Smart and Stylish Pool Equipment Cover Ideas

Diving headfirst into the world of pool equipment cover ideas unveils a realm of creativity and practicality that can transform your poolside oasis. While the essential components of your pool setup play a crucial role in keeping the waters crystal clear, they don’t have to be an eyesore. In fact, with a touch of ingenuity and some clever design choices, you can seamlessly integrate your pool equipment into the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space.

From whimsical garden-inspired disguises to sleek and modern concealments, the possibilities for concealing your pool equipment are as vast as your imagination allows. In this article, we’ll explore an array of innovative ideas that go beyond the typical pool equipment enclosures. These solutions not only safeguard your equipment from the elements but also enhance the visual appeal of your pool area.

Whether you’re aiming for a tropical paradise, a minimalist haven, or a vintage-inspired retreat, there’s a pool equipment cover idea to suit your unique style and preferences. Join us on a journey through the world of creative concealment as we delve into ingenious ways to make your poolside paradise both functional and fabulous.

1. Streamlined Pool Equipment Cover Ideas

As a pool owner, you know that caring for your pool is essential for keeping the pool water crystal clear and beautiful. Whether you have an above-ground pool or an in-ground pool with a liner, you’ll have a pump, filter, and possibly a heater. You don’t have to invest in something expensive and fancy to hide your pool maintenance equipment. A simple wall or box is all you need.

A small storage box will fit just around these pieces of equipment to hide them away, dampen the sound they produce, and protect them from the seasonal weather elements. For the best protection, look for one with vented sides, hinged doors, and a lid that opens.

Measure the total length and width of your pool equipment. Then buy a box with dimensions that fit. If you’re looking for something even simpler, you can place a vinyl screen around your equipment. These affordable screens are simple to assemble and quick to erect. Just know that they don’t cover the top of your equipment and may not withstand the abuse of being outside year-round, year after year, the way other materials can.

2. Innovative Metal Storage Options

Choosing a metal box as your equipment pool cover can be an affordable and low-maintenance option. Unlike wood, you don’t need to do a lot to maintain the box. If you choose one made out of aluminum, then it’ll be rust and corrosion-resistant.

Metal boxes typically come in neutral colors and have a sleek, modern feel to them. This pairs well if you have a more modern home. When choosing your metal box, look for one that has slotted sides. This will help with air circulation through the box. Solid sides will be more effective at dampening sound but can also encourage the temperature to rise too high. 

If you’re looking for something slightly bigger, you can find ready-made metal shed kits. A kit can give you a bit more space for storage and provide you with an affordable structure. You’ll find some that are freestanding and others that are designed to back up against the side of a building.

3. Elegant Wooden Enclosures

You don’t have to build a box enclosure to hide your pool heater and other equipment. If your pool equipment is up against your house or a fence, you might consider creating a wood wall enclosure. Wood is a useful material for building your enclosure because it’s sound-dampening and weather-resistant. Start by placing posts where you want the enclosure to start and end. 

Attach horizontal wood slats starting at ground level and work your way up. Do this until the wall is tall enough to block the view of the pool heater and anything else you want to hide. Leave a gap between each slat that will allow air to flow through your wall. This style of cover is smart because it allows full air circulation and easy access for maintenance while also hiding the unsightly view.

Another option is to make an entire box out of wood. Automatic pool cleaners and heat pumps need to be carefully and strategically placed to be effective. This ideal location may not be in an easily hidden place (your pool cleaner filter shouldn’t be more than six feet above the pool’s water level). Building a wooden box around the pump and filter can hide your equipment. It can also give you a place to mount equipment that would typically get attached to a wall. 

When building your wood enclosure, be sure to use pressure-treated wood or hardwood. That way, it’ll last and continue to look beautiful for years to come. Using hardwood for your pool enclosure will help create a spa-like atmosphere around your hot tub or pool area. Be sure to stain, seal, or paint your wood to ensure it’s protected from moisture to avoid rot.

4. Functional Pool Equipment Covers With Hinged Lids

At some point, you’ll need to access your swimming pool equipment. This is when having a hinged lid or doors will come in handy. You’ll be able to easily and quickly open the cover to access the storage area or work on your pool’s system.

The most common solution is to build a hinged lid into the top of the box. But this only works if the box isn’t too large. Otherwise, you’re going to be bending over the side of the enclosure.

Consider installing hinged doors on the front of your enclosure. This will let you access everything easily. For the most access, you could install both a lifting lid and hinged doors. When designing the lifting lid, think about how it will stay open. If it can’t stay open on its own, you’ll need to install a support bar or piston arms that can hold it open.

5. Smart Strategies for Spacious Storage

If you have a large in-ground swimming pool, you may find that a simple wall or box isn’t enough. The size of your pool pump cover will need to be larger to accommodate the increase in the size of the equipment necessary to maintain your pool. This is especially true if you have a separate pool and hot tub. You’ll have different systems for removing bacteria and debris from each body of water.

Large pool equipment storage covers are more like sheds. Instead of having a lifting lid, they’ll have a full-size door that you can walk into. These structures can look country-inspired, with wood barn doors, or modern, with rich hardwood planks and sleek metal frames.

If you have pavers or tile around your pool, you can blend your large swimming pool cover into its surroundings by using the stone or pavers to create a wall facing you. Just be sure to have plenty of ventilation on the other walls.

6. Compact and Effective Cover Solutions

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may have a small pool with an equally small pump and filter. In this situation, you don’t need or may not have the space for a huge walk-in shed. Instead, you can opt for a small pool filter cover.

Look for one that looks like a chest. It could be made of wood or metal. It’ll surround your equipment on all sides and have a lid that lifts up. Some may even have a small door that opens in the front for more access.

If your pool pump isn’t against your house, then a chest might look strange. If yours is in the middle of your yard, you can still camouflage it. Create a garden around your pool pump. Then purchase a faux rock cover. Now it looks like you have a natural rock peacefully resting in the middle of a beautiful garden.

7. Unconventional Designs to Camouflage Pool Equipment

So far, we’ve talked about standard covers that you can buy. They typically come as a kit that you’ll assemble and put into place. But this doesn’t mean you’re limited to these standard designs. Creating a custom design for your pool pump cover, for example, will ensure that it perfectly matches your home’s backyard decor and style.

If you have a privacy fence around your pool, why not use those same fence panels to create a wall around your pool equipment? They’re easy to cut down to size if necessary. Using the fence panels will ensure your pool equipment enclosure perfectly matches the fence so that it’ll blend in.

Another option is to turn your equipment cover into a shady spot. Increase the height of the boxes and add a pergola-style roof that extends out beyond the box. Set up your lounge chairs in this shady spot.

Sometimes you can hide things in plain sight by incorporating them into a purposeful design. If you want to use a vinyl screen to hide your equipment, why not add more vinyl screens and create an artistic display? Consider including decorative lighting and screens of different colors. The functional screen blends in with the overall creative decor.

FAQs

What is the purpose of pool equipment covers?

Proper maintenance of your pool equipment cover is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Regularly inspect the cover for any signs of wear, tears, or damage. Clean it as needed with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt, debris, and any mold or mildew that may accumulate. Additionally, make sure the cover’s fasteners and zippers are in good working condition. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage. During the off-season or when not in use, store the cover in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to extend its lifespan.

What type of pool equipment should I cover?

You should consider covering various types of pool equipment to maximize the benefits of protection. This typically includes your pool pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator. These components are essential for maintaining water quality and temperature, so shielding them from harsh weather conditions and UV radiation is crucial. Additionally, covering any exposed pipes or valves can prevent freezing during winter months. Remember that the specific equipment you need to cover may vary based on your pool’s configuration and climate, so consult with a professional if you have any doubts.

How do I maintain my pool equipment cover?

Proper maintenance of your pool equipment cover is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Regularly inspect the cover for any signs of wear, tears, or damage. Clean it as needed with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt, debris, and any mold or mildew that may accumulate. Additionally, make sure the cover’s fasteners and zippers are in good working condition. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage. During the off-season or when not in use, store the cover in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to extend its lifespan.