Swimming pools are a great way to make the most of your property, but swimming pool covers are a valuable asset when they're not in use. Pool covers can save money by reducing water evaporation, heat loss, and chemical loss. They also act as an additional safety barrier, which is great if you have pets or children. However, there are some specifics that should be known when using a pool cover. We'll cover a few of them in the following guide.

Do:

Maintain the proper water level in the pool.

Keeping the water in your pool at a certain level is important to avoid damaging swimming pool covers. Low water levels give the cover room to sag, which could lead to damage or even the need for a replacement. Ideally, your water should be kept at about mid-skimmer level throughout the entire swimming season. Even an inch of difference can cause issues. During winter, the water should be no lower than 5" from normal.

Keep the water chemistry properly balanced.

Pools require a delicate balance of chemicals for them to be safe and swimmable. However, these chemicals can also impact the pool cover. When the balance is skewed, the pool cover may weaken and damage parts. This is especially apparent in cases where chlorine levels are too high. Regularly test your water and utilize measures to keep things balanced throughout the year.

Don't:

Force the pool cover open if it stops.

If you go to open or close swimming pool covers and they stop or seem to get stuck, don't force them. There's usually a reason that they've stopped, and exerting extra force on them can lead to tears in the fabric and damage to the underlying mechanics of the system. Damage caused by forced opening or closing is usually not covered under warranty.

Walk on the lid or put excess pressure on it.

When the swimming pool is covered, regardless of if you have a fabric covering or a more durable material, never try to walk on it or put any added pressure on it. Don't store things on top, clean any debris accumulating, and communicate with children that it's off-limits. This can help you reduce the risk of unnecessary damage and keep your family safe.

If you're interested in adding a pool to your property or would like to install swimming pool covers, turn to the team at  Distinctive Swimming Pools Inc., in Washington Depot, CT. This family-owned and -operated company has been serving families of Fairfield and Litchfield counties for more than 75 years and can help you find exactly what you need to make the most out of your pool. To learn more about their comprehensive range of services, visit them online, or call (860)-868-3622 to schedule a professional consultation. You can also find additional tips from their team on Facebook.