Switch location
Having the switch correctly located can prevent many problems and costly repairs as well. When selecting a location for the control switch, keep in mind the entire pool must be visible from that location.
It is best if the operator is closer to the front edge of the cover when it is in the fully uncovered position to ensure it is running straight. Further, it is recommended the cover switch be located along the length of the pool, halfway between the middle and the mechanism end, not more than 3.6 m (12 ft) from the water’s edge. Poorly located switches are one of the largest contributors to cover failure because the cover is being operated without the user being able to see the pool and know if there is an issue during operation.
Drains
Lack of sufficient drainage from the cover housing is also a leading cause of cover failure. When the cover housing is flooded, it is not just the motor that can be damaged. The roll-up tube can also fill with several hundred pounds of water, causing damage to the roll-up tube and the cover fabric.
The best way to protect an automatic cover from flood damage is to allow for proper drainage in the cover housing. Installing at least one 76.2-mm (3-in.) drain is recommended to allow water to drain from the cover housing. Increasing the size of the drain to 101.6 mm (4 in.) can offer additional protection. More drains can be added to further prevent the possibility of flooding. Installing drain pipes smaller than 76.2 mm (3 in.) is not recommended.
Keep an eye on the following
In addition to the aforementioned guidelines, there are a number of things to watch for and maintain to ensure an automatic cover operates properly.
Water chemistry
First, it is important to monitor the pool’s water chemistry and keep it balanced—regardless of the type of sanitizer being used. If the pool is equipped with a salt chlorine generator, it is important to make sure the unit is calibrated correctly and monitored regularly to ensure chemicals are in balance. When adding chemicals to a pool that includes an automatic cover, the general rule of thumb is to only cover a pool that can be used by bathers. Further, after adding any chemicals to the pool, allow the water to circulate before closing the cover. If the homeowner is unsure when it is safe to close the cover, suggest they use a test kit to assess the water quality at the surface.
If the cover is closed before the chemicals have had a chance to properly circulate in the water, it can shorten the life of the cover fabric as well as prevent the water chemistry from properly balancing.
