How Long Can You Leave a Pool Cover On?
Short answer: it depends on the type of cover and season. A true winter safety cover is designed to stay on for the entire off-season (months at a time) until you reopen in spring. Day-to-day covers (like solar or automatic covers) are meant for shorter stretches and should be opened regularly for ventilation and water care. Below is a quick guide for each cover type—and how long it’s safe to keep them on.
Winter Safety Covers (Mesh or Solid): Months at a Time
A properly measured, anchored winter safety cover—mesh or solid—can remain on all winter. That’s what it’s built for: keeping debris out, blocking sunlight (solid), allowing drainage (mesh), and preventing accidental entry by kids or pets. If you’re closing your pool, leave it on continuously until spring, checking tension and hardware after major storms. (Read more)
Thinking of upgrading or replacing yours? Explore Calm Water Pools’ Latham options here: Winter Safety Covers. (Read more)
Care notes while it’s on:
- Mesh covers: debris sheds and water drains—periodically brush off heavy leaves after storms. (Read more)
- Solid covers: regularly remove standing water on top so weight doesn’t stress the cover. (Read more)
- With routine care, quality safety covers often last 10–15 years overall. (Read more)
Automatic Safety Covers: Days—Not a Whole Winter
Auto covers shine for daily convenience during the swim season: keeping heat in and debris out. But they’re not a winter substitute. Leaving an automatic cover closed for months can trap moisture, strain mechanisms under snow/ice, and isn’t intended for off-season loads. Use a dedicated winter safety cover instead. (Read more)
Rule of thumb: In season, it’s fine to keep an auto cover closed for days at a time, but open it regularly to circulate air, test water, and balance chemistry—especially during hot, sunny stretches. (Read more)
Solar (Bubble) Covers: A Few Days at a Time
Solar covers are for heat retention and evaporation control. Keep them on between swims or for a few days to hold heat, but pull them off periodically to let the water “breathe” and to maintain proper sanitizer and pH. They are not safety covers and shouldn’t be left on for weeks during peak heat without water checks. (For true winter protection, switch to a winter safety cover.) (Read more)
Tarps / Leaf Covers: Short Intervals Only
Tarps and lightweight leaf nets help with fall cleanup, but they’re not load-bearing safety gear. Don’t leave them on for long, unsupervised periods—especially around children or pets. If you want extended off-season coverage, step up to a safety-rated, anchored cover. (Read more)
Seasonal Cheat Sheet
- Closing for winter: Put on a winter safety cover and leave it until spring, with periodic checks after storms. (Read more)
- During swim season (daily use):
Practical Tips to Keep Any Cover On Longer—Safely
- Balance water before covering for any extended stretch; recheck after heat waves or heavy rain. (Read more)
- Clear debris promptly so weight doesn’t stress fabric or anchors. (Mesh sheds faster; solid needs pumping.) (Read more)
- Inspect anchors, straps, and hardware after storms and re-tension if needed. (Read more)
- Pet safety: Only safety-rated covers are designed to hold weight; tarps can collapse. (Read more)
Ready for a Safer, Lower-Maintenance Off-Season?
Calm Water Pools offers premium Latham® mesh and solid safety covers, custom-measured for a perfect fit. We sell the covers (no installs), and Latham arranges free pickup of your existing cover for precise measuring before your new one is made. Learn more and compare options here: Winter Safety Covers. (Read more)
Have questions or want a quote?
📞 240-372-4440 — We’re happy to help you choose the right cover and usage plan for your pool.