How To Cover An Inground Pool With A Tarp – A Budget-Friendly
Managing a backyard oasis requires a balance of enjoyment and diligent maintenance, especially when the seasons begin to shift. You likely agree that professional pool covers can be incredibly expensive and sometimes over-engineered for a simple winter closure.
The good news is that you can protect your investment and keep debris out without spending thousands of dollars on custom safety mesh. This guide will provide a clear, reliable roadmap for learning how to cover an inground pool with a tarp using affordable materials and professional techniques.
We will walk through the essential gear you need, the critical safety steps to follow, and the exact physical process to ensure your pool remains pristine until spring. By the end of this article, you will have the confidence to secure your pool like a seasoned homesteader.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics of Pool Tarps
When you are looking for a way to shield your pool from the elements, not just any plastic sheet will do the job effectively. Learning how to cover an inground pool with a tarp starts with selecting the right material that can withstand UV rays and freezing temperatures.
Standard blue tarps from a hardware store are often too thin and will degrade within a single season of sun exposure. You should look for a heavy-duty polyethylene tarp with a high weave count, usually 10×10 or higher, to ensure it doesn’t tear under the weight of snow.
These covers are designed to be “solid,” meaning they do not allow water or light to pass through into the pool water. This is a massive advantage for preventing algae growth during the early spring months when the sun begins to warm the water surface.
The Role of UV Resistance
Sunlight is the primary enemy of plastic materials left outdoors for months at a time. A high-quality pool tarp features a UV-stabilized coating that prevents the material from becoming brittle and cracking.
If you choose a tarp without this protection, you may find yourself fishing pieces of shredded plastic out of your skimmer baskets come April. Always check the product specifications for “UV protection” to ensure the cover lasts for multiple winters.
Sizing Your Tarp Correctly
You cannot simply buy a tarp that matches the exact dimensions of your pool’s water surface. You must account for the overlap required to anchor the cover to the surrounding deck or coping.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a tarp that is at least 4 to 5 feet longer and wider than the pool itself. This extra material allows the tarp to drape down the side walls and lay flat on the deck where it can be weighed down securely.
Essential Gear for a Secure Pool Cover
Before you begin the physical installation, you need to gather a specific set of tools that go beyond the tarp itself. Having the right anchoring system is the difference between a successful winterization and a tarp that blows away during the first windstorm.
Unlike safety covers that use brass anchors drilled into the concrete, tarps rely on weight and gravity to stay in place. This makes the process much more accessible for DIY enthusiasts who want to avoid permanent modifications to their pool deck.
Water Bags and Tubes
Water bags are the industry standard for securing a solid tarp cover on an inground pool. These are long, heavy-duty vinyl tubes that you fill with water and lay across the perimeter of the tarp.
They are designed to be freeze-resistant, meaning they won’t burst when the water inside turns to ice. Avoid using cinder blocks or bricks, as these can easily tear the tarp or damage your pool’s coping if they slide.
Air Pillows and Ice Compensators
One of the most overlooked components of how to cover an inground pool with a tarp is the use of air pillows. These inflatable vinyl pillows float in the center of the pool underneath the tarp.
They serve two purposes: they break the surface tension of freezing ice to protect your pool walls, and they create a slight dome. This helps push water and debris toward the edges of the pool where it is easier to manage.
Submersible Cover Pumps
Because a tarp is a solid surface, rain and melted snow will accumulate on top of it throughout the winter. This weight can become immense, potentially pulling the tarp into the pool or stressing the water bags.
An automatic submersible cover pump is a vital piece of equipment for any tarp-covered pool. It sits on top of the tarp and automatically kicks on to drain excess water whenever it reaches a certain level.
how to cover an inground pool with a tarp: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have your gear ready, it is time to perform the installation. Following a logical sequence will save you a lot of physical effort and prevent the tarp from slipping into the water while you are working.
Ideally, you should perform this task with at least one other person. Trying to maneuver a large, heavy tarp in the wind by yourself is a recipe for frustration and potential safety hazards around the water’s edge.
Step 1: Water Preparation and Cleaning
Never cover a dirty pool, as the organic matter will rot over the winter and create a massive cleanup job in the spring. Start by vacuuming the floor and skimming the surface to remove all leaves and twigs.
Test your water chemistry and add winterizing chemicals, such as a long-lasting algaecide and a chlorine shock. Ensure the pH and alkalinity are balanced to protect the pool liner or plaster surface while it is dormant.
Step 2: Lower the Water Level
Most experts recommend lowering the water level below the mouth of the skimmer to prevent ice damage to the plumbing. However, do not drain it too low, as the water provides the structural support for the tarp.
If the water level is too low, the tarp will have to stretch too far to reach the surface, which increases the risk of tearing. Aim for about 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer line for the best results.
Step 3: Install the Air Pillows
Inflate your air pillows to about 60% to 80% capacity. Do not fill them completely, as they need room to compress when the pool water freezes and expands.
Tether the pillows to the center of the pool using nylon strings tied to the perimeter anchors. This ensures they stay in the middle and provide the necessary “peak” for the tarp to drape over.
Step 4: Layout and Anchor the Tarp
Carefully unfold the tarp across the length of the pool, making sure it is centered with equal overlap on all sides. Once positioned, begin placing your water bags through the loops on the tarp or directly on the edges.
Fill the water bags only about halfway to allow for ice expansion. Space them closely together around the entire perimeter to ensure no wind can get underneath the tarp and lift it.
Common Challenges and Pro-Level Solutions
Even with a perfect installation, winter can throw some curveballs your way. Being prepared for high winds and heavy snow loads is part of the self-sufficient lifestyle we promote at OutwardLab.
One common issue is “wind whip,” where the center of the tarp flaps violently during a storm. This can be mitigated by adding a small amount of water (about an inch) on top of the tarp to weigh it down against the pool water surface.
Managing Heavy Snowfall
If you live in a region with heavy snow, you must be proactive. While the tarp is strong, the weight of two feet of wet snow can put thousands of pounds of pressure on your pool’s structure.
Use a soft-bristled roof rake to gently pull snow off the edges of the tarp that you can reach. Never use a metal shovel, as one wrong move can slice through the polyethylene and ruin the cover instantly.
Dealing with Tarp “Diving”
Sometimes, the weight of accumulated water on top of the tarp causes the edges to pull away from the deck. This is why continuous water bags are superior to individual weights.
If you notice the tarp beginning to slip into the water, do not try to pull it back while it is full of water. Use your submersible pump to clear the surface first, then reposition and re-anchor the edges.
Safety Considerations for Tarp-Covered Pools
It is crucial to understand that a tarp is not a safety cover. Unlike professional mesh covers that are anchored with heavy-duty springs, a tarp cannot support the weight of a person or a pet.
In fact, a tarp can be more dangerous than an open pool because it can trap a person or animal underneath the plastic. Safety must always be your primary concern when choosing this winterization method.
Restricting Access
If you have children or pets, you must ensure that your pool area is completely fenced and locked. A tarp-covered pool should never be left unsupervised if there is a chance someone could wander onto the cover.
Consider installing a pool alarm that triggers if the surface of the tarp is disturbed. This provides an extra layer of protection for your family and neighborhood during the long winter months.
Chemical Safety and Off-Gassing
When you use a solid tarp, you are essentially sealing the pool. If you add too much chlorine right before covering, the trapped gases can sometimes bleach the liner or damage the underside of the tarp.
Always follow the chemical manufacturer’s instructions for “winterizing” doses. Allow the chemicals to circulate for at least 24 hours with the cover off before you finalize the installation.
Maintaining Your Tarp Throughout the Winter
Your job isn’t finished once the tarp is down. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure the cover remains effective and your pool water stays protected until the spring thaw.
Set a schedule to check the pool at least once every two weeks. This quick walkthrough can prevent small issues from turning into expensive repairs when it comes time to open the pool.
Clearing Debris
Leaves and twigs that sit on top of the tarp will eventually break down into a sludge. This organic matter makes the water on top of the tarp much harder to pump off and can create foul odors.
Use a leaf blower on a dry day to clear away loose debris. For wet leaves, a long-handled pool brush can help you push the material toward the edge where you can scoop it up with a skimmer net.
Checking Water Bag Integrity
Over the course of the winter, some water bags may develop small leaks or be moved by shifting ice. If a bag feels light or looks deflated, refill it or replace it immediately.
Keeping a few spare water bags in your homestead storage is a smart move. This allows you to make quick repairs in freezing weather without having to wait for a shipment to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to cover an inground pool with a tarp
Can I use a regular hardware store tarp for my pool?
While you can physically use one, it is not recommended. Hardware store tarps lack the UV inhibitors and the specific weave strength needed to survive a full winter. It is better to invest in a dedicated “winter pool tarp” designed for this specific purpose.
How do I keep the tarp from blowing away?
The key is using water bags placed end-to-end around the entire perimeter. You should also ensure there is no gap between the tarp and the deck where wind can enter. Adding a small amount of water on top of the tarp can also act as a stabilizer.
Should I remove the snow from the top of the tarp?
Light snowfall is generally fine, but you should remove heavy, wet snow. Use a soft brush or a telescopic pole to gently clear the surface. Excessive weight can pull the tarp into the pool or damage the pool’s top coping.
How long will a pool tarp typically last?
A high-quality heavy-duty tarp can last between 3 to 5 seasons if it is cleaned, dried, and stored properly during the summer. Avoid dragging the tarp over rough concrete, as this can create pinhole leaks that compromise its effectiveness.
Closing Thoughts on Pool Winterization
Mastering how to cover an inground pool with a tarp is a fantastic way to take control of your outdoor maintenance. It saves money, builds your DIY skill set, and ensures your pool is ready for a quick opening when the warm weather returns.
By focusing on high-quality materials like UV-resistant polyethylene and using the right anchoring tools like water bags and air pillows, you can protect your pool from the harshest winter conditions. Remember that consistency is key; a few minutes of maintenance each month will prevent hours of cleaning in the spring.
Stay proactive with your outdoor survival and homesteading skills, and you will find that even the most daunting tasks become manageable. Take the time to secure your pool correctly this year, and you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a job well done. Stay safe and stay prepared!
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