Keep an eye out for holes in covers- these can be spotted as a roughly circular spot leak in the middle of a pitch that has been under a cover. When rolling back the cover you should be able to identify where the leak is – mark it and then repair. Your cover supplier should be able to supply a cover repair kit and instructions on its use.
Holes in covers are most commonly caused by players running over them in spikes or birds pecking holes in sheets to get to food below. Educate players and discourage birds.
Try to store covers dry and away from player runoff areas, preferably in a protective bag or under a protective cover. If your covers have been provided with protective bags – use them – it will prolong their life considerably by protecting them from UV rays as well as from players and animals.
Never leave covers out over winter – try and store them in the dry but make sure your storage area is clear of vermin as these can chew covers for nesting materials.
With mobile covers, remove the tarpaulins at the end of the season and store as per above – this will reduce wind and frost damage. It also helps to stop the frames blowing around or being overturned in high winds. Secure your frames, with padlocks if necessary to avoid unintended or malicious movement.
Maintain the frames by checking fittings are tight and repairing any damage or degradation to the metalwork.
Covers do degrade with age and as they become older and weaker tears may appear. This is the point at which replacements should be considered.
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