Owning a swimming pool is one of the best ways to enhance your home’s appeal and provide a space for relaxation, fun, and fitness. However, maintaining a pool comes with a set of responsibilities, including regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and proper winterization. One of the most debated aspects of pool care is whether the pool cover should touch the water. This question is not only practical but also crucial for maximizing the lifespan of both your pool and its cover. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of having your pool cover touch the water, the type of pool cover you should choose, and the best maintenance practices to keep your pool in excellent condition.
Understanding Pool Covers: Types and Purposes
Before diving into whether the pool cover should touch the water, it’s important to understand the different types of pool covers and their primary purposes. Pool covers are not a one-size-fits-all solution; they vary based on material, function, and the level of protection they offer.
Safety Covers
Safety covers are designed to prevent accidental falls into the pool, especially for homes with small children or pets. These covers are typically made of strong mesh or solid material and are secured tightly to the deck with anchors. Unlike other covers, safety covers must be installed properly, often requiring professional help.
These types of covers rarely touch the water because they’re stretched tightly across the pool, creating a rigid surface. Touching the water could compromise safety and allow debris to accumulate underneath.
Winter Covers
Winter covers are crucial for seasonal pool maintenance, particularly in colder climates. They protect the pool during the off-season by keeping debris, dirt, and contaminants out. These covers can be solid or mesh-based, with solid covers providing a more watertight seal.
Winter covers typically touch the water because they are designed to sit slightly submerged, allowing water to pool on top. However, proper installation is key to prevent unnecessary strain on the cover.
Summer Covers (Solar Covers)
Solar covers are lightweight, bubble-like floating covers that help retain heat, reduce evaporation, and keep debris out. These covers are designed to float on the water surface and can technically be considered touch water, though only partially and not in the same way as winter covers.
They sit directly on the water and enhance temperature retention, making them ideal for use throughout the swim season.
Ross Catches for Automatic Safety Covers
In some automated systems, the cover rolls onto a reel housed in a trough or “ross catch” around the edge of the pool. These systems require the cover to make partial contact with the water during retraction but are generally kept slightly above the surface.
This type of system is ideal for homes that seek convenience and consistent safety measures without compromising the quality of the cover.
Should the Pool Cover Touch the Water?
This is the central question in this guide, and the answer largely depends on the type of cover you’re using. It’s not a simple yes or no — there are important implications to consider when it comes to both contact and non-contact scenarios.
When Touching the Water is Beneficial
For many pool owners, especially those using winter covers, allowing the cover to touch and slightly submerge into the water can be beneficial for the following reasons:
- Prevents Debris Accumulation – When a winter cover is tightly sealed against the water, it significantly limits the amount of debris settling beneath the cover. This keeps water chemistry more stable and makes spring reopening easier.
- Reduces Algae Growth – Without sunlight, algae spores are less likely to bloom. A submerged cover limits sunlight exposure, which can be a critical factor during seasonal hibernation.
- Minimizes Evaporation – Especially during dry seasons, when the cover touches the water, it reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation, cutting down on refilling costs and maintaining chemical balance.
However, this benefit can be overshadowed if proper water chemistry and cover installation are not maintained.
When Touching the Water is Detrimental
In some cases, letting the pool cover touch the water may cause more harm than good, particularly if the cover is not designed for this usage. The following issues can arise:
Staining and Bleaching – Certain pool covers (especially dark-colored ones) may leach dyes or chemicals into the water if they come into contact with the pool liquid, especially in warm conditions. Chlorine or acid-based water can also bleach parts of the cover over prolonged exposure.
Mesh Covers May Allow Sunlight Penetration – Some mesh winter covers are designed not to touch the water. If they sag into the pool, sunlight can penetrate and promote algae growth due to the mesh construction.
Cover Damage from Chemical Exposure – If the cover dips into chemically treated water for long periods, it can degrade the material, shortening the lifespan of the cover and potentially damaging the pool lining or surface.
Best Practices Around Cover-Water Interaction
To ensure the optimal balance between protection and damage prevention, follow these rules of thumb:
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines – Before deciding whether your cover should touch water, read the instructions. Safety covers, for instance, are rarely meant to submerge while solar covers are designed specifically for this purpose.
- Maintain Chlorine or Algaecide Levels – If you plan on leaving your cover submerged, ensure water chemistry remains stable even when the pool is not in use.
- Use a Water Pillow – In cold climates, inserting a winter water pillow underneath the cover helps control expansion from freezing, lifting the cover slightly and preventing excessive direct contact with the pool water.
Choosing the Right Cover Based on Intended Use
The decision on whether your pool cover should touch the water also depends on how you plan to use it throughout the year. Let’s explore different cover types and how they interact with the water.
Safety Covers and Water Contact
These covers are made for safety, not water contact. A properly installed safety cover will remain taut and above the water surface. The weight of snow or rain can cause the cover to sag occasionally, but in general, the cover should never lie flat on the water. If it does, this may indicate improper installation or overloading, which can become a safety hazard.
Tip: Consider investing in a rigid safety panel or dome if local weather conditions are extreme. These systems keep the cover elevated and prevent water build-up from compromising safety measures.
Winter Pool Covers and Water
As mentioned earlier, winter pool covers typically sit on the water. The key here is ensuring proper fit and balance. Too tight, and the cover might tear under pressure; too loose, and it can allow water accumulation or algae development.
Some pool professionals recommend using a cover reel alongside an automatic pump system to keep the water drained off the cover quickly. This helps maintain longevity and prevents tearing from excessive weight.
Solar Pool Covers and Water Usage
Solar pool covers are made to float on the water surface. Their primary function is to reduce heat loss and cut down chemical usage. Allowing these covers to sit directly on the water surface enhances their insulating properties and improves evaporation prevention.
For maximum effectiveness, solar covers should be applied every time the pool is not in use, including overnight or during colder periods. However, removing them regularly for skimming and circulation is also important.
Pool Cover Materials and Their Interaction with Water
The materials used to construct your pool cover determine not only durability but also how well it can tolerate frequent contact with water.
Vinyl Covers
Important Tip: Vinyl covers should be cleaned before storage and inspected annually for wear or UV degradation.
Polyethylene Mesh Covers
Mesh covers are often seen as an alternative to solid vinyl covers, and they provide better drainage capabilities. They are lighter, more breathable, and ideal for regions with heavy snowfall.
However, mesh covers can degrade more quickly with prolonged water contact and should not be placed under waterlogged conditions.
Reinforced Coated Mesh
This is a hybrid variant that offers the breathability of mesh with a reinforced, waterproof coating. This cover type can occasionally sit on or slightly in the water but is designed primarily for areas with heavy rainfall but minimal pool chemistry concerns.
The Effects of Climate and Environment on Pool Cover Design
The local climate will strongly influence whether a pool cover should lie on the water or above it.
High-Rainfall Areas
In high-rainfall environments, a mesh cover with slight elevation is ideal to allow natural water drainage. A solid cover in such areas requires an automatic pump to avoid damage.
Cold Winter Regions
In snow-prone regions, the cover must be strong enough to carry the snow’s weight without touching the water surface unless the cover has a water pillow underneath to absorb the expansion as water freezes beneath the cover.
Hot, Sunny Climates
In hot climates, contact with the water enhances evaporation prevention, which is more critical due to high heat. Solar covers work well in such conditions and encourage energy savings from heating systems.
However, high UV exposure can shorten the cover lifespan and should be replaced annually or biannually as needed.
Conclusion: Make the Right Choice Based on Your Needs
In summary, whether your pool cover should touch the water depends on the type of cover, the reason for using it, and the environmental conditions of your area. If you have a solid safety cover, it’s best to maintain it slightly above the water surface for safety and long-term effectiveness. A winter cover may sit or float slightly on the water, as permitted by design, especially with proper weight management. If you’re using a solar cover, encouraging contact with the water enhances insulation and cost-effectiveness.
Understanding your pool’s specific requirements — from chemical safety to local climate — is essential when making this decision. Always ensure proper installation, routine cleaning, and timely replacement of your pool covers to protect your valuable investment.
Whether you’re protecting a backyard sanctuary or a commercial installation, following these best practices ensures your pool remains clean, balanced, and ready for the next season of enjoyment.
Key Takeaways
| Cover Type | Should it Touch Water? | Why or Why Not? |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Cover | No | Maintains structural integrity and prevents debris from settling beneath |
| Winter Cover (Solid) | Yes (with caution) | Prevents contamination and minimizes sunlight exposure; requires proper installation |
| Winter Cover (Mesh) | Generally No | Allows algae growth if submerged and sunlight may penetrate |
| Solar Cover | Yes | Maximizes heat retention and evaporation reduction |
| Automatic Cover System | Partially | May touch water briefly in retraction but remains largely elevated |
Why shouldn’t my pool cover touch the water?
Allowing your pool cover to touch the water can lead to a variety of issues, depending on the type of cover you use. For safety and maintenance purposes, it’s generally recommended that solid safety covers remain slightly elevated above the water surface. If the cover dips into the water, it can create pockets where water pools on top of the cover itself, adding unnecessary weight and strain on the cover’s material and support system. This can lead to premature wear and potential damage.
With mesh covers, which are designed to allow water to pass through, touching the water still isn’t necessary and can present complications. Although mesh covers are less prone to standing water buildup, having the cover in direct contact with the pool water may reduce its effectiveness in keeping out large debris and potentially affect water chemistry during periods of heavy rainfall or snow melt. Maintaining a small gap between the cover and the water surface helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of the cover.
Will leaving my cover on the water damage it?
Leaving a pool cover submerged in water for extended periods can significantly reduce its lifespan and effectiveness. Solid vinyl covers, for example, are not designed to remain underwater and prolonged contact with the water can lead to stretching, tearing, and mold growth. The chemicals in the pool water may also degrade the cover’s material over time, especially if the pool’s chemistry is not perfectly balanced.
Mesh covers are more forgiving because they are permeable, but they too can suffer from being constantly submerged. When the cover lies flat on the water surface, it’s more difficult for water to drain efficiently, and debris may become trapped between the cover and the water, causing staining or algae growth. To avoid damage and unnecessary maintenance, it’s best practice to maintain some clearance between the cover and the water surface.
How much distance should there be between the cover and the water?
The ideal clearance for a pool cover is typically between 6 to 12 inches above the surface of the water. This gap allows the cover to function effectively without being submerged when the water level fluctuates, such as due to rain or wind-blown water. For solid covers, this space ensures proper water runoff into the gutter system surrounding the cover, preventing standing water issues that could damage the cover or affect the safety of people around the pool.
For mesh covers, maintaining this same range of clearance is also recommended, even though they allow water to pass through. The primary reason is that too tight a fit can restrict proper water drainage and lead to sagging. Adjusting the tension or support system of the cover accordingly ensures that the proper clearance is maintained and the cover performs as intended through different weather conditions.
Can a cover that touches the water attract insects or algae?
If a pool cover regularly touches or sits on the surface of the water, it can create warm, stagnant pockets, particularly on top of solid covers, which are perfect breeding grounds for insects like mosquitoes. These insects can pose both a nuisance and a health concern, especially during warmer months. Furthermore, moisture retained on the cover can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, particularly in warm, humid environments.
In the water itself, having a cover too close to the pool surface may slow water circulation and reduce the effectiveness of chemical treatment, increasing the potential for algae growth. Algae can develop on the underside of a cover that touches the water, especially if it remains submerged for long periods or if proper chemical balance is not maintained in the pool. A properly spaced cover helps mitigate these issues by limiting stagnation and allowing more efficient chemical dispersion.
What should I do if water pools on my cover?
If water starts to accumulate on top of your solid pool cover, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible using a leaf blower, siphon pump, or water tube. Excess water weighs down the cover and can create deep depressions that pull the edges off anchors or cause stretching and tearing. In extreme cases, a fully submerged cover can pose a safety hazard, especially for children or pets walking over it.
Preventing water accumulation in the first place is also key. Ensure the cover is installed with the correct slope so water can roll off into the gutter system. Regular maintenance, such as checking for rips, ensuring anchors are secure, and monitoring drainage systems, will keep the cover functioning properly. For mesh covers, inspect regularly to ensure debris is not clogging the weave or preventing proper drainage, which can also cause water to collect.
Can my pool cover touching the water affect the chemical balance?
When a pool cover touches the water, especially a solid one, it can interfere with proper chemical distribution, particularly if there are pool chemicals like chlorine floaters or automatic feeders placed under the cover. Inadequate circulation may cause uneven dispersion of chemicals, leading to some areas of the pool being under-treated while others experience an over-concentration of chemicals, which can damage both the water quality and the pool surfaces.
Also, if trapped water sits on top of a solid cover, the sunlight passing through may cause the water to heat up, creating a breeding ground for algae that can then fall into the pool when the water above is removed. This introduces contaminants into the pool water and may disrupt the chemical balance further. Maintaining proper water levels and cover positioning will help preserve the correct chemistry and reduce the need for excessive chemical adjustments.
How do I know if my pool cover is installed correctly?
A properly installed pool cover should be taut across the surface of the pool with no sagging areas that might allow contact with the water. For solid safety covers, you should have a functional water removal system, such as a siphon or gutter, which channels water off the cover and away from the pool. The anchors or fasteners should be secure around the entire perimeter and adjusted to provide even tension on the cover with appropriate clearance above the water surface.
With mesh covers, correct installation is characterized by a fitted, but breathable, placement that allows water to pass through without creating low spots where water or debris collects. You should check all edges and supports regularly, especially after heavy rain or wind, to ensure everything remains in place. Consulting with a professional or referring to the manufacturer’s guidelines can help ensure your cover is installed correctly and functioning as it should, providing safety and maintenance benefits throughout the season.