You’re almost done. But there are still five things to check—just once—before the snow settles in for good.
This isn’t about maintenance. It’s more of a quick check that will take you about fifteen minutes. It’s necessary for one simple reason: once the first heavy snowfalls arrive, everything becomes much harder to fix. A cover that comes loose in November can be reattached without any trouble. But in January, under forty centimeters of snow, that’s no longer possible.
Why now rather than in the spring?
It’s hard to assess a closure properly on the very day it’s done. Everything is clean, the fabric is new and securely in place, and the level has just been adjusted. Problems emerge in the weeks that follow, when wind, rain, and the first frosts put the system to the test.
Three to six weeks after closing, you have something you didn’t have on the day itself: perspective. And you still have physical access to make adjustments. That window closes with the first real snowfall.
The Five Last-Minute Checks
1. Is the liner still securely fastened?
Walk around the pool and check each anchor point, one by one. Look for a loose anchor, a slack cable, a water bag that has shifted, or a corner that has started to lift.
A sign of trouble: one side that’s visibly looser than the others. This is almost always the side exposed to prevailing winds, and it’s where the liner can come completely loose during a storm.
2. Is debris accumulating on it?
Leaves that have fallen on the tarp after it’s been closed will remain there. When dry, they weigh next to nothing. When soaked and then frozen, they become a load that the tarp has to bear all winter long.
The sign of a problem: a dip forming in the center. Remove dry leaves with a leaf blower or brush while they’re still light. Never step on a winter tarp to do this.
3. Has the water level changed?
Note where the water level is in relation to a fixed point, such as a pool edge or a skimmer opening. Rain and melting snow can cause it to rise, which is normal. A drop, however, is not: evaporation is almost nonexistent at this time of year, and the pool is covered.
A sign of a problem: a level lower than at closing time. This is the only one of the five points that requires immediate attention, because a water leak in winter is not easily repaired once the ground has frozen solid.
4. Is outdoor equipment still protected?
Check what’s left outside: winter plugs in place, control panel closed and dry, equipment stored away or covered as it should be. A cover that wasn’t closed properly in September lets moisture in all winter long.
A sign of a problem: a missing or misplaced cap. This happens more often than you’d think, due to wind, animals, and fall yard work.
5. Is rainwater draining normally around the pond?
Take a look at the ground around the pool and the equipment room after a good rain. The water should drain away, not pool.
A sign of a problem: a puddle that lingers against the pool or in front of the equipment room. Water that pools there freezes, and ice pressing against a structure exerts pressure all winter long, cycle after cycle.
“The November check is the one nobody does, yet it solves the most problems. Reattaching a cover in November takes just ten minutes of our time. But if that same cover gets buried under the snow in February, it’s a whole different job come spring.” — Tristan Dufour, owner, Piscine Évolution
What You Don’t Have to Do
To avoid unnecessary worries: you don’t have to clear snow off the cover during the winter, add any chemicals, uncover the pool to check the water, or run any equipment. A properly closed pool is designed to be left in hibernation.
The pre-snow inspection is a one-time exception, not the start of a winter routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A winter cover is designed to withstand normal snow loads, and walking around or on top of it to clear the snow causes more damage than the snow itself. Leaves should be removed before the snow falls; leave the snow where it is.
Very little. The pond is covered, and evaporation is minimal at these temperatures. A noticeable drop warrants a check.
Reattach it as soon as access allows, without stepping on it. If it has sunk into the pond or if the anchors are damaged, have it inspected: a cover that spends the winter in the water isn’t always salvageable.
Not always, but your options are limited. Most repairs require access to the ground and the anchors, which snow and freezing conditions make much more difficult.
What You Can Do This Month
Pick a dry day, walk around the pool, and check the five points in order. It takes just fifteen minutes, once. If everything is in order, you won’t need to do anything else until spring.
If something seems off, have it checked while it’s still possible to fix it. We also correct repairs made by others or by the homeowner: there’s no harm in asking for a second opinion. And if you’re concerned about the water level, our leak detection service can address that issue.res ou par le propriétaire lui-même : il n’y a rien de gênant à demander un deuxième avis. Et si c’est le niveau d’eau qui vous inquiète, c’est notre service de détection de fuite qui répond à cette question.
