A solar pool cover is one of the smartest additions to any Western Cape backyard pool. It traps the sun’s warmth, slows evaporation during our dry Cape summers, and keeps leaves and debris out of the water. But like anything left exposed to the Cape Town elements, it needs regular care. Learning how to clean a solar pool cover properly will keep it working efficiently and add years to its lifespan.
Why Cleaning Your Solar Pool Cover Matters
Those tiny air bubbles on the underside of the cover are what capture heat and float the sheet on the water. When grime, sunscreen oils, pollen and dust build up, they block sunlight and clog the bubbles, so the cover heats your pool far less effectively. Dirt and standing water on top can also encourage algae and slowly degrade the material.
In coastal areas like Hermanus and the greater Cape Town region, salty air and strong UV are especially harsh. A cover that is cleaned regularly simply lasts longer and pays for itself in warmer water and lower top-up costs.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need special chemicals to clean a solar cover. Gather a few basics before you start:
- A garden hose with a gentle spray nozzle
- A soft-bristled broom or a sponge
- A bucket of clean water with a little mild dish soap
- A soft towel or squeegee for excess water
- A shaded, clean patch of lawn or paving to lay the cover on
Avoid abrasive scrubbers, wire brushes or harsh solvents. These scratch the surface and burst the heat-trapping bubbles, which is exactly what you’re trying to protect.
Easy Steps to Clean a Solar Pool Cover
1. Remove and Lay It Out Flat
Gently roll or fold the cover off the pool and spread it out, bubble-side up, on a clean, shaded surface. Cleaning it in direct summer sun can make it brittle and cause soap to dry into streaks before you rinse.
2. Rinse Off Loose Debris
Hose down the whole cover to wash away leaves, pollen and loose dirt. A gentle spray is all you need. High-pressure washers can tear seams and pop bubbles, so keep the pressure low.
3. Wash Gently With Mild Soap
Dip your soft broom or sponge into the soapy water and work across the cover in long, gentle strokes. Pay attention to greasy patches from sunscreen and body oils. Let it sit for a minute or two, but don’t let the soap dry out.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse every trace of soap away with the hose. Leftover detergent can foam in your pool and upset your water chemistry once the cover goes back on.
5. Dry Before Storing or Refitting
Wipe off standing water with a soft towel or squeegee and let the cover air-dry. If you’re packing it away for winter, make sure it is completely dry first to prevent mould and mildew.
How Often Should You Clean It?
A quick hose-down every couple of weeks during swimming season keeps the worst of the grime at bay, with a proper soapy clean roughly once a month. After a Cape southeaster kicks up dust, or when the plane trees start dropping, you may need to rinse more often. Regular light cleaning is far easier than tackling months of baked-on build-up.
Protecting the Whole Pool, Not Just the Cover
A clean cover works best over a pool that is in good shape underneath. If your pool interior is rough, stained or leaking, a solar cover can only do so much. Upgrading to a smooth, easy-to-clean surface such as a fibreglass pool lining makes the whole system more efficient and simpler to maintain. Older marbelite pools that have gone chalky or patchy benefit from professional marbelite pool resurfacing in Cape Town, which restores a clean, watertight finish that pairs perfectly with a well-kept solar cover.
When to Call in the Professionals
If you notice your water losing heat quickly despite a clean cover, or you spot cracks and staining in the pool shell, it may be time for expert advice. The team at Aquatic Pools works with pool owners across the Western Cape on lining, resurfacing and long-term care. Feel free to get in touch for a friendly, no-obligation chat about keeping your pool and its cover in top condition.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a solar pool cover really is a simple, low-cost habit. A gentle rinse, an occasional soapy wash and proper drying are all it takes to keep those heat-trapping bubbles working season after season. Look after the cover, look after the pool beneath it, and you’ll enjoy warmer water and lower running costs for years to come.
