With your helper on the other side, lift the cover and walk it across the water. Lay it on the pool, over the air pillow. Make sure the overlap is even all the way around the pool.
Step 5. Secure the Cover
Your cover should come with a coated steel cable and a winch. Here are the steps to secure it:
- Thread the cable through the metal grommets around the edge of the cover.
- Once you have gone all the way around, feed both ends of the cable into the winch.
- Pull the cable tight by hand to get rid of most of the slack.
- Turn the handle on the winch to tighten the cable. Keep turning until the cover is held snugly against the pool’s top rail.
- Tuck any extra cover material up under the cable.
FAQs About Covering An Above-Ground Pool
Yes, you can cover a pool by yourself. The easiest way is the pole method. Lay the cover on one side of the pool and attach your long cleaning pole to the grommets on the front edge.
You can then lift the pole and walk it to the other side, pulling the cover across the water.
The main defense is a tight cable and winch. If you live in a windy area, you can add cover clips. These plastic clips attach over the cover and onto the top rail for extra security. For the best protection, you can use a cover seal. It’s a large plastic wrap that goes around the entire pool to block the wind.
A properly placed air pillow will create a dome shape that helps water run off. You should also regularly pump any collected rainwater off the top of the cover.
Heavy debris, like leaves, also causes sagging, so it’s important to clear it off periodically.
Prepare in the Fall for a Stress-Free Spring
Taking the time to cover your pool correctly in the fall makes a huge difference. It protects your investment from winter damage and ensures a much faster and cleaner opening when the swimming season returns.
If you are dealing with a tricky deck situation or just want the job done without any issues, we can help you connect with an experienced pro who can handle the entire pool closing process.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled services in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Read More: When to Close Your Pool
Main Image: A round, above-ground pool with a wicker-like texture and a black cover. Photo Credit: Michal / Adobe Stock
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