Troubleshooting Common Round Pool Cover Issues

Unlike other styles of pools, round pools, and their uniquely lovely shape, can create some issues when it comes to pool covers. Cover problems such as mystery leaks or difficulties winding the cover can be especially frustrating. To help you get the cover working properly, let's go over some of the most common problems that round pool covers encounter.

The Cover Won't Roll Straight

Having a cover that shifts to the side or spirals off unevenly are some of the most disruptive issues you can come across. Problems like these can create a messy and uneven cover reel that get the cover material looking damaged after some time.  

Over time, these problems can get a little deeper than just minor winding disrepancies, as small, imbalanced covers can create these problems, and with round covers being equally balanced on all sides, winding issues can arise.

An effective solution consists of edge cover thickness modification. For some covers, there are edge pockets designed to hold stiffening strips of high-density polyethylene. If the cover is spiraling to the left, it indicates that the left edge is thicker, drawing more material to that position. Adding an extra stiffening strip or two into the pockets of the right edge will balance this. With these pockets, there is no need to remove or adjust the pre-installed stiffening strips because this simple change will center the roll and will help guide the cover onto the reel more evenly. The goal is to have both edges of the cover wind onto the reel with similar thickness to allow for a straight, centered roll.

How To Fix A Cover That is Sagging or Stuck

Seeing your pool cover sag into the water is not a pretty sight, and it can really mess with the covers material and reel system. If your cover is a solid cover, the heaviness of pooled rainwater that sits on top of it is the biggest dilemma. The water pooled on the cover can really cause damage to the cover if it sits there and can even prevent the cover from easily retracting.

When an automatic cover moves slowly or gets stuck, there's a high chance the tracks are dirty or obstructed. They guide the cover on both side of the pool and need to be clean, so leaves, twigs, and small stones need to be cleared off. This is easily resolved by using a garden hose or a brush. Also, before trying to close/open the cover, make it a habit to clear off the top of the cover using a soft brush or a leaf blower. This helps avoid pulling off debris that can block the reel and tracks.

As soon as you see small holes or tears in the cover fabric, make the repairs. If your cover fabric has a small patch repair kit, you can likely avoid the need for expensive repairs that can happen from sagging as the debris collection increases when the cover gets more ripped.

Motor Problems

For automatic pool covers, there are few things more frustrating than motor issues. It's the most important component and when there are issues, your pool maintenance is halted. You'll know right away when there are problems.

If a motor is very loud, having trouble shuttering the cover, or is completely unresponsive, first check the power source. Make sure the motor plug is correctly inserted, and check that the circuit breaker has not been tripped. Sometimes, the problem can be fixed by resetting GFCI outlets, which are used for power for poolside equipment for safety.

Your maintenance tasks must also include periodic motor and component inspection on any sign of deterioration. Keep an ear out for any unusual noises, and check for any uncommonly slow cover movement. Moreover, don't retract or extend the cover in a speedy manner, as this can put excess strain on the motor. If there appears to be an advanced mechanical or electrical problem, consulting with a licensed professional is advised. Electricity and pool safety are a highly specialized field, and poolside work is best left to the professionals as gaps in safety can lead to severe consequences.

Water and debris getting underneath the cover is often an issue of fit or anchoring. A pool cover that is not fitted correctly cannot do its job and debris will continue to get into the pool.

First, take a moment to ensure that the cover fits your round pool the right way. Owning a cover that is way to smaller than the actual size can obviously leave a ton of gaps. Now, check the cover securing methods. For round pools, this is commonly a way of tension straps and anchors around the pool deck. Verify that the straps are tightly fitted and that the anchors are free of debris otherwise the cover will not fit tightly. If the cover fits nicely but has gaps, are there adjustable straps to tighten the cover?

Over time the cover can stretch a bit, and you might need to readjust the tension. If wind can get under and debris can find its way in, the cover probably has too many gaps. 

Keeping Your Cover Clean and Functional

Prevention is better than cure. To reduce the need for a major cover repair in the future, simple routine cover maintenance can prevent most cover issues right away.

It´s very important to get into the habit of cleaning your cover. You should remove loose dust, debris, leaves, and pollen. You can do this with a soft brush, or a leaf blower can also get the job done. For a deeper clean, get some mild detergent, mix it with some water, and with a soft cloth or mop, wipe it down. Cover it with clean water and let it dry before rolling it back up. Mold and mildew can form, so it´s important to let it dry completely.

Every handfull of months, it should also only take a few minutes to take a visual gander of the entire cover. See if you can find any signs of wear, or damage. Look closely for thinning fabric, small tears, and frayed seams. Check the reel, tracks, and the anchoring points to see if these have any rust or damage. If a small problem is not fixed, like a tiny tear, then later on it can get to be a much larger and difficult repair job.

An unmaintained cover is your worst nightmare and can be very trixy. To be on the safe side, try to do these important measures chead on so you can focus on enjoying the beautiful and hand crafted pool you have put so much careful time into.