Multiple layers of safety
The safety technology of automatic covers goes beyond closing the pool. As an added level of security, each system features a controller to help ensure a responsible adult is supervising the opened pool. There are various types of controllers—from keyed systems to more sophisticated touchpad controllers with a code. These auto-cover controllers must be placed in a location where the pool is fully visible, so the homeowner can ensure no one is in the pool without supervision nor still in the pool once the auto cover is being closed.
Some auto cover manufactures provide the newer digital code controllers as a standard on all auto cover models as it has become common in today’s households. As with front entrance doors on homes, this newer technology eliminates the need for a physical key to close the cover, as some find keys can be easily misplaced or even found by children who might let themselves in without permission. The code can also be changed often to avoid unsupervised access. However, it all depends on the pool owner. Some pool owners still prefer a key over a digital pad. In addition, new sensors and shutoffs have also been built into many of the latest models of automatic cover systems to make them even safer. For example, since so many of today’s pools have water features, there is now a sensor that will not allow the water feature to operate if the automatic cover is closed. This prevents flooding from occurring on top of the cover, which can create damage, as well as a drowning hazard if enough water accumulates.
These sensors are wired into the automation system and will only allow the water features and lights to come on if the cover is completely open. In addition, new cover pumps with extra-long, 12.1-m (40-ft) power cords are now available. These types of equipment can be placed on the automatic cover to pump off rainwater and melting snow, to help keep it safe. The newer model pumps, with longer, 12.2-m (40-ft) cords can reduce the need for dangerous extension cords around the pool and deck area. Extension cords can increase the possibility of electrical dangers wherever electrical connections occur in a location with water. A longer cord can help avoid having to use an extension cord near the pool. In fact, electricians are now placing outlets closer to pools, to accommodate cover pumps.
These features all work together to avoid damage to the automatic cover, preventing tracks from being ripped out, damaging the pool interior, and compromising its safety. Homeowners do not want to leave their pool open when it is not in use. They feel better knowing it is closed when they are away, and it requires a controller to re-open. Many homeowners’ associations (HOAs) are very much in favour of automatic covers, as they are one of the only ways to secure a pool when no one is home.
Convenient safety
Automatic covers provide a more convenient way to keep pools safe for homeowners. Having an automatic cover allows homeowners to close and lock the pool any time it is not in use, on any day, all year long. While a seasonal mesh or solid safety cover protects pools when they are completely closed in the coldest winter months, an automatic pool cover allows the pool to be opened and closed until the temperature has truly plummeted and snow begins to fall. In warmer, southern climates such as those in Texas, Florida, and other southwest and southeast locations, the automatic pool cover provides year-round safety for pool owners. For those who live in northern climates that experience snow and sub-zero temperatures, having an automatic pool cover can extend their season later into the fall season before having to winterize their pool and place a mesh or solid winter cover on the pool in the dead of winter. Further, these same homeowners can open their pool earlier in the spring when temperatures start to rise, by having the auto cover reinstalled once the weather starts to warm up.
It is important to also explain this to pool owners for an automatic cover to provide their pool with the greatest safety: it is highly recommended to have experts regularly service, maintain, and repair their cover to ensure the pool’s safety is not compromised. This includes changing the vinyl fabric, checking the track alignment or motor operation, and ensuring all the safety sensors and shutoffs are properly wired into the automation system. The vinyl fabric normally needs to be replaced every seven or eight years, because the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and the chemicals used to maintain the pool water can cause deterioration. If the vinyl fabric is in good condition, the material should be able to withstand someone walking or running across the cover.
