If you live in a cold area where it snows, you probably have considered how to cover pool equipment. Manufacturers all say their equipment can withstand everything winter can throw at it. However, it’s not a good idea to leave it exposed. Additionally, if you live in a place with extreme heat, you may want to consider covering your pool equipment. This will keep it out of the sun and prevent UV damage. Again, modern equipment will not be damaged by UV for many years. However, it’s never a bad idea to consider how to best protect your investment. Though your equipment will survive, you still might want to know how to cover pool equipment.
How To Cover Pool Equipment: Tarp vs. Purpose Built Cover
If you’re wondering how to cover pool equipment for the winter while the pool isn’t in use, there are a few options. First, you can simply use a tarp to cover it all. However, a tarp may blow away, and otherwise cause more headaches than it’s worth. It’s best to focus on the equipment most in need of protection. If you have an electric heat pump heater, you can buy a purpose built heat pump cover.
- Polyvinyl exterior to shed environmental elements
- Mesh inserts on each side for ventilation
- Non woven lining to absorb moisture and prevent polyvinyl from sticking
This will protect your heat pump from getting inundated by ice and snow over the winter. The most important piece of equipment to protect for winter is the heater or heat pump. The pump and filter will shed water, ice, and snow without issue, but over time there is a small chance ice and snow could damage a heat pump or heater. Climate Shield OSCS-HPC Heat Pump Covers will protect your heater and/or heat pump for winter.
Covering Pool Equipment Considerations
The first driver when considering how to cover pool equipment with a permanent system is to determine whether or not you have a heater or heat pump. If you don’t have a heater of any kind, and don’t plan on putting one in, you’ll have a far simpler time of it when planning on covering your pool equipment. Ironically, there’s also less reason to protect your pool equipment from the elements.
Problems With Covering A Pool Heat Pump
If you have a pool heat pump, you will not be able to cover it. Yes, you may be able to get away with covering it and it may still work. However, covering a heat pump or in any way restricting the airflow around a heat pump is never recommended by the manufacturer.
How To Cover Pool Equipment Summary
When considering how to cover pool equipment with a natural gas or propane heater, you will need to find a copy of the installation manual to determine the venting requirements and clearances required. If you are considering an open sided roof only, you will probably be able to do this with a propane or natural gas heater without too much trouble.
However, if you want to enclose the heater in a shed or building of some kind, you will need to provide a combustion air supply, as well as an exhaust vent. This work must be completed by a licensed plumber and should never be done without one. Also remember that pool equipment can be 50 – 100 feet away and still operate fine. This leads many homeowners to utilize sheds or garages to house their pool equipment.