Installing the cover
In most cases, a two-person crew can install an automatic pool cover in one or two trips. One of the most important things a cover installer should be able to do is accommodate the pool builder’s schedule. This is crucial because the automatic cover is typically the last component installed on the pool.
For this project, the automatic cover was delivered to the installer’s warehouse several weeks before the pool was ready for it to be put in.
“Due to the size of the pool (the cover fabric alone weighed well over 136 kg [300 lbs]) a four-person crew was needed to make sure it was installed in one day,” said Horwood, who worked closely with the pool builder, Howie Stevens of Stevens Pools in North Vancouver, B.C., to co-ordiante the timing of the install.
“The communication with Stevens Pools was superb, which helped make the installation go extremely smooth,” said Horwood.
The most complex part of the job was hanging the mechanism from the bunker’s ceiling. Fortunately, thanks to the pre-determined bunker size, it made it much easier for the crew to get into the area to drill, mount, and hang the mechanism and motor. Four people were required in tight quarters to move and hold the roller mechanism while it was being secured.
The cover was installed and tested several times to ensure it operated smoothly. To meet American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1346-91—Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers, submersible cover pumps were provided to the homeowner. In most cases, only one pump is required; however, multiple pumps were needed on this project to meet the safety standard. These pumps are manually placed on the cover, when it is closed, to remove standing water into pre-determined deck drains surrounding the pool.
“In Vancouver, it is normal for it to rain continuously, sometimes for more than a month at a time, so the cover pumps are used frequently throughout the year,” said Horwood.
Opening and closing the cover
Several opening and closing tests should be conducted on each new pool, not only to ensure proper operation, but also to make certain the cover is straight.
“The automatic pool covers we install open and close at a rate of approximately 0.3 m/s (1 fps),” says Horwood. “Sometimes, holding the touchpad for a minute may feel like a long time, but closing the automatic cover in 60 seconds is much quicker than the 30 to 60 minutes it takes to close a manual or safety cover. It only takes 90 seconds to operate this 29-m (95-ft) long cover.”
The touch pad controller was located in the covered outdoor kitchen area on the end of the pool closest to the house. As a reminder to all pool dealers, all control pads must be located within full view of the pool for safety.
Thinking of the future
Horwood is also an advocate for the importance of inspecting and evaluating cover materials annually for wear and tear. He spends as much time as he needs with each customer to make sure he/she understands the benefits their new pool cover will offer.
“The business of automatic pool covers is growing exponentially in our area,” said Horwood. “At one point we were involved in all aspects of pool construction, but I found a passion for the automatic cover business and moved exclusively into installation 20 years ago. Back then, we put in eight covers a year; this year we are on par to install more than 100. Pool owners want the safety, convenience, and efficiencies of an automatic cover, and we are honoured to fulfil our client’s needs.”
Time commitment
To ensure the success of this project and, ultimately, his client’s satisfaction, Horwood’s crew made multiple pre-installation site visits with the builder, contractor, and homeowner over a two-year period.
“Not all cover installers are willing to make this time commitment,” said Horwood, “but by putting in this extra effort, our customer was more than satisfied with the outcome of his second pool and second cover installation with us.”
Michael Shebek is owner and CEO of Automatic Pool Covers Inc., a cover manufacturer based in Westfield, Ind. The business was started in 1979 as a pool cover installation and service company. Shebek has more than 20,000 hours of in-field pool cover service experience. He can be reached via e-mail at mshebek@apc-mfg.com.
