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A porch swing cover is the simplest way to protect a swing you love, whether it hangs from your porch ceiling or sits on a patio frame with a canopy. Canopy and patio swings bring relaxation right to your yard. Have a drink and a deep conversation, or take much needed alone time while gently swaying in the breeze. Protect your method of relaxation and ensure years of future use.
4 Reasons to Use a Porch Swing Cover
Keep your swing in great condition for years to come. Here are some of the conditions porch swing covers protect your swing from:
Sun exposure: Depending on what your swing is made of, UV rays and heat can destroy your swing. Metal swings are pretty sun-resistant, but wood and wicker can dry out, fade, and splinter in the sun, weakening and eventually breaking the swing. Plastic and synthetic wicker can melt in the sun's heat, warping the swing. Using a patio swing cover will also keep your outdoor seating cool and ready for use, even during the hottest part of the summer.
Moisture: A cover keeps the swing out of the rain and stops dew from forming, preventing mildew and mold. This is why waterproof covers are not always the goal on their own. If water condenses under the cover, breathable covers let moisture escape so water is on the seat for less time.
Dirt and debris: A cover keeps your swing clean from dust, leaves, and other debris so it is ready to use without having to clean it first.
Protection from pests: If your swing has cushions, pests may tear apart your cushions for nesting material or choose to make their home directly in the cushions. An outdoor swing chair cover prevents pests from accessing your swing.
How to Measure a Porch Swing for a Cover
Fit is the difference between a cover that lasts and one that blows off in the first storm. Before you shop, take three porch swing measurements with a tape measure, and take them while the swing is hanging or standing the way it normally sits.
- Width: measure across the front of the swing at its widest point, arm to arm.
- Depth: measure from the front edge of the seat straight back to the outside of the backrest.
- Height: measure from the top of the backrest down to the lowest point of the seat frame.
Porch swing sizes vary widely between two-seat and three-seat models, so never assume a 3 seater swing cover will fit a swing you have not measured. If your porch swing dimensions fall between two standard sizes, size up. A slightly roomy cover still sheds water, while a tight one strains the seams and closures. If nothing standard fits, a custom size cover is built to the numbers you provide.
How to Put on a Swing Cover
We recommend using two people to put a swing cover on. For the full illustrated version of these steps, see our swing cover installation guide.
- Unfold the cover. Completely detach all Velcro.
- Place the cover underneath the swing with the elastic hem facing the ground and the mesh vent at the back of the swing.
- Pull the vent side of the cover up until the Velcro edge meets the top of the backrest. Hold the cover in this position.
- Beginning with the front arm on the left, attach the Velcro on the front of cover to the Velcro on the back cover. Continue attaching the Velcro until the cover is fully attached.
On a hanging swing, the Velcro closures wrap around the chains or ropes, so you do not need to take the swing down to cover it.
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Coverstore Swing Covers
Classic Swing Covers
Light-weight and versatile, Classic covers protect your patio swing from pests, bird droppings, harsh weather conditions, UV-rays, and more. Features of our Classic swing covers include a breathable mesh vent, an elastic hem, and a Velcro closure. Made with thick 12-gauge water-resistant vinyl, our Classic covers come with a 2-year warranty.
Shop Classic swing covers.
Elite Swing Covers
Crafted from 300-denier polyester, the Elite material is among our best-sellers. If you live in an area with harsh weather or plan on keeping your outdoor swing cover on for an extended period of time, Elite is the way to go. Features of our Elite swing covers include a breathable mesh vent, an elastic hem, Velcro closures, and double-stitched seams. Swing to your heart's content with our 3-year warranty.
Shop Elite swing covers.
Ultima Swing Covers
Protect your swing all year long with our top-rated Ultima Collection. Made with high-quality 600-denier ripstop polyester, this material resists cracking, ripping, and tearing. Ultima covers provide the best protection against sunlight, moisture, and the elements. Features of our Ultima swing covers include rot-resistant thread, waterproof seam binding, a covered vent, four buckle straps, an elastic hem, and Velcro closures. Enjoy your swing for years with our 7-year warranty.
Shop Ultima swing covers.
If your swing sits under a shade frame, a canopy swing cover wraps the seat and frame together rather than only shading the top.
Compare Swing Cover Collections
| Collection | Material | Key Features | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 12-gauge water-resistant vinyl | Breathable mesh vent, elastic hem, Velcro closure | 2 years |
| Elite | 300-denier polyester | Breathable mesh vent, elastic hem, Velcro closures, double-stitched seams | 3 years |
| Ultima | 600-denier ripstop polyester | Rot-resistant thread, waterproof seam binding, covered vent, four buckle straps, elastic hem, Velcro closures | 7 years |
Using an Outdoor Swing Cover for Winter
Winter is the season a cover earns its keep, because the swing sits unused for months while snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles work on it. A few habits make the difference between a cover that lasts several seasons and one you replace every year.
- Clean and dry the swing first. Covering a damp or dirty seat seals the problem in for the winter.
- Bring cushions indoors. Cushions hold moisture longer than the frame does, and dry storage extends their life more than any cover can.
- Keep the vent clear. Airflow through the vent is what lets trapped condensation escape, so do not block it with the closure or with snow buildup against the back of the swing.
- Check after storms. Clear heavy snow off the top so standing weight does not pool and stretch the fabric, and re-tighten the straps or hem if wind has loosened them.
- Never store a wet cover. If you take the cover off in spring, let it dry completely before folding it away, or you will find mildew waiting next season.
For deeper cleaning guidance once the season ends, read how to clean outdoor furniture covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a cover if my swing has a canopy?
Yes. A canopy shades the top of the swing but leaves the seat, cushions, and frame open to rain blowing in sideways, dew, pollen, and pests. A cover wraps the whole seating area, which is the part that actually gets damaged.
Can I leave a swing cover on all winter?
That is exactly what it is built for, as long as the cover is vented. Leaving a swing exposed through winter causes far more damage than long-term covering does. Check it after heavy storms and clear snow off the top.
Will a cover trap moisture and cause mildew?
Not if it breathes. The mesh vent lets condensation escape rather than sitting against the seat. The mildew problems people report usually come from covering a swing that was already wet, or from a cover with no vent at all.
How do I know what size swing cover I need?
Measure width arm to arm, depth from the front of the seat to the back of the backrest, and height from the top of the backrest to the bottom of the seat frame. If your porch swing measurements land between two sizes, size up.
Can I cover a hanging swing without taking it down?
Yes. The Velcro closures are designed to wrap around the chains or ropes, so the cover goes on while the swing stays hanging. Two people makes it much easier.
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