Barry Bartakovits Custom Pools Yes/No

Protect Your Swimming Pool Cover from Winter Weather

Regardless of what kind of pool you have, you not only have to protect your pool from winter weather; you also have to protect your pool cover . Otherwise, it could be damaged or possibly even destroyed by snow, ice or hard winds.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

How to Remove Water and Ice from a Pool Cover

The best method is to use a cover pump.

· Wait for a warm day, when the ice has melted. Never try to remove ice from the pool cover; the sharp edges can cut a whole or gash in the cover. Keep the water level on top of the pool cover to a minimum to prevent large blocks of ice from building up.

· To prevent the pump impeller or filter from getting clogged with leaves and debris, place it inside a 5 gallon bucket that has a few holes drilled into it. Place the bucket with the pump on the pool cover. Never place your cover pump directly on the cover. Most pumps are strong enough to pull water through the cover and drain your pool.

How to Protect Your Pool Cover from Wind Damage

Prevent heavy winds and rain from blowing the pool cover around and even completely off of the swimming pool:

· Use water bags or aqua-blocks to hold your cover down. (Never use coffee cans, bricks, boards, etc. They can fall into your pool and damage your liner.)

· Keep a small amount of water on top of the pool cover as well to make sure that the pool cover stays in place and does not lift off on windy days.

How to Protect Your Pool Cover from Leaves & Tree Branches

· Hire a professional tree service to remove any overhanging tree limbs that may land in your pool. Dead tree limbs are a #1 cause to holes in swimming pool covers during the course of the winter, closely followed by seam rips.

· Buy a swimming pool leaf net that installs right on top of the pool cover. This leaf net is made from mesh so the water drains right through but the leaves get stuck. Once the leaves all fall, you can just pull off the net.

If you need help, don't hesitate to call the experts at Barry Bartakovits Custom Pools at 610) 691-7665 or visit http://www.custompoolsbybarry.com/. .

At Barry Bartakovits Custom Pools, our people make the difference. Our team is comprised of eighteen experienced employees - four are PA State certified pool operators and our retail store is a licensed PA state certified chemical applicator. Our in-house team will work tirelessly to provide you with top-of-the-line service, before, during and after the sale of your new outdoor living space. Having just celebrated our 40th year in business, we are proud of the numerous prestigious awards we have received from the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), Penn Jersey Pool & Spa Association, and the Lehigh Valley Builders Association. For more information, call us at 610) 691-7665 or visit http://www.custompoolsbybarry.com/.