How to Cover a Pool Table for Outdoors

Protecting your outdoor pool table by consistently covering it after periods of play increases the table's life span. Simply covering the pool table with a tarp and bungee cords can greatly impact its quality and, as a result, the amount of enjoyment you receive from it. This is a quick and easy way to continue caring for your pool table. (All measurements in this article are for a regulation size pool table: 4 1/2 feet x 9 feet.)

Things You'll Need

  • 1 12-feet x 16-feet heavy duty tarp
  • 4 5-feet bungee cords
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Instructions

  1. Covering Your Pool Table

    • 1

      Center the 12 feet by 16 feet heavy duty tarp over your pool table. Making sure that the tarp is centered makes the folding process easier, as you need enough tarp material to fold under each end of the table.

    • 2

      Loop the hooks of two of the 5-feet bungees together. With a friend, fold the tarp at one of the short (4 1/2-feet) ends of the table underneath (this should be 2 1/2 feet of extra tarp you are folding under the table). Hold this folded piece of the tarp flush against the bottom of the pool table.

    • 3

      On the same end of the table, fold the longer, 16-feet side of the tarp under the table (this will also be 2 1/2 feet of excess tarp on each side). Make sure that the short edge of the tarp is tucked between the long edge and the bottom of the pool table.

    • 4

      With the two connected 5' bungees, secure the tarp by wrapping the bungees around the top of the table and connecting the two free hooks beneath the table. The bungees should be tight, fastening that end of the tarp securely in place. Also, there will be excess tarp at the corners of the pool table not secured by the tarp; this will protect the upper, more vulnerable portions of the outdoor pool table's legs.

    • 5

      Repeat this process at the other end of the pool table. Do this after each use of the pool table to protect its playing top from the elements.