Todays automatic pool covers much more reliable, withstand more damage, are
definitely much safer then they ever have been, and easier to use. There are
several types of pool covers out there these days, from the most simple and
economical hand crank types, to the more expensive electronically controlled
covers.
The basic construction of an automatic pool cover is the same from a hand
crank model to an electronically controlled model. Basically a pool cover is
a reinforced vinyl fabric that runs between a track on both sides of the pool
for the length of the pool. At one end of the pool, will be a housing that
contains a roller, usually made of aluminum, that the cover will roll onto
when the cover is removed from the pool. The roller is connected to an
electronic motor wired to a three position switch, allowing for forward,
reverse and off positions. NOTE: Obviously a hand crank model will not be
connected to an electronic motor, instead there will be a crank, or a place
for a crank handle for manual operation.
For the best results, it is recommended that if your pool is rectangular, that
you should have your pool cover installed at the time the pool is installed.
However, if your pool was existing, or you didn't want to spend the extra
money for a cover at the time, it is possible to fit a cover to an existing
pool, but generally this option does not look or perform quite as well.
Another option instead of a mechanical cover for your pool, especially your
existing pools is a less expensive hand crank type cover. These are generally
unrolled from the housing by hand, and instead of requiring tracks down the
length of the pool, they are secured in place by anchors (usually plastic).
When you want to use the pool, you simply remove the covers from the anchors
and using a hand crank, roll the cover into the housing. For a little extra
cost, you can also get a motorized housing that will work with this type of
cover.
If you have added a cover after the pool was built, and it is one that has
tracks running the length of the pool, you may have occasional problems
with the cover sticking to the cooldeck after closing the cover. One of the
best ways to fix this problem is to use a leaf blower or the exhaust side of a
shop vac type vacuum and actually blow air under the edge away from the roller
to inflate the cover. This should cause the seal that the moisture has caused
between the cover and the cooldeck to break. Once the seal has been broken,
opening the cover will not cause as much stress on the motor. If you don't
break the seal, there is a greater possibility of the shear pins getting
broken or even burning up your motor.
Another thing to remember is that you should never open your cover farther
back than the manufacture recommends. Doing do can cause the sliders, the
piece of plastic where the rope starts, to come out of the end of the track.
It can be very difficult to get these sliders back into the track.
If your motor is electronic, moisture can also cause many problems for you.
One alternative is a hydraulic system. These are more expensive, but are
prone to far fewer problems than the typical electronic cover motor. With
your electronic system, you should check the motor box at least once a year to
make sure that there is nothing blocking any drainage paths from the box.
Leaves and other debris can quickly block a drainage path causing water to
accumulate in the box. We all know that water and electricity don't mix, so
be sure to keep those drainage paths clear.
