Solid pool cover repair?

[nikon5400]

hi there. This Solid pool cover is about 15 years old. It was expensive, I believe over $3k.

Is there a way to fix it, like to reapply something to make it new again without spending thousands? Is there a company that does this type of work other then Leslie's?
(I remember Leslie's told me once they do something similar for $200 or $300, including shipping (to\from the store), but I didn't follow up with them on this. If they do it, I assume there are other companies that do it, so I'm looking for recommendations)

I don't know if it's too late to fix mine, so please post your comments

Also I patched it up with gorilla tape in dozens of places, which surprisingly lasts a very long time -some of those patches are almost 10yr old... now I wonder if they can easily be removed

Thanks.

 

[ajw22]

I have been patching my 20 year old cover with wide tape. A few years ago I found 12" wide tape. Unfortunately the company that made it went out of business. You can see the grey patches on my cover. Use tarp repair tape rather than duct tape -

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Our tarp repair tape contains strong adhesive, which is capable of mending tears and maintaining the overall strength of your tarp. Repairs are never easier!

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Sigman 6 in. Wide Tarp Repair Tape - 18 Vinyl Coated Polyester - 6 Colors

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These repairs have lasted for years.

Pool Cover with patches

• ajw22
• May 19, 2019

 

[nikon5400]

thanks for quick reply. Is your cover mesh ?
Can this tarp product be removed if needed? I wonder if using tarp, just like gorilla tape will be an issue if I end up finding a repair shop.

do you recommend using tarp on the top or the bottom?
My cover has rubber straps and strong winds lift it up maybe a couple feet in the middle and then push it down, rubbing the cover against icy pool ages... so I'm thinking patching from the bottom could add some extra protection, but at the same time top seem to be falling apart (white threads are visible) more then the bottom

About 95% of the spots where you can see the threads (white) are on one side (where wind comes from), but again may be it has something to do with the way I store it.

Are there recommendations how solid pool covers should be stored?
I always wash it on the grass with water and some light brushing to get dirt off, let it dry then fold/bend it until one of the sides becomes the height of the bag, then roll and then put in the bag. It looks like folding it may be damaging to the cover.

It looks like some of those white spots come from rubber straps pressing against the cover when in the bag. I don't know the weight of this cover but I won't be surprised if it's over 100lb (will weigh it this time).

Should I apply some chemical to cover before folding/bending/storing it?

As for patch longevity - this gorilla tape lasts surprisingly long time these patches are from 2011.

Thanks

 

[ajw22]

thanks for quick reply. Is your cover mesh ?

I have a Meyco solid cover.

Can this tarp product be removed if needed? I wonder if using tarp, just like gorilla tape will be an issue if I end up finding a repair shop.

I doubt the tarp tape is easy to remove. I also doubt you will ever find a repair shop for the cover. Just keep on taping it. Mythbusters has shown how strong things constructed with duct tape can be.

do you recommend using tarp on the top or the bottom?

I have done many of the patches on both sides. It makes the patch stronger.

My cover has rubber straps and strong winds lift it up maybe a couple feet in the middle and then push it down, rubbing the cover against icy pool ages... so I'm thinking patching from the bottom could add some extra protection, but at the same time top seem to be falling apart (white threads are visible) more then the bottom

I have some sharp 90 degree corners on my coping that poked holes in the cover. I now put old towels on the edges of the coping that were wearing into the cover. Seems to cushion the cover and work well.

About 95% of the spots where you can see the threads (white) are on one side (where wind comes from), but again may be it has something to do with the way I store it.

Are there recommendations how solid pool covers should be stored?

I don't do anything special. The cover is folded and put in the bag and then the bag is left in the driveway to drain and dry until it is hauled into the garage.

I always wash it on the grass with water and some light brushing to get dirt off, let it dry then fold/bend it until one of the sides becomes the height of the bag, then roll and then put in the bag. It looks like folding it may be damaging to the cover.

It looks like some of those white spots come from rubber straps pressing against the cover when in the bag. I don't know the weight of this cover but I won't be surprised if it's over 100lb (will weigh it this time).

Should I apply some chemical to cover before folding/bending/storing it?

I don't know of anything special to be done.

As for patch longevity - this gorilla tape lasts surprisingly long time these patches are from 2011.

I have been patching my cover for at least that long. It is holding up surpassingly well. I did not expect it would last this long. Just keep patching it.

 

[nikon5400]

i see some recommend to fan fold it in envelope style. Is that important? I don't do it like that, so maybe that's one of the reasons of wear on my cover?

 

[ajw22]

i see some recommend to fan fold it in envelope style. Is that important? I don't do it like that, so maybe that's one of the reasons of wear on my cover?

I don’t know what that is versus what is done with my cover or yours.