Your WeatherPod® shelter has arrived. Before heading to the sidelines or your next outdoor event, take a moment to get familiar with your new Pod. These simple Pod tips will help you to loosen the zippers, smooth the clear panels, and make opening, folding, and caring for your Pod easier from the start.
Open your new WeatherPod completely and let it settle before its first outing. Setting the Pod in the sun for a few hours can help soften the clear plastic panels, reduce creases from shipping, and loosen up the zippers. Watch the videos below to see how it’s done:
Once your Pod is open, slide each zipper up and down a few times along the straight sections because new zippers may feel stiff at first. When moving a zipper around a corner, gently pinch the plastic near the zipper to reduce tension and help it move more smoothly.
Clear panels are a big part of staying present inside your Pod, so give them a quick cleaning before that first game or outing. Start by wiping each panel, inside and out, with a microfiber cloth dampened with clean water. For stubborn spots, use warm soapy water and a soft brush, then dry with a clean cloth to avoid streaks. Or, let it air-dry completely before folding and packing it away. Never put your WeatherPod pop up in a washing machine or dryer.
Watch this video below for a visual of these Pod tips:
A few practice rounds at home can make setting up and packing up much easier later. WeatherPod Pod shelters use memory wire technology to pop open quickly and fold down for storage without assembly. Before your first outing, practice the folding motion shown in the video so it feels familiar when you’re ready to head home.
Need instructions for your specific model? Visit our WeatherPod Folding Videos to learn how to fold your WeatherPod shelter, including video tutorials for the MegaPod®, MyPod™, Side-by-Side™, WalkingPod, and other Pod styles.
Once you’ve prepped your Pod, give everything one last check. Make sure the panels are clean, work the zippers a few times, and practice opening and folding the Pod. If you’ll be setting up on concrete or gravel, place a blanket or another soft layer underneath the Pod to help protect the shelter floor from abrasion.
After your outing, brush away dirt and make sure your Pod is completely dry and free of debris before folding it into its carry case. A little regular care can help keep it ready for the next game, trip, or day outside.
Still getting to know your Pod? Don’t go it alone! Head to Pod 101 for our complete collection of WeatherPod resources, or visit our FAQs for additional help when folding a WeatherPod shelter, dealing with stiff zippers, plastic panel creases, twisted memory wire, cleaning, and other common questions.
