While the idea of taking to your new solar pool cover with scissors might be a bit intimidating, it’s a fairly simple job. Pool covers can be bulky and awkward to move around though, so you’ll need to be physically capable – and its even better if you can get someone to help – it’s a much easier job with two people. (Someone to cut, and someone to hold it in place while you cut).
Take your time when cutting – we suggest cutting at least twice – preferably leaving 2-3 weeks before the final trim. This gives any packing folds time to flatten out, and for the cover to settle. It is also possible for the cover to shrink a little in the first few weeks. Weirdly, it may shrink lengthwise, but never widthwise, and the amount of shrinkage can vary - from none to up to 2% - especially if chlorine levels are on the higher side.
So bear this in mind when you do your first cut, and do not cut too much off the length thinking the cover is too big.
Remove the cover from the box, and carefully unfold it. Spread it over the pool surface, with the bubble side down onto the water.
If you can, leave it in the sun for a couple of hours to give the cover time to 'relax'.
There are two ways to cut a solar pool cover. The most common method is ‘to the waterline’, but if you are in an area with lots of leaves, you may prefer a larger cut so that the edges roll up the wall of the pool, with almost a bowl effect. Both methods are fine, just pick the way which suits you best.
If cutting to the Waterline, this means cutting it to the shape of the pool, around the waterline edge, so that it just touches the pool wall, or even sits a cm or so short of the wall. This cut is easier to roll on and off the reel, and helps prevent a build up of chlorine gasses if leaving the cover on for extended periods of time.
If cutting to help keep leaves out, you’re cutting it large enough so that the cover wraps up the wall. If doing this, make sure it sits below the coping – don’t let it sit higher than the coping or the wind will get underneath it.
Before starting to cut, you should work out where the reel is going to sit – if you are positioning the reel in the centre of the pool, you will need to allow a little extra length.
When you are ready to cut, smooth the cover out, over the pool surface, getting rid of wrinkles and air pockets. Smoothing it with a pool broom often helps. Once flattened, you can start trimming to shape with a pair of sharp scissors. When you come to the skimmer box, cut a 'flap' or 'tongue' to sit inside the box.
For your first cut, fitting the blanket a little larger, so that it 'turns up' at the edges - Leave a good 10-15cm of extra material all the way around during this first trim, cutting the blanket so that it sits just under the pool coping.
If you have someone to help, ask them to hold the cover still, at the opposite side of the pool to where you are working. While you are trimming, it is important to keep checking behind you and in front, to make sure the cover does not move.
Once you have your basic fit, stop cutting, then leave the blanket to 'relax'. In around 2-3 weeks, you can come back and trim to the final fit.
Adjust the chlorinator settings immediately
Once your cover is in place, it is important to check the settings on your automated chlorinator. Your new pool cover will cut chemical usage by around half, so you need to make adjustments. We recommend turning automatic chlorinators down to half the previous setting, then checking pool chemical levels and continuing to adjust settings daily until the appropriate levels are reached.
You can easily do this yourself with a packet of test strips from your pool shop.
How to dispose of Oasis solar cover off-cuts?
An ABGAL Oasis solar cover is made of LDPE 4 so it is fully recyclable. If your local council facility can process LDPE (category 4), you can put offcuts straight into your recycling bin. If you are unsure, give them a call first to confirm.
