Why Your Automatic Pool Cover Needs Winter Protection
Your automatic pool cover, such as those from Integra Pool Covers, represents a significant investment designed to last many years with proper maintenance. However, when it comes to the best pool covers for harsh climates during winter months, winter pool covers designed to carry heavy winter snow and ice loads are the superior choice. Unusual weather events, like heavy, wet snow or significant ice storms, can, and do, occur without warning. This could cause catastrophic damage, even in regions that don’t typically experience extreme winter conditions.
The damage from excessive winter weight goes beyond the cover fabric itself. Extreme loads can tear the mounting extrusions from underneath your pool deck, creating repair challenges that cost thousands of dollars. In worst-case scenarios, collapsed covers have damaged pool walls, turning a preventable situation into a major reconstruction project.
The Industry-Recommended Approach
Pool cover professionals consistently recommend the same winter protocol: roll your automatic cover into its housing box and install a purpose-built winter cover over your pool.
This approach delivers multiple benefits:
Investment protection keeps your expensive automatic cover system safe from weather extremes, extending its operational life to the maximum.
Debris control prevents leaves, branches and other materials from accumulating in your pool throughout the off-season.
Safety provides a secure barrier preventing accidents, keeping children and pets from falling into the pool.
Animal deterrence stops wildlife from using your pool as a winter water source or, worse, drowning in it.
Winter pool covers are specifically engineered to handle extreme weather conditions, making them among the best pool covers for harsh climates. Their mesh construction allows water to drain while supporting substantial weight loads. There are also solid winter covers that do not allow water to drain but are engineered to hold heavy snow and ice loads. Unlike automatic covers, which are designed for frequent operation and everyday protection, winter covers are built solely for seasonal closure strength.
Critical Water Level Considerations
If you decide to use your automatic cover during winter despite professional recommendations, never lower the water level significantly. Automatic covers are designed to float on water at all times and are not meant to hang suspended over air.
Keep the water line at least halfway up the skimmer opening. Dropping water below this point removes the essential support your cover needs, leading to sagging, stress on mounting hardware and potential fabric damage.
For fiberglass pools, maintaining proper water level becomes even more critical. Lowering water too far can void your pool manufacturer’s warranty. The water provides essential support for fiberglass pool walls; without it, ground pressure can cause cracks and structural damage.
You can winterize plumbing lines using pool antifreeze and specialized products while maintaining high water levels. Consult with your pool professional about winterization methods that protect your equipment without requiring you to drain your pool significantly.
The Economics of Dual Covers
A quality winter pool cover costs a few thousand dollars and typically lasts ten years with proper care. Installation takes just a few hours annually; just roll it out in fall, secure the springs. Then remove and store it in spring.
Compare this modest investment to potential repair costs: replacing torn deck anchors, repairing damaged pool walls or replacing a destroyed automatic cover that costs five to ten times what a winter cover costs.
The math clearly favors the dual-cover approach. Your automatic pool cover serves you brilliantly throughout the swimming season, providing daily convenience, energy savings and safety. Your winter pool cover handles the brutal off-season conditions it was engineered for, all while keeping your expensive automatic system protected.
Making the Right Choice for Your Situation
If you’re having this conversation with your pool builder during construction, request both covers as part of your package. Many builders north of the Mason-Dixon Line include both automatically because they understand the regional climate demands.
If you already own an automatic pool cover and haven’t been using a winter pool cover, consider adding one this season. You’ve already made a substantial investment in your pool, deck, pool automation and convenience, so why risk it when you can have the most complete protection package for your family and your pool.
Your pool professional wants to help you avoid expensive repairs that proper education prevents. Ask questions, understand your options and make the choice that protects your investment for decades to come.
