How to Cut your Solar Cover to Perfectly fit your Swimming Pool

The right solar cover can add up to 17 degrees to your average swimming pool temperature over the summer. But, a solar cover needs to be the right size and shape for your swimming pool for it to work correctly. Solar covers come in a variety of sizes, but most of them are rectangular or oval in shape. If you have an oddly-sized pool or an irregular pool shape, you may need to cut your solar cover to fit your swimming pool correctly.

Luckily, it is very easy to cut a solar cover to fit any swimming pool.

How to correctly cut a solar cover for your swimming pool

It is easy to cut a solar blanket to fit your swimming pool. But, it is something you should begin carefully, particularly if it is the first time you’ve cut a solar blanket. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you’ve cut too much, or made a mistake with your shape. Following these steps will make it easy to cut your solar blanket to the perfect shape and size.

1. Place your solar blanket over your swimming pool

Unroll your blanket along the length of your swimming pool, and then unfold your solar blanket along the width of your swimming pool. Your solar blanket has two sides, and you should be sure that the “bubbles” are facing down (as they would when your cover is on your pool).

Once you’ve unfolded your solar blanket, you can ensure your cover is large enough before you begin cutting.

2. Centre your solar cover

Once your solar cover is completely open, you’ll need to move it around so it is centered over your swimming pool. Centering your blanket ensures you’ll have full coverage, and that you don’t mistakenly cut your blanket in the wrong shape, or too small.

Using the seam lines in your solar cover can be helpful for finding a centre point and lining up your solar cover. Once your cover is lined up, you’re ready to begin cutting

3. Begin to trim your cover

Once your solar cover is correctly centered over your pool, you can begin trimming your cover. Before you dive in, we recommend that you read through the rest of the steps and our tips and tricks to avoid any frustration.

You will not need to use special equipment to trim your cover, a simple pair of sharp scissors will work well.

When you begin trimming your cover, make sure you use something consistent to guide you as you move around the pool (for example, consistently align your scissors with the edge or coping). This will ensure you’re cutting evenly at every part of the pool.

At this point, many people choose to cut their cover slightly too large for their pool, leaving some extra material to cover any small mistakes later, and to perfect the shape.

4. Let your cover settle and flatten

We recommend that you let your pool cover sit for a few days before returning to finalize your trim. If you allow your solar cover to float on the surface of your swimming pool, the sun and water will make it completely flat, removing any wrinkles. If you take this time, you can do a final trim that ensures that your cover will be the perfect shape and size.

Choosing to cut a debris guard

If your backyard has a lot of trees and leaf coverage, you may want to consider cutting a debris guard into your solar cover. Cutting a “debris” guard simply means cutting your blanket slightly too large (only 7 or 8mm) to prevent leaves and debris from passing your cover and dropping into your swimming pool.

With a debris guard, you can easily hose off the top of your cover, directing debris and leaves into your skimmer if you cut your cover correctly. When cutting, simply leave an additional trim of 3-4 mm around the edge of your cover. When you reach your skimmer, cut out a flap that will fit inside – this flap will allow you to successfully hose debris to your skimmer, keeping it out of your pool water entirely.

Tips and tricks for cutting your solar cover correctly

Making a mistake when cutting your solar cover can be frustrating. A cover that is too small or damaged will not function as well, and will need to be replaced sooner. The first time you trim a solar cover for your swimming pool, keep these simple tips and tricks in mind to avoid issues later.

Be careful with your liner: As you cut along your solar pool cover, be careful with the ends of your scissors. Though this seems like common sense, it is an easy mistake to make absentmindedly as you repeat the same movements. A gauged liner can be an expensive and frustrating repair to make.

Take your time: When you’re cutting your solar cover, it is important that you take your time. After your first sections are trimmed, you may feel confident and want to rush the job. But, be sure to take your time, to follow the edge, and to trim evenly around the whole cover for the best results.

Be cautious about over-cutting: When cutting your solar cover, it is always better to err on the side of too large, rather than too small. Cutting your solar cover too small will make it ineffective for warming and retaining heat. So, be sure to go too large rather than too small until you can take a second look and retrim.

The perfect shape and size for your solar pool cover

Solar pool covers are one of the most effectively and environmentally friendly ways to retain heat in your swimming pool. Though they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, you may need to trim your cover if you have a uniquely-shaped swimming pool. By following these simple steps, you can easily create the perfect solar cover for your pool. With the right solar cover in place, you can enjoy a warmer and more comfortable swimming season for very little expense.