Weather Cover: The #1 Thing You Can Do
If you do nothing else in this guide, do this: cover your pit every single time it is not in use. UV radiation and moisture are the two forces that destroy landing pits faster than anything else — and a weather cover eliminates both.
Most manufacturers sell the weather cover separately, at $800–1,500 for a high jump pit. A pit that fails three years early costs $5,000–18,000 to replace, so a cover pays for itself either way — but you shouldn't have to buy it twice. Every Dropzone pit ships with a weather cover included.
What a Weather Cover Actually Prevents
- UV degradation — UV radiation breaks down vinyl and foam over time. Uncovered outdoor pits in Sun Belt states can lose 30–40% of their useful foam life in 3–4 years. A cover blocks this entirely.
- Water pooling on top — standing water on an uncovered pit seeps through seams and saturates the foam. Waterlogged foam grows mold and loses compression performance. Once it's in, it's hard to get out.
- Bird and pest damage — birds will nest in or on uncovered pits. Claws and beaks damage fabric and foam surfaces faster than you'd expect.
- Debris accumulation — leaves, dirt, and debris trap moisture and accelerate fabric wear at contact points.
Pro Tip
If water pools on top of your weather cover after rain, clear it before removal. Sliding a waterlogged cover off the pit drags water into the seams between sections. Lift the edge and let it drain first.
Common Mistake
Many programs remove the weather cover at the start of the season and leave the pit uncovered all spring. This exposes the foam to 3–4 months of daily UV for nothing — every practice and meet, the pit could be covered between sessions. Get in the habit of covering after every practice.
Off-Season Storage
What you do with your pit from June through February determines how it performs in March. Most pit degradation happens during the off-season, not during the season — because programs cover during the season and forget about the pit in the off-season.
Indoor Storage (Best Option)
If you have the space, store the pit indoors during the off-season. A field house, equipment room, or large storage bay all work. Indoor storage eliminates all UV and weather exposure and can add 2–4 years to total pit life. If the storage space is climate-controlled, even better — extreme heat accelerates foam breakdown.
Covered Outdoor Storage (Acceptable)
If indoor storage isn't available, covered outdoor storage is workable with proper precautions:
- Verify the weather cover is fully secured — wind will unseat a loose cover, leaving part of the pit exposed for weeks without anyone noticing
- Use a ground cover as well — moisture wicks upward from ground contact. A vinyl ground cover under the pit prevents this
- Check monthly — don't set-it-and-forget-it from June to February. A monthly check catches a shifted cover or pooling water before it becomes a problem
- Avoid locations with standing shade — perpetually shaded areas stay damp longer and promote mold growth in the foam
Do Not Do This
Do not store your pit on wooden pallets. Pallets are not designed for landing pits, create liability concerns (unsecured wood around athletes), and do not adequately elevate the pit above ground moisture. If moisture drainage is a concern, contact us about appropriate ground cover solutions.
Seasonal Inspection Routine
A 20-minute inspection at three points in the year catches problems before they become emergencies. The three points: before the season begins, midseason, and at season end before storage.
Pre-Season Inspection Checklist
Before First Practice
Mid-Season Quick Check
Once mid-season, do a fast check for any seam that has developed since the start: top pad wear, carabiner function, and whether the base sections are staying aligned under competition load.
End-of-Season Storage Prep
- Clean the pit surface — remove dirt, debris, and any organic material that could cause mold during storage
- Dry the pit before covering — if the pit is wet from rain, let it air dry before applying the weather cover for storage
- Document any damage found — take photos and notes of anything that needs attention before next season, while it's fresh
- Order replacement parts in the off-season — a worn top pad ordered in July ships in a week; ordered in February, it may not arrive before your season opens
In-Season Daily Practices
Before Every Practice and Meet
- Remove the weather cover — verify no water is pooling before pulling it off
- Check that all base sections are connected and aligned
- Ensure the top pad is fully attached at all carabiner points
- Clear the landing zone of any equipment, bags, or debris
After Every Practice and Meet
- Replace the weather cover — every single session, including mid-week practices
- Secure the cover fully — high winds will unseat a partially attached cover
- Check that standards and crossbar are not leaning on or contacting the pit fabric
Make It a Team Habit
The easiest way to ensure the pit gets covered every day is to make it a team responsibility — not a coach responsibility. Assign a rotation so athletes cover the pit after practice as part of pack-up. Teams that do this consistently get 20–40% more life out of their pits than those who rely on one person remembering.
Foam Care and Longevity
The foam core is the heart of the pit. It's also the most expensive component to replace and the one most damaged by improper care. Here's what you can and can't do to extend foam life.
What Helps Foam Last Longer
- Consistent top pad use — the top pad exists to take spike abuse and impact energy so the core foam doesn't have to. Never let athletes land directly on the base foam sections without the top pad in place
Dropzone Pits sells replacement parts for our pits and can build replacement covers to fit pits from other manufacturers. page or contact us with your dimensions.