What Size Pool Cover?

Greyduk · #1 09-15-2016, 10:17 AM

I read about some members using pool covers for storage. What size seems to work best? It seems that some covers have a 3 ft. over lap. And is there a brand that is preferred? Thanks.

Destroyer · #2 09-15-2016, 10:46 PM

Yes, there is a brand that is preferred. (at least by me). It doesn't have a 3 foot overlap, it has a 4 foot overlap. (So as an example, a 10 x 20 will actually be 18 x 28). It comes with a vinyl coated steel cable and a winch to thread through the grommets and pull your cover tight after you have it in position. I highly recommend the 15 year cover. Size is 12' x 24'. With the 4 ' overlap that's really a 20' x 32' cover. More than adequate to cover your boat. Just remember a few tips. Build a good solid frame. (Although your winters are probably a lot less than up here in the Northeast, so maybe you can go a little lighter ... Depends on how much snow you get really. You want something that can take your heaviest snowfall. Always err on the side of caution. Tent your cover. (Make a central spine in your frame just like a house roof so that any rain, snow, tree leaves, debris, whatever, will slide off). Get some pool noodles from the dollar store or some foam pipe insulation from Home Despot or Lowes. Slice it lengthwise and place it on the top of your windshield, especially on the corners. Put smaller pieces over your line chocks on your deck and anything else pointed that might puncture your tarp.

jvitiel · #3 09-16-2016, 04:16 PM

Thanks D,

I wanted to get one last year but they were sold out. That's a great price you found there...

bradford · #4 09-16-2016, 08:14 PM

Do what Destroyer says if you're gonna go this route.

I cheaped out and got the silver line and it's pretty thin. Also his dimensions are spot on, I'm running a 29 x15 tarp and it could use a couple of feet to cover better. When the tarp wears out I'll buy another pool cover.

rrichar1 · #5 09-16-2016, 10:34 PM

Something else you may consider and probably much cheaper is a used billboard vinyl tarp. I just bought 14x24 for a flats boat I have for about $50 delivered and made my own. I invested in a $6 brass grommet tool and grommet package for tie downs. Pretty thick and can be patched easily with vinyl glue and left over scraps plus you can reinforce pressure points as well with the scraps. I live in the south and don't know how these would hold up for you northern guys with snow.

I got mine from this site: http://billboardtarps.com/product-ca...llboard-vinyl/

bgreene · #6 09-19-2016, 06:06 PM

Thanks D - the heavy duty tarps I buy from H Depot wear out in less than 1 year.

Destroyer · #7 09-19-2016, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgreene

Thanks D - the heavy duty tarps I buy from H Depot wear out in less than 1 year.

Ya, the only thing *heavy duty* about their tarps is the price. Most welcome Greenie :)

3 Squids · #8 12-21-2016, 10:27 PM

I just ordered the one Destroyer has suggested. $49 shipped seems like a steal for a 15yr cover. I got the 14x24 which is actually 20x32 which I hope is big enough for my T-top. If not I'll use it for the project boat and order a bigger one for the green boat.

My summer cover has vents in it. Should I somehow vent this cover?

inaforty · #9 12-22-2016, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrichar1

Something else you may consider and probably much cheaper is a used billboard vinyl tarp. I just bought 14x24 for a flats boat I have for about $50 delivered and made my own. I invested in a $6 brass grommet tool and grommet package for tie downs. Pretty thick and can be patched easily with vinyl glue and left over scraps plus you can reinforce pressure points as well with the scraps. I live in the south and don't know how these would hold up for you northern guys with snow.

I got mine from this site: http://billboardtarps.com/product-ca...llboard-vinyl/

Interesting link.
The 15-17 mil...13-17 oz would be pretty heavy. Might be heavy enough to lay out and mark the darts to custom fit the vinyl.

3 Squids · #10 12-24-2016, 10:32 AM

I ordered the 12x24. Got it today and it's actually a 16x28. I guess the 4' overhang is total, not per side. I doubt it'll be big enough with my t-top but should work fine for my other V. Guess I'll order a bigger one for the Green boat.
It's a lot thinner than I imagine as well but for the price I guess I can't be surprised. Be curious to see how it holds up to the little bit of snow we see here. We'd be lucky to get 6" at one time here so shouldn't have to be too load bearing.