How to secure your pool with a safety cover

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Introduction

When pool season ends or you need to protect your pool during long absences, using a safety cover is one of the best ways to keep your pool secure. Unlike simple tarps or solar blankets, safety covers are designed to prevent accidental drownings, keep debris out, and extend the life of your pool. In this complete step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to secure your pool with a safety cover the right way—for peace of mind all year long.

Why a Safety Cover Matters

A pool safety cover is a strong, tensioned material secured to anchors around your pool deck. These covers are built to:

  • Prevent accidental falls into the pool (especially for children and pets)
  • Block debris, leaves, and animals from entering the water
  • Reduce algae growth by blocking sunlight
  • Minimize water evaporation and chemical loss
  • Extend the life of your pool liner or finish

Compared to standard winter covers, a properly installed safety cover provides superior protection, lasts longer, and stays tight in all weather conditions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Pool with a Safety Cover

Step 1: Choose the Right Safety Cover for Your Pool

There are two main types of safety covers:

  • Mesh Safety Cover: Allows rain and melted snow to pass through, requires less pumping but can let in fine debris.
  • Solid Safety Cover: Blocks 100% of sunlight and debris, but requires a drain panel or a pump to remove water accumulation.

When buying a cover, make sure to:

  • Measure your pool dimensions accurately
  • Note the shape (rectangular, freeform, kidney, etc.)
  • Check for obstructions like ladders, handrails, or waterfalls
  • Order a custom cover for non-standard shapes

Tip: Choose a cover that meets ASTM safety standards to ensure weight-bearing capability and durability.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before installation, gather everything you’ll need:

  • Safety cover and included hardware
  • Installation rod or tamping tool
  • Drill with masonry bit (if installing into concrete)
  • Measuring tape and chalk line
  • Hammer or mallet
  • Anchors (brass for concrete, sleeves for pavers)
  • Spring tension straps
  • Protective gloves

Safety Reminder: Always wear eye protection when drilling into concrete or stone.

Step 3: Clean and Prepare the Pool Deck

Before installing the cover:

  1. Remove ladders, handrails, diving boards, or anything that might obstruct the cover.
  2. Vacuum and skim the pool.
  3. Lower the water level below the skimmer (typically 12–18 inches).
  4. Balance the water chemistry and add winterizing chemicals (if covering long-term).
  5. Clean and dry the deck surface thoroughly.

Pro Tip: Blow out your pool lines and install winter plugs before covering the pool if closing it for the season.

Step 4: Lay the Cover Over the Pool

Unfold the safety cover and position it over the pool:

  1. Align the edges evenly so the cover overlaps the pool by 12–18 inches on all sides.
  2. Spread out the cover so there are no folds or wrinkles.
  3. Position the strap ends evenly around the pool—these will connect to deck anchors.

Tip: Ask a friend for help if it’s windy or if you’re installing a large cover.

Step 5: Mark Anchor Locations

Each strap on the safety cover needs to connect to an anchor installed in the pool deck.

  1. Use a chalk line or marker to identify where each anchor will go, keeping them straight and evenly spaced.
  2. Measure 18 inches back from the edge of the cover to locate where to install each anchor in the concrete.
  3. Double-check alignment before drilling.

⚠️ Important: Avoid drilling into expansion joints or near the edge of thin deck sections.

Step 6: Drill and Install the Anchors

Now it’s time to secure the anchors:

  1. Use a hammer drill with a ¾” masonry bit to drill holes into the deck at your marked locations (typically 2–3 inches deep).
  2. Tap the brass anchor sleeves into each hole with a mallet until flush with the surface.
  3. Screw the anchor inserts into place—leave them raised 1–2 inches above the deck.

Tip: If you have a paver deck, use anchor tubes or sleeves designed for pavers to hold the anchors securely.

Step 7: Attach the Cover Using the Tension Springs

Once your anchors are installed, it’s time to stretch the cover into place:

  1. Slide each cover strap through a stainless-steel tension spring.
  2. Use the installation rod to hook the spring onto the anchor.
  3. Repeat for all corners first, then work your way around the pool.
  4. Adjust tension as needed to keep the cover tight, flat, and even.

Goal: The springs should compress slightly, keeping the cover taut enough to walk across without sagging.

Step 8: Do a Final Safety Check

After installation, walk the perimeter and check:

  • All anchors are secure and flush
  • Straps are evenly tightened with proper spring tension
  • There are no gaps or loose areas where a child or pet could slip through
  • All unused anchors are screwed flush into the deck (to avoid tripping hazards)

✅ Final Tip: Store your installation rod, extra springs, and any removed hardware in a weatherproof container for future use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Incorrect Cover Size
    • Too small and it won’t anchor properly; too large and it’ll sag.
    • Solution: Measure carefully and order a custom fit if needed.
  2. Installing Anchors Too Close or Too Far
    • Can cause uneven tension or cover failure.
    • Solution: Stick to the manufacturer’s 18-inch guideline from cover edge.
  3. Leaving Debris Under the Cover
    • Can cause staining or algae growth.
    • Solution: Clean the pool and deck thoroughly before installation.
  4. Using the Wrong Drill Bit
    • Regular bits won’t work on concrete.
    • Solution: Use a proper masonry bit and rotary hammer drill.
  5. Failing to Adjust Tension
    • A loose cover may sag or flap in wind.
    • Solution: Adjust springs until the cover is tight and evenly tensioned.

Extra Tips & Pool Hacks

  • Use a cover pump or mesh panel if installing a solid cover to prevent water pooling.
  • Trim overhanging trees to reduce debris and prolong cover life.
  • Inspect your cover each season for worn straps, torn material, or rusted springs.
  • Install a locking tool shed or deck box to store your cover accessories safely.
  • Label each spring strap for faster re-installation next season.

🛡️ Want more seasonal safety tips? Check out our guide on how to winterize your pool the right way for full cold-weather prep.

Conclusion

Securing your pool with a safety cover is a smart, responsible way to protect your family, reduce maintenance, and preserve your investment. With proper installation and tensioning, your safety cover can withstand winter weather, wandering animals, and curious kids—giving you total peace of mind. Follow the steps carefully, take your time, and you’ll have a clean, secure, and ready-to-swim pool come next season.

💡 Final Tip: Make safety cover installation a fall routine—it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent accidents and save time on pool maintenance.