How to Use a Winch for a Pool Cover in 2023 (Updated)

Covering your above-ground pool is a chore that you may need to do sometimes. 

Closing your pool, particularly during or in the wintertime, is an efficient method to preserve it from the weather. 

The majority of pool cover kits are made to be tightened using a winch. 

With a winch, you can quickly tighten and lock the cable tightener, ensuring a clean pool whenever you pull it up. 

Even though it’s simple, not everyone knows how to operate a pool cover winch.

In this post, we’ll show you How to Use a Winch for a Pool Cover using simple, step-by-step directions.

Also check: Best winch covers

How to Use a Winch for a Pool Cover

To keep your pool clear of dirt for an extended period while it’s not in use, you’ll need to close or cover it. This usually occurs between the beginning of winter and the end of the spring rains. 

Covering your pool assures that it will be ready to use once summer arrives if done correctly.

Many pool covers include cable tighteners that work as a winch. The proper usage of a winch is required to make the entire process easier and more successful.

Step 1: Winterizing the Pool

Winterizing the Pool

You must first maintain your pool for the wintertime before protecting it with a cover.

Cleaning the pool thoroughly, disconnecting all motors and filtration systems, and lowering the water level is part of the preparation procedure.

At least 3 – 4 inches of water must be under the skimmer level. This is to prevent the water from spilling after the cover is tightened. 

You must ensure that the return and skimming sittings are stored properly once the correct water level has been attained. After completing these steps, you should use the correct pool closure chemicals. 

Rust guard, pool winterizing, pool shocks and other chemicals essential to maintain the pool’s integrity are examples of such chemicals.

Step 2: Laying the Pool Cover

Laying the Pool Cover

After you’ve completed all of the early pool preparations, it’s necessary to cover the pool. This phase of the procedure is relatively self-explanatory, but there are a few things to remember.

Make doubly sure the pool cover isn’t the same size as the pool in terms of circumference or diameter. 

Your cover must be at least 2 – 3 feet wide, with enough cloth draping on the sides to completely cover the surface of the pool.

Make sure the excess material drapes equally on all sides while putting the pool cover. This will make tightening the winch a lot simpler.

Step 3: Securing with a Winch

attach the cover with the winch

It’s time to attach the cover with the winch once it’s correctly fitted around the top. 

Thread the cable through the cover’s openings around the sides. Pull the rope to strengthen it once it has been wrapped around the entire perimeter of the cover.

Attach the rope’s ends to the opposing sides of the winch you’re using. Then spin the winch slowly. If you don’t want to harm the pool, you should turn it slowly.

Check that the wire is uniformly fastened all the way around the pool’s sides as you tighten it. Also, make sure it stays beneath the pool rail.

We recommend using a portable winch or a hand winch for this procedure.

FAQs

1. How do you use a tarp to cover a pool?

Place tent stakes on the ground at the four corners of the tarp that hangs over the pool. 

It should be driven into the ground at an inclination to prevent them from coming out, and the bungee cords are attached to the tarp’s corners. 

Most tarps come with aluminum grommets (eyelets) that are specifically intended for this purpose.

2. Is it normal for a pool cover to sag?

Coverage for safety In most situations, sagging is acceptable. The snow and ice are not supported by the safety cover. 

The water beneath your cover aids it and prevents it from drooping excessively. You should have been warned or advised to read the directions by whoever sold you the cover.

3. Is it true that a tarp can keep a pool warm?

A black tarp, when applied correctly, may aid in pool heating. For example, when employing the black hose technique, you can place your black hoses on a black tarp. This may aid in producing more heat.

4. When it showers, should you protect your pool?

Keep your pool uncovered while preparing for a storm. Storms bring high winds and heavy rainfall, which can cause the cover to come off your pool, so installing any sort of cover from across the pool will do nothing to guard against dust and pollutants.

5. Can I cover my pool with a tarp?

The finest tarp for pool coverings is CCS polypropylene mesh tarps. They perform a fantastic job of shielding sunlight, which is crucial for avoiding algae development when chemicals aren’t supplied regularly. 

Polypropylene tarps are very robust, allowing them to endure the weight of ice and snow that accumulates over the winter.

6. What’s the best way to keep a tarp from sagging?

If you’re going to utilize this method, be sure you get your tarp a little wider than usual so that you have enough extra material to create a suitable channel. 

Another alternative is to keep the tarp from drooping into the trailer entrance using boards (planks, plywood, etc.).

Conclusion

This is as straightforward as it gets in fastening a pool cover with a winch. 

We realize there are several different procedures to take to ensure your pool is adequately covered and secured. 

This, however, is the crux of the issue. 

Sure, you may lock the edges of your pool, but unless high gusts are predicted, it isn’t really essential.

This article tells how to install a pool cover and a winch to secure your pool. 

If you believe you require further safety precautions, we recommend you take them. 

This is how to use a pool cover winch if you don’t have the fundamental knowledge.

Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

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Jeff

As an avid off-road enthusiast, I know firsthand the importance of having a reliable winch. That's why I created WinchAdvice – to help fellow off-roaders like myself make informed decisions when selecting their next winch. So whether you're an experienced pro or a beginner just starting out, my website offers valuable advice and guidance on all things winching.

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