10+ Inexpensive and Easy Pool Equipment Cover Ideas

There aren’t many things in life that are as nice as having a swimming pool, and people who already have one can tell you that the fun outweighs the work and upkeep.

Your dream has come true. All your hard work paid off, and now your backyard is the perfect place to escape it. 

You’ve picked the best shape for a pool, found suitable decking, and put your favorite plants around the outside. As you finally relax in your lounge chair with a cold drink, you see something terrible out of the corner of your eye.

Right in front of you, they spread out the pump purifier and all the other equipment along the garden, making it hard to look at.

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Always Keep Things Simple

As a proud pool owner, you know how important it is to keep it in good shape. Whether it’s above or below ground, you will need a pump, a filter, and maybe even a heater.

Want to hide your equipment but don’t want to spend too much? Simple designs, like a wall or box, will do the trick.

Covering these things with a simple storage box will make them quieter and protect them from the weather.

Taking The Metal Route

If you need something more robust, you could use a metal box, which is cheap and doesn’t require much upkeep. Compared to boxes made of wood, these boxes do need more care.

These days, you can find ones that won’t rust or corrode. The design of metal boxes is sleek and stylish, and they would look great in any modern home.

Slots on the sides help air flow through the whole unit. Solid walls are good for reducing noise, but they raise the temperature.

Discover The World Of Wood

You don’t have to buy a box to keep your stuff safe. You could always build a wooden wall around the pool, especially if your equipment is near the house.

Wooden walls can withstand the weather and keep out noise well, making them an excellent choice for use outside. These covers hide unsightly views while letting in a lot of air and making it easy to do repairs.

Build On A Budget

You could try covering it with PVC if you want a much faster and easier way to protect your equipment. Cut the tubing to size, making it slightly longer and wider than the length of your pump.

Once you’re happy with where the PVC is, all you have to do is make sure it’s safe and secure. You can then change it to make it safer and fit in better.

Need More Control 

Still not happy? Why not check out a UV-resistant cover you can adjust with a strong, perfect plastic coating to protect against the elements and keep the sun away?

You can keep your equipment from getting too hot and still make it look good by giving it a heat-resistant top and sides with vents. They made it directly from a plastic shell of a rigid material, so you shouldn’t have to worry about replacing it soon.

These covers are great for people who want more freedom and control.

Raise The Roof

At some point, you’ll want to get to your pool equipment or fix something quickly. Lids and doors that open and close on hinges work best in this case.

The most common style is one with a hinged opening. The only bad thing about the box is that it’s too big, which makes it awkward and uncomfortable to use every day.

Go Big Or Go Home

A simple wall or box design isn’t enough, and you need something much bigger. This is especially true if you have a big in-ground pool that needs more extensive tools for maintenance and if your pool and hot tub are in different places.

With rich hardwood planks and a sleek aluminum frame, these covers can have a modern look for the outdoors.

No Space, No Problem

But what if you have a smaller pool and less equipment? Here, you wouldn’t need a large walk-in shed. Instead, you could get a small pool cover the size of a treasure chest.

It doesn’t matter what material it is as long as it has a removable light and hides your equipment thoroughly.

Looking for a More Luxurious Alternative?

If you want something that will stand out more, a water feature might be just what you need. A natural stone cover is a great way to hide any eyesores in your garden while adding a touch of class and a calm, relaxing presence.

Want A More Natural Look

Want to do more to help the environment? What about plants? There are many trees, flowers, grass, and brush species to choose from. They can also block out unwanted noise. Just make sure to plan and consider how long it will take for the plant you choose to grow.

Final Thoughts

So far, we’ve discussed the different covers you can buy off the shelf. However, these kits are usually sold in separate pieces. Don’t let that stop you from using, for example, the basic designs. 

It’s easy to make a custom cover that will protect your equipment perfectly and fit in with the rest of your backyard. Developers and builders always develop new and creative ways to take designs to the next level. Don’t be afraid to try any of the ideas above, and you can finally rest easy knowing that those eyesores are no longer a problem.

Pool Equipment Cover Ideas FAQ

Let’s take a look at some common questions regarding pool equipment cover ideas:

What is the main purpose of a pool equipment cover?

The protective covering is mainly used to cover the pool pump, a machine that keeps your pool system running well. It moves water through the filter to keep the pool clean and healthy.

Is using a pool equipment cover required?

No, it’s unnecessary to keep your pool equipment covered. People do it because it helps reduce noise, protects the equipment from the weather, and makes your backyard look better.

What if I want something more substantial?

Consider building an equipment cottage if ideas like walls and boxes don’t work. These tiny houses are big enough to move around in and have enough room to store things.

How do I know what materials will make the best cover?

Depending on your budget, the size of your backyard, and the type of cover you want, vinyl covers are very cheap, easy to maintain, and come in a wide range of styles for most outdoor settings. Usually, wood is the best choice. Both cheap and stylish, stone or concrete might be a better choice for a more professional look, but this will probably raise the cost. If you have the money, privacy glass is also an excellent choice for ultramodern homes.

Can sunlight harm pool equipment?

When you live in a warm place, snow and ice are the last things you need to worry about. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t damage your equipment. Most modern pumps are made of plastic, which is strong enough to withstand most elements but can still bend and warp if the temperature is too high. You should also check to see if your motor is getting enough airflow. The last thing you want on a sunny day is for it to overheat.

How do you keep pool equipment safe during the winter?

If you don’t pay more attention to your equipment, you won’t know how much damage snow and ice can do. Different parts of machinery are sensitive to changes in temperature. If you don’t keep your equipment covered during the winter, the water in your pump lines will freeze and expand, causing you to have to replace this part.

Why is it necessary to ventilate pool equipment?

It’s essential that your cover has enough ventilation because the machinery produces a lot of heat. For example, a pump makes a lot of heat as it works. This heat needs to be able to get out of the enclosure, or it will build up and cause more problems, especially with the thermal safety circuit, which will stop working as intended.

Would covering pool equipment help with noise reduction?

Yes, a pool pump cover will help cut down on noise. These covers are designed to be quiet and are required by law. I would try this type of enclosure if I had noisy equipment.

Is it possible for me to do the pool cover installation myself?

When you dig holes in your backyard, you could make mistakes that are hard to fix. Therefore, we recommend hiring a professional to do the installation. This will protect your warranty and ensure the equipment is safe and looks great.

Can I store chemicals in my container?

This is a bad idea every time. You should always keep chemicals in a separate place. This keeps your equipment from getting dirty and stops it from rusting. Even if your chemicals are in tightly sealed containers, this can still be a problem.

More FAQs

Is it a good idea to cover pool equipment?

It is generally unnecessary to cover pool equipment under normal conditions since the majority of it is specifically designed to withstand exposure to various weather conditions.

Can pool equipment be exposed?

Pool equipment cannot be exposed to the elements. It is not necessary to have a pool pump cover or enclosure for your equipment. The equipment is designed to withstand various weather conditions such as sun, wind, and rain.

Do I need a roller for my pool cover?

You do need a roller for your pool cover. Folding a pool cover can be more challenging than folding bed sheets, and without a roller, there is a higher chance of damaging the cover on surfaces like paving, rocks, or fences. Additionally, maneuvering the cover through your pool fence gate can be quite difficult without a roller.

Are pool covers safe to walk on?

Pool covers can be safe to walk on if they are durable, installed correctly, and capable of supporting a significant amount of weight.

Does a pool cover make a difference?

A pool cover makes a difference as it can reduce your heating costs by up to two thirds by retaining heat in your pool. Additionally, it saves time by keeping your pool cleaner, reducing the workload on your pool cleaner and yourself as you won’t have to constantly clean out leaves and debris.

Why are pool covers so expensive?

Pool covers are often expensive due to their ability to serve as a deck when the pool is covered, and sometimes even when it is open, depending on the design. The high cost is justified by the need for these covers to be extremely secure in order to withstand the weight of outdoor furniture and people.

Should I put a tarp over my pool equipment?

You should put a tarp over your pool equipment to protect it from potential damage caused by wind, rain, and debris, even if you turn off the power. To prevent any issues, we suggest using a large plastic tarp or waterproof coverings to securely cover the equipment and prevent water from reaching it.

Should pool equipment be covered in winter?

Pool equipment should be covered in winter to protect it from the adverse effects of snow, ice, sleet, and hail. While modern pool equipment is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, placing a barrier between the equipment and these elements helps minimize potential damage. Therefore, it is still a good idea to cover your pool heater during the winter months.

Will a tarp protect pool equipment from freezing?

A tarp or canvas cover can protect the exterior of pool equipment from oxidization, but it will not prevent the filter from freezing. It is recommended to use a tie-down strap to secure the cover, but it should be removed before starting up the swimming pool or at least before starting the filter.

What to do with pool equipment in winter?

The answer to the question of what to do with pool equipment in winter is to remove plugs and lids from pumps, motors, filters, heaters, and chlorinators. It is important to store all of the removed plugs in a resealable bag and keep them in a safe place until power is restored. Once the weather becomes milder, make sure to replace all plugs and lids. Additionally, before turning the power back on, ensure that there is water in the system.

Can you cover pool equipment while running?

The pool equipment can be covered while running without any issues. The pool cover, whether it is on or above the water’s surface, does not affect the functionality of the equipment. Proper circulation is not compromised by the presence of the cover.

Can you use a tarp instead of a pool cover?

A tarp can be used as an alternative to a pool cover. It serves the purpose of protecting the pool from debris, insects, and algae during the winter season. Homeowners have the choice between using tarps or winter safety pool covers for this purpose.

Can I leave my pool pump outside all winter?

You can leave your pool pump outside all winter, as cold temperatures alone do not typically cause much harm to the components of a pool motor such as copper, plastic, and steel. However, it is important to note that it is the moisture that accompanies the cold weather that usually leads to damage. While some pool technicians believe that storing the pump indoors does not necessarily extend the motor’s lifespan, it is still advisable to protect the pump from excessive moisture if possible.

How do you hide and protect pool equipment?

One way to hide and protect pool equipment is by constructing a shed around it. Another option is to install walls around the equipment area. If you prefer a more discreet approach, you could consider an underground bunker. Adjusting your landscaping can also help conceal the equipment. Alternatively, using a box or privacy screens can provide protection and camouflage for the pool equipment.

What is a secure pool cover?

A secure pool cover is a type of cover that is fastened to the deck using a combination of straps and stainless steel springs. These springs are connected to brass anchors that are embedded into the deck. When the cover is in place, the anchors are raised and when the cover is removed, they are lowered and become flush with the deck.

How do you secure a tarp over a pool?

To secure a tarp over a pool, you can use a tie down system to attach the pool cover to the top of an aboveground pool. The tarp should be secured below the rim of the pool’s top rail by feeding a cable through the grommets. It is important to avoid making the tie down too tight, as this could potentially cause the grommets to tear.

Do pool safety covers let water through?

Pool safety covers allow water to pass through, depending on the type of cover. Mesh covers, for example, allow rainwater to pass through while keeping debris out of the pool. On the other hand, solid safety covers do not allow sunlight, debris, or water to pass through. This feature helps maintain stable water chemistry in the pool. However, it is important to note that a pump is necessary to remove any accumulated water on top of the cover.

Can pool heat pump be enclosed?

Pool heat pumps should not be enclosed in a closed room because, in such a situation, the heat pump would recirculate the same air repeatedly. This would result in the depletion of any available heat in the area and cause a significant cooling effect on the room. As a consequence, the heat pump would be unable to operate since there would be an insufficient amount of heat to draw from the surrounding air.

Can you run pool pump with pool cover on?

You can safely run the pool pump while the pool cover is on. The pool cover does not interfere with the circulation of water by the pump. In fact, using the pool cover is recommended as it reduces the required running time of the pump, thereby extending its lifespan.