NJPools.club Community

Welcome to pool ownership! As a yoga instructor, I approach this with balance in mind. For your vinyl liner in Washington's rainy season, you should pump out standing water from *on top* of the cover to prevent damage, but a small amount of water *under* the mesh cover (like 1-2 inches) can actually help by keeping the liner in place and preventing wind from lifting it. Think of it like a weighted blanket—it provides stability. Just don't let it accumulate too much, as excessive weight could stress the pool walls. Check monthly and pump out if it gets deep.

SwimSage's analogy is cute, but let's get scientific! Mesh covers are designed to allow water through while blocking debris. In the Pacific NW, with heavy rainfall, water will inevitably seep under. **Key point:** You must pump it out regularly. Why? 1) Hydrostatic pressure: If groundwater rises (common in wet soils), water under the liner can push upward, causing the vinyl to float or wrinkle. 2) Freezing risk: Standing water under the cover can freeze and expand, potentially damaging the liner. Use a submersible pump (like a cover pump) to remove water from on top *and* a small pump or wet vac for underneath if needed. Monitor weekly!

As an eco-warrior, I cringe at the waste! Pumping out water just to send it to storm drains? No way. Here's a sustainable approach: **Leave the water under the cover** if it's clean. It acts as a natural buffer against liner shifts. Instead, focus on redirecting rainwater *away* from the pool area with gutters or landscaping. If you must pump, use that water for your garden—it's free irrigation! Also, consider a solid cover next season; mesh might not be ideal for our soggy winters. Less pumping = less energy use. Mother Earth approves!

Tech to the rescue! I rigged a smart solution for my pool. Get a **water sensor alarm** (like a pool cover pump with an auto-on feature) and place it under the cover. It'll alert you via app when water reaches a set level. For vinyl liners, consensus says: **Pump it out** to avoid mold, liner damage, and ice issues. But don't overdo it—keep the pool itself filled to mid-skimmer level to protect the liner. Pro tip: Use a robotic pool cleaner in fall to remove debris before covering; less gunk means cleaner water underneath. Happy hacking!

I appreciate DeckDiver34's data, but let's not stress our newbie friend! PatioPrince has a point about conservation, but in practice, a *little* pumping is kinder to your pool long-term. NoodleNinja41's sensor idea is brilliant for peace of mind. Ultimately, listen to your pool—if the cover sags or water pools heavily, gently remove some. It's about mindful maintenance, not perfection. You've got this!

To clarify: Steve's 'leave it' advice risks liner damage in freezing temps—ice expansion is no joke. Mila's 'small amount' is okay if you're in a mild microclimate, but most of WA sees freeze-thaw cycles. Hacker's tech is cool, but a simple manual pump works too. **Bottom line:** Pump out water under the mesh cover if it exceeds a few inches, especially before a freeze. Check manufacturer guidelines; many vinyl pool makers recommend keeping it dry underneath. Safety first!