Can You Put a Tarp Over a Swimming Pool?

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals estimated that there were more than 1.5 million aboveground and inground pools in the United States during 2013. A pool is a long-term investment that provides all ages with exercise, family time, and respite from the heat. To make sure this is an investment that lasts, a pool needs to be maintained and protected. Putting a tarp over a swimming pool is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment.

Three Steps to Pool Care Basics

Once a pool is installed, you need to maintain the water quality. To do this, there are three steps.

#1 – Scoop bugs, leaves, and other items that make their way into the pool during the day. The filter is designed to trap them, but they may not make it to the filter before sinking. It’s unpleasant swimming in a pool where there are dead bugs, leaves, and other matter lying on the ground.

#2 – Check the water quality at least twice a week. The pH is one of the most important components of water quality. If it’s too acidic, it can damage your pool’s walls, floor, and filter system. If it’s too low, the water can become cloudy and scale and mineral deposits will build up. You’ll also check the alkalinity, calcium levels, and the presence of metals like copper and iron. You want water that is free of bacteria. Bromine or chlorine are helpful here. Algaecide keeps algae from growing.

#3 – Depending on your filtration system, you’ll have work to do. Monitor the pressure gauge to ensure it is in the 7 to 10 pound range. If it is outside this base reading, the filter needs attention. If you have a diatomaceous earth or sand filter, you need to backwash the system to clear debris from the filter. If you have cartridge filters, you’ll need to spray the one that’s currently installed to remove particles and soak it in a cleaning solution for 12 hours. You should have two filters to ensure continuous operation of the filtration system.

Keep It Covered When It’s Not in Use

When the pool is not going to be used for a while, usually during the fall and winter, you need to keep it covered. If you don’t, leaves and twigs will fall in and create silt that is not desired. You can buy a pool cover from a pool and spa store, but they can be expensive. Save money covering your pool with a tarp.

There’s a second reason to get a pool cover. In northern climates, it can take time for the warmer spring and summer weather to bring the pool water up to a tolerable temperature. With a black mesh pool cover, it can attract the sun each morning and help heat the water faster. You get more use from your pool. Simple pull it on at the end of the night and remove it before people want to use the pool.

Polypropylene Tarps Make the Best Pool Covers

CCS polypropylene mesh tarps are the best tarp for pool covers. They do an exceptional job blocking sunlight, which is essential for preventing algae growth when chemicals are not being added regularly. Polypropylene tarps are strong, too, so they can withstand the weight of ice and snow that builds up over the winter.

How to Cover the Pool Securely With Your Tarp

To attach the pool cover to the top of your aboveground pool, you need a tie down system for the cover so that it won’t blow loose. The cable gets fed through grommets and secures the tarp below the rim of an aboveground pool’s top rail.  Be sure not to make things too tight as you could rip the grommets right out!

If you have an inground pool, order a polypropylene tarp that’s bigger than your pool. Your inground pool deck should have anchors installed, if not you’ll need to install them every two feet. Be sure to secure it tightly while not applying so much pressure you damage the grommets.

You may want to get an air pillow that floats on the pool water’s surface to prevent the cover from sinking before the pool water freezes. This also helps keep snow and ice from weighing down the cover and putting extra pressure on the pool walls, further extending the life of your tarp.

Get a Quote for a Custom Tarp Pool Cover

Do you need a pool cover in a custom size? Chicago Canvas & Supply has a full range of mesh tarps that allow air and water to pass while keeping leaves and other debris out of your pool water. Receive a custom quote within one business day – contact us today!

One thought on “Can You Put a Tarp Over a Swimming Pool?

  1. Adrian Jones says:

    It’s important to make sure that the pool is covered during the off-season since you would have to maintain it and make sure it’s kept clean at the same time. Another thing to do is to make sure it’s covered–even a simple tarpaulin, as long as it’s secured around the perimeter, can serve as a pool cover should you be working on a budget. If I had a pool, then I would definitely consider getting one of these pool covers to save me the trouble of always cleaning the pool when it’s not summer.

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