Happy Holidays from Coverstar

As 2014 comes to a close, we look back on the wonderful year it has been.  We appreciate the opportunity to work with so many fantastic pool builders, dealers and distributors.  We are looking forward to 2015 and are excited about the upcoming release of several new products.  

Included in the new product releases schedule for Jan. 30th, we will be releasing the new AutoDrain. AutoDrain is a unique cover pump that rides on the cover fabric to automatically positions itself over the automatic safety cover as the cover is closing.  The AutoDrain will turn on automatically when water is detected and will continue to operate until the water has been removed.

While the pool is being uncovered, the AutoDrain will ride on the cover until it has come to rest under the lid over the cover housing.  The AutoDrain eliminates the need for the homeowner to manually place and remove the cover pump, each time the cover is operated.

From all of your friends at Coverstar and Latham Pool Products, we wish each of you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.  

Canadian Pool and Spa Show 2014

Dec. 3-4, 2014, the Canadian Pool & Spa Conference was held in Toronto, ON Canada.

During these two days, Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, joined with our friends from Coverstar Canada in sharing with pool builders many of the features that set the Coverstar automatic cover system apart from our competitors. Some of the features highlighted include:

•  AutoDrain - The AutoDrain is a new innovative cover pump that automatically positions itself on to of the cover while the cover is closing.  It eliminates the need for the pool owner to manually place and remove the cover pump from the top of the cover.  

• Eclipse Stainless Steel Mechanism – This mechanism was engineered to provide strength in the harsh pool environment, as well as easy and reliable operation for years to come.

• New CS300HD Spa Mechanism - This new spa mechanism includes a strong motor that will allow the system to operate covers upto a 16 x 32.   It includes pulley brackets that allow it to be installed in cover housings that range from 10 - 14 inches wide, making it possible to easily install it in our polymer housing. 

• Ipad App – The app provides compelling information about both automatic and solid and mesh safety covers.   It also includes a cost savings calculator and photo galleries.

• Wireless Touchpad - The wireless touch pad will communicate with a hard wired touch pad switch. It can be used when a pool owner needs a second switch to control their automatic cover, but they are unable to run wires or conduit to that location.  

• Heat Sealed Webbing – This webbing is much stronger and longer lasting then standard sewn on webbing,

To learn more about these and other Coverstar products, please go to www.coverstar.com.

Coverstar Introduces AutoDrain

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, is pleased to introduce AutoDrain.  AutoDrain is a unique cover pump that rides on the cover fabric and positions itself on the automatic safety cover.

The AutoDrain will help keep the closed pool safe as because it turns on automatically when water is detected and will continue to operate until the water has been removed from the top of the cover, eliminating the safety hazard of standing water on the cover. 

Because the AutoDrain positions itself on the cover automatically, it also eliminates the need for the homeowner to manually place and remove the cover pump every time the cover is operated.

The AutoDrain can be installed on an existing automatic covers.  In these cases, a  2-1/2" clearance is required between the pool wall and the bottom of the cover housing lid. 

This new innovation is patent pending and will be available as of January 30, 2015.

 

 

Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover Benefits

Automatic pool covers have seen great innovations in recent years which give greater flexibility to the types of pools that can include an automatic cover. Automatic pool covers travel through aluminum tracks that are installed on each side of the pool. These tracks form a rectangle around the pool. Because automatic pool covers are rectangular in shape, they have traditionally been an easy addition to rectangular shaped pools. However, through these new innovations, automatic pool covers can not only be installed on rectangular shaped pools, they can also be installed on freeform pools that vary in shape and size.

Regardless of the type of track that is used when installing an automatic cover on a pool, there are a number of benefits that the homeowner will gain by adding a Coverstar automatic pool cover to your swimming pool.

The first benefit is Safety. Although an automatic cover doesn’t replace the need for adult supervision, it does give peace of mind knowing that there is another layer of protection between your loved ones and your swimming pool. Coverstar automatic safety covers have been tested and do comply with the safety standards outlined by ASTM F1346-91.

The second benefit is Savings. Pool owners can see dramatic savings in these areas by using an automatic cover:

Pool Heating

Because an automatic safety cover is so easy to use, your pool can be covered when it’s not in use. Covering your pool will dramatically reduce water evaporation and heat loss by up to 70%.

Pool Chemicals

Your automatic cover helps keep your pool chemistry in balance. Your pool looses chemicals through water evaporation. An automatic cover seals the water in, reducing chemical loss by up to 70%. Buying a swimming pool is an investment in family fun. An automatic cover maximizes the value of your pool investment.

Electricity

Your automatic cover reduces the amount of energy needed to clean your pool. Electricity is required to run the equipment that cleans your pool. An automatic cover keeps dirt and debris out of your pool, saving you up to 50% on electricity.

Not only will the pool cover save you money, you will feel satisfied knowing that you are conserving precious resources.

Water

An automatic cover reduces water evaporation by up to 90%. Keeping your pool covered eliminates the need to constantly add water to your pool. Imagine saving time, money and natural resources all at the same time.

The third benefit is convenience. When closed, an automatic pool cover will keep the dirt, leaves, bugs etc out of the pool. This will give pool owners more time to enjoy the pool and less time cleaning and maintaining it.

Automatic pool covers are custom made for the specific pool it is installed on. Whether you have a square or a freeform shaped pool, in most cases, your pool can have an automatic pool cover.

Coverstar - The Strongest Name in Automatic Safety Covers

The stronger the cover, the safer the cover.  No company builds in more exclusive design and manufacturing features to ensure the strength and performance of its automatic covers than Coverstar. 

 Heat Sealed Webbing

Most automatic cover manufacturers sew webbing material wrapped around rope to the cover. With this method, the webbing often fails before the fabric does.  Coverstar uses an exclusive, patented process to heat seal webbing around a polymer bead and weld it to the cover in one step.  Independent lab tests show Coverstar’s webbing to be over twice as strong as competitive webbing sewn to a cover. 

 Mechanisms

Our unique mechanism is engineered with heavy-duty components and with ropes and pulleys that are stronger than any others used in the industry.  The extreme precision of the machined and laser cut parts allows for smooth operation and many years of hassle-free use.  

 Coverstar Motors

Coverstar motors are completely sealed, using a proprietary method to prevent water damage.  Other less reliable means of water protection could mean an expensive motor repair. 

 
PowerFlex Ropes

PowerFlex Ropes come with a two year no-break warranty. 

Mechanical Torque Limiter

The torque limiter is adjustable to protect the motorized mechanism form too much stress. 

 Durable Fabric

Coverstar fabric is made using an advanced vinyl formulation and superior fabrication methods, which make it the top of the line.

For more information on these and other Coverstar features, go to www.coverstar.com.

Automatic Cover System Types

Automatic pool covers have seen a number of innovations in recent years which give greater flexibility to the types of pools that can include an automatic cover. Automatic pool covers travel through aluminum tracks that are installed on each side of the pool. These tracks form a rectangle around the pool.

Because automatic pool covers are rectangular in shape, they have traditionally been an easy addition to rectangular shaped pools. However, through these new innovations, automatic pool covers can also be installed on freeform pools during the construction of the pool or even to existing pools.

Coverstar Automatic Covers systems come in three different types, Underguide, Recessed Topguide and Deckmount. The system type that is used will depend on the shape of the pool and the location of the cover track. Let's look at these three different options:

Underguide

An underguide cover system provides an attractive and effective solution for rectangular pools. The entire motorized drive mechanism is mounted below the deck and sliders through aluminum tracks that are mounted along the side of the pool underneath the coping. This conceals the track and allows it to be virtually unnoticed.

For a more integrated look, encapsulation can be mounted directly to the pool wall during the construction of the pool. The coping is then poured over the top of the encapsulation, locking it in place. The encapsulation includes a channel where the cover track will be inserted during the installation of the cover system. This method allows the cover track to be built back into the wall of the pool.

The cover housing can be covered using lids that are aluminum, or in order to blend in with the surrounding pool area, they can be stone or concrete.

Recessed Topguide

Recessed Topguide systems are used when covering a non rectangular shaped pool. In this case, the drive mechanism is again mounted below grade in a cover housing. The cover track is located outside the shape of the pool.

There are different tracks that can be used. Standard topguide track sits on top of the finished pool deck. It is secured to deck using screws and anchors. While the track does have a low profile similar to that of a door threshold, it is sitting above the deck.

Recessed guides can also be used in this case as shown in the picture above. During the construction of the pool, tracks are positioned along the sides of the pool and poured into the deck with the top of the track being flush with the finished pool deck.

When using either of these track options, it is important to keep the tracks as close to the pool as possible to minimize the amount of pool deck the cover will be pulled across.

Deck Mount

A Deck Mounted system can be installed on existing pools. Both the drive mechanism and the cover track are mounted directly on top of the pool. With the drive mechanism on top of the deck, benches can be built over them to provide a covering, as well as a perfect location to sit and visit.

 

For more information on Coverstar Automatic Safety Covers, go to www.coverstar.com.

2014 International Pool & Spa Trade Show

   

Nov. 5-7, 2014 the International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo will be held in Orlando FL at the Orange County Convention Center. During this trades show, Pool Builders from around the world come to see the new pool products and innovations that will be exhibited by hundreds of vendors. Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, will be one of the vendors who will once again be participating in this event.

During three days of exhibits, Coverstar will highlight many of the features that set their automatic cover system apart from other manufacturers. Some of the features include:

• Eclipse Stainless Steel Mechanism – The Eclipse mechanism is engineered with heavy duty stainless steel components that have been machined and laser cut to provide smooth operation for years to come.
• CS300HD Spa Mechanism - The CS300HD spa mechanism is made from the same SS material as the Eclipse mechanism.  It can be installed on spas or smaller pools that are up to a 16 x 32.  It features a much smaller motor side offset than the standard system.
• Heat Sealed Webbing – Coverstar uses an exclusive, patented process to heat seal webbing around a polymer bead and weld it to the cover in one step. This heat sealed webbing is much stronger and longer lasting than standard sewn webbing.
• Touch Pad Control with Wifi – The touch pad with Wifi 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.
• Coverstar Ipad App - The Coverstar app not only includes presentations that highlight the benefits of a Coverstar automatic cover, it also includes a cost interactive savings calculator that will show homeowners what their potential savings can in operating costs when an automatic cover is added to the pool.  The app 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 automatic safety cover products and programs, visit us in booth #3802 at the International Pool, Spa & Patio Expo.

Coverstar Featured Product - 2 1/2" Leading Edge Tube

In April of this year, Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products,  released a new 2 1/2 inch Leading Edge Bar, which was designed to be used in applications that had previously used a 3 inch round leading edge bar. The new 2 1/2 inch leading edge bar provides improved deflection in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

The 2 1/2 inch leading bar includes covered end caps that slide into the ends of the leading edge tube to provide a nice clean look. This leading edge bar can be used when the automatic cover system will have a guide space that is 24 ft or less.


When ordering a cover system that will include this leading edge bar, there are two different options that it is compatible 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.

For more information on this or other Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover products, please visit us at www.coverstar.com.

How to Install a Solid or Mesh Safety Cover

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, has created a video that shows the process for installing a solid or mesh safety cover.   The video will outline the tools that are needed as well as steps and tips to simplify the installation of the cover. 

To view this video, click on the image below. 

Safety Cover Installation
 

 

How to Measure for a Safety Cover

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, is often asked how to measure for a solid or mesh safety cover using the point to point or A-B method.  To help answer this question, we have created the following instructional video.  Please click on the image below to view this video. 

AB- Measuring of a Safety Cover

 

Coverstar Automatic Cover as a Winter Cover

As the swimming season is coming to a close, we wanted to share some information that is often requested this time of year regarding using a Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover as a winter cover. The answer is that it is a matter of personal choice. We neither recommend nor discourage use of the motorized cover as a winter cover. In order to help you make a decision, we have listed below some of the items you should consider when making your choice.

1    When proper precautions are taken, Coverstar Automatic Covers can be successfully used as a winter cover.

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 plumbing 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).

T    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 and snow load. This could cause the tracks to pull down, possibly damaging the coping that 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.

9     A great alternative to using a Coverstar automatic cover when winterizing your pool is to use a Coverstar Mesh or Solid Safety cover. These covers are designed specifically to cover the pool during the winter months. They provide safety and peace of mind knowing that the pool is secure. It will also help keep dirt, leaves and debris out of the pool so less work is required to open the pool in the spring.

We hope these items of consideration are helpful as you prepare your pools for winter.

Solid & Mesh Safety Covers by Coverstar

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, offers mesh covers for maximum drainage and solid covers that block 100% of sunlight - in a variety of material weights and colors. All can be custom designed to fit any size or shape pool precisely, including any special features such as raised walls, diving boards, stairs and rails. The professional Coverstar team will help you select a cover with the performance and features that best meet your needs.

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.

Unique features such as our exclusive center web 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.


Mesh Safety Covers

Coverstar Premium 98 High-Shade Mesh

• 98% Shade, 7 oz Weight
• Allows water through for drainage and safety while keeping sunlight and debris out.
• Available in green and tan
• 20 year warranty

Coverstar Standard 95 Shade Mesh

• 95% Shade, 5.2 oz Weight
• Lightweight for easy installation and removal - about half the weight of Coverstar's Full Weight Solid cover.
• Allows water through for drainage and safety
• Available in green, blue, grey, and tan
• 20 year warranty

Solid Safety Covers

Coverstar Lite Solid

• 7 oz Weight
• High-end construction and features
• Custom engineered mesh designed to inhibit algae growth in pool
• Available in green and blue
• 12 year warranty

Coverstar Heavy-Duty Solid

• Full 12 oz Weight
• Patented INVIS-A-DRAIN - 1/4" drain holes located down the center of the cover; mesh drain filter panel underneath. Minimizes debris passage for easy clean, no puddling. A Coverstar Exclusive!
• Keeps out all debris and sunlight
• Available in green and blue
• 20 year warranty

Why Automatic Covers are made with Slack

From time to time the question arises about the need for slack in Coverstar automatic safety covers and how much slack is enough. Regardless of manufacturer, all automatic safety 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.

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 pool service company before doing so. They can advise you exactly where the water level should be to keep the pool equipment operating properly. For more information on Coverstar Automatic Safety Covers, please go to www.coverstar.com. 



 

Coverstar Touch Pad 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.

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, is proud to offer a new touch pad control switch, which has been given a voice of its own.

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!

The Coverstar touchpad with wifi connects to your existing home network. It is easy to set up and will allow you to choose which text or email notifications you want to receive such as:

• 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 for longer than a preset amount of time

The Coverstar touchpad allows you to program up to 4 unique user codes, so different members of the family can have their own code. The touchpad can be installed on any new or existing Coverstar automatic cover system.

Let your pool cover connect to you.

To view a video about the touch pad with Wifi, click here

New Solid & Mesh Safety Cover Products

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, released several new products for solid and mesh safety covers for the 2014 season.  Please see the flyer below for details on the Stainless Steel Flush Wall Anchor, Anchor Extractor Tool and Snap on Perimeter Padding.  

 

 

For more information on these ond other innovative automatic or solid & mesh safety cover products, visit www.coverstar.com

Coverstar Featured Product - 1 inch Flat Leading Edge Tube

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, has several leading edge tube options available to match the specific pool / spa application that it is being installed on.   One of these leading edge tubes is the 1 inch Flat Leading Edge tube.  It was designed to be used in applications that had previously used a 2 inch round leading edge tube.

The 1 inch flat leading edge tube reduces the amount of horizontal flex by over 8 times. 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 compatible with.

The first option is called a loop leading edge. In this application, the front of the cover is made with the cover fabric forming a sleeve or a loop.  The leading edge tube slides into this loop, concealing it 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.  This bead is 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.

For more information on this or other innovative Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover products, please visit us at www.coverstar.com.

New Automatic Cover Products Review

In Apri 2014, Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, announced the release of several new products for the 2014 season.  Since that time, we have installed many of eachof these new products and have received positive feedback about their design, their use and their installation. 

As a reminder, the following new products were released for the 2014 season: 


Wireless Touch Pad Control Switch

• The wireless touch pad control switch can be installed in conjunction with a hard wired receiver touch pad unit.
• This allows a homeowner to install a second touch pad, which is in full view of the pool, in a second location without the need of running conduit.
• The wireless touch pad must be mounted in a secure location.

With this new wireless touch pad, we now have three touch pads available to fit different applications.  (Standard Touch Pad, Touch Pad with Wifi, and Wireless Touch Pad)



CS300HD Spa Mechanism Package

• The CS300HD spa mechanism includes a stronger motor.
• Great solution for spas or small pools up to 12 x 24.
• It features a tuck under gear driven motor which allows the system to be installed with a much smaller motor offset.

Slim Flush Guide

• Slim Flush Guide is a low profile track that positioned outside the shape of the pool.
• It is poured in the deck so it is flush with the top of the finished deck.
• It features a pulley that is mounted to the guide feed and a two inch end pulley to provide smooth cover operation.

2 1/2 Inch Leading Edge Tube

• 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" Leading edge tube
• Provides stronger deflection in both the horizontal and vertical directions
• Can be used with either rope or loop cover application.
• Maximum length is 24 ft.

Coverstar is committed to having the highest quality and most durable products on the market.  To see more information on these or other Coverstar automatic cover products, please visit www.coverstar.com. 

Solid & Mesh Safety Cover Maintenance

After installing your Latham Pool Products solid or mesh safety cover, it is recommended that the following items be maintained to improve the life and wear of your 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.

Recovery Express Program

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, is pleased to introduce a new template program called Recovery Express. The Recovery Express program includes a fast and easy way for dealers to send their templates in to one of three template measurement facilities at no cost to them.  These three measurement facilities are Brantford ON for Canadian dealers or Latham NY or Indianapolis IN for US dealers. 

 When a dealer requests a RMA for a template return, they can also request to have an optional Template Return Kit (TRK) sent to them. 

 —        The TRK includes:

—        Prepaid Shipping Label

—        Cover Bag to ship the cover in

—        Yellow Tag for the cover

—        Step by step instruction sheet

 

When sending in a template, we ask that the hardware be removed from the cover and that the cover be cleaned before it is rolled and packaged in the shipping bag. 

 

 

 

 

After it has been bagged, simply call to arrange for pick up or drop it off at a UPS in the US or Purolator in Canada. 

 

 In addition, for dealers who live in close proximity to one of the three measurement facilities, they can simply drop off their covers there rather than shipping them if they would like. 

As templates are received at these facilities, we will quickly and accurately gather the measurements using one of three different measurement processes.  The measurements will be sent to our customer service and design department so they can complete the quote or order for the new cover. 

Each cover features Latham quality and craftsmanship including heavy-duty hardware, double-reinforced seams, abrasion-resistant webbing, and our exclusive center web design for faster installation. 

 For more information on Coverstar solid & mesh safety covers, go to www.coverstar.com.

Automatic Cover Guidelines

When designing a pool that will include a Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover, it is important to review and consider the following guidelines:

• Drop to water - Drop to water refers to the distance from the cover guide to the water level in the pool. For the best possible results, it is important to keep the track as close to the water level as possible. Strive to keep your cover guides within 4 inches of the water’s surface. The drop to water will be a little more than this in cases where the track is mounted on top of the pool deck. 
• Drag (or resistance) - It takes almost no effort to push or pull a cover across water. Pulling a cover across a dry surface can create a lot of drag or resistance. This drag commonly occurs on freeform pools where the cover guides are mounted outside the shape of the pool.

One way to combat drag is to limit these drag areas to 10% of the total cover size. This is done by keeping the cover guides as close to edge of the pool as possible. Another way to handle drag is by using blowers. Lifting a cover with blowers requires a significant amount of air flow (more than you might think) and must be done properly. Blowers will create a cushion of air that the cover will ride on rather than riding on the dry surface, significantly reducing the amount of drag.  

• Switch location- Having the switch correctly located can prevent many problems and costly repairs. When selecting a location for the switch, keep in mind that you must be able to see the entire pool at all times.

It is best if you can be closer to the Leading Edge Bar when the cover is in the open position so you can see that the cover is running straight. We recommend that the switch be located along the length of the pool halfway between the middle of the pool and the mechanism end, not more than twelve feet from water’s edge. Poorly located switches are one of the largest contributors to cover failure because of visibility challenges when operating the cover.

• Drains- Lack of sufficient drainage is the most frequent cause of cover failure. When a cover housing is flooded, it is not just the motor that might be damaged. The roll-up tube often fills with water, which can weigh several hundred pounds causing the tube to fail and the cover to rip. The best way to protect your automatic cover is to have proper drainage. We recommend at least one three inch (3”) drain. Increasing the size of your drain to four inches (4”) can offer additional protection.Additional drains can be added to further prevent the possibility of flooding. Drain pipe smaller than three inches is not recommended.

By following the above guidelines, we are confident that your automatic safety cover project will be a pleasant and trouble free experience.

Coverstar Solid & Mesh Safety Cover Features

Latham Pool Products offers a number of tools and features to help make the installation of Coverstar a solid or mesh safety cover easier.

□ Center Web Design

o Allows quicker line-up for easier installation

o       No other manufacturer offers this feature        

□ Patented Reduced Spring Design

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

□ 35” Installation Rod

o Increased the length to 35" to help ergonomically

o Diameter was decrease and wall thickness improved to better match the anchor diameter

□ Removable Perimeter Padding
 

o Extends the life of the cover

o A Velcro application allows the durable padding to be easily installed or removed for replacement

For more information on these and other Coverstar Solid & Mesh Safety Cover features, go to www.coverstar.com.