Covering your pool: why, when and with what?

Are you looking to cover your pool? When nobody is swimming, a suitable cover helps keep leaves, insects, dirt and rain out of the water. That means less clearing up and it helps keep your pool water tidy. But what is the best way to cover your pool, and when do you choose a pool cover, a pool dome or a pool canopy? In this blog we help you choose, so your pool is ready for your next refreshing swim.

 

This information applies to EXIT pools and other frame pools that match the cover you choose. Always check that the shape and dimensions of your pool suit the product you pick.

Why cover your pool?

Your pool stands outside, so leaves, grass, insects, rain and other dirt find their way in. Cover the water after a swim and less dirt ends up in the pool. That way you need to clean the surface of the water less often before you take your next dip.

 

After a shower of rain it is also nice if as little dirt as possible has got into the water. A suitable cover helps keep your pool tidier during the swimming season and makes it easier to look after the water. Read our tips for a clean frame pool as well.

A pool cover keeps leaves and dirt out of the pool water after your day of swimming

When do you cover your pool?

Cover your pool as soon as you have finished swimming. Think of the end of a day of swimming, a rainy spell or a few days when you do not have time for a swim. Take the cover off again before you get into the water.

 

Check first that there are no leaves, twigs or other dirt lying on the cover. That way you avoid it ending up in the water when you take the cover off. Also choose a cover that fits well, so it stays neatly in place.

What can you cover your pool with?

Which cover suits you depends on what you want to achieve. Do you want to cover the water after a swim? Do you want to swim out of the wind, or keep swimming when it rains? Or are you looking for shade on a sunny day? EXIT Toys has different solutions for these situations.

A pool cover for the moments when you are not swimming

You lay an EXIT pool cover over the pool after your last dip. The cover protects the water against dirt and the weather outside. EXIT pool covers are available for round and rectangular pools.

 

You fasten the covers with elastic. Drainage holes let rainwater run off instead of collecting on the cover. Choose a pool cover that matches the shape and size of your pool.

A pool dome for swimming in changeable weather

Do you want to do more than protect your water, and also swim out of the wind or keep swimming when it rains? Then an EXIT pool dome can be a suitable choice. A pool dome protects the pool against dirt, rain and wind and helps hold on to the warmth of the water. Because the dome is transparent, you keep a clear view of the water while your pool is covered. Would you like to warm up your pool water as well? Then combine your pool with a pool heat pump.

 

EXIT has pool domes that you mount on a frame pool and models that you fix to the ground. Some models also fit frame pools from other brands. Always check the required dimensions and the shape of your pool. Not sure? Take a look at our guide to pool domes and pool canopies.

A pool dome gives you a spot to swim out of the wind during the swimming season

A pool canopy for shade while you swim

An EXIT pool canopy is made for sunny moments. The fan system lets you open the canopy partly or fully, so you decide how much shade you want to create over the pool.

 

A pool canopy is not the same as a pool cover. You use it to create shade while you swim, whereas a pool cover covers the water between two swims. The right size matters for a pool canopy too.

How do you choose the right size of cover?

Look at the shape of your pool, but also at the dimensions. A round pool needs a round cover with the right diameter. For a rectangular pool you need a cover that matches the length and width of the pool.

 

With pool domes and pool canopies, the dimensions you need can differ from the outer size of the pool. So always check which type and which pool size the product is suitable for before you choose. That way you know the cover will fit properly and that you can attach it the right way.

Covering your pool in three steps

1. Remove leaves and other loose dirt from the surface of the water before you put the cover on.

2. Lay or fit the cover according to the manual that comes with it. Make sure a pool cover lies evenly over the pool and that the elastic is properly secured.

3. Remove any dirt or rainwater from the cover before you open it again. That keeps as much dirt as possible out of the pool water.

 

Is a pool cover suitable for winter?

No. A pool cover is meant for covering your pool during the swimming season. For the winter, EXIT advises you to drain a frame pool completely, take it apart and store it somewhere dry and frost-free. A pool cover is not an alternative to this winter storage.

 

Would you like to know how to go about that? Read our step-by-step guide to getting your frame pool ready for winter.

Other frequently asked questions about covering your pool

Do I need to cover my pool every day?

No, not every day. Cover your pool after a day of swimming if you want to protect the water against leaves, dirt and rain. Do the same when you are not going to swim for a few days.

Can I swim with a pool cover on my pool?

No. Always take a pool cover off the pool before you swim. The cover is meant to cover the water between two swims.

What is the difference between a pool cover and a pool dome?

You lay a pool cover over the water after a day of swimming. A pool dome creates a spot to swim out of the wind and also protects the pool against dirt, rain and wind.

How do I avoid rainwater on my pool cover?

EXIT pool covers have drainage holes, so rainwater can run off the cover. Do check regularly that leaves or other dirt are not covering these holes.

Does an EXIT cover fit a pool from another brand?

That varies from product to product. Some EXIT pool domes and pool canopies also fit frame pools from other brands. Always check the product information, shape and dimensions before you make a choice.

 

Do you still have questions about covering your pool or choosing a suitable solution? Get in touch with the EXIT Toys customer service team. That leaves you more time for swimming fun in your own garden.