Ensuring safety and functionality with auto cover specialists

by arslan_ahmed | April 21, 2023 12:00 pm

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By Allan Horwood

Automatic covers make pools safer because the cover is only retracted when the pool is in use. This prevents accidental entry and unsupervised swimmers, such as children or pets. In general, automatic covers are quite reliable; however, just like any other piece of equipment, the system requires maintenance at some point.

Some of these maintenance issues are foreseeable, for instance, small wear and tear, or general upkeep issues. Other maintenance is more extensive.

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As installation of automatic covers has increased rapidly, there are now significantly more of them in the marketplace requiring fabric replacement, ropes changed, and other parts replaced to ensure they operate correctly. Most pool professionals find it beneficial, if not essential, to work with an automatic pool cover specialist, to ensure these covers remain in good shape and safe. By partnering with an automatic pool cover specialist, pool professionals can stay focused on their core-competencies while ensuring the pools they service remain safe and their customers are happy with their backyard investment.

Keeping pools safe

To ensure pool safety, all parts of the automatic pool cover need to be in working order and functioning properly. This product is a complex piece of equipment and requires specialized service. Similar to an automobile, all parts of the car need to be operating properly, while some need to be replaced due to wear and tear to avoid serious hazards.

Using the analogy of a car, when the tires are worn or bald, the mechanic explains there is a higher risk of the tires failing, putting the rest of the automobile’s functionality at risk. The brakes, steering, alignment, etc., are all compromised by something as basic as worn tires. Similar to the car mechanic, pool professionals should set expectations for their clients and remind them if the fabric on their automatic pool cover is worn, there is a high probability it will tear and will not prevent a child, pet, or unauthorized person from falling into the pool. Much like the tires on a car, the fabric and other parts of the automatic pool cover must be replaced periodically to ensure the system is functioning as intended.

Communication with the customer about the life of an automatic pool cover’s fabric and its parts is of utmost importance. It is also imperative to explain why the maintenance of an automatic pool cover is highly specialized and requires an expert to ensure safety and functionality. This is the point where it is key for pool professionals to be able to recommend an automatic pool cover specialist to their clients.

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With labour issues still plaguing the pool industry, having trusted partners is more important than ever. An automatic pool cover specialist can replace the fabric, check for corrosion of parts, troubleshoot controller issues, diagnose mechanical and electrical problems, and keep the automatic pool cover moving smoothly over the pool.

Replacing the auto cover fabric

Since pool professionals view the pool when performing regular service visits, they are the first set of eyes to notice the telltale signs of deterioration on an automatic pool cover, and in particular, the fabric. Similar to vinyl liners, the fabric used on an automatic cover does not last forever. Even if all other mechanical and electrical components of the cover are fully functional,
a deteriorated fabric can become brittle, tear, and break, and no longer provide the safety it is intended to offer.

Depending on how well the system is maintained and serviced, it has a lifespan of anywhere from seven to 10 years. However, corrosive chemicals and ultraviolet (UV) exposure can prematurely deteriorate the fabric to the point of it needing to be replaced much sooner. In some cases, it is not just the fabric itself, but also the edging of the cover which can get worn down by use and/or environmental degradation, leading to cover failure. Therefore, the goal of the pool professional is to alert their client of the importance of bringing in an automatic pool cover specialist to replace the fabric before it gets to the point of breaking or tearing.

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Many pool professionals across Canada and the U.S. find deteriorated cover fabric to be the starting point for a conversation with their clients about the need for a specialist to change out the automatic pool cover—either for function or even esthetic purposes. The fabric often does not look attractive because of exposure to sunlight and chemicals, making it faded and brittle. As a result, some clients will want to change the fabric, not just for safety, but also to change the colour to give their pool area a makeover.

In other cases, pool professionals will receive a call from the client themselves saying the automatic pool cover is not opening and/or closing correctly. Since all the components are interrelated, it is important to explain there could be various reasons as to why it is not functioning properly. Rather than trying to diagnose the problem, pool professionals should take this opportunity to recommend a trusted automatic pool cover specialist who can inspect, repair, and confirm if all components are functioning as intended, and ensure the safety of the system.

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Many pool professionals are now also recommending and co-ordinating their pool openings alongside an automatic pool cover specialist for the upcoming season. In some instances, much like plumbers and HVAC specialists, automatic cover specialists even offer emergency repair services.

Mechanical and technical issues

Automatic pool cover specialists can inspect and diagnose both mechanical and electrical issues, and stock spare parts and tools, which are readily available in their trucks, allowing them to make repairs immediately.

Issues with bolts, rope tension, gears, and electrical connections in the motor require specialized work. Many of these elements are not easily visible but cannot be overlooked. Even the controller of the automatic pool cover is another potential component that could fail. This is yet another reason pool professionals should work with trained automatic cover specialists because they have the knowledge and experience on how to maintain and repair all automatic cover brands.

Prevention is key to reducing the risks of a failed automatic pool cover. If pool professionals hear “odd sounds” when opening or closing the cover to vacuum the pool interior and balance the water chemistry, they should alert the client and suggest they consult an automatic pool cover specialist.

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Additional items for consideration

During regular service visits, pool professionals should perform a quick visual inspection to check for corrosion on the metal components of the automatic pool cover.

Corrosion, particularly on pools with salt generators, can occur on many different components—from grab rails and ladders to pumps and heaters. Newer automatic pool cover components are anodized or made from stainless steel to prevent wear, but older systems may not be protected. If white material is visible on components, an automatic cover specialist should be consulted to remove corrosion and inspect any parts to determine their integrity.

Cover specialists are also uniquely equipped with tools to open the cover housing and check for debris inside the area where the cover rolls up, which can cause interference with the vinyl fabric. Custom lids on these covers are often heavy and hard to access, but these specialists are trained and have the tools necessary to lift, inspect, and clean out these areas.

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Occasionally, the strangest items find their way into cover housings. Experienced automatic cover specialists can tell stories of discovering a variety of things—from swim noodles and bathing suits to raccoons, snakes, and other assorted wildlife (both alive and dead). These unusual items will cause the automatic pool cover to bind-up when trying to open, making it imperative to keep this area clean.

Keeping automatic covers in working order

From the fabric, ropes, and tracks to the electrical and mechanical components, pool professionals are the first to notice potential issues with an automatic pool cover. These components wear out over time and need to be replaced to avoid serious issues.

It is in the best interest of pool professionals to recommend an automatic pool cover specialist to their clients who can thoroughly inspect the automatic pool covers at the beginning and end of each season. By doing so, their customers remain happy with the look and functionality of this highly visible part of their pool.

Author

Allan Horwood is the owner and president of The Pool Patrol in Vancouver, British Columbia. With 40 years of experience in the industry, Horwood has devoted the past 20 years of his career to the growth and awareness of pool safety covers. Pool Patrol has installed and serviced thousands of custom automatic pool covers in the Lower Mainland region and the British Columbia interior. Horwood can be reached via email at allan@poolpatrol.ca.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/ensuring-safety-and-functionality-with-auto-cover-specialists/

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