Winter is coming (well, it’s already here) and that means it’s time to break out the winter pool cover. But have you ever wondered just how much weight these covers can handle?
We’ve all seen those impressive videos of snow-covered rooftops collapsing under the weight of heavy snowfall, and you don’t want that to happen to your pool cover (or your pool, for that matter).
In this blog post, we’ll explore the weight capacity of winter pool covers and give you some tips for keeping your cover in top condition.
Who knows, you might even impress your friends with your newfound pool cover weight knowledge at your next winter BBQ (because let’s be real, what’s more exciting than discussing pool cover weight capacity?).
How Much Weight Can They Hold
According to the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), most pool covers should be able to support a weight of 485 pounds.
But keep in mind that this standard is for pools with a diameter of 8 feet or more, and different covers can have different weight capacities.
Some covers can handle as much as 2,000 pounds, and even mesh covers can hold thousands of pounds.
So before you start using your cover as a makeshift trampoline (please don’t do that), be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and make sure it’s up to the task.
And remember, the more securely your cover is strapped down, the more weight it will be able to hold. Safety first, folks!
A Pool Cover You Can Walk On: Factors That Determine the Weight Capacity of a Winter Pool Cover
So, you want to know the science behind winter pool cover weight capacity, huh? Well, you’re in luck because we’re here to break it down for you.
It turns out that the amount of weight a winter pool cover can hold depends on a few different factors. The material of the cover, the strength of the support system, and the snow load in your area all play a role in determining the weight capacity of a winter pool cover.
In this section of our blog post, we’ll delve into each of these factors and explain how they impact the strength and durability of a winter pool cover.
Material of the Cover
Pool covers may seem like a simple piece of fabric, but there’s actually a lot of science and technology that goes into their creation.
Tarp Covers
They start out as plastic pellets that are transformed into sheets of polyethylene or polypropylene and woven into a strong, interlocking fabric. The density and weight of the fibers, also known as the “scrim” and denier, play a big role in the durability of the cover.
Once the fabric is woven, it may be coated with additional layers of material, such as polyethylene or UV stabilizers, to improve its strength and prevent degradation.
Finally, grommets may be added to the edges to allow for easy attachment to the pool.
Mesh Safety Covers
We install LOOP-LOC safety covers since they’re strong enough to support even the heaviest of pool toys (or animals).
These covers are made of the strongest 100% polypropylene material and feature super-dense mesh. They block out virtually all debris while still allowing rain and melting snow to drain through.
They’ve even been dubbed “The ELEPHANT Cover” because they’re strong enough to hold up under the weight of an actual elephant (as seen in their ads).
And if you’re worried about safety, rest assured that these covers meet and exceed ASTM standards for supporting weight, preventing gaps that kids or pets could squeeze through, and removing standing water.
Solid Safety Covers
If you’re in the market for a pool cover that blocks out the sun completely, LOOP-LOC’s ULTRA-LOC III has got you covered (literally).
This bad boy is made of premium-coated vinyl (the strongest cover material available) with an enhanced, 100% rip-stop scrim that bounces back and drains super fast.
Just be sure not to try and lift or move this cover yourself. Solid covers are EXTREMELY heavy and why we typically now recommend going for the Aqua-Xtreme virtually solid mesh safety cover. It’s lightweight, and super strong, but also blocks out the sun (prevents algae growth).
So next time you’re lounging poolside, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that went into your trusty pool cover!
Strength of the Support System
When it comes to winter pool covers, the strength of the support system is crucial in determining how much weight they can hold. And when it comes to strong support systems, you simply can’t beat safety covers that use brass anchoring systems.
You definitely don’t want to skimp on strength since these systems are responsible for keeping your cover securely in place, even in the face of heavy snow and ice. And without a strong support system, your cover could collapse, posing a potential hazard to anyone nearby.
So if you want to make sure your safety cover can stand up to the elements (and keep your family safe in the process), be sure to invest in a sturdy safety cover with a brass anchor support system (we highly recommend LOOP-LOC).
It may cost a bit more upfront, but the peace of mind is totally worth it.
Snow Load Plays a Big Role
The snow load is the amount of weight that’s expected to accumulate on your cover during the winter months.
If you live in an area with light snowfall, you can probably get away with a cover that can hold less weight. But if you’re in an area with heavy snowfall (like us here in New York), you’ll want to make sure you go for a cover with a higher weight capacity to ensure it can handle all that extra snow.
That’s why we really recommend having us install a LOOP-LOC safety cover for you. These covers are built with our Long Island snow load in mind, allowing them to carry much more weight than a typical tarp cover.
Tips for Keeping Your Winter Pool Cover Safe
You don’t want to test the limits of your cover every winter, do you? Of course not!
Here are a few tips for keeping it in tip-top shape:
- Keep it clean: Regularly sweep off any snow or debris that accumulates on your cover to prevent excess weight and wear and tear.
- Protect it from the elements: Use a cover pump to remove standing water.
- Tighten it up: Make sure your cover is snug and securely fastened to prevent it from shifting or sagging.
- Repair it promptly: If you notice any rips, tears, or other damage, don’t wait to get them fixed. The longer you wait, the worse the damage can get.
- Keep it covered: If you have to take your cover off for any reason, make sure to put it back on as soon as possible to prevent any unexpected accidents.
- Get the right cover for your pool: Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to your cover – it’s worth it to invest in a high-quality cover that can withstand the elements and keep your pool safe all winter long.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, the mystery of winter pool cover weight capacity has been solved.
Now you can rest easy knowing your pool is protected and ready for another season of winter fun (or at least, winter survival).
And as always, be sure to reach out to us if we can help you with your winter pool cover.
