While a swimming pool cover keeps the water clean and prevents evaporation, its integrity may be at risk if the surface is damaged by animals. It’s not unusual for lively squirrels and even deer to attempt to walk over it and reduce your cover’s efficacy. Fortunately, there are several steps that pool owners can take to minimize the chances of damage.

How to Prevent Animals From Attacking Your Pool Cover

1. Install a Fence

A fence that is at least four or five feet tall is typically effective enough to prevent pets and other four-legged animals from stepping onto the cover on both in-ground and above-ground pools. Mesh and aluminum fences are especially useful in protecting the area, while chain link and iron are a little easier to climb.

2. Clean the Surface

Check the condition of the swimming pool cover occasionally. Once you close your pool for the season, you may notice that leaves, dirt, and debris start collecting. If you don’t clean it at least once a week, the cover could easily become overloaded and hide the pool cover entirely. Animals may attempt to scamper across the cover because they think it’s solid ground.

3. Program a Sprinkler

You don’t necessarily need a yard to take advantage of a sprinkler system. This is an innovative and safe way to ward off unwanted animals that might otherwise run across the pool cover. You can program it to run at certain times of the day, or when you’re aware that particular animals tend to come out and play. Usually, the sudden stream of water is enough to scare them off without hurting them.

4. Use Sensitive Lights

Just like water, bright lights designed with motion sensors can distract animals from crawling onto the pool cover. Even the most intrepid animals may be repelled by LED lights that flash and disrupt their movements. Once they detect a trend on your property, they’re much less likely to return.

Are you ready to transform your backyard into an oasis? Turn to the pool installation professionals at All-American Pools in Cincinnati, OH. Offering more than 60 years of experience, they install both in-ground and above-ground pools. From swimming pool liners and covers to heaters and filters, they also have all of the accessories that you need to enjoy a safe and clean pool. Visit the website for information, and call them at (513) 522-7161 to schedule a consultation.