How to Clean a Pool Cover

To clean a pool cover, clear off leaves and standing water, spread the cover on a clean flat surface, scrub both sides with a soft brush and mild soap or a cleaner made for pool covers, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely before folding and storing it. Mesh and solid covers both need this at least once a year, usually when you open the pool, and solid covers also need standing water pumped off throughout the covered season.

What do you need to clean a pool cover?

• Leaf blower, soft broom, or leaf rake
• Cover pump, for solid covers
• Soft bristle brush or a pool brush on a pole
• Mild dish soap or a pool cover cleaner
• Garden hose with a spray nozzle
• A clean lawn, deck, or driveway big enough to lay the cover flat
• A storage bin or bag with a lid

How do you clean a pool cover step by step?

1. Remove debris while the cover is on the pool. Blow or sweep off leaves and twigs so they do not fall into the water when you lift the cover.
2. Pump off standing water. On a solid cover, use a cover pump to remove rainwater first. Dragging a cover that is holding water can tear it and dump dirty water into the pool.
3. Remove the cover and lay it flat. Release the springs or water tubes, fold the cover in sections, and carry it to a clean surface. Avoid rough concrete edges, gravel, and sharp objects.
4. Scrub both sides. Mix mild soap with water and scrub with a soft brush, working in sections. Give the underside extra attention, since that is where algae and mildew tend to grow.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Hose off all soap and loosened grime. Leftover soap attracts dirt and can end up in the pool next season.
6. Dry completely. Let both sides dry in the open, flipping the cover once. Folding a damp cover is the main cause of mildew and odor in storage.
7. Inspect and store. Check for tears, worn straps, and loose springs, then fold the cover loosely and store it in a sealed bin off the ground, away from rodents and direct heat.

How do you clean a mesh pool cover?

Mesh safety covers let rain drain through, so they hold less standing water but trap fine dirt and leaf stains in the weave. Lay the cover flat, scrub with mild soap and a soft brush, and rinse from the top side so dirt is pushed back out of the mesh. Dry it fully before storing. Inspect the straps and anchor springs at the same time; if an anchor is damaged, see how to install a pool cover anchor.

How do you clean a solid pool cover?

Solid covers block sunlight and debris but collect rainwater, which grows algae and adds weight that strains the cover. Keep water pumped off during the season with a cover pump; if yours stops working, see pool cover pump not working. At opening, pump off the last of the water and remove the leaves, then lift, scrub, rinse, and dry it the same way as a mesh cover, with extra attention to mildew spots on the underside.

How do you clean automatic and solar covers?

Automatic covers stay on their track, so clean them in place: pump off water, brush the top with a soft pool brush and mild soap, and rinse, keeping debris out of the track and the cover box. If the cover binds or stops, see how to fix a stuck pool auto cover. Solar bubble covers can be hosed off and gently scrubbed. Once a solar cover is off the water, store it out of direct sun, because heat can damage it.

What should you avoid when cleaning a pool cover?

• Pressure washers on high settings, which can tear mesh and strip coatings.
• Undiluted bleach, solvents, or harsh household cleaners, which can weaken the material.
• Dragging the cover across concrete or pavers.
• Storing it wet, folded tightly, or on a bare floor where pests can reach it.

Shopping for a replacement? See how to pick a pool cover. For the rest of the seasonal routine, read how to open a pool in spring and how to winterize a pool.

Pool cover cleaning FAQ

How often should you clean a pool cover?

Give mesh and solid covers a full cleaning at least once a year, usually when you take the cover off to open the pool, so it goes into storage clean and dry. During the covered season, clear leaves regularly and pump water off solid covers after rain. Automatic and solar covers that stay in use through the swim season benefit from a quick rinse and brushing every few weeks.

Can you use bleach to clean a pool cover?

Avoid undiluted bleach. Strong chlorine and harsh household chemicals can weaken cover fabrics and coatings over time. Mild dish soap and water, or a cleaner made for pool covers, handles most dirt. For stubborn mildew, follow the cover manufacturer's care instructions, test any stronger cleaner on a small hidden area first, and rinse thoroughly so no residue ends up in the pool.

How do you get mildew off a pool cover?

Scrub the affected areas with mild soap and a soft brush, rinse well, and let the cover dry completely in the open. Drying is the most important step, because mildew returns on damp material. If the manufacturer approves a specific mildew cleaner, use it as directed. To prevent mildew, never fold or store the cover while it is still wet.

Should you clean a pool cover before closing the pool?

Yes. Put a clean, dry cover on when you close the pool so less dirt, algae, and staining end up in the water over the off-season. Before installing it, check for tears, worn straps, and weak springs, and make sure the pool water is clean and balanced. A dirty cover sitting on the pool for months can leave stains that are harder to remove at opening.

Not comfortable doing it yourself? WETYR services pools nationwide. Get a free quote.

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