A swimming pool safety cover is one of the most important investments you can make as a pool owner. It protects your pool from debris, keeps your water cleaner, prevents costly damage, and keeps your family and pets safe. But safety covers don’t last forever.
So, how do you know if it is time for a new safety cover? Check out this guide as it helps you spot the warning signs, understand the lifespan of different covers, and know when it’s best to call the professionals at Spartan Pool & Patio in Oklahoma City, Edmond, or Norman for a replacement.
Typical Lifespan of a Pool Safety Cover
Before you start inspecting for damage, it helps to know how long covers usually last:
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Mesh pool safety covers usually last 10–15 years with proper care.
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Solid pool safety covers usually last 7–10 years due to UV and chemical wear.
If your cover is within or past this range, you should begin looking closely for signs of deterioration. Even if it looks “okay,” aging materials can fail suddenly, which puts safety at risk.
Tears, Holes, or Fraying Along the Fabric
One of the clearest signs you need a new pool safety cover is visible damage:
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Rips or large holes
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Frayed edges along seams
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Grommets are pulling loose from the material
While small tears may sometimes be patched, larger or multiple weak spots mean the fabric no longer provides reliable protection.
Worn Straps, Springs, or Hardware
The straps and springs keep your safety cover securely in place. Over time, they can:
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Stretch out or lose elasticity
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Rust, corrode, or bend out of shape
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Break under normal tension
If these pieces fail, your cover won’t stay properly anchored to your pool deck. At that point, cover replacement is safer than trying to repair piece by piece.
Sagging or Pooling Water
A properly installed safety cover should stay taut across the pool surface. If you see sagging in the middle or notice water pooling on top, that’s a red flag.
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Mesh covers: Sagging indicates stretched fabric.
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Solid covers: Pooling water suggests weakened straps or deteriorating material.
Either way, sagging makes your cover unsafe. It may not hold up if a child or pet accidentally steps on it.
UV and Chemical Damage
Here in Oklahoma, our hot summers take a toll on outdoor equipment. Years of sun exposure and contact with pool chemicals can cause:
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Fading or discoloration
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Stiff, brittle sections
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Cracks are spreading across the fabric
Once your pool cover begins breaking down from UV or chemical damage, replacement is the only long-term solution.
Poor Fit After Pool or Deck Changes
If you’ve had your pool renovated, your deck replaced, or anchors shifted, your old cover may no longer fit correctly. An ill-fitting cover leaves gaps for debris and makes it unsafe for children or pets. This is the perfect time to invest in a custom-fitted pool safety cover that matches your updated pool.
Why Timely Replacement Matters
You may be tempted to squeeze one more season out of your old cover, but delaying replacement comes with risks:
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Higher maintenance costs – More debris in your water means extra cleaning, chemicals, and potential staining.
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Reduced safety – A weak cover may not hold weight if someone walks across it.
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Pool damage – Without proper coverage, UV rays, freezing debris, and algae can damage your pool’s surface and equipment.
Replacing your cover on time helps protect your pool investment and gives you peace of mind.
Choosing the Right Replacement Cover
Not all covers are created equal. The two main options are:
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Mesh pool covers – Lightweight, allow water to drain through, longer lifespan, lower maintenance.
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Solid pool covers – Block sunlight completely (great for algae prevention), but heavier and need a pump to remove standing water.
At Spartan Pool & Patio, we carry both mesh and solid covers from Latham, and we’ll help you choose the one that best fits your pool, lifestyle, and budget.
Professional Pool Cover Replacement in Oklahoma
Replacing a pool safety cover isn’t just about buying a new one. It’s about making sure it fits perfectly and functions correctly. Our team at Spartan Pool & Patio will:
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Measure your pool for a custom fit
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Help you choose between mesh and solid options
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Professionally install your new cover for long-lasting safety
With locations in Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Norman, we’re your local experts for pool safety cover replacement.
Final Thoughts on Safety Covers
Your pool safety cover is your first line of defense when your pool isn’t in use. If it’s showing signs of sagging, tearing, fading, or hardware failure, or if it is beyond its expected lifespan, it’s time to replace it.
Don’t wait until a weak cover fails. Protect your family, pets, and pool investment by upgrading to a reliable new safety cover today.
Ready to replace your pool safety cover? Visit Spartan Pool & Patio or contact us to schedule your cover replacement. We’ll make sure your backyard oasis is protected season after season.
