Cowboy Pool Hard Cover Anti Sag Frame

We were happy to finally get a Cowboy pool Hard Cover as the normal material one would get dirty with leaves and rain water. Now that we have the "hard cover" (inflatable) we had a new problem with rain water. When we would get some rain (not heavy) the water would pool up in the center and cause it to sag from the weight (sorry didn't get a photo). When we got our new cover it does state in the instructions to (not let leaves and debris collect in the center). I got a squeegee type broom but when it would rain over night the cover would be sagging really bad in the morning.

I came up with a simple solution to create a convex pool cover frame to let the rain water drip off of it and not collect in the center. So far it works great and don't have to stress if the pool cover will sag. When we want to use the pool we just remove the cover and take out the "pool cover frame" which is attached with strong magnets.

Tools:

Miter Saw (or a saw to cut 3 inch PVC pipe

Screw Driver

Wrench or Socket Set

All parts I got from Home Depot. I got a few other things I thought I would need but ended up not needing and returned them. I have marked them in the photos with a red X. It will coast a little over $50 for everything.

Qty =4 - Magnets - Magnet Source:25lb 2.4 In. x 3.03 in Part 995705

Qty =1 - PVC Pipe - 3 Inch x 2 Feet Part 276904

Qty =1 - Fast Set 3 in. Outside Fit or 4 in. Inside Fit PVC Open Hub Toilet Flange - Part 435032

Qty =1 - 3 in. to 4 in. PVC Drain with 5 in. Stainless Steel Screw-Tite Strain - Part 435832

Qty =1 - #10-24 x 3/4 in. Stainless Steel Combo Round Head Machine Screw (4-Pack) - Part 1006547928

Qty =1 - #10-24 Stainless Steel Nylon Lock Nut (4-Pack) - Part 826011

First attach the magnets with the stainless steel screws to the Toilet Flange as the photos show. Make sure to put the nuts upward so they do get in the way of the magnets being flush with the pool floor.

You will need to cut some of the PVC pipe so the frame doesn't push up on the cover too much. I cut off 2 1/4 inchs off and it worked well for me. You may want to double check if that works for you but I think they are all standard depth.

Now you can put all pieces together, I didn't feel it needed pvc glue or screws as they stayed together very well. On top put the shower drain, then PVC, last the Toilet Flange (upside down).

Try to find the center of the pool and attach it with the magnets toward the floor. Place cover on top and be careful not to push the frame out of center. Strap down the cover and you should be good to go.