Anchors for non-safety cover

[Nerb]

Hello, all!

We have an 18x36 in-ground pool that is surrounded by trees on 3 sides. For the last three years, we have used a tarp-like cover that is held in place with water bladders. The problem is that the water level is ~1ft below the concrete deck after pumping out below the skimmer. That "valley" traps leaves and other debris over the winter. I've tried to be diligent about blowing them out, but it is a lost cause due to the elevation change.

We do not need a safety cover, and the cheap tarp cover is perfectly fine. However, I'd like to pull it tight so that cleaning it off during the winter months would be much easier. I have seen a lot of discussion about safety cover anchors, and I'm not sure those will do exactly what I want. In my head, a cylinder that sits flush with the concrete that has a ring in the head until you flip up one half of that "ring" for an anchor would be great. I could still use the water bladders to help keep smaller debris from blowing under the edges into the pool.

I'm spitballing here. This forum is full of knowledgeable folks who have a wealth of collective experience. Surely, I'm not the first knucklehead to think of such a thing. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Bperry]

Hello, all!

We have an 18x36 in-ground pool that is surrounded by trees on 3 sides. For the last three years, we have used a tarp-like cover that is held in place with water bladders. The problem is that the water level is ~1ft below the concrete deck after pumping out below the skimmer. That "valley" traps leaves and other debris over the winter. I've tried to be diligent about blowing them out, but it is a lost cause due to the elevation change.

We do not need a safety cover, and the cheap tarp cover is perfectly fine. However, I'd like to pull it tight so that cleaning it off during the winter months would be much easier. I have seen a lot of discussion about safety cover anchors, and I'm not sure those will do exactly what I want. In my head, a cylinder that sits flush with the concrete that has a ring in the head until you flip up one half of that "ring" for an anchor would be great. I could still use the water bladders to help keep smaller debris from blowing under the edges into the pool.

I'm spitballing here. This forum is full of knowledgeable folks who have a wealth of collective experience. Surely, I'm not the first knucklehead to think of such a thing. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

I used 4 large rubber inner tubes to prop up the center of the tarp and make it easier to blow leaves off during winter. The issue was getting them to stay in one place so you’de have to rope them off to keep them from moving. I don’t know if a tarp is strong enough to use anchors like a safety cover when it gets pulled taut. Maybe?

 

[Nerb]

I used 4 large rubber inner tubes to prop up the center of the tarp and make it easier to blow leaves off during winter. The issue was getting them to stay in one place so you’de have to rope them off to keep them from moving. I don’t know if a tarp is strong enough to use anchors like a safety cover when it gets pulled taut. Maybe?

I agree that a tarp probably isn't strong enough to be as taut as a safety cover. "Taut" may not even be the right word to describe it. What I am considering is more like aiding the water bladders in helping hold the tarp in one place rather than letting the tarp sag to the water level. I do not believe it needs to be a lot of force.

 

[Bperry]

I agree that a tarp probably isn't strong enough to be as taut as a safety cover. "Taut" may not even be the right word to describe it. What I am considering is more like aiding the water bladders in helping hold the tarp in one place rather than letting the tarp sag to the water level. I do not believe it needs to be a lot of force.

You might try the inner tubes in that case (or something like them)