Automatic pool covers: Integrating new designs into vinyl-lined installations

Getting on board

The market for swimming pools and backyard living has evolved. Consumers are continually looking for ways to maximize their investment, and want to spend more time enjoying their pool and less time maintaining it. An automatic cover not only minimizes the work involved in opening and closing a pool; it also reduces the overall maintenance. Builders are aware of this trend and, as such, have begun to adopt automatic pool covers into their sales and installation processes to satisfy the market need.

“We install an automatic cover with every new pool we build,” says Hendrick. “The pre-pour installations became much easier to perform with the introduction of automatic pool cover kits for vinyl liner and fibreglass pools.”

Consumers simply do not want to manually crank a cover on and off their pool; they want the pool to open instantly, while at the same time remain free of leaves and other debris.

“I have clients who really have no patience,” laughs Horwood. “They can’t wait—not even for the automatic cover to open and close. One customer wanted to know if they really needed to hold the button on the cover control system for 32 seconds. They thought that was a long time.”

Understanding this customer reality is why the demand for automatic pool covers is growing at such a fast rate. To demonstrate the value of pool covers to customers, there are several benefits pool professionals should address.

Opening/closing convenience

The automatic pool cover can open or close in less than 45 seconds. Plus, the installation does not require the customer to store a manual safety cover in their garage, pool house, or at the pool company’s warehouse.

When discussing automatic covers with prospective customers, a pool professional should always emphasize the accessible convenience that comes with the installation. This technology allows owners to open and close their pools easily on an immediate basis.

Reduced water chemistry work

The convenience of an automatic cover also extends to water chemistry.

Installers should explain the importance of keeping pool water free of debris. Once owners realize these covers will allow them to spend significantly less time keeping their pool clean, the added convenience becomes all the more apparent.

Reduced maintenance costs

Automatic pool covers may be unrivaled in the savings they provide. As such, it is essential for pool professionals to promote the many monetary advantages of these installations. Covers reduce the overall utility costs of maintaining a pool, as they help retain heat and keep chemicals and water from evaporating. These factors contribute to a reduction in the operational costs as well.

Gas-heated pools with covers save approximately $2000 per year, according to studies conducted by this author’s company. Likewise, research has demonstrated automatic covers save approximately 30,283 L (8000 gal) of water evaporation annually. Plus, these covers cost less than two dollars per year in operational costs.

Final considerations

Installing automatic pool covers requires a certain amount of skill and ability. As with any installed product, the question pool professionals must determine is whether they want to sell, install, and service automatic covers, or would they prefer to simply outsource the installation and ongoing service.

Many builders opt for the latter, as outsourcing these installations allows them to focus on their primary business of building pools. In either case, the final decision comes down to a dealer’s personal preference and competitive advantage.

The market demand for automatic pool covers continues to grow each year, providing pool professionals with a tremendous opportunity for additional revenue—especially when they see how well these installation kits work with package pools.

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.