How to Clean a Solar Pool Cover

Solar pool covers generally come as solar pool blankets. They are a handy piece of equipment that can not only prevent heat from escaping your pool water but also help heat it up. If you have used a solar pool cover before, you already understand the benefits of having one for your pool. So if you plan to use it long-term, you should properly take care of your solar pool cover to reap its benefits and prolong its life.

In this article, I will discuss how to clean your solar pool cover and store it, among other frequently asked questions on solar cover maintenance.

Main Takeaways

• To clean your solar pool cover, simply hose it down and scrub any stubborn debris.
• If you plan to store your solar cover, make sure it’s completely dry before folding it and rolling it up.
• You should try to clean your solar cover every few months to prolong its lifespan.
• When your solar pool cover’s plastic starts to deteriorate or bubbles start falling off, you should consider buying a replacement.

Step-By-Step: How to Clean Your Solar Pool Cover

Cleaning a solar pool cover is straightforward, so don’t feel overwhelmed. Simply gather all the supplies you’ll need, and let’s begin!

Supplies Checklist

• Brush
• Dish soap
• Bucket
• Garden hose
• Rubber gloves

Step one: Hose off the blanket

First things first, get the debris off the blanket by hosing it down with a garden hose. This will also help remove the chlorine from the cover.

Step two: Prepare the soap mix

Grab a bucket, fill it with water, and pour in some mild detergent like dish soap. This mixture will be used to scrub the entire solar pool cover. There is no specific measurement to use when adding the dish soap, but I usually only add a small amount to prevent the solution from becoming overly bubbly.

Step three: Brush off any stubborn algae or dirt

Go over the entire solar pool cover and use the soap mix and brush to remove any algae or dirt not washed off with the garden hose. You may need to get on your hands and knees for this and use a lot of elbow grease to get the cover squeaky clean again. Wear gloves to protect your hands.

Step four: Repeat as necessary

Use the hose again to wash off the scrubbed debris, then check a second time for any remaining patches that need to be cleaned. Don’t forget to check the corners. Repeat as many times as necessary.

Step five: Dry the solar cover

If you plan to store your solar pool cover after cleaning it, ensure it is completely dry before you put it away. Doing so will prevent mold and mildew from growing.

How to Properly Store Your Solar Pool Cover

The most important thing to remember when storing your solar pool cover is to make sure it is completely dry before you put it away. If it’s still wet when you store it, it may grow mold and mildew, which is the last thing you’ll want to deal with when you open your pool again for the next pool season.

Once your solar pool cover is dry, first fold it and then roll it up. Doing so will allow you to store it standing, saving space. Make sure to store your solar pool cover in a covered and dry area.

How Long You Should Leave Your Solar Cover on Your Pool For At One Time

There is no hard and fast rule for this. Generally, the longer you keep your solar cover on your pool, the warmer your swimming pool will become. So if you are looking at warming up your pool, keeping it on as long as possible is a great option. Alternatively, leaving it on at night works well if you are simply looking to maintain the pool temperature.

I have found that many pool owners worry about keeping a solar pool cover on for too long as they erroneously think that this will contribute to algae growth. As long as you make sure the chemicals are balanced underneath the cover, there is no need to worry.

However, although keeping your solar pool cover on for as long as possible can benefit your pool’s temperature, it can be detrimental to the solar cover itself. The constant exposure to the harsh pool chemicals will damage the cover, making it more likely to tear. So if you plan to prolong your solar cover’s life, it’s best to let your pool breathe every now and then.

How Often You Should Clean Your Solar Cover

Solar pool covers should be cleaned every 3-6 months to prolong their life. The cover is constantly exposed to pool chemicals, which can damage the cover and cause wear and tear. So creating a regular schedule to clean the solar pool cover is a great way to minimize the impact of chlorine on the cover. Doing so will also help save money in the long run, as you will not need to buy another solar pool cover in a hurry.

How to Know It’s Time to Replace Your Solar Cover

Unfortunately, your solar pool cover will not last forever. Some cheaper and thinner models may only last one pool season, whereas other more durable solar pool covers may last even up to 5 to 7 years.

A foolproof way to know whether it’s time to replace your solar cover is to check the material. You will notice the plastic deteriorating over time and may even see some bubbles falling off. You should replace your solar cover when this happens, as it will not be as effective.

Bottom Line

A solar pool cover is a great purchase to help save you some money in heating up your pool and keeping it warm. But like any other pool equipment, it is important that you take good care of it. Part of the solar cover maintenance is cleaning it. Cleaning the cover is a straightforward process, but make sure to do it regularly to extend its life.

If you find that you need to replace your solar cover, check out my recommendations for the top solar swimming pool covers. I also have a few other guides on this piece of equipment, which I linked below.

• Do solar pool covers work?
• How fast do solar covers heat a pool?
• How to use a solar pool cover
• Solar pool cover bubbles facing up or down?

Have questions? Shoot me a message.