Yes, of course. However, it will depend on where you live and how much leaves and debris your pool receives. If you live in an area that snows a lot and freezes multiple times in a season, the leaf net might not be strong enough to hold the snow. But you can use it with a regular pool cover, too, to ease the pool opening.
You might also not use it if you live in an area with lots of sunlight and use chlorine as your sanitizer. Sunrays reduce chlorine’s effective leaving your pool unprotected, which can cause a whole set of problems.
Using a leaf net without a pool cover allows you to keep the leaves out but allow the rainwater to flow directly to your swimming pool. It’s a great idea to use it if you’re a pretty lousy leaf challenge. It’s easy to put on and remove even when there is a ton of leaves, twigs, and other debris.
When you use it on top of a solid pool cover, it makes the cleanup more manageable, allowing you to enjoy a straightforward pool re-open. Because of its lightweight design, removing it first is seamless, and as you remove it, you go with the debris. That ensures your pool cover pump doesn’t clog while you remove the water from the solid cover.
When to Use Both a Leaf Net and a Pool Cover
I might have touched on this a bit in the introduction, so you have an idea of what I’ll be talking about here. But don’t skip; I’m elaborating on those points.
Quick Pool Opening
Pool leaf nets are the saviors for any swimming pool surrounded by giant trees, which sheds many leaves and debris during fall and spring.
When you install it on top of your typical cover, especially during the winter, it makes leave removal seamless.
All you have to do is lay the lightweight leaf net/cover on top of your winter cover and wait until all the leaves have fallen.
After this, you can remove it by pulling one side to the other; it’ll allow you to remove the debris in one swoop and an easy motion.
It can save you hours of labor and prevent you from breaking your back trying to rake the leaves out. When you remove the leaves first, you’re sure your pool cover pump won’t clog.
Enhanced Pool Protection
Using a leaf net alone allows some small debris to pass through to the pool water, and that could lead to your pool getting dirty, imbalanced pool chemistry, and algae growth.
When you use a standard pool cover during pool closing, you’re guaranteed your pool will stay clean during the nap.
Another thing, the solid cover prevents sunlight from passing through to your pool. That protects your sanitizer if you use chlorine which is affected by the UV rays.
The sunlight blocking also helps prevent algae growth. This nasty orgasm stays dormant during the winter waiting for the pool to warm up and start growing again.
If you cover your pool and open it at the right time, you will have an easy time treating the algae.
How Long Will a Leaf Cover Last?
A leaf cover lasts around 10-15 years, depending on the quality and usage. With most of these nets made the same way using polyethylene or poly-carbonate materials and tightly woven, you can expect them to last that long.
The leaf net warranty depends on the manufacturer and their confidence in the product. Most of these warranties are limited; they cover the defect in materials only.
But some makers give returning buyers a discount off the retail price after one year. While making your purchase, read the fine print to know if the warranty covers damage done by a natural disaster or wind.
The overall longevity and life of a pool leaf net can also be affected by the weather, the amount of debris and leaves it collects, and how you store or handle it.
If you care for it well by storing it away during extreme winter and when not in use, you can expect it to last 10-15 years.
What the Best Leaf Net to Buy?
The best leaf net to buy is a wide mesh net reinforced with aluminum eyelets and a broad seam.
The model comes with a design that allows water and light into the swimming pool while filtering out the large debris such as leaves, twigs, and toys.
While making your purchase decision, make sure you measure your swimming pool dimensions and then buy a model that fits right.
If you don’t get the dimensions right, you risk getting a small leaf net that will allow debris into your pool.
Something made from heavy-duty material with triple-stitched edges and a solid grommet is the best for a swimming pool that receives tons of leaves and debris.
The leaf net holes have to be small enough to prevent debris from getting through to the pool and large enough to allow shedding of water fast for quicker removal and faster drying.
How do you know if it’s the right leaf net for you?
As aforementioned, you buy a leaf net pool cover based on your swimming pool size and shape. Measure your pool before you can head to the market. Know the available budget and do your search for the best brand. Once you have all these details, you will have the right leaf net pool cover for your swimming pool.
How to Use a Pool Leaf Net
A leaf net cover can help keep your swimming pool water free of debris and twigs that might be overworking your skimmer. You can use it on an above-ground or in-ground pool. But how do you use it?
Purchasing the Leaf Net
With leaf net covers coming in various sizes and shapes, you will want to start by measuring your swimming pool’s dimensions. When you head to the market, buy a leaf net that fits or exceeds the size with small inches.
If you get a smaller size, it might leave a gap potential of allowing leaves to fall inside the pool. You might stretch it too much trying to fit it and end up tearing it. It’d be best if you bought a model that fits perfectly.
Preparation
Now that you’ve your pool leaf net cover ready, it’s time to plan and get your pool ready. Start by balancing the pool chemicals. Why?
The leaf net does prevent the large debris and twigs from entering your pool, but it doesn’t prevent other bacteria, algae, and mold. If you balance your pool, you’re protecting it from such contaminants and intruders.
Also, remove any floating objects such as toys. You can use a leaf rake to grab them out. This allows the leaf net cover to lay flat on the surface.
Laying the Leaf Net
Start by finding one end of your pool where you can lay your cover fat. Get somebody to help you pull the cover over your swimming pool to the other end. Pull it from the far end to avoid dragging dirt with the pool cover.
If you’re installing an above-ground pool leaf net cover, place it on edge and pull it to cover the swimming pool evenly. Allow a tiny portion of the cover to hang throughout the perimeter.
Do you see a cable or tubes through the cover seam? You will use it to secure the cover in place. Some leaf net covers have added hardware to help secure it. Position and secure them.
The main issue that determines how you secure your cover is wind, as it can displace it. If the area receives strong winds, add some water to cover it and keep it more stable while lowering the possibility of moving.
Removing the Cover
When removing the leaf net cover, pull it out gently and carefully. If there large branches, remove them first.
You can start pulling it by lifting one end slowly. With help, the process can be seamless. Make sure the content collected by the leaf net doesn’t fall into your swimming pool.
Once the cover is out, remove the debris and clean it. Lay it on the ground to allow it to dry. You can now store it in a cool, dry place.
Summary
You can use a leaf net without a pool cover or on top of it. It all depends on the area you live in, and the amount of debris your pool receives. In the summer, you can use it alone. But if you’re afraid of your chlorine getting affected by sun rays, then you might want to use it with a regular pool cover.
During the winter, placing it on top of the winter can help you collect the leaves that fall during the first weeks. After this, remove it, clean it and allow it to dry. They don’t last long if left in the winter for long.
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