From all of your friends at Coverstar, we wish each of you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Happy Holidays
From all of your friends at Coverstar, we wish each of you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Coverstar participates in Canadian Pool and Spa Show
Dec. 4-5,2013 The Canadian Pool & Spa Conference was held in Niagara Falls , ON Canada
- Touch Pad Control Switch – The new touch pad can have 4 unique user pass codes programmed in to it. It will also learn the amount of torque that is required to operate each cover. The amp current limits can then be adjusted to allow the cover motor to automatically turn off if a problem is detected during the operating of the cover.
- Heat Sealed Webbing – This webbing is much stronger and longer lasting then standard sewn on webbing,
Mid-America Pool & Spa Show - Jan 15-16, 2014 - Chicago IL
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Care for a Solid or Mesh Safety Cover
Water Level
The water level in the pool should always be kept within 12" of the top of the pool wall.
Spring Tension
Initially, adjust the straps so that they are set to at least half compression. This will keep the cover tight and aid in draining. The springs should be checked periodically and the straps adjusted to maintain this tension.
Water Treatment
Be sure your pool has the proper level of sanitizer and algaecide before closing it for the winter. This will insure that the water is clear upon opening in the spring. If the cover is left on when the temperature has gone beyond 60 degrees F., it may be necessary to add algaecide to maintain clarity.
Snow & Water
Large accumulations of snow should be carefully removed, taking precautions not to damage the cover. Likewise, if a large puddle of water accumulates, it should be removed immediately by directing it to the drain or by using a weighted cover pump. The straps should be readjusted to prevent a reoccurrence. Failure to perform this maintenance could result in stretching or damage to the other cover components. Drainage can be facilitated by slightly loosening the strap that runs through the drain areas while tightening the straps away from the drain. A small amount of puddling is normal and will evaporate in dry weather. If you have questions about these or any procedures, please contact your cover installer.
Debris & Standing Water
Standing water resulting from melting snow and rain must be removed immediately. Covered pools located in heavily wooded areas are susceptible to accumulation of leaves,needles and other debris that will inhibit water flow to and through the "Invis-A-Drain". It is very important to keep the drain clear of debris at all times. Water can be removed by placing a weighted pool cover pump in a suitable location on the cover. Cover pumps are available local pool dealers.
Abrasive Coping
For covers not ordered with sewn-on padding, it is required that our loose 2'x 20' padding be placed as a barrier between rough or sharp coping and the cover itself. Failure to do so will void the warranty. Periodic examination of the cover is necessary for detection of early signs of wear.
Removal
The cover may be hosed off and should be allowed to dry before fan folding for storage in its mesh bag. Cover cleaner and treatments, available at most pool supply stores, are also recommended.
Anchors
After removing or prior to installing the cover, clean out all the anchor sockets with a stream of compressed air or water. This biannual cleaning will assure proper anchor function. Applying spray silicone to these components will also be beneficial to their proper operation. When the cover is not in use, screw anchors down completely to keep out debris and prevent tripping and foot injuries.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Featured Product - Coverstar Heat Sealed Webbing
Automatic Pool Covers have seen great innovations through the years. Some of these innovations allow automatic pool covers to be installed on a larger variety of pool shapes and sizes, while other innovations have improved the reliability of the cover.
In 2003, Coverstar introduced one of our innovations that significantly improved the reliability of automatic covers - Heat Sealed Webbing.
The webbing is the material that is attached to the sides of the cover and that actually rides in and locks into the cover track. Traditionally, the webbing is sewn to the cover fabric, making this webbing to fabric connection only as strong as the stitches.
As the stitches are exposed to the harmful effects of the sun, they begin to weaken and eventually break. Automatic covers with the sewn-on webbing are often replaced because the webbing went bad, not because the cover fabric went bad.
Coverstar’s Patented Heat Sealed Webbing is attached to the cover through a process that actually bonds the webbing to the fabric without sewing. This attachment is much stronger and much longer lasting than sewn webbing.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Coverstar Solid & Mesh Safety Covers
Coverstar Safety Covers – We make it Strong, We make it Easy
o Allows quicker line-up
o 3x3 – 5x5 spacing for quick and easy installation
o Allow easy installation with less than 18” of deck space
o Maintains safety standards with tight cover fit
o No other manufacturer offers this feature
o Increased the length to 35" to help ergonomically
o Diameter was decrease and wall thickness improved to better match the anchor diameter
o Extends the life of the cover
o A Velcro application allows the durable padding to be easily installed or removed for replacement
Friday, November 1, 2013
Coverstar Touch Pad Control with WiFi
A Coverstar automatic safety cover is the best way to protect your family, your pool and your time. A backyard swimming pool is the ultimate source of family fun! But when it comes to children and pets, it is also the source of safety concerns. No parent can be watching over the pool every minute. No fence or alarm can prevent a child from getting access to an unsupervised pool. A Coverstar automatic safety cover can!
Simply flip a switch, and your Coverstar automatic safety cover will create a barrier over your pool that no child or pet can penetrate. Coverstar is the best protection available for your family and your pool investment.
What if your pool cover controller could contact you, when you are away from home, to let you know who is using the pool?
Or notify you when your pool cover is closed, letting you know your pool is safe and secure?
What if your pool cover controller could alert you when your pool has been left uncovered?
Now it can with Coverstar!
- When the cover is closed
- When a user code is entered
- When an unauthorized user attempts to log in
- When the cover is left open and more
The new touch pad control switch by Coverstar, a brand of Latham Pool Products, Behind Every Pool.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover Maintenance
Extending the life of an automatic pool cover is neither hard nor time consuming. Proper cover maintenance will help lengthen the life of your cover and keep it operating smoothly. An automatic pool cover not only provides safety for your loved ones, but it can also save you money by reducing heating loss, chemical loss and water evaporation.
Throughout the years Coverstar has identified a number of ways to prevent early wear and tear of automatic pool covers and to increase their life by following the simple maintenance techniques.
- Keep the water level in your pool at the mid-skimmer level. If the pool is overfilled, water can flow over the bond beam into the housing and flood the mechanism. If the water level is too low, the cover will have a lot more sag in it, which adds more stress and wear to the system. It is critical to maintain the correct water level especially in the winter months if the cover is being used as a winter cover. If the water level in the pool is too low to support the weight of the snow load, significant damage can occur to the pool and pool cover. By simply maintaining your water level, it will help keep your system running smoothly.
- It is also important to monitor the chemistry of the pool water and keep it properly balanced. Doing this will minimize the harmful effects of chemical imbalance. The general rule is that you only cover a pool that you would swim in. After adding any chemicals to your pool, allow the chemicals to circulate before closing the cover. If you are unsure if it is safe to close the cover, test the water at the surface with your test kit. If the cover is closed before the chemicals have had a chance to mix, this could shorten the life of the fabric or not allow the chemicals to balance properly in the pool.
- Regular cleaning of the cover, housing drains, pulleys, and cover guides can greatly impact the operation and life of the cover. Periodically removing debris and dirt from the guides and pulleys with a high pressure hose will allow the cover to operate efficiently. In windy and dusty areas, covers may become inoperable until the debris has been hosed from the guides. The build up of this debris, if not removed, can cause premature wear and tear on all components of the system.
- When you uncover the pool, the water in the pool is transferred from the pool to the top surface of the cover. The sun then dries it, causing high concentrations of chlorine on top of the cover that may damage the fabric. To remove this build-up and other debris, wash the cover with a mild hand dish washing liquid every 3-6 months. However, do not use laundry detergent or any other chemicals to clean the cover.
- In order to meet ASTM safety standards, a closed cover should have a cover pump in place on top of the cover to remove any accumulated water. Not only is the accumulated water on top of the cover a safety hazard, but the increased weight on top of the cover will strain the system if you try to operate the cover with water on top of it.
- Proper operation of the autocover can also impact its life span. We suggest that homeowners stop the cover a foot before the cover is completely uncovered or covered, then bump the switch to inch the cover until it is fully open or closed. This will reduce the wear on the ropes and the webbing by preventing hard hits against the coping on the deep end of the pool as the cover is closed and on the cover stops as it is opened.
- Finally, you may want to consider employing the services of a local authorized pool cover professional to provide an annual maintenance and check-up of your pool cover system. They can provide a variety of service options including lubricating and greasing pulleys and fittings, making cover adjustments, tightening loose bolts and screws and cleaning the box and cover.
Following these few simple maintenance and autocover care recommendations will help preserve the life not only of your cover, but your pool as well. Taking the time to maintain your cover will pay off and will help to keep it operating safely for many years to come.
Monday, October 21, 2013
2013 International Pool & Spa Expo
During three days of exhibits, , Coverstar will highlight many features that set our automatic cover system apart from our competitors. Some of the features include:
- Heat Sealed Webbing – This webbing is much stronger and longer lasting then standard sewn on webbing,
- Eclipse Stainless Steel and CS3000 Aluminum Mechanisms – These mechanisms were engineered to provide strength in the harsh pool environment, as well as easy and reliable operation for years to come.
- WiFi Touch Pad Control Switch – The new touch pad can send homeowners notifications via text or email when the cover is opened, when the cover is closed, if the cover has been left open for longer than a set amount of time and more.
- New Lid Forming Kit – This reusable lid forming system will allow builders to quickly and easily form and pour beautiful concrete lid sections that can be installed over the cover housing.
- Coverstar Ipad App - The Coverstar app includes a cost savings calculator that will show homeowners what their potential savings can be when operating a pool with an automatic cover. It also includes a design tool which allows homeowners to choose from many automatic cover options and displays photographs of pools that include similar features.
To learn more about Coverstar products and programs, visit us in booth #3511 at the International Pool & Spa Expo.
Friday, October 11, 2013
How To:Measure & Install A Mesh & Solid Safety Cover
Wondering how to measure and install a Mesh & Solid Safety Cover? We have made two videos to help you understand the steps a little easier and what you will need on the job.
Safety Cover Installation
AB Measuring Safety Cover
Monday, October 7, 2013
Slack in Automatic Covers
From time to time the question arises about the need
for slack in Coverstar automatic pool covers and how much is enough. Regardless of manufacturer, all automatic
pool cover fabrics are made wider than the width of the track. There are several reasons for this:
1. A cover that is too tight will pull against
the tracks and will not operate properly.
A cover that is made too small reduces the life of the cover and
mechanism, causing premature failure of both the fabric and the mechanism due
to the added stress.
2. Fabric shrinks over a period of time. The amount of the shrinkage varies widely according to the weather conditions, particularly the amount of time the cover is exposed to the sun. Slack is always added to the fabric to compensate for potential fabric shrinkage.
3. In order to meet the ASTM safety standards, the cover must lie on the water as most of the supporting strength of the cover comes from the support of the water directly under it.
2. Fabric shrinks over a period of time. The amount of the shrinkage varies widely according to the weather conditions, particularly the amount of time the cover is exposed to the sun. Slack is always added to the fabric to compensate for potential fabric shrinkage.
3. In order to meet the ASTM safety standards, the cover must lie on the water as most of the supporting strength of the cover comes from the support of the water directly under it.
Each automatic cover that Coverstar manufactures is made with the slack
calculated based on the type of track that was used, how far the track is located above the level of the water and the overall size of the cover. Any other variables that may be brought to
our attention are also included.
Initially, a properly sized cover will drop almost directly down from
the track or deck to the water, with some folds & wrinkles as it crosses
the pool. Our slack formula is
designed to give the cover and mechanism maximum life, as well as making the
cover look as attractive as possible.
In some cases, a portion of the slack may be taken up
by lowering the water level. However,
you should consult with your pool builder or service man before doing so. They can advise you exactly where the water
level should be to keep the pool equipment operating properly.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Coverstar Solid & Mesh Safety Covers
Coverstar safety covers are made strong to make your life easier. Every pool professional knows: the weakest part of every safety cover is the seams. Only Coverstar uses interlocked and double overlapped seams to dramatically improve weight transfer from the cover material to the seams and webbing.
In addition to overlapped seams, Coverstar safety covers include many other features that add to the strength and durability of hte cover.
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And...because we build them better, we back them better: with a 20-YEAR WARRANTY (5-year full warranty)!
In addition to overlapped seams, Coverstar safety covers include many other features that add to the strength and durability of hte cover.
- Bar and box tack reinforcement on all perimeter straps for additional strength - a Coverstar exclusive.
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- Double Decker edge won't unravel - the cover material is first hemmed then sandwiched between double layers of webbing around the perimeter.
- Heavy duty vinyl nosing pads protect cover against wear from coping and steps.
- Chafing strip sewn to bottom of cover protects the webbing from coping abrasion wear - and won't mark the coping, like other strips!
- Lower profile springs with heavy-duty overlap D-ring - cover lies flat and fits tight!
And...because we build them better, we back them better: with a 20-YEAR WARRANTY (5-year full warranty)!
Friday, September 20, 2013
Coverstar Automatic Covers and ASTM Safety Standards
From time to time, we are asked about Coverstar Automatic Safety Covers meeting ASTM safety standard F1346-91.
All Coverstar cover systems including the Eclipse, SwimWise, CS3000 and Coverluxe meet the ASTM standard for safety covers as specified in ASTM standard F 1346-91 when they are installed and maintained properly according to the installation and homeowner instructions which have been provided by Coverstar. On several different occasions, the Coverstarc overs, both automatic and manual have been tested by independent testing laboratories and have always been found to be in compliance with all the ASTM requirements for safety covers. Our covers are also listed by UL (File E164833) and classified by UL as a power safety cover in accordance with ASTM F 1346-91
Go to
www.ul.com
Once
there click on Search UL.com
Click
on Online
Certifications Directory.
Under General Search click on UL File Number
Type
in E164833 and hit enter
You
should now see Coverstar’s listings. If
you have problems, you can also search by company or by Automatic Pool Covers
If
more information is required about ASTM and its standards, you can go to their
website at www.astm.org.
Shown
below is the UL authorized label that is attached to the automatic cover system
that we ship which shows both UL certification and compliance with ASTM F
1346-91. A label is also placed on the front of every cover stating that we
meet the ASTM safety standards.
Friday, September 13, 2013
New SS Flush Wall Anchor
Coverstar and Latham Pool Products is pleased to introduce a new anchor that can be used when anchoring solid or mesh safety covers into raised walls.
This new anchor doesn't replace our current wall anchors with eye bolts, but will be an optional anchor that can be used when appropriate.
The flush wall anchor provides a clean look, not only while the cover is over the pool, but after the cover has been removed as well. With the cover off the pool, the anchors can be pressed and threaded further into the hole, so the head of the anchor ends up flush with the raised wall.
This new anchor doesn't replace our current wall anchors with eye bolts, but will be an optional anchor that can be used when appropriate.
The flush wall anchor provides a clean look, not only while the cover is over the pool, but after the cover has been removed as well. With the cover off the pool, the anchors can be pressed and threaded further into the hole, so the head of the anchor ends up flush with the raised wall.
To see the installation of this new anchor, please click on the following link:
Friday, September 6, 2013
Winterizing your pool with Coverstar
1.
When proper
precautions are taken, Coverstar Automatic Covers can be successfully used as a
winter cover.
2.
During the winter
the proper water level must be maintained as the water supports the ice and
snowmelt build-up. The best method is
to blow out the lines and use filter plugs & cover plates so that the water
level does not have to be lowered. (If the pool has tile, which might be
damaged by freezing, lower the water level to 1 inch below the tile).
3.
The cover pump
must be left on the cover and plugged in, so that as water accumulates from the
ice and snow melting, it will be pumped off of the cover. Excessive amounts should not be allowed to
build up on top of the cover. Attempting
to break and remove snow, or ice from the cover can cause damage to both the
cover itself and the tracks. The cover should never be operated if it has
water, snow or ice on it.
4.
There are some
risks associated with using the motorized cover as a winter cover, such as the
water level dropping below the recommended level. If the pool loses water because of a leak or
for any other reason, there may not be enough support for the cover. This could cause the tracks to pull down,
possibly damaging the material to which it is attached as well as the cover
itself. However, if there is adequate
slack in the cover and the water level is properly maintained, there is little
likelihood of problems occurring.
5.
The cover is not
warranted against damage to the cover or pool due to winter use, just as the
warranty does not cover damage due to such things as mudslides, earthquakes,
falling trees, etc.
6.
Leaves and debris
should be removed from the cover as they accumulate to avoid damage and
staining the cover.
7.
A cover should only be used as a winter cover if it has the proper
slack. Proper slack is determined by
where the cover touches the water. When
the water level is lowered, the cover should normally touch the water no more
that 12 inches from the edge of the pool. Actual slack requirements may vary depending
on local conditions.
8.
Another
consideration has to do with the longevity of the cover. The cover will not last as long when used as
a winter cover because of added exposure to the elements. If it is not used as the winter cover, it
should be cleaned and rolled up during the wintertime.
We hope these items of
consideration are helpful as you prepare your pools for winter.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Coverstar Featured Product - Reusable Coping Forms
·
6 ft Aluminum forms
·
Pre-mitered corner pieces
·
Corner assembly hardware
·
Splices
·
Spacers
·
Trowel
Overview:
Coverstar reusable coping forms are designed to be used with
Coverstar encapsulation. There are three different coping forms shapes
available. In our one piece forms, there
are either a Cantilever or Inclined shape.
The 1 piece forms will provide a concrete pour that is 2 ½ inches above the
encapsulation. In our two pieces forms, there is a Cantilever shape
available. The two piece form will
provide a concrete pour that is 3 ½ inches above the encapsulation.
Procedure:
Install the encapsulation to the top of the pool wall around
three sides of the pool. No
encapsulation is needed on the side of the pool where the cover mechanism will
be installed. When not using a premade
encapsulation corner, cut 45 degree angles on the ends of the encapsulation to
create a 90 degree corner. Continue
installing full lengths of encapsulation to complete the encapsulation
installation.
Using the precut coping form pieces and hardware, assemble
the coping form corners. To do this,
slide an anchor plate that includes a pem stud into the splice channel on the
back side of the precut form pieces.
Bring the cut pieces together to form a 90 degree corner. Slide the angled bracket with the slots over
the pem studs and secure them using nylock nuts.
Slide the assembled corners into the encapsulation and raise
them up, so the tongue and groove between the coping form and the encapsulation
will interlock.
Insert spacers under the coping forms to keep them raised
and in the interlocked position.
Slide a splice into the splice channel on the back side of
the coping forms. This splice will help
keep the forms running straight where two form pieces come together.
Begin adding 6 ft lengths of coping form, splices and spacers
as you work your way away from the corners.
Depending on the pool size, you may need to cut some forms
for them to fit properly.
The forms are painted to protect the aluminum from the
concrete. The paint will also aid in the
release of the form, but it is recommended that you apply a concrete release to
the forms before pouring the concrete.
After pouring the concrete deck, remove the spacers from the
under the form and remove the forms. The
forms can be cleaned and reused on the next job.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Coverstar: The strongest name is swimming pool safety covers
A Coverstar mesh or solid safety cover is the strongest way
to prevent children and pets from getting into your pool when you can’t be
there. Custom-built to fit your pool
perfectly and manufactured from best-in-class materials, a Coverstar cover is
the best protection for you and your pool investment.
We make it strong…..to keep your family safe.
The stronger the cover, the safer the cover. Coverstar applies exclusive, patented design
and manufacturing innovations to give our mesh and solid safety covers
unmatched strength and durability. And,
because we build them better, we back them better….with our exclusive 20 yearwarranty.
We make it easy….to install and maintain.
Unique features such as out exclusive center web design and
extra-long installation tool make it fast and easy to install and remove your
Coverstar cover. All Coverstar covers
keep debris out of your pool, and block virtually all sunlight, so you save on
chemicals and enjoy cleaner water at opening time.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Protection...At the touch of a button
A swimming pool is the ultimate enhancement to your lifestyle and your home's value. A place for family fun, relaxation and entertaining freinds. Yet there is also the time spent on cleaning and maintenance - as the cost of heating, water, electricity and chemicals. There is also the safety concerns of a child getting access to an unsupervised pool.
A Coverstar automatic safety cover is the best protection available for your family and your pool investment. Simply flip a switch, and your Coverstar automatic safety cover will create a barrier over your pool that no child or pet can penetrate. A Coverstar cover keeps heat, water and chemicals in, while also keeping dirt, debris and the elements out.
Owner a Coverstar cover means never having to worry about safety, or about spending too much time or money on pool upkeep.
A Coverstar automatic safety cover is the best protection available for your family and your pool investment. Simply flip a switch, and your Coverstar automatic safety cover will create a barrier over your pool that no child or pet can penetrate. A Coverstar cover keeps heat, water and chemicals in, while also keeping dirt, debris and the elements out.
Owner a Coverstar cover means never having to worry about safety, or about spending too much time or money on pool upkeep.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Featured Product - 1 inch Flat Leading Edge Bar
In April of this year, Coverstar released a new 1 inch Flat Leading Edge Bar, which was designed to be used in applications that had previously used a 2 inch round leading edge bar. This new leading edge bar reduces the amount of horizontal flex by over 8X. In addition to the increased strength, the new lower 1 inch profile will aid in hidden leading edge applications. 
The flat leading bar also includes covered end caps to help provide an improved finished look. This leading edge bar can be used when the automatic cover system will have a guide space that is 12 ft or less, making it a great choice for spas or narrower pools.
When ordering a cover system that will include this leading edge bar, there are two different options that it is compatilbe with that can be selected.
The first option is called a loop leading edge. In this application, the leading edge bar slides into a sleeve along the front edge of the cover, concealing the tube so it blends in with the rest of the cover.
The second option is called a rope leading edge. In this application, a rope bead is installed along the front of the cover providing the locking mechanism that the leading bar can slide onto. When using the rope leading edge option, the aluminum leading edge bar remains exposed as it travels across the pool during the operation of the cover.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Pool Chemistry & Safety Covers
A quick lesson on pool chemistry from Coverstar that will make your automatic safety cover last:
Some
chlorine shocks require as long as 12-24 hours to return to swimmable range.
Since safety is often the major reason people purchase a cover, we recommend the use of a non-chlorine
shock. With this type of shock the cover may be closed in 30 minutes or less. Check
with your pool service company for proper usage. The use of floating chlorine
feeders is not recommended because they vent chlorine gas that can burn the cover fabric and often remain trapped in the same
location.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Featured product -Eclipse Mechanism
The reliability and durability of the Eclipse automatic safety cover has made Coverstar the undisputed industry leader. The Eclipse mechanism is based on more than 35 years of experience in the field and was designed to dramatically reduce service and increase your peace of mind. Not all safety covers are the same.
Compare these reliability features with others in the industry:
Stainless Steel Mechanism. The stainless steel mechanism frame stands up to the harsh pool environment where water and pool chemicals can cause corrosion. The Eclipse mechanism is back an exclusive 20 year warranty.
Adjustable Torque Limiter. A mechanical torque limiter protects the motorized mechanism from too much stress and is easily adjusted.
Stainless Steel Pulleys. 2 inch stainless steel, double row rope pulleys provide 5 times the load bearing capacity of commonly used pulleys for uncommonly long life. They also reduce the strain of the mechanism and reduce the rope wear.
In addition to these features, Coverstar's Eclipse mechanism
also includes PowerFlex rope, which comes with a 2 year no-break warranty, an
extra slide channel in the track to prevent binding and stress on the
mechanism, stainless steel guide feeds to prevent the rope from snagging as it
is fed into the track.
The Eclipse mechanism is engineered wit heavy-duty stainless
steel components that resist corrosion, even in salt water environments. The
ropes and pulleys are more reliable than other used in the industry. The extreme
precision of the machined and laser-cut parts allows for smooth operation and
many years of reliable operation.
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