What You Should Know About Foam Pool Cove
If you’re a new pool owner or replacing your above ground pool liner for the first time in a while, you may be wondering what you need for installation to help your pool look and function its best. One pool installation must-have is pool cove.
What is pool cove?
Pool cove is a wedge-shaped foam or sand material installed at the bottom perimeter of your above ground swimming pool. It provides a barrier to help keep the pool liner from slipping under the pool wall, which could cause damage to the liner and the pool structure over time.
The cove also helps to create a smooth transition from the pool wall to the pool floor, enhancing the overall appearance and integrity of the pool.
What are pool coves made out of?
Pool coves are commonly made out of foam or sand.
Foam
Foam pool coves are typically made from closed-cell foam material. These foam pieces are specifically designed for above-ground pools. They are lightweight, durable, and resistant to water and chemicals commonly found in pool environments. Plus, foam pool cove pieces are pre-formed into wedge shapes and often come in interlocking sections for easy installation.
Sand
Sand pool coves involve shaping and compacting sand along the bottom perimeter of your pool. The sand can be molded into the desired shape, offering more customization for unique pool shapes when needed.
Are Sand or Foam Pool Coves Better?
Ultimately, both foam and sand pool coves can effectively protect your pool liner and enhance the overall integrity of your above-ground pool. However, foam pool coves stand out for ease of installation and consistency.
While you have to shape sand, pool cove foam pieces are pre-formed and easy to install. They come in interlocking sections that you can quickly place along the bottom perimeter of your pool. No mess!
And because they’re preformed, you know that every foam cove piece is the same size and shape, unlike the sand that you mold by hand. This makes for a uniform and consistent barrier between the pool wall and the pool liner.
Are pool coves necessary?
While not strictly necessary, we highly recommend pool coves for above ground pools for several reasons.
- Liner Protection: Pool coves help prevent your pool liner from slipping under the pool wall, reducing the risk of damage to the liner caused by friction and pressure when swimming.
- Smooth Transition: They create a smooth shift from the pool wall to the floor, which can improve the overall look of your pool and provide additional comfort when swimming.
- Structural Integrity: By supporting your liner, coves contribute to the overall structural integrity of your pool and reduce likelihood of leaks and other issues over time.
Ultimately, it’s worth the extra money to protect your pool liner investment and minimize time and money needed for frequent liner replacements.
How to Install Foam Pool Cove
Installing a pool cove for an above-ground pool goes hand in hand with installing a new pool liner. The process is relatively simple and involves the following steps:
1. Prepare the Area
Ensure the area around the bottom perimeter of the pool is smooth, clean, and free of debris. You don’t want rocks, sticks, and other materials that can puncture the vinyl liner or the foam pool cove.
2. Place the Foam Cove
Our foam cove is peel-and-stick. When you’re ready, remove the protective strip and stick the pre-cut pieces along the bottom perimeter of your pool against the pool wall. Ensure they fit snugly and form a continuous barrier.
3. Install Your Pool Liner
Once the pool cove is installed and secured, proceed with installing your pool liner. You can follow our full pool liner installation guide for more specifics.
Do You Need to Replace the Pool Cove When Replacing the Liner?
Sometimes. Ultimately, it depends on the condition of the existing cove, compatibility with the new liner, and any aesthetic or functional considerations you may have.
If the existing pool cove is in good condition — meaning it’s still providing adequate support for the pool liner and hasn’t deteriorated significantly — it may be possible to reuse it.
However, if the pool cove is damaged, worn out, or deteriorated, it’s best to replace it along with the pool liner. Damaged foam cove can compromise the integrity of the pool liner and lead to issues such as wrinkles or tears.
Get Ready for Summer With LinerWorld
If you’re installing a new pool liner and need installation accessories, we’ve got you covered. We offer easy-to-install foam cove for round and oval above ground pools in various sizes.
