Track automatic safety cover
Traditional track automatic safety covers can be installed on all types of pools. Mechanical systems remain virtually the same whether the structure is concrete, vinyl, or fibreglass. Determining the appropriate system to use depends on the overall design and construction of the watershape. For new projects, it is important to incorporate the automatic cover components early in the design and engineering stage. This is also equally important for renovations or remodels, which have some limitations in comparison to new construction. Further, how a cover system is incorporated into the design depends on the extent of the renovation (e.g. adding surface mount tracks to an existing deck surface) or completely restructuring the pool shell to accommodate a recessed mechanical cover bunker.
Typical cover components
Track automatic safety covers comprise many components. The cover material is usually a heavy-duty vinyl fabric and reinforcing mesh combination that is engineered to be chemical-, ultraviolet (UV)-, and abrasion-resistant. The cover material is attached to a leading-edge bar at one end of the pool and a roll-up drum or tube at the other. The cover edges have webbing that is attached to ropes or cables which are used to operate (open/close) the system. These ropes or cables are guided through an aluminum track (known as an extrusion) which may be mounted on the side of the pool structure. Multiple extrusion options are available depending on the cover’s design.
The most seamless extrusion (especially for new construction) is an under-guide track or in-wall track, as they are mounted on the underside of the coping or encapsulated into the pool deck or wall. This method gives the best overall esthetic appearance of any of the track options and is mainly used on rectangular pools.
Another option is the top-guide or surface-mount track. These tracks are located outside the pool perimeter on the topside of the pool deck and are used when working with a freeform pool design. They are also ideal for pool renovation projects. The cover ropes or cables are attached to a drive mechanism, which consists of an electric- or hydraulic-driven winch that winds or unwinds the ropes or cables to open/close the cover. The roll-up drum or tube is attached to the cover and drive mechanism, which are located at one end of the pool in a cover box or housing. The standard housing available from the manufacturer is usually constructed of plastic or resin. The housing is covered with a hinged lid that allows access to the cover’s mechanical equipment for maintenance and servicing.
Although functional, designers and builders alike have realized the standard housing provided with an automatic cover is not always easy to incorporate into the overall design and esthetic appeal of most projects. As a result, unique methods of concealing the mechanical components of these covers are a necessity. Many approach the design by incorporating a concrete housing or bunker to house the mechanical components, as the bunker lid can be constructed using a range of materials.
That said, a structural concrete lid is the ideal choice, as it can be formed to span the housing and is reinforced with structural steel, which enables the lid to be cantilevered from the back structure of the concrete cover housing. Another option is the use of heavy-duty steel brackets which are capable of supporting various decking materials such as natural stone pavers, concrete, and wood. When installing any type of cover with a more permanent housing lid, it is important to incorporate a hatch or removable section to allow access to the cover equipment for future adjustments and servicing.
For renovations or installations where a recessed cover bunker is not possible, a raised decking box can be incorporated into the design. A stepped platform with planters or a water feature such as water descents or spouts can be incorporated to draw attention away from the cover housing.
Automatic floating slat covers
Automatic floating slat covers function similar to automatic track safety covers, but do not rely on a leading bar with ropes and tracks. The cover comprises rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) slats which are joined together with a hinge-like connection. The slats are connected to a drive shaft which is driven by a hydraulic pump mechanism. With the absence of an electric motor at the pool, the cover is able to retract from a water-filled reservoir adjacent to, or mounted internally below, the pool structure. The slats wind onto the drive shaft as the cover is opened, and float to the surface to cover the pool.
Floating slat covers can be cut to fit any pool shape or configuration. This type of cover is popular with designers incorporating vanishing edges or perimeter over flow designs. Since these covers require no tracks or leading bars, builders almost have total freedom with their designs and the complexity involved with the edge details on these pools. However, as mentioned previously, be cautious on the requirement of the cover by the homeowner, as these systems are not approved as a ‘safety’ cover.
