Can I Open Pool Cover With Water On It? Safe Removal Guide

Tools & Supplies Needed

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Quick Answer

You should never open a pool cover with significant standing water on top. The water needs to be removed first using a cover pump, siphon, or manual drainage method. Opening a cover with water on it can contaminate your pool, damage the cover, create safety hazards, and make the removal process much more difficult.

Why You Should Remove Water First

Standing water on pool covers creates several serious problems that make immediate removal inadvisable:

Contamination Risk

The water sitting on your cover has been collecting debris, leaves, bird droppings, and other contaminants for months. When you open the cover with this water still on top, all of these pollutants will dump directly into your clean pool water. This contamination can turn your pool green overnight and require extensive chemical treatment to restore water quality.

Weight and Safety Concerns

Water is extremely heavy - just one inch of standing water across a 20x40 foot cover weighs over 500 pounds. This excessive weight makes the cover dangerous to handle and can cause serious injury if it shifts unexpectedly. The added weight also stresses cover materials and anchoring systems beyond their design limits.

Cover Damage

Pool covers aren't designed to hold large volumes of standing water. The weight can stretch and tear the material, especially at stress points near springs, cables, or anchors. Once damaged, covers lose their effectiveness and may need expensive repairs or replacement.

Safe Water Removal Methods

Automatic Cover Pumps (Recommended)

A submersible cover pump is the most efficient solution for removing standing water. Place the pump in the deepest area of standing water and connect it to a discharge hose that directs water away from the pool area. Quality pumps like the Wayne WWB or Little Giant 1-AA can remove thousands of gallons automatically when water levels rise above their sensors.

Manual Siphoning

For smaller amounts of water, you can use a garden hose to create a siphon. Fill the hose completely with water, cover both ends with your thumbs, place one end in the standing water and the other end at a lower elevation away from the pool. Release both ends - gravity will pull the water through the hose until the cover is drained.

Pool Service Professional

If you're uncomfortable handling the water removal yourself, contact a pool service company. They have commercial-grade pumps and experience safely managing cover removal with minimal risk to your pool or property.

Step-by-Step Cover Opening Process

Before You Begin

Gather necessary tools: cover pump or siphon hose, leaf skimmer, pool brush, water test kit, and basic chemicals for initial water treatment.

1. Remove all standing water using your chosen drainage method. Don't rush this step - ensure the cover is completely dry before proceeding.
2. Clean off remaining debris using a leaf blower, broom, or skimmer net. Remove as much organic matter as possible to prevent it from falling into the pool.
3. Disconnect anchoring systems systematically, starting from one end and working across. For safety covers, remove springs in the proper sequence to maintain even tension.
4. Fold the cover carefully as you remove it, keeping the dirty side inward to contain any remaining debris. Have at least two people handle larger covers to prevent tears.
5. Inspect and store the cover in a clean, dry location. Check for damage that needs repair before next season.
6. Address pool water condition immediately after cover removal. Test pH, chlorine levels, and total alkalinity using a reliable test kit like the Taylor K-2006.

Immediate Pool Treatment After Cover Removal

Even with proper cover removal, your pool water will likely need attention after months under cover. Start by testing all chemical parameters and adjusting as needed.

Essential First Steps

Begin with pH adjustment to the 7.4-7.6 range using muriatic acid if pH is high, or sodium carbonate if low. Proper pH ensures other chemicals work effectively.

Next, shock the pool with liquid chlorine to eliminate any bacteria or algae that may have developed. For initial shocking, use 1 pound of calcium hypochlorite per 10,000 gallons, or equivalent liquid chlorine amounts.

Run your filtration system continuously for at least 24 hours after reopening to circulate and filter the water thoroughly. Clean or replace filter elements if they appear dirty or clogged.

Prevention for Next Season

To minimize standing water issues next winter, consider installing an automatic cover pump before closing. Proper cover installation with adequate slope for drainage also reduces water accumulation. Regular winter maintenance, including periodic water removal during the off-season, prevents excessive buildup that makes spring opening more difficult.

Quality pool covers with proper support systems handle normal precipitation better than cheaper alternatives. Investing in professional-grade covers and pumps saves time and prevents problems during both closing and opening seasons.